ARdentFan

very clean look!

Thanks for the link! They have some great prices on other parts I need. As for the handguard, I like the style (its not "overly tactical" imo) but it says its DPMS when I need an armalite barrel nut. :( Either way, I'll be ordering a few this and that things from them for sure!

Thanks wash! Appreciate the help. Just wanted to make sure given the matrix upper :) much appreciated. I can now continue pointing and clicking over the weekend for parts.

Sorry for yet another quick reply in this thread, but I found an interesting article that might address this: http://www.thebangswitch.com/everyone-makes-a-mistake-even-ruger/ In the article it mentions that they had to make a switch from magpul to DPMS magazines which caused the feel problem described. Does this imply that if you use the Armalite parts kits where applicable there is no need to modify the bolt catch if you use armalite or magpul magazines? I found a reasonably good deal on Armalite 5 round magazines (need them for legal purposes) so I may go that route if no mods to the bolt catch are required.

Oh and for those interested the ruger SR762 bot catch part number is in this PDF: http://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/SR762-Insert-6287d1211f1cf939.pdf

Update: AIM surplus had a deal on an 18" barrel I couldn't refuse, so I got their BCG in the same pattern to hopefully avoid headspace issues. It was the 18" mid-length barrel. I have a couple of questions because after reading a bunch of threads on here I am once again confused. 1) What gas tube should I use with my matrix upper? From what I have read since the barrel is "DPMS" pattern I should get a DPMS tube 2) What length handguard would I need so that I can cover the gas tube for a cleaner look? I saw a 12" guard that I liked (very "no frills" look that gives more of a "rifle" look than a "tactical" look) that I was going to pair with a low profile adjustable block. Thanks for the help everyone! This is finally starting to come together on the parts front!

I did a quick google search and found a part number for the SR762 bolt catch. If they use the Matrix upper and lower it would make sense this part should just drop in, no? Either way for the price I got the set having to do one or two small things is hardly a deal breaker. From what I had read before going in on this its not as interchangeable as the AR in 5.56/.223. I kind of accepted I would make minor "mistakes" in purchase choices this first time around. There's always the chance to upgrade later. :)

My post was too old to edit, so I'll post here: I think Im going to go with either the coat hangar method or the tapped screw method like I just found in another thread. Also, if you choose to go with Chris's LPK instead of the Armalite one, his site shows the DPMS part kit but doesn't mention anything about modding it for the matrix lower. Do you have to mention that in the comments of your order or something? Thanks!

Chase - You may be right. It was a while ago so I don't recall 100%, but I could have sworn it was from Chris. Angel - Thank you for posting this. I was not aware of the bolt catch issue with the matrix lower. Is the armalite AR10A lpk the most "compatible" of the LPKs for this lower? Also, where is the best place to get a longer spring should one choose to go that route?

Sorry been away from a while, work has been hectic. That's where I got mine: gunbroker. I looked at it and if it is a blem I honestly don't see what it is (but I'm still an AR newb so YMMV). Right now AIM Surplus has an 18" barrel and bcg combination that can get me up and running on the cheap, but part of me may have one indulgence in the barrel (even though I don't need it) and go with a longer bull barrel. Once my work and home projects settle down (in the process of getting off the grid) I'll start posting pics of parts and starting the build in earnest.

Sorry for the late reply to this. Work and the home fronts have been challenging lately. Thanks for the replies everyone. And jonnyjet that's a sweet looking rifle! Thanks for posting! I have a few parts here and there that are on the way but things are in a state of flux due to work. I have to get in touch again and get a handguard from Chris. I expect the pace of this build to pick up in July once all the selected parts are here and time allows for assembly.

Robocop - I have to head out for the day, but when I get back I want to talk to you about that stock. Can you provide a link to the trigger group buy? I tried to get to the page but my browser had issues so I'm not sure I'm going to the right place.

That's a great price for a lower, but a family member already spoke to our FFL to order the upper/lower combination for me. That $185 I quote is for the upper and lower too :)

Thats what my research said, but I still want to give Chris a call because I want to order that handguard next while it is still on sale.

EDIT - I heard back from Chris via email, and I'll try and touch base with him during business hours.

I hear you on the buffer and had the same situation trying to source up my build.

