AdamO

Well, I'm in on the charging handle group buy. Been here a whole day and already spending $$$... HAHA

I will hit him up then. Thanks for the info on the MI, you make a good point about banging into stuff. If it's not sturdy enough to take a little abuse then I guess I should look in a different direction. On the TacOps handle.... I'm gonna go ahead and jump in on the group buy. There are 3 listed, the TacOps-1, the CQB, and the AR-10 Sniper... Is the TacOps-1 (AR15) long enough work in the DPMS style upper or do I need the AR-10 Sniper?

HAHA right!? I think I've got some old leftover BDU's around somewhere that look about like that!!!

HOLY COW that thing is insane! I've never seen so much stuff mounted to an AR! Where's the coffee maker!? (j/k) That looks like a fun toy! That would get me off the play station! HAHA

I'm down with that. :)

I have an MOE+ on one of my AR's and flat out love it. Will probably go that route again if not an Ergo. I had looked at the Apex with the Gator Grip as well as the Troy Apha Rail. Seems like both were heavier than the MI SS. I'll have to re-check that. I liked the Apex stuff for sure. Edit: On further review, my best guess is it's pretty close to a wash on weight savings. The MI 12" is 12.4oz including the weight of the barrel nut according to them... The Apex 12" is 10.4 oz and at least on the website they don't publish the barrel nut weight so I'm left to assume.. best guess based on other offerings is that barrel nut is likely around 2oz. It is a nice ass hand guard though. $233 + $30 for the nut puts it just over $100.00 more than the MI as well. Not ruling it out.. just things to consider.

I saw you post in #27. And I have the same thought... It doesn't make any sense that Aero would offer a bolt for their own M5 design and not have it operate with their FA design does it?. However, looking around at almost every other DPMS upper out there, the FA clearly is in a much different location on Aero's upper. I'm as curious about this as you are and I will for sure be on the phone to Aero tomorrow asking these questions and hopefully getting to the bottom of... something... Just for the sake of stirring the pot some more... allow me to flaunt my ignorance of how "I read it on the Internet!" (haha) that you could use an Armalite BCG and barrel in a DPMS upper. (Hoping it is OK to cross link here for the sake of research?) http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_121/473900_Which_Bolt_Carrier_Group_should_I_choose__Armalite_AR10_BCG_or_DPMS_Chrome__308_BCG.html My understanding is DPMS spec parts for DPMS uppers and AR-10 parts for AR-10s. I'm still in my research phase and this one I'm doing now will be my first ever attempt at a 308 build just so everyone is aware of my real world hands on experience (which is basically bupkiss). To take what I say with a pound of salt. Although... if that is in fact true,.... that AR-10 barrels and BCGs will play in a DPMS upper, then it may be the answer to the FA mystery since the AR-10 uses a serrated BCG.

Ok, so I just got home and did a close inspection on the Aero M5 upper I have. Like I said I don't have the .308 BCG and Barrel yet so some of this is pure conjecture... But... here are some interesting things I did note. I started by pulling apart one of my other AR-15's that has an SAA upper which to my knowledge is made by Aero. The M5 (.308) upper is darn near as if you stuck it in the copy machine and blew it up about 15%. Relative to its larger size the FA is in the same place. In fact it appears to be AR-15 FA parts, full stop. Just for kicks I took the AR-15 bolt and charging handle and slid it into the M5 upper and as it stands I'm not entirely certain that an AR-15 charging handle is going to cut it in this upper. It all depends on how/where the gas key will engage the gas tube on a .308 carrier, but at first blush, the AR-15 charging handle appears to be a little bit short on travel than what is required. Here again I reiterate that I DO NOT HAVE ON HAND A 308 BCG so I very well may be mistaken... What is notable is that I put the AR-15s BCG into the upper and although it's much too small and short in diameter... the FA did in fact engage in the side AR-15 carrier's serrations and would in fact push the bolt forward as one would expect. I don't know what that means without an honest to God .308 BCG on hand to install into this thing... It suggests that for all intents and purposes... Aero's .308 upper is just an upscaled version of their AR-15 upper in every possible way. It looks practically identical to the SAA upper I was comparing it to. The machining reliefs.... everything. I know I promised pictures but I left my phone on my desk at work so tomorrow I'll put some up... For now, I'm glad to muddy the water. Maybe warthog984 can confirm or dispel some of my blather here since he has a fully built and somewhat functioning 308 using this upper and lower (albeit with some teething issues.) At the very least this is certainly worth a phone call to Aero Precision -AdamO

