Preacher

Thanks for the input- I went with this option! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029KDHRM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hey all. As you can see from the attached pic, I have a beast of a .308. I'm looking for tried and true recommendations for a good rifle case that can accommodate both the height and width of my rifle. Does anyone here have a case, either hard or soft, that works well with an offset?

Finally finished my first AR build. I wanted something to use primarily for deer, secondarily for defense. This is an AERO M5E1 builder set in the urban tiger stripe pattern. The barrel is a .308 Faxon 20" medium fluted with accompanying Toolcraft BCG. I went with the Aero lower parts kit and BCM Mod 3 pistol grip. The stock is a Magpul ACS-L on an Aero buffer extension tube. There's also a Magpul M-Lok grip kit on the hand guard, along with a Blackhawk 3-point tactical sling. The muzzle compensator is a Precision Armament M4-72, and I have an SLR Sentry 7 adjustable gas block. I'm running two optics; a Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44 scope for primary, a Vortex SPARC-AR for back-up/close up shots. Test fired beautifully, though I still need to fine-tune the gas system. When rapid fired, this beauty felt like my Army-issue M16. Needless to say, I'm hooked on building and already planning my next one, in .223!

True that. Stupid busy work schedule prevented updating this site. Will have the last piece needed for assembly tomorrow. Once assembled and test fired, I'll post pics and a parts list.

Getting close...

Finally have all my parts for my M5 build, minus the optics. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good setup as far as a vise block goes? Seems they are pretty useful when it comes to torquing down the barrel/compensator. All input is welcome!

Alright, so I got my Faxon 20" medium fluted barrel today, onto the gas-block issue. I believe what I'd like is a clamp-on low profile adjustable block to go with my rifle-length system. Is this something I can do without having a pre-drilled set-screw hole? And if so, what brand/model would you recommend?

Thanks for the input, 98Z5V! My impatience for this build is getting to me, lol. Arghh. I know I have several months left before the build will be over...no sense in not waiting for the UBR2, right?

I thought as I hit each roadblock, I would simply bump this thread. Doing so not only keeps my thread-count manageable, but it will also hopefully be a useful thread for someone else starting their first build. I'm picking up my upper/lower/handguard set this morning, and I'm trying to figure out which piece of equipment to buy next. I was leaning towards a Magpul UBR, but there are two issues. One, I cannot find a Gen 1 in stock anywhere, and second to that, the Gen 2 seems to be in no rush to hit the market. Here are my questions: 1. If I go the UBR route, either one comes with the receiver extension, correct? So all I would need is the carbine buffer and carbine spring to go with it? 2. My second pick right now is the Magpul ACS. Does this stock work on an LR308? 3. If it does work, my understanding is that any carbine-length receiver extension tube for an AR-15 would work for my LR308, I would again just need the correct spring/buffer. Is this right? 4. It seems I have the option of a commercial receiver extension or a mil-spec one. How do I determine the correct one for my Aero M5 lower? 5. Lastly, Aero offers an M5 .308 Carbine Buffer Kit that includes the tube, buffer, and spring, for $65. This is a lot cheaper than Slash's heavy buffer (which seems to be the best out there?). Any reason this wouldn't work with the Magpul ACS? Thanks for your time, patience, and input!

Anyone familiar with these? I'm contemplating putting one on my .308 build, for the purpose of running a 45-degree backup red-dot; something like the Burris Fastfire (why? Because of deer drives and -100 yard running shots). Anywho, any input on reliability/functionality is appreciated!

I opted not to get the matching stock/grip. Got my heart set on a Magpul Gen 2 UBR. Between the scope, stock, grip, and barrel all being black, it should balance out. I was hoping to see what the set would look like with black furniture, but didn't want to miss the chance to get it. Will be several months before the build is complete, but I'll bump this thread as the pieces come together. Ongoing parts/price list: Muzzle Compensator: Precision Armament M4-72, $94.99 Upper/Lower Receiver Set w/ 15" M-Lok Handguard: Aero Precision M5E1 Urban Tiger Stripe, $599

My first piece of my first build has arrived! I am currently waiting for my receiver set to make it to my local FFL dealer.

Washguy, you the man. Thanks!

Thread title says it all. I have my heart set on a Mega upper/lower ambi combo for my future build, but can't for the life of me find one online. Anyone know of a shop/site that has one in stock?

Been a while since my smoking days. This is the closest approximation I have:

Thanks guys!

Generally, I believe you're right. However, it would appear that the Mega Maten lower is capable of using a standard AR-15 kit. According to this post, "This seems to be the big question everyone is asking, what parts kit do I need, or what parts can I buy to complete this lower? Simple answer, all mill spec AR15 parts kits will include all of the necessary parts needed to complete your lower. Buying a complete lower parts kit will leave you with parts left over once you have completed the assembly, mainly the detents and springs for the take down pins, the take down pins themselves, as well as the trigger guard, the trigger guard roll pin, and the bolt catch roll pin." Mega also confirms on their website that "Included in this new platform: lower receiver, threaded bolt catch pin, take down pins & upper receiver tensioning screw." I think this is why all the remaining parts needed can come from the AR-15 parts kit. Thanks for the feedback!