I know, I know. Its another "here's a list of parts is this any good?" thread. Indulge me if you would be so kind. After much reading I have decided to put together a sample build to see how much things are going to cost and get feedback. I wanted to build in AR and as I mentioned in another thread I already own a "commercial" AR style rifle in 5.56 and it seemed to make sense to have some fun building one this time around. My goals for this rifle are twofold: to have fun at the range (I shoot for personal satisfaction, not competition) and something that will be able to hunt mid-size game (e.g. deer). I already own several rifles in .308 so there is also the convenience factor when it comes to ammunition. My gun club only has 100 yd lanes and my friend's club only goes out to 200. In the wild I don't expect to have to take any shot farther than 250. Weight is NOT a factor for me, but price is (can only spend so much on toys before I hear it from the better half). Building a rifle also means I can wait for things to go on sale since I'm in no hurry to assemble it (well I am, but you know what i mean :) ) Below are the parts I have already picked out, prices I found, and my rationale for picking them. Any feedback or knowledge of a better deal or better choices would be appreciated. I have not heard back yet if the matrix aerospace upper/lower combo my FFL ordered for me is an armalite or dpms pattern- work has repeatedly thwarted me efforts to place a quick call during business hours and I haven't head back from email yet. I am assuming in this build mockup it is armalite pattern. I don't mind drooling over parts so if I have to do this again with a DPMS pattern that's fine with me. :) Any Armalite parts listed are prices from the Armalite website. Upper/Lower: Matrix Aerospace Blem Upper/Lower Combo: $185.00 - Seemed like a good deal to get started on the 308 platform versus other suppliers. LPK: Armalite AR-10A Single Stage LPK: $90.00 - From what I have read is the best deal for a LPK under $100.00 based on feedback from people suggesting the trigger is superior to the DPMS LPK. Armalite Black Pistol Grip Kit: $7.50 - Need a grip with this LPK. Upper Parts: Armalite Ejection Port Door and related parts: $24.25 - Why not? Amralite Forward Assist Kit: $14.00 - Gotta fill that hole somehow. MechArmor TachOps1 Charging Handle: $48.00 - Priced simiarly to others on the market, but Mech Armor supports this site with a group buy so I'd rather buy through them. Plus it looks cool! BCG and Barrel: (NOTE 1: This was by far the toughest decision to make of everything. Accuracy is usually at the forefront of the decision making process but it was rediculously easy to get trapped in the "well for only a few dollars more I can have..." iterative loop. It seems unless you go super cheap your buy in for these two parts is over $700.00. I'm seriously considering cheap. Also, from what I have read as long as the bolt and the barrel are the same pattern they will work in any upper pending a headspace check. I am making this assumption here.) AIM Surplus phosphate BCG: $159.95 - A lot of people seem to go with this one when building on a budget. Rainier Arms 20" Barrel: $314.95 - Reasonably good feedback from what I've read. NOTE 2: Someone in a thread somewhere on here mentioned McGowen Barrels. They seem well priced for what you get. I was considering them. Also, is the extra $220.00 to go for the Armalite BCG and equivalent Rainier Arms 20" barrel worth it? Gas Block: Seekins Precision Adjustable (via Bronnells): $57.99 - Appears well make and fit my price point. Stock: Armalite AR-10 Black A2 Rifle Buttstock Kit: $85.00 - Seemed like a good price point to get everything all in one, but considering the Mapgul rifle stock + tube + spring + buffer as well. This also might be my one indulgence area and get Armalite's AR-10 ergo stock (Item F93-10) purely because the aesthetics appeal to me. Hand Guard: Matrix Aerospace 13.5" Key Mod Hand Guard: $125.00 - Looks good and with it being on sale for 125 its at an untouchable price point. You can also get armalite or DPMS barrel nut with purchase so I don't have to re-shop for this part should the pattern change. Gas Tube: Undecided, but they look to be about $15.00 Total Price: $1,126.64 + applicable tax and/or shipping charges Wow, when i totalled this up my first thought was "how the hell did it get that expensive that fast?" But I looked at the parts and sure enough that's what it is. Amazing. I knew there would be a premium versus 5.56 but damn! So much for that Amralite ergo stock being in the budget. :( Anyway, thoughts/ideas/suggestions are appreciated. The only parts that have been firmly purchased are the stripped upper/lower set, so everything else is negotiable. Thanks!

I made the move to the 308 platform for multiple reasons: -I wanted to build a rifle from the ground up and I already own an AR in 5.56 so building one there seemed redundant -I already own a few rifles in .308 so there's no new caliber to deal with when it comes to ammo, reloading dies, etc -I wanted a semi-auto that has the versatility that the caliber seems to provide -It looks like it would be fun

Thanks Chase! If I don't hear back from Chris (I sent an email since I wasn't able to get home from work until after business hours) I'll count 'em up once it arrives. I was also going to get his quad rail since its on sale and for the price its untouchable (and looks good too!). There are some other minor odds and ends I have questions about beside the bolt-barrel issue which has been answered, but I haven't read enough yet to ask intelligible questions about pros and cons of various setups so I'll hold off for now.

LOL Easy!! Thanks for the welcome, and thanks to everyone else who stopped in to say hi! I appreciate it!

BTW, just saw the thumbnail. That looks great!!!

Thats what I'm counting on! You read so much and try to gather so much information you just go on overload. If someone has already been there, done that with first hand experience that would be awesome!

Thanks Robo! The Barrel Nut thread was what convinced me to sign up. Great comraderie from the members and the playful ribbing vibe was right up my alley for a forum!

Thanks for the reply. I will contact him when I get a moment. Thanks for replying so fast! I didn't realize there were two variations of the Matrix sets. Everything I read said there was just one but it never hurts to re-re-reconfirm! :) Oh, you're right re: bolt vs bcg. I should have clarified that. I like the sharpie idea. I'll have to try that when it arrives!

Hello! So I was looking on a popular online site for firearms and parts and came across a deal on a blemished upper and lower set from Matrix Aerospace. Turns out in a "happy birthday!" moment the matched upper and lower were mysteriously purchased and are now on the way to an FFL for me to pickup! None of my firearms stay virgin looking for long so a blemish isn't that big of a deal to me. :) Anyway, based on my reading of threads here and on other sites, I'd like to confirm the following information now that this is on the way: 1) This upper and lower set is based on the AR-10™ pattern (as opposed to DPMS, etc). My reading and the pics of the mating surface say this is true. 2) One can use a BCG and Barrel in this upper provided both parts are for the same pattern (e.g. DPMS style BCG and Barrel is OK, armalite BCG and DPMS barrel is NOT ok) 3) Floating handguards must say they are for the AR-10™ and include an AR-10™ barrel nut to work properly. I'm taking my time with this and want to enjoy the build (its not starting for at least another month due to external constraints), but at the same time I also believe in the "measure twice, cut once" philosophy. I'm 99% sure these 3 bits of information are correct, but I'm at the point now where I've read so much I am in a transient state between being confused and not confused. :) Thanks in advance! PS - can someone clarify the stiatuion with a barrel extension on this upper and now this might tie in to my choice of barrel?