michael1778

Dimensions are sometimes different between the styles, even with the same manufacturer. Have you selected a hand guard yet? Certainly you need to make sure you have enough room inside for whatever style of gas block you choose. This dimensional constraint will push me to set screw for the vendor I want, for example.

I would definitely like to read a comparison. Hope you can get that to happen.

Good information. Thanks very much.

I'm really warming to the Apex Gator. Weight and design seem very good. In the muzzle break department, I've added the Seekins brake to the list for consideration. They are getting solid reviews from 3-gunners while being noted for not being as obnoxious as the Titan. If I don't do the 16" barrel, I might look at the 18" "lightweight"

You guys are too much fun. :banana:

I definitely see this as a competition gun. I've been very fortunate to find a local gunsmith that I think can handle most anything I would imagine having to throw his way. So, I'm less worried about that. He can make modifications I could never hope to do. Still leaves me with lingering worries about barrel heating. That and the money to get this project going.....

Thank you for that vote. I had a very enjoyable and informative phone conversation with Lisa at SI yesterday. And thanks to you also, Matt.

I may have found SI defense, Black Rain (anodized), and Black Rain (norguard) receiver sets available for sale. That assumes that "in stock" phrases on web sites don't lie. Any advantages of one over the other? Rail heights different? Any "hidden" differences that I should be aware? Thanks, guys.

Any problems or concerns with muzzle device attachment on such a skinny barrel? I've never used one this thin. Have you seen performance or reliability problems with reduced weight bolt carriers?

Given that I currently use the captured system on my AR15, I'd like to know more about the recommendation away from it. I have a strong dislike for the buffer spring noice in ARs. But this is 308 AR Land, so I know not everything from the 223 world translates the same. I have an ACS on a different rifle and like it very much for an adjustable. It's my preference for adjustable stocks. I grabbed one of the early MOE fixed rifle stocks (not the MOE adjustable). It's not pretty, but seems very stable on my 223 competition lower. I'll fret stocks as I get closer to assembly time. I'm surprised at the strong recommendations for the Battlecomp given this will be a "game gun".....unless you guys are reading my mind that I might grab it if some bad Katrina-scale disaster were to strike my area. But for gaming, I would have thought something like a Titan or Rolling Thunder would be better for recoil. Worse for flash and noise, to be sure. Thanks guys. I deeply appreciate the discussion.

Hello, Thanks for checking this out. I want to give my proposed use case and parts list for what would be my very first 308 ever, let alone a 308 AR. I've built my own AR15 lower from plain parts and am about to make my own 18" barreled 3-gun upper from mostly scratch. The upper receiver is fully assembled since I could get a great deal on a brand new one. OK, the use case would be 3-gun (Heavy Metal division) competition. Realistically, I might use it for that 6-8 times a year, max. I expect to be in Optics instead of Irons. If the match rules allow a 1x optic for HM Irons/Limited division (happens) I might play there if the course design is appealing. But that's ok if I don't shoot the daylights out of it. I've wanted to have a 308 for a while so I might as well have it. I'll use it when I'm in the mood. The goal is a relatively lightweight, compact, and rifle length gas 308 AR. On to the proposed parts list for your opinions and feedback: Receiver Set: SI Defense matched set Barrel: 16" Fulton Armory/Criterion ultralight profile barrel with rifle length gas system Muzzle device: Insert your opionion here (I've considred a Nordic Corvette, SJC Titan, and a Battlecomp, among others) Very hopeful for more ideas. Gas block: Syrac adjustable 0.625" Handguard: Thinking Troy TRX, an Apex, or perhaps a Lancer carbon fiber one for 308 frames. Open to suggestions Buffer tube: DPMS rifle length stamdard Buffer & Spring: JPSCS-10 AR-10 Silent Captured Spring Bolt Carrier Assembly w/ Bolt: Complete bolt carrier assembly JP .308 Low Mass Carrier and JP EnhancedBolt Stock: Magpul MOE rifle [edited to add: fixed riflestock] or perhaps an ACE ARFX skeleton.....thoughts? Grip: Ergo Tactical Deluxe (matches what I have on my competition AR15 lower) Trigger: AR Gold 308 (but I'm open to other recommendations even though it matches my current AR15 competition lower) Charging handle: BCM or the Mech Armor Lower and Upper parts kits: Suggestions? Where are they in stock? I use JP LMOS bolt carrier and the captured springs in my competition AR15. That is why I lean that way for the 308. I'm not religious about triggers so change is allowed. I thiunk I'm open to constructive feedback or other suggestions everywhere. But in particular any place that has bold is up for heavy discussion. Might be able to get this around 7.5lb before optics. I look forward to your ideas since you all have MUCH more experience with this than I have. Thanks in advance for your time and assistance!

I deeply appreciate the advice. And yes, I don't think I'd be doing over 500 yards with this gun. I'd likely have a new upper made with a longer and different profile barrel for that. SI has upper halves for individual sale so I could do that in the future. Thinking SI for the receiver set based on price, weight, and positive reviews. With Larue's over a year wait and the JP being a bit heavier and pricier than I want, the collection of parts for later assembly is making more sense day by day. Have great respect and admiration for the work from both of those makers, but ouch!!

Thank you very much for the confirmation and suggestions. I look forward to more. My worry was a stage with 5 or 10 short range targets at speed and then maybe 3 much longer ranged targets (200-400 yards). Our match designer works that way..... I was planning on a JP LMOS carrier and bolt assembly along with the JP captured spring system. I'm copying what I do in my 223 ARs with considering those. You expressed the same concern I had about the gas block. Not knowing the gas port size compared to other barrels I didn't know if I'd have ot set it at (or very near) full open or not. I suppose I'll make a thread on my complete build idea in the appropriate forum in the next couple of days. Then you guys can critique it.

Hello Everyone, I've been reading over this site off and on, for a few days, and hope some of you can give your thoughts on my first questions for the forum. I'm very interested in a build that would have a 16" light weight barrel. I've come across this one over at FA: http://www.fulton-armory.com/barrelfatitan185lwcm1x10750gasblockchrome-lined-1.aspx I'm primarily a 3-gun user, so my build idea (in my head and on a couple sheets of paper) would need to be relatively light weight. Rifle gas is perferred, so this item checks off two important design requirements. Question 1 covers my biggest concern: Can this barrel hold its point of impact during a 3-gun stage with some sustained semi-auto fire? That might be 30-40 shots over a 45-80 second stage, for example. Question 2 is gas system related: Would a Syrac adjustable gas block be acceptable in your opinion for this barrel, gas port size, and gas length? I prefer them on my .223 ARs and would use them again. Thank you in advance for your feedback on these items. I look forward to being part of a vibrant online community here. -- Mike