Hey all, I've been searching high and low trying to find information about building a .308 AR into a battle rifle. It seems most folks are far more interested in squeezing sub-MOA accuracy out of their rifles instead of focusing on portability and reliability in adverse conditions. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that, it's just not my cup of tea.
Now, before anyone recommends a PTR-91, FAL, or SCAR-H, I'm not terribly fond of any of those weapons. The PTR would make reloading difficult, the FAL's ergonomics don't agree with me, and the SCAR doesn't "feel right." On top of all that, I would like a common manual of arms to simplify muscle memory for training. Thankfully, good ol' Uncle Sam was kind enough to provide me with plenty of quality training that has stuck.
So, with that said, here's what I'm looking for:
- AR-based rifle (of course)
- 16in barrel, medium contour, chrome lined is preferred
- Twist rate and gas system suited to running 147-150gr NATO ball ammo
- Compatible with P-mags
- Parts compatible with whatever the "standard" .308 AR configuration may eventually be (out with Armalite, in with DPMS/KAC is what I've read)
- A forward assist would be nice
- Light weight, preferably under 8-9 lbs unloaded
- Ability to run suppressed or unsuppressed
- Preferably DI for weight reduction, but I'll consider piston if the weight/balance penalty isn't terrible
- 0 MOA top rail
- Ability to reliably run utter crap ammo, such as Wolf or Brown Bear
- Ability to consistently engage point targets to 600 yards
- Great customer service from the manufacturer
- For the sake of argument, the budget is unlimited. Buy once, cry once, right? :D
So far, I've come up with these possible solutions:
LMT 308 MWSE - This was my first choice until I found the M&P10. The weight is a bit much, but I've heard pretty good things about this rifle. It's probably a bit too DMR, not enough MBR for my needs.
KAC SR25 ECC/APC - Nice blaster, but I have to wonder if the price is really worth it...
S&W M&P10 - This would be perfect if it came with a 16in medium contour barrel as a factory option. I reckon ADCO could cut down, thread, and drill out the gas port on one of the M&P10 hunting barrels. I've heard it has issues running light rounds like 7.62 NATO ball. I've also heard that the problem rifles weren't fully broken in at that point, so...
Armalite AR-10A A4 - The barrel profile is far too light for my taste, so I'd have to find a replacement with a medium contour. I'm also concerned about future availability of spare parts if the AR-10 pattern is being phased out.
For all rifles in question, I would probably have the gas port slightly oversized and have an adjustable gas block installed. I *think* this would facilitate running suppressed, unsuppressed, and in adverse conditions.
Does this mythical rifle exist, or am I totally off base?
***Edited for clarity***
