Planning phase of a .308 build- input appreciated!

[Preacher]

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! 

[D.R.D.]

You need a .308-specific lower parts kit, not an AR-15 LPK.

Try this one:  http://www.fulton-armory.com/lowerreceiverpartskittitanwithouttriggerparts-1.aspx

[Preacher]

42 minutes ago, D.R.D. said:

You need a .308-specific lower parts kit, not an AR-15 LPK.

Try this one:  http://www.fulton-armory.com/lowerreceiverpartskittitanwithouttriggerparts-1.aspx

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!

 

[edgecrusher]

28 minutes ago, Preacher said:

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!

 

Well, sort of. Those of us who have been here and gone through this would recommend the .308 parts kit because the bolt catch is the necessary part. Why cheap out for a few bucks just to have to buy it down the road. My Maten build sports Armalite parts kit, for this very reason. There are several threads on this. Survival Shop has posted his side by side pic numerous times showing the difference. You should look around the site, it'll answer most if your questions.

[98Z5V]

2 hours ago, edgecrusher said:

Well, sort of. Those of us who have been here and gone through this would recommend the .308 parts kit because the bolt catch is the necessary part.

Plus, pivot and takedown pins...  I don't think the AR15 pivot and takedown pins work in a Mega.  I'm not aware of any .308AR that uses AR15 pivot and takedown pins.

Edited November 23, 2016 by 98Z5V

[washguy]

When using the Mega...neat thing is its already pretty much done for ya.... •" Included in this new platform: upper receiver, lower receiver, billet charging handle, threaded bolt catch pin, take down pins, dust cover door & upper receiver tensioning screw. "

You need a DPMS ar308 bolt catch but just get the DPMS ar308 lpk less trigger  its got everything you need and then some...hold on ill go get it for ya

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/parts-kits/lower-parts-kits/308-ar-lower-parts-kit-less-trigger-group-prod73615.aspx

35 bills        can you be talked out of the ubr stock set?....lol   barrels...hold on

http://www.jsesurplus.com/18WilsonArms308Hbar1x10FlutedStainlessSteelStripped.aspx

im not big on the look of stainless for myself but this is a nice barrel and doesnt weight a ton and its fluted  ill be back

http://www.jsesurplus.com/18wilsonarms308hbar1x10ssnitridedstripped.aspx         good one but I like barrels lighter...cause im old and dried up

this is nice    http://www.fulton-armory.com/barrelfatitan185lwcm1x10750gasblockchrome-lined.aspx

and you can buy the bolt and have them headspace it as a matter of fact buy the whole bcg from em

here and have em headspace to their barrel   http://www.fulton-armory.com/boltcarriergroupcompletetitanincludesboltcomplete-2.aspx

get the lpk less trigger from them too  and gas tube  heres the claw you need   http://www.fulton-armory.com/vice-block-lower-308-1.aspx

car buffer     http://www.fulton-armory.com/buffertitancar.aspx

ergo  grip    http://www.fulton-armory.com/pistolgripwplugergoambidextrousblack.aspx

Edited November 23, 2016 by washguy

[MikedaddyH]

1 hour ago, 98Z5V said:

Plus, pivot and takedown pins...  I don't think the AR15 pivot and takedown pins work in a Mega.  I'm not aware of any .308AR that uses AR15 pivot and takedown pins.

That's what I said. But what do I know. I just assemble stuff.

[washguy]

42 minutes ago, MikedaddyH said:

That's what I said. But what do I know. I just assemble stuff.

They come with the Mega   lol        Wash

[Preacher]

Thanks guys!

[washguy]

13 minutes ago, Preacher said:

Thanks guys!

this brake http://www.midwayusa.com/product/942876/dpms-muzzle-brake-miculek-1-2-28-thread-ar-15-steel-matte

look at all the money I saved you.....     and dont be buying no g2 dual ejector bcg...get the nib or chrome one from fulton and they will match the bolt up to that nice barrel...I would have suggested more barrels but they are all sold out everywhere.....is this build going to be in the near future ?    Wash

looky look what i found....    BUY it   http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XBABL308003P&name=Ballistic+Advantage+16"+.308+Tactical+Government+Mid-Length+Barrel%2c+Premium&groupid=8045

adj gas block   http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XOWGBADJ&name=ODIN+Works+Adjustable+Gas+block&search=gas+block

you want me to just buy the stuff build it and you come pick it up this next Thursday?      Wash

Edited November 23, 2016 by washguy

[98Z5V]

4 hours ago, washguy said:

this brake http://www.midwayusa.com/product/942876/dpms-muzzle-brake-miculek-1-2-28-thread-ar-15-steel-matte

look at all the money I saved you.....     and dont be buying no g2 dual ejector bcg...get the nib or chrome one from fulton and they will match the bolt up to that nice barrel..

Better option, seriously - get a DWilson BCG.  I won't ever buy another DMPS-based BCG, over his. 

[jtallen83]

16 minutes ago, 98Z5V said:

Better option, seriously - get a DWilson BCG.  I won't ever buy another DMPS-based BCG, over his. 

+1, Haven't built with any other BCG, can't see a reason I would. He has 3 Black Nitride blems listed right now for $155 each, couldn't see a blem on the one I got and have not heard any complaints from others.

[washguy]

Well duh..you guys are right  Wilson it should be...senior moment fer sure..

Wash

[JJ109]

Preacher i have a Nikon laser IRT 223 scope which i loved when i first bought it. I have had problems with it the last year. Other guys here have Nikon scopes which are good scopes not knocking them. I probably had just the bad luck on my scope. 