I am doing a build using the AP M5 upper and lower combo and I have both sitting on the shelf at home. I've not ordered my BCG or barrel for it yet so I can't comment on how the FA engages with an actual .308 carrier. However when I get home tonight, I'll pull the upper off one of my 15's and lay them out side by site. It won't be a perfect gauge since the dimensions are entirely different, but at the very least I can snap a picture of where/how the FA contact engages in relation to an AR15 upper. Stay tuned

Owl21: Good thinking on the Amazon angle. Had not considered that. Thanks! TooIndie7: Good suggestion on the charging handle. Compatible with LR-308? Dane Armory & blue109: The handguard I listed is supposedly for DPMS 308. They even make both profiles. (Aero P modeled their uppers off of the older high profile rail.) Do you have a link to some of the Young stuff? I was unsuccessful finding any LR-308 handguards on their website. I read some reviews on the GLShock stock as well.. most people that complain seem go be complaining about a loose fit on a mil-spec buffer tube. I figure if I go that way then I'll use a commercial tube just for good measure. Originally I was looking in to the Mission First Tactical Low Profile Utility Stock: http://www.missionfirsttactical.com/Products/Battlelink-stocks/BATTLELINK-Utility-Stock_3 and adding the adjustable cheek weld: http://www.missionfirsttactical.com/Products/Battlelink-stocks/BATTLELINK-Adjustable-Cheek-Piece Three things drove me toward the GLShock stock. One being that it has an adjustable cheek weld similar to the MFT I was considering, Two that it comes in nearly $60.00 cheaper, and Three the recoil absorption seemed intriguing to me although the whole package is about 1.5 - 2oz heaver. That stock with the rifle length gas and adjustable gas block seemed like a good recipe for a more wife-friendly / kicks like a kitten .308 in my mind - not claiming that I'm at all right about this. I do love Magpul furniture though.. My last AR-15 build is decked with Magpul goodies but for this one I WANT that adjustable cheek weld and the only one I know of from Mag that has it is the PRS which, while completely awesome, is a PIG of a stock. I'm still wide open to suggestion in the stock arena, but I really want it to have an adjustable cheek weld. Keep em coming folks! This is exactly the type of feedback I'm after.. <thumbsup>