About two weeks ago I decided that my next firearm purchase is going to be a .308AR build. I've been soaking in numerous websites and YouTube channels, and here's a rough overlay of what I'd like to build: Upper/Lower Receiver: Mega Maten ambi-combo, $577 Upper Parts Kit: None needed with the Mega, I believe? Lower Parts Kit: AR-Stoner Customizable Lower Receiver Parts Kit AR-15, $25 Barrel: Faxon 18", HEAVY FLUTED, .308 WIN, MID-LENGTH, 416-R STAINLESS STEEL QPQ, $300 Stock: Magpul UBR Gen 2 in black, $190 Handguard: Odin Works 308 15.5" M-LOK Handguard - DPMS HIGH Profile, $165 Pistol Grip: Ergo Sure-Grip, $28.50 Trigger: Geissele G2S Trigger Group LR-308 Small Pin .154" 2-Stage Matte, $165 Bolt Carrier Group: KAK LR-308 BCG DOUBLE EJECTOR, $180 Charging Handle: (included in receiver set) Gas Block: BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE LOW PROFILE GAS BLOCKS, $109 Gas Tube: Radical Firearms Melonited Gas Tube - Mid Length, $12 Receiver Extension Tube: Comes with Magpul UBR Buffer: DPMS Carbine buffer, $30 Buffer Spring: DPMS 308 AR buffer spring, $6 Flash Suppressor/Muzzle Brake: PA m4-72, $95 Safety selector: AST90 – 90 Degree Short Throw Safety Selector $40 Total Price: $1923-ish Optic: Nikon M-308 $500 Rings/Mount: Nikon M-series mount $100 As you can see, I'm sitting just north of $2500 once the optics are thrown in, minus tax and shipping. I figure this'll be a "one piece at a time" sort of build- hopefully I'll have 'er done by next year's deer season. For me, this weapon is primarily for hunting, secondarily for self/home defense, and thirdly for range fun. There's also a chance this could become part of my gear as a future LEO. I'd love to hear some feedback on my parts list- for all I know, I have non-compatible parts or a gaping blind spot in the design. Lastly- why in the world does no one carry lower receivers?? Any idea when we should expect to see some on the market? I'm sold on the Mega Maten, but if the receiver set is the only thing remaining in this build come next summer, I may be persuaded to go cheaper, simply to have a working system. Thanks for your time and feedback. I'm looking forward to building this gun and enjoying this online community!

Thanks for the welcomes, fellas. So as to not jam this thread up, I'm going to move the parts aspect over to the general forums. Thanks for the input!

Thanks! I lived in Connersville, IN for three years. Nice hunting out that way.

Wash, thanks for the response! I began with the parts list, hence the redundant Mega entry in both locations. I assure you the price was only added once, unfortunately! I liked the look and reviews of the BRO barrel and was under the impression that matching the BCG with the same manufacturer was the best way to ensure proper BCG/barrel headspace. I know I could find cheaper parts, but my aim is function/aesthetics, not slinging lead at the cheapest price. What barrel manufacturer would you recommend at that price point? I like the tight fit and preset-ability of the UBR, though I'm open to alternative suggestions. I did see that the BRO gas block was higher than others- I may reconsider when it comes time for that purchase. I like the way you think with the optics, lol. In all honesty, I've spent the least amount of time researching scopes, though I like my Nikon Prostaff. Realistically speaking, I don't know that I'll have the occasion to shoot paper or deer beyond 400 yards. Do you think there's a huge difference between the P and M308? I do not have any tools yet, btw. I've only been thinking in this arena for a week or so. Again, thanks for your input!

Thanks, Shepp!

RCNut, I was in the Army Reserve from '00-'08, with a tour in Iraq from '03-'04. Thanks also for your service, and for the discount head's up.

What's up, forum? My name is Richard, but "Preach" works fine as well. Here's my bio in a nutshell: I'm a small-church pastor aiming to become a bivocational police officer in Virginia. I spent eight years in the Army Reserve, was on the first rotation of OIF, and have decided that my next firearm purchase is going to be a .308AR build. I've been soaking in numerous websites and YouTube channels, and here's a rough overlay of what I'd like to build: Upper Receiver: Mega Maten (set, $577) Upper Parts Kit: None needed? Lower Receiver: Mega Maten 308 Upper / Ambi Lower (set, $577) Lower Parts Kit: AR-Stoner Customizable Lower Receiver Parts Kit AR-15, $25 Barrel: 18” Black Rain Ordnance fluted black, $360 Stock: Magpul UBR Gen 2 in black, $190 Handguard: Odin Works 308 15.5" M-LOK Handguard - DPMS HIGH Profile, $165 Pistol Grip: Ergo Sure-Grip, $28.50 Trigger: Geissele G2S Trigger Group LR-308 Small Pin .154" 2-Stage Matte, $165 Bolt Carrier Group: Black Rain Ordnance Nickel Boron BCG - .308 - DPMS, $300 Charging Handle: (included in receiver set) Gas Block: BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE LOW PROFILE GAS BLOCKS, $109 Gas Tube: Radical Firearms Melonited Gas Tube - Mid Length, $12 Receiver Extension Tube: Comes with Magpul UBR Buffer: DPMS Carbine buffer, $32 Buffer Spring: DPMS 308 AR buffer spring, $6 Flash Suppressor/Muzzle Brake: PA m4-72, $100 Safety selector: AST90 – 90 Degree Short Throw Safety Selector $40 Total Price: $2110 Optic: Nikon P-308 $250 Rings/Mount: Nikon P-series mount $50 As you can see, I'm sitting just south of $2500 once the optics are thrown in. I figure this'll be a "one piece at a time" sort of build- hopefully I'll have 'er done by next year's deer season. For me, this weapon is primarily for hunting, secondarily for self/home defense, and thirdly for range fun. There's also a chance this could become part of my gear as a LEO. I'd love to hear some feedback on my parts list- for all I know, I have non-compatible parts or a gaping blind spot in the design. Lastly- why in the world does no one carry lower receivers?? Any idea when we should expect to see some on the market? I'm sold on the Mega Maten, but if the receiver set is the only thing remaining in this build come next summer, I may be persuaded to go cheaper, simply to have a working system. Thanks for your time and feedback. I'm looking forward to building this gun and enjoying this online community!