Have you looked into Primary Arms scopes? They seemed to be really good for the money. You may find the reticle very useful. 

http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-1-8x-scope-with-patented-acss-5-56-5-45-308-reticle-pa1-8x24sfp-acss-5-56

http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-4-14x44mm-riflescope-acss-hud-dmr-308-223-reticle-pa4-14xffp308

I have personally shot the PA 4-14x44 hud dmr scope and its badass. There is alot of videos on youtube to check them out also 

Edited November 28, 2016 by JJ109

[Tacky]

Preacher your list looks pretty impressive, I have a few suggestions that I normally use that you may find are alternative options.  I have experience with these.

 

SLR rifleworks sentry adustable gas block.  I installed one of these and really tamed the rifle down, so mucn that I can keep my scoped lr243's crosshairs on target at 100 yards on 24 power.  it allows you to tune the rifle to the rounds your using, it has detent locks to securely lock the adjustment in.  Well worth the extra price.  They run from $100 to almost $200 for the titanium version.

 

I started using the midwest ss series free float rails on my dpms pattern 308's they weight between 12 and 15 ounces, and really cut the weight off a heavy rifle.  the 12 and 15" are also customizable. Roughly $200.00

 

The kak bolt carrier is awesome, however it will leave ejector marks on the base of the cartridge.  but no issue with reloading the rounds.  Had no issues with mine.

 

The supercomp xl is a compensator that I use alot on 308 builds, it really reduces recoil by atleast 40%, has titanium and stainless versions, and allows quick times back on target.  No disruption in point of impact either.  Its worthy. Around $100.00

 

Check out Black Hole Weapomry Barrels, they have some ready to ship in stock, and also you can purxhase a custom as I have, I own one in 20" 308 winchester shot peened hbar, 1n9.73 twist polygonal rifling, thread 5/8×24, and I have a .936 stainless fluted 20" threaded 5/8×24 with polygonal rifling in 243 winchester.  it uses the dpms  barrel extension.

The hiperfire 24e single stage trigger is a game changer adjustable from 2.5lbs to 4.5lbs.  Its a very nice precision trigger around $200.00

 

Look at the fulton armory titan receiver sets, I have built from them, and dpms sets.  They are dpms low receiver height, .150 to .160 and work with most rails and dpms platform parts on the market.

 

Here is a rifle that I used alot of the above parts on.  I have others to show if you need other idea's.  This one is a 16" hbar dpms lr308, 12.5" rail, supercomp xl, magpul acs stock, bcm med gunfighter CH., Kak bolt carrier group, etc etc.  This was before I added the 512 eotech.

 

 

[Preacher]

 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. 

[Rsquared]

Damn, that's a GOOD lookin set!

[98Z5V]

I've been waiting to see a build from this AP set - gonna be nice!

[Preacher]

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

[shepp]

That's gonna be sexy

[98Z5V]

1 hour ago, Preacher said:

 Got my heart set on a Magpul Gen 2 UBR.

Some notes on that thing, and putting it on your .308AR...

It's lighter, stronger, and cheaper than the original UBR, BUT...  It has a different receiver extension that it's made for. That's really it's big deal.   It's VLTOR A5-lengthed extension, which is Armalite AR-10 Carbine-lengthed extension.  That extension has an internal depth of 7 5/8", versus the original UBR and it's included special extension, at 7" internal depth.  Which is GOOD!  BEST way to run a collapsible-stocked .308AR, in my worthless opinion. 

For you to run it on your .308AR, you need to do a few things with it:

REMOVE the included Buffer Spacer that comes with it - you cannot - CANNOT - use that with your Big AR.

Definitely use the only buffer spring that's really made for this setup - the Armalite EA1095 AR-10 Carbine buffer spring.  That little dandy is available at DSG Arms, and other places.  I get mine from DSG when I need them.

For buffers, make damn sure you use (at least) an AR15 H3 buffer.  Yes, AR15 buffer.  H3-weighted at the lightest. Get one anywhere, they're all the same for the most part.  Might as well toss it in the cart at DSG, when you snatch up the spring.  

You will love the UBR - I only have one of them, on a 5.56 gun, but I love the thing. 

Edited April 12, 2017 by 98Z5V

[survivalshop]

13 hours ago, Preacher said:

 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. 

Nice .

[Preacher]

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! 

[98Z5V]

1. Both/All UBR stocks have an integrated recever extension, so yes, it comes with the stock. 

2.Any collapsible stock will, or can be made to, work on a 308AR.

3. "Any carbine-length receiver extension for an AR15" will thread into your lower receiver.  However, at that very point, that you mount that part up, you need some shortened buffers.  The Armalite AR-10 Carbine receiver extension is the best way to go, because it's longer than the standard AR15 carbine receiver extension, AND it used regular old AR15 Carbine H3 buffers.  

4.  Mil-spec.  Hands down.  No need to run the Commercial when you have the choice.

5.  No, that's just the copy of the DPMS-based parts, and the short buffer.

 

I alluded to this before, in one of my earlier posts in this thread.  Eventually, when the UBR2 hits the market, you KNOW you will change that backend out with the UBR2.  Make it easy on yourself now.  Standard AR15 carbine receiver extensions have an internal depth of 7".  That forces you to use a short 308AR carbine buffer.  The genuine Armalite AR-10 Carbine Receiver Extension has an internal depth of 7 5/8", which allows you to use the longer, Standard AR15 carbine bsuffer - in a 308 build, you use the H3-weighted heavy buffer.  Use the Armalite EA1095 spring with this setup.  You can purchase the necessary parts in one place, right online at DSG Arms.

Once your new UBR2 arrives, your spring and buffer will drop right in and function like they're supposed to - in the UBR2.

Edited April 21, 2017 by 98Z5V

[Preacher]

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?