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New Builder looking for guidance


bigntazt

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Hey guys, I'm brand new to the AR scene, I've decided that I really want to build an .308 as my next gun. So a couple things, I've never built an AR before, yes, I could just buy a pre built one but that would be no fun, I want to learn how the whole thing works and be able to customize it. Second, I want to this to be a functional range gun that is capable of hunting and fun, I also want it to be able to to shoot 800+ yards.

 

Is there any good build guides and walkthroughs that detail the exact steps to building a 308?

 

Where can I find an exact part list? I dont want any surprises when I begin assembling that I dont have the right parts.

 

So far I've decided on a AP upper and lower, and if its possible I would like a Noveske barrel. Are there any problems with that combination? I read that I may have to get a specific BCG just for the Noveske barrel because it is an ar-10 type and I want a DPMS rifle.

 

Thanks for the help

 

 

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Hey guys, I'm brand new to the AR scene, I've decided that I really want to build an .308 as my next gun. So a couple things, I've never built an AR before, yes, I could just buy a pre built one but that would be no fun, I want to learn how the whole thing works and be able to customize it. Second, I want to this to be a functional range gun that is capable of hunting and fun, I also want it to be able to to shoot 800+ yards.

 

Is there any good build guides and walkthroughs that detail the exact steps to building a 308?

 

Where can I find an exact part list? I dont want any surprises when I begin assembling that I dont have the right parts.

 

So far I've decided on a AP upper and lower, and if its possible I would like a Noveske barrel. Are there any problems with that combination? I read that I may have to get a specific BCG just for the Noveske barrel because it is an ar-10 type and I want a DPMS rifle.

 

Thanks for the help

 

Sounds good so far with possibly an exception or so. What kind of hunting are you planning to do? The reason I'm asking, is because you want rigidity for an 800+ rig, and rigidity means weight, which means you're packing more weight when hunting. As for lethality at 800+ yards, you're going to be quite limited with the bullet weights that will get you out there and weight concerns might limit your accuracy at that distance. Bottom line, you might have to choose whether you want a distance rig or a closer range rig that won't kill you to carry on the hunt. 

 

Welcome to the forums BTW... :)

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Thanks for the quick reply! I'm a bigger guy so I dont mind a little extra weight, I think at most I would want 12lb rifle loaded.

Not going to happen. Not for an 800yd precision rig. A decent scope is around 2-2.5 lbs, figure at least a lb for a hunting capacity mag, 2+ for a full capacity mag. That's on top of a rifle with at least an 18" barrel plus a bipod for those distances. If weight is truly not a concern over and accuracy is, expect 14 kitted out.

I'm 5'11", and can run a week of training with rifle and 45 lb chest rig with armor. It's all in your prep.

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Yep, the assembly is the same.  You're just building something that's 30% larger.  Watch the AR15 build videos, assemble your .308 AR in the exact same manner - but make sure you don't screw up the parts.  You're working with 3 major different patterns in this platform, and not all parts play well with others on your build.

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Wow thank you guys so much for the awesome responses.

 

The list so far is as follows.

 

-Aero Precision Upper/Handguard

-AP Lower

-Rainier Arms Ultramatch or AP Barrel (Cant find much info on the AP barrels but its roughly $120 difference and if I get free shipping, I might as well order)

-Lower parts

-AP 308 Nickel BCG (I read that if you order the barrel & BCG from them they will do the head space for you.) Is this something that is difficult to do if I have to get it done separately?

-Charging Handle

-Magpul PRS

-Geisselle SSA, is there a difference between the wide version and regular?

-DPMS Buffer Tube, the standard ar15 size is the correct one right?

-Scope Mount, I want to use a Vortex scope does it matter if I have a 30mm or 1 inch?

 

Besides the scope and bipod is there anything missing from this list?

 

Thank you again

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So the tube is the same for the stock, your scope mount must match the scope tube (I.e. If the main body is 30mm, 1", 34mm, whatever... Pick the scope first and then match) didn't know they offered a wide but it's a great trigger either way, headspace isn't hard and Rainier will do it for you too if you mail them your bolt.

I suggest Heavybuffers.com buffer and spring, great product, I run them in all my rifles. You will need a muzzle device and gas block. Otherwise I think your list is pretty complete.

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  • 2 weeks later...

> (I read that if you order the barrel & BCG from them they will do the head space for you.) Is this something that is difficult to do if I have to get it done separately?
 
