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Suggestions for first 308


Adam

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Hi everyone, I'm looking to purchase my first firearm and I've settled on a .308 since I'm especially interested in learning to shoot long range, and having some knock down power at those ranges. I've been trying to educate myself on what features to look for, but as far as I can tell there isn't much consensus on manufactures / barrels/ triggers/ alloys/ etc etc etc.. So I'm coming here because I listened to a podcast where Robocop mentioned that this community is very good at cutting through all the BS of what you do & don't need in a .308. 

Since I've never owned a firearm, I believe the best option would be to purchase one instead of trying to build my own. I don't need anything TOO fancy either because I'm positive that some of the higher end rifles are far more accurate than a new shooter like myself could ever put to use.

I'm hoping to stick to a something in the neighborhood of $1500, have a free floating stock (hand guard?), and a barrel length around 18-20'', and other than that I am open to your advice and comments. 

I am interested in DPMS for the affordability, especially the 3G1LR-30B, and the GII Hunter- BUT I have read very mixed reviews about DPMS. Are there comparable models from other manufacturers at similar prices? Models from Armalite seem to be more expensive, although I have heard the quality is better. Would a first time rifle owner like myself even notice if the DPMS is/isn't accurate? 

Also, a random question- would I get my ass handed to me after 10 or 20 rounds without having a muzzle break? 

 

Thanks everyone, I can't wait to read what you have to say!

 

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Again welcome, I own a dpms its a nice rifle. I've "seen" people bitch about them too but never anything credibly. Normally it was some troll on Facebook or somthing like that. NEVER have I seen anyone on this forum knock a dpms.

that being said I think your on the right track. What are you looking for? Just a bench shooter? Plan on hunting at all? Also there are two styles of dpms the Old style I guess you could call gen one, which there are literally millions of parts for. Then there is their fairly new GII which I know some companies are making aftermarket parts for but I'm not sure because I've never had to shop for any, it was built to be lighter like its little cousin the ar15. 

Im sure the other  will soon be along to help with some more tips.

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Shepp thanks for your input! I am looking for something I can shoot on a bench and on open land, and also something to occasionally hunt with (both reasons why I wanted a .308).

And yes, from what I can tell so far the DPMS seems to have a better reputation here than on other forums I was browsing where every other person would trash talk the brand. Are there major reasons why I would want the gen II over the gen one?

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Shepp thanks for your input! I am looking for something I can shoot on a bench and on open land, and also something to occasionally hunt with (both reasons why I wanted a .308).

And yes, from what I can tell so far the DPMS seems to have a better reputation here than on other forums I was browsing where every other person would trash talk the brand. Are there major reasons why I would want the gen II over the gen one?

I think there are pros and cons on both

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I have two DPMS’s.    Both are what you would call Gen I’s.   The first one I bought pre built.    It is a 20 inch with free flout hand guard and A2 front sight and bird cage flash hider.   The second one I built.   It is a 16 inch carbine.   I built it basically as a AR10A2 carbine with a flat top upper.    I use my carbine more that my rifle.   I can’t tell you how many rounds have been put through the rifle.   But I have put 5-600 rounds though my carbine.   I don’t do a lot of long range shooting.    Most everything is 100yds or closer.   It shoots better than I ever will.   It has been blooded.   I took two bucks last season with it.   Both shots wear at 85yds.    

 

DPMS 20 inch rifle.

DSC00002_zpsptptq3cd.jpg

 

DPMS AR10A2 Carbine

0311151859A1_zpsacymtgo4.jpg

 

Wolf

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I gotta correct you wolf so we don't confuse the new guy. You can call your gun what ever you want, but just to be clear for Adam. Armilite makes the AR10 and only armilite it's a brand name, and can lead to confusion because armilite uses their own "pattern". 

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Hi Adam welcome from Texas     I would shy away from the Dpms gen 2 's as they are too new and dont share a lot of common dpms parts.

these ar308's can get very heavy if you arnt careful and then they arnt fun to play with....so stick with a 16" or 18" barrel max and not a a Dpms super sass barrel....they are way heavy...so why dont you shop around then post up a pic or description of the model you are looking at and we will give you the thumbs up or down? DPMS is fine.. lr30b....Nah    3g1...getting better there       Wash

Edited by washguy
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No one makes an actual AR10, they are all clones.    There was only a couple thousand real AR10’s made and most went to Belgium and Chile if I remember right.   True Armilite bought the name, but it is just like the AR15.   AR stands fo Armilite, but we all call them AR15’s don’t we.   So the 308/7.62 version is an AR10 which was designed first anyway.

 

Wolf

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AR-10 is a registered trademark of the ArmaLite company. It is a separate platform from DPMS, Rock River, and others. It has different specs and aftermarket parts than those other 308AR's so we try to be specific on the nomenclature to avoid confusion and wasted money on parts, it is hard getting vendors to describe the different platforms properly making it even more important that us hobbyists clearly define what platform we are discussing.

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No one makes an actual AR10, they are all clones.    There was only a couple thousand real AR10’s made and most went to Belgium and Chile if I remember right.   True Armilite bought the name, but it is just like the AR15.   AR stands fo Armilite, but we all call them AR15’s don’t we.   So the 308/7.62 version is an AR10 which was designed first anyway.

 

Wolf

 

AR-10 is a registered trademark of the ArmaLite company. It is a separate platform from DPMS, Rock River, and others. It has different specs and aftermarket parts than those other 308AR's so we try to be specific on the nomenclature to avoid confusion and wasted money on parts, it is hard getting vendors to describe the different platforms properly making it even more important that us hobbyists clearly define what platform we are discussing.

what he said wolf. An AR10 is an armilite, if you google AR10 you going to get armilite and armilite parts, and a few other companies who make parts that fit armilite rifles or are just as confused on the terms and not running a good business. We (on this forum) use the proper terms to keep down the confusion and save people from expendsive mistakes, especially for people like Adam who are completely  new to the game.

thank you

Edited by shepp
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No one makes an actual AR10, they are all clones.    There was only a couple thousand real AR10’s made and most went to Belgium and Chile if I remember right.   True Armilite bought the name, but it is just like the AR15.   AR stands fo Armilite, but we all call them AR15’s don’t we.   So the 308/7.62 version is an AR10 which was designed first anyway.

 

Wolf

 Take that you Armalite pusher's ?

, but as said above , there are enough major differences in components to keep the designations of the platforms separate , sure helps in getting the correct parts . 

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Thanks for the input and info, and Washguy thank you for those links I'm checking them out now! Sending me your rifle suggestions is probably the most useful thing for me since I am new to firearms and like to use your recommendations to learn more. If anybody else has suggestions like Washday that'd be appreciated! Oh, and sweet pics wolfgang!

 

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Just checked it out, it looks pretty awesome and the reviews are pretty positive. Do you have experience with Aero? And thanks everyone for those other links. I'm still looking around before I make a decision so let me know if you have any other ideas

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I picked up their lower complete for $275.00 on sale.Got the 16" upper in FDE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

,added the Nickel boron BCG,TacOps CH,BAD selector,and Rodgers super stock,Has Aero trigger that will get changed to a LaRue MBT.Had trouble on the onset with not going into battery.Coating on the BCG had it tight,the some FTF and FTE.Changed the extention tube,buffer spring [both being longer] and buffer which was longer and heavier to Armalite parts.Stock trigger was tight had to push it forward for reset but that went away after a few box's.Ran everything I had 147's 150's,168's.After it ran for function I had the barrel cut down and added a Battel comp and had it welded for 16.1 overall lenght.It also has an EoTech set for .308.For the money I'm real happy with it.

Edited by unforgiven
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