First 308 build planning

[Samuelv7]

Hi guys, newbie here.  I registered because I was about to pull the trigger on a palmetto state 308 gen 2 package because I got an email on a sale. I remember reading a thread here that they have had issues and are proprietary so I thought I would seek your advice first.  

Ive never owned a 308 as I'm more of a handgun and AR 15 guy but would like to have one in the safe to try long range shooting and pure fun.  Also for hunting and self defense when SHTF lol

So, my question...what are some good option platform for the 308?  I'm thinking I want to order a kit and build it.  I read the AR 10 platform that I thought I originally wanted only meant Armalite and google brings up a whole host of choices.  

What kind of gun do I want?  I can say that I've owned many handguns, and will take my trusty S&W, Rock Island, or even Para over a Dan Brown, or Kimber.   

Now before any of you beat me up, I'm not saying the latter are not quality, I'm only saying I wasn't breath taken for the price.  And if I'm accurate with a good quality weapon leaving extra money to customize or play with...that's were I stay.  

Lastly barrel length.  I shot a 308 a number of years ago and remember it being fun, but it was an older bolt action and probably 20" if I had to guess.  I've seen 16" and 18" and was curious of your experiences with accuracy and recoil on shorter lengths?

thanks in advance. 

[unforgiven]

If you stay with the same upper/lower from the same manufacturer in .308 you will have less chance of having issues. This is not the same as the AR15 platform.

[shepp]

Welcome to the forum 

 

seems that hat the gen 2 psa guns don't have as many issues the gen 1 did. That being said your still dealing with a proprietary system so say you wanna swap somthing out down the road you may not beable too.

what unforgiven said is the best advise, are you looking to build or buy whole?

[Samuelv7]

Honestly I was leaning toward finding a good build kit since I do not know much about them.  I'm mechanically inclined and a bit of a tinkerer so buy one used from a local gun shop and try to tear it down to clean and polish etc, or buy a kit and learn as I build.  

Just unsure which kit is a good option and I don't think I'm ready for an 80% lower.

[98Z5V]

1 hour ago, Samuelv7 said:

 I've seen 16" and 18" and was curious of your experiences with accuracy and recoil on shorter lengths?

thanks in advance. 

Last weekend in March, I'll get you some vids of what a 16" .308AR can do at 660 yards. 

[Matt.Cross]

37 minutes ago, 98Z5V said:

Last weekend in March, I'll get you some vids of what a 16" .308AR can do at 660 yards. 

Yeah baby!!!!! (18"-er too for that matter)

[MikedaddyH]

1 hour ago, 98Z5V said:

Last weekend in March, I'll get you some vids of what a 16" .308AR can do at 660 yards. 

What he really means is ... I'll take Mike's videos and post them on You Tube. ?

[392heminut]

From what I've seen here the builds that stuck with all PSA parts were relatively trouble free. I say relatively because a build with any manufacturer's parts can have a snag, especially with the 308 platform. As others have posted, stick with the same manufacturer for the basic parts of your build and you should be good to go. If you have any problems there are always guys here that can help you sort them out.