 
If the bolt headspaces correctly, it is easy; it will just cost you the price of two gauges ("go" and "no go").
 
If not, it can be a pain, mailing back and forth until you get one that works. In that case, more than likely you'll end up sending the barrel in to get the bolt matched anyway. Might as well get it done up front.
 
That notwithstanding, I have had minimal issues with mix and match of DPMS spec'd components, e.g. my Ares Armor bolt headspaced fine on my DPMS barrel. 
 
> -DPMS Buffer Tube, the standard ar15 size is the correct one right?
 
For a "rifle" (A2 type) butt stock, DPMS does sell a 308 (LR308) specific kit. Could be that only the spring and buffer are different.  I have both; I'll check tomorrow.
 
 
Best regards.
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Other stuff you may not be thinking about/may not have is the tooling.  Do you have a good enough receiver block and/or reaction rod to install the barrel and muzzle device?  You can't just screw them on haphazardly.  On the upside, if you have the AP enhanced upper, you don't need to time the barrel nut.  But you still need to put around 60 ft-lbs of torque, and if you are unlucky and try to cheap out, you'll break the receiver.  You'll need a 1 3/8" crowfoot wrench for the barrel nut to go with your torque wrench.  I don't see the muzzle device on the list, but I had to buy a new set for that.

With the parts list you've got listed, your wallet would probably be better off getting a pre-built AP, although it's certainly fun to build an AR, and I'd never want to discourage someone from doing so.

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> (I read that if you order the barrel & BCG from them they will do the head space for you.) Is this something that is difficult to do if I have to get it done separately?
 
 
If the bolt headspaces correctly, it is easy; it will just cost you the price of two gauges ("go" and "no go").
 
If not, it can be a pain, mailing back and forth until you get one that works. In that case, more than likely you'll end up sending the barrel in to get the bolt matched anyway. Might as well get it done up front.
 
That notwithstanding, I have had minimal issues with mix and match of DPMS spec'd components, e.g. my Ares Armor bolt headspaced fine on my DPMS barrel. 
 
> -DPMS Buffer Tube, the standard ar15 size is the correct one right?
 
For a "rifle" (A2 type) butt stock, DPMS does sell a 308 (LR308) specific kit. Could be that only the spring and buffer are different.  I have both; I'll check tomorrow.
 
Checked.

No significant differences in the buffer tube.  Spring is .078" wire, instead of .071".  Don't have ready access to a scale that weighs ounces, so I can't say for sure on the buffer weight.

 

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  • 5 months later...

Alright, it's finally done and here are the pics and final parts list!

 

Aero Precision M5e1 Upper Receiver

AP Lower and LPK

Geissele SSA trigger

Magpul MOE grip

Magpul PRS

Magpul MBUS sights

JP 18" SS Barrel in black teflon

JP Adjustable Gas Block

JP Muzzle Brake

JP LMOS Bolt carrier with JP HP bolt

JP Silent captured spring

BCM Gunfighter charging handle

 

Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but will report when I do next week. Now looking for quick detach mount and a decent scope in the 800-1000 range.

 

Thanks to everyone in here for the guidance and support.

 

 

9e9NqbH.jpg

 

M7B0wUw.jpg

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Good looking rifle, and great job on it.  <thumbsup>   I love what Aero is doing with the E1 line - very clean setup. 

 

For glass, don't ignore the Nikon M-Series - you stated 800~1000 on glass, and the Nikon comes in under that. 

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  • 1 month later...

Very nice rifle man!  I haven't been very active on any forums lately, but it's cool coming back here and seeing how the site has grown and changed.  Very nice rifle!  I always recommend building.  I'm big on matched receiver set for tolerances as well as looks.  If it's your first rifle build ever, you acquire lots of gun tools and other stuff...it's a lot of fun.  And this usually leads to the sickness we all end up with which is build more and more guns that we desperately need! I know that list is expensive! When I built my first 308ar I built it with no real budget limit other than glass. I went with the vortex viper pst 6-24 FFL MRAD.  I think it's a great scope.  I saw the new reticle come out (EBR-2C MRAD) last year I think...I sold mine and bought the scope with the new reticle...actually bought 2, put one on my brother's new build.  2 of my buddies have it as well and we are all pleased.  If you are public safety, cameralandny.com gave me a discount and has them shipped for 860$ I think it was.  I definitely give them a thumbs up.  I'm sure it will be a great shooter, you def got nice stuff! I'm really interested on your feedback from the jp silent buffer

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