Merle

Take 98Z5V's advise and ditch that gimmicky buffer setup. Get this and never look back: https://www.armalite.com/SACItem.aspx?Item=AR10REKIT01&ReturnURL=/Armalite/Product-Category/AR10-Parts-Accessories/Lower-Receiver-Parts&Category=ac614400-ff09-4cdf-9d35-419a654e7201

When I put together my Aero M5 I just used an Aero M5 lower parts kit. I had zero issues with the bolt not locking back with their bolt catch. I did stray from their DPMS 308 buffer tube, spring, and buffer set up though. I went with an Armalite AR10 kit. Again, zero issues.

The good: Ambidextrous controls, lightweight, uses DPMS low pattern handguards, Armalite length receiver extension, somewhat inexpensive. The bad: S&W decided to makes the bolt, carrier, and barrel extension proprietary. One can swap out the barrel and BCG with any DPMS compatible parts they like once they wear out the original barrel though.

Damn! I won't be able to make it.😫

Hell yea, brother! Had a great time and I'm still full!

I bought it so that there would be more of the mag release button protruding. Aero Precision solves the problem of a short mag release by selling an extra long button. I had the same problem with my MATEN. I didnt have a problem with it not holding the mags in though.

KAK makes an extended mag catch for 308 ARs. I have one in my MATEN. https://www.kakindustry.com/special-extended-mag-release-arm

Hell yes!

I've fired 100 rounds of the 185 Juggernauts through my 16" Criterion barrel. Shoots decent and fits in Lancer mags just fine.

Why not go with one of the new Aero handguards? https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/m5-atlas-r-one-m-lok-handguard

Burris XTR II 1-8. They can be found on the used market in the upper end of your price range. I just bought one lightly used for $780 shipped.

SOLD

Another drop. Let's go $125 shipped.

I'll take an Aimpoint over iron sights any day of the week and twice on Tuesday. They can be had for around $275 if you shop around for a used one.

Price drop. $140 shipped.

To hell with Centurion Arms. I bought their 308 receiver set and it was the biggest out of spec piece of poop I've ever owned. They just blew me off and told me that it must have been all of my other parts that I was using that must be the reason why I was having issues. It's funny that they all seemed to work just fine in the Mega set I replaced their garbage with.

They offer a slick side AR15 upper but not a 308 slick side upper.

Troy DPMS High Profile 15" Handguard in like new condition. Comes with wrench, barrel nut, hardware, etc. $150 shipped.

I had the same problem with my Mega Maten lower, as did many others, with the bolt catch it came with from Mega. It looks to be DPMS part. It was barely holding the bolt back by a very small amount when the bolt was locked back. I swapped it out for a CMMG 308 bolt catch and now it cover much more of the bolt lug when the bolt is locked back. I used the bolt catch that came with the Maten on a Cross Machine Tool lower and it works like it should. I think it might have something to do with the pocket for the bolt catch in the lower on the Maten not being compatible with the DPMS part. How much of the lugs on the bolt is your bolt catch covering when locked back?

If Aero would do a slick side M5 upper I'd be all over it. I can't stand a forward assist on a 308 AR. They are totally unnecessary.

If you want a SR25 style lower Genesis has them. Thers a dude selling one of their SR25 style uppers on arfcom right now for $225. If i wasnt a broke ass right now i would have snatched it up already. https://www.ar15.com/forums/Equipment-Exchange/WTS-Genesis-CNC-SR25-style-stripped-upper-/120-1892622/

I have an Odin Works block and like it more than the Seekins I have on another rifle. The seekins adjustment screw doesn't have detents. Instead it uses a set screw that tightens against the adjustment screw to keep it set in place. The Odin Works adjustment screw has flats milled all the way around it that lock in place against a spring loaded detent. Theres also a stop on the adjustment screw so it cant be unscrewed completely and/or launched into the nether regions of the garage.

I didn't have any issue getting the gas block off. Its a clamp on style. Oddly enough its on the exact same plane as an AR15 upper receiver. The barrel nut was pretty tight though but there wasnt any type of thread lock on it.

I had one of these for a while. They accept DPMS low height handguards if you want a free float. I installed a Vtac branded Troy handguard on mine. If you aren't wanting to free float there's no reason to not stick with the plastic handguards it came with. Any 5/8-24 thread pattern 308 muzzle device will screw on. And it's brake, not break. You dont want a break in the muzzle as that will totally kill accuracy ?

The flash suppressor has been sold.