Hi everyone! First off, it's pretty cool that there is a forum dedicated specifically to the .308 AR platform! I talk on other forums, but specific platform discussions are hit and miss. To boot, most of my buddies using larger calibers than 5.56 or .300 blk are running bolt action rifles.
I am one to research the hell out of things before I buy. I have decided on to finally go for it and get myself a "starter" AR10 in .308. I am going with a Palmetto State Armory Gen 3 set up to figure out what I like and don't like before I go for a true build from higher-end companies. I have heard nothing but good things about the PSA Gen3 AR10 as a good starter and a couple of my AR-15 based rifles are from PSA and perform damn close to, if not on par, with some of my upper echelon builds, so I am confident in PSAs product.
I have plenty of experience with the AR/M4 itself and have but I am finally going for my first AR10. I've shot most calibers out there, but the closest to the .308 I've gotten is the 30-06. I'll cut to the chase with a multipart question.
First question: I see PSA (and many other manufacturers) offering Stainless Steel barrels, with the promise of better accuracy as the main seller. The good ol' CMV/CM barrel has never failed to perform down range, or in any other situation. For only a bit more on price, I can get a Stainless Steel barrel, over the CM w/nitride finish. Does anyone have experience with the SS vs CM(V) barrels on a .308 AR and is there really much of a difference in performance? I am looking at an 18" to get optimal power burn while maintaining portability. Also, I am not looking to pick off a flee on a camel's back at 600 yds in a high stress environment, just good solid performance in the 200 to 600 yard range.
Next part. I have also noticed a lot of manufacturers offering Mid-length gas systems vs Rifle-length. I know RL will help minimize recoil and wear-and-tear, but with adjustable gas-blocks, is a ML gas system good or should I go for a RL?
Also, I am not sure why, but PSA is offering a 5 position click switch and 3 position click switch gas block. It seems like most of the more expensive uppers from PSA are running the 3 position AGB. I don't have any experience with AGBs, so is there much of a difference and which is better?
Thats about it for now. I have grain weight, ballistics and scope questions, but I'll save those for another time.
Any help/guidance would be much appreciated.
Cheers!
Mike
"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." - Gen. George S. Patton