So as I embark on this endeavor to build my first .308 chambered AR style rifle it has become very much apparent that and ouch of prevention is worth a pound of cure where these builds are concerned. My original goal/intent for the rifle is to have a medium to long range hunting weapon that I can shoot reliably out to 600 yards. Deer season in Arizona it's not uncommon to take a 500 yd shot. Thus being a mountain gun that I will be schlepping around, my focus was also on keeping it relatively light weight but not so lightweight as to make it unstable. Specifically between 7-8 pounds before optics/ammo I've determined should be acceptable. I was aiming for 7.5 but I've already succumbed to myself that it's a pipe dream. Of course I want everything for nothing just like any other Red Blooded American does so staying on a budget is always on my mind.... I've put together a parts list over the past month that has seen more revisions than Michael Jackson's nose. I think I've finally gotten it settled and I've alredy purchased the upper and lower as a combo set from Aero Precision. Here goes the rest of the build: Items in red already purchased. ** Actual measured weights Barrel: Fulton Armory - 18.5" Criterion Light Profile 1/10 Match - 38.4oz, $349.95 http://www.fulton-armory.com/barrelfatitan185lwcm1x10750gasblockchrome-lined.aspx Ranier Arms - 16" Select 1/11 - 38.1oz**, $226.69 (one day annual sale price) https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2687 Compensator: Kaw Valley Precision Linear Comp - 2.9oz, $43.95 http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Kaw_Valley_Precision_30cal_Linear_Comp_5_8x24_Blac_p/kvp-linear308-blk.htm DPMS - A2 Flash Hider .308 - 2.5oz (est), $21.99 http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/muzzle-devices/flash-hiders/308ar-a2-flash-hider-prod44153.aspx Adj. Gas Block: Syrac Ordinance .750 - 1.5oz**, 106.95 http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/gas-system-parts/gas-blocks/ar-15-m16-gen-ii-adjustable-gas-block-prod67679.aspx Gas Tube: Fulton Armory - Rifle Length, FAR-308AR - 1.6oz (est?), $14.95 http://www.fulton-armory.com/gastuberifle-1.aspx DPMS AR-15/M16 Mid Length - 0.7oz**, $13.29 http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/gas-system-parts/gas-tubes/ar-15-m16-gas-tubes-prod18341.aspx Hand Guard: Midwest Industries - SS Free Float, High Profile, 12" - 13.1oz** (incl. Barrel Nut), $134.99 (after $50.00 discount) http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/forend-amp-handguard-parts/handguards-amp-rails/ar-10-ss-series-handguards-prod58256.aspx BCG: Fulton Armory - .308 AR, Chrome - 20.5oz, $299.95 http://www.fulton-armory.com/boltcarriergroupcompletetitanincludesboltcomplete.aspx Ranier Arms - DPMS 308 Chrome w/ Phosphate bolt - 18.9oz**, $304.95 https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2456 Charging Handle: Fulton Armory - Tital - 1.3oz (est.?), $59.95 http://www.fulton-armory.com/charginghandleassemblytitan.aspx Mech Armor Defense Systems - TacOps1 (AR10) - 2.2oz**, $45.00 http://mechdefense.com/products/ar15-tactical-charging-handle Upper Receiver: Aero Precision - M5 .308 Assembled (DPMS) - 14.2oz**, $139.50 http://aeroprecisionusa.com/combo-sets/m5-upper-lower-bundle.html Lower: Aero Precision - M5 .308 Stripped (DPMS) - 12.4oz**, $166.50 http://aeroprecisionusa.com/combo-sets/m5-upper-lower-bundle.html LPK: Aero Precision - M5 Complete LPK - 8.0oz**, $91.39 http://aeroprecisionusa.com/aero-precision-m5-complete-lower-parts-kit.html Buffer Tube Assy: DPMS - AR-Style .308, Commercial - 11.5oz** , $59.95 http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/buffer-tube-parts/buffer-tubes/ar-style-308-stock-mounting-kits-prod44751.aspx Stock: FAB Defense - GLShock GP - 14.1oz, $119.05 http://www.themakogroup.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=1042638&CAT=8666 Polymer M4 standard stock - 7.6oz** $0.00 Adam's parts bin Total Projected Weight: 8.39lbs Total Projected Cost: $1648.70 Total Measured Weight: 128.2oz** (and counting) At this point the only part not actually measured weight is the A2 flash hider which is on back order. If I guessed correctly at 2.5oz, then my final weight should be 8.16lbs sans mag and optics. Total Cost: $1359.15 So that's it so far.... I missed the mark on the weight by nearly a pound and I realize there are ways I can trim that back. But all things considered I'm still lighter than a lot of off the shelf rifles and I feel like this will be a quality rifle that should run well and shoot very well. I don't know... maybe there are some hidden gem parts and pieces out there in AR land that could do a better job of meeting my goals and maybe even saving some $$$. But this is the best I can come up with. Cheap, Lightweight, and Accurate... pick two! Thoughts? -AdamO

Just wanted to stop in and introduce myself. I stumbled on this sight after deciding I was going to try my hand at building my own 308 AR. I've done a few AR15's for myself and have always been more satisfied with something that I spec'd vs. something off the shelf and I've been wanting an AR-10 since forever so I decided, hey I'll just build my own .308 caliber AR type rifle - nothing to it right?.... WRONG! As I have come to find out... I've spent the past few weeks scouring the usual forum boards across the web, talking to no less than three local armorers, and calling in person to speak with sales reps and armorers from various manufactors and retailers trying to do the whole "look before you leap" thing as I have been meticuliously arranging my shopping list. I've even read through several of the threads on this board including the entire "what you need to know" section. Decided at this point I'd go ahead and sign up an account so I can interact with you fine folks. I'll be posting up my entire proposed build/shopping list in the member's builds section shortly for comments/critiques so be sure to check it out! Looking forward to getting to know everyone. -AdamO