First 308 Build, Need Advice!

[TwistedLT]

Hello everyone,  I am new to the forum as a member, but have been reading for weeks!

I've been building 5.56 ARs for sometime, but this is my first 308.  I have a New DPMS Lower, A3 Upper, and BCG.  I found a good deal on a barrel (SI Defense 16" M4 cut barrel with Carbine Length Gas System).  I have been reading a lot lately as I still need a few more parts (and MONEY!).  I read that Carbine Length Gas Systems tend to overgas. 

1) Will the JP Low Pro adjustable gas block fix this?

2) Will this gas block fit under Troy TRX Exteme Handguards for 308?

3) What Buffer Spring and Buffer would you all recommend?

I know I'm limiting the 308 with a 16" barrel, but I want this first upper for CQB and maybe some hog hunting down south.  I'll build another upper with a 24" barrel for distance shooting later.  Seems I always have another build planned before one is finished !!!!!

Thanks for any help or advice !

[edgecrusher]

welcome to the forum and as you know… poverty! adjustable gas blocks are made for just that, helping to sort out overgassed guns. we have members who can help with number 2, i believe 98z5v may have first hand experience with that. i would recommend you visit here http://www.heavybuffers.com/ for your buffers, clint is a member here and i think anyone who has bought one can tell you they are top notch.

the 16" barrel isn't really limiting you to much, i would say with practice 500 yds is possible. now that 24" will get you out as far as you can with this cartridge, or your abilities.

[Jgun]

Only thing I might add to the above reply is that you will have to make some provision  for access to the gas block in order to make adjustments while dialing  in your gas system, that could mean selecting a hanguard that could be installed without disturbing anything, after you get the gas system adjusted. as far as fitting your GB under the handguard, you might want to take a look at the low pro adjustable steel GB from PRI, it's basically the smallest adjustable out there and pretty much the same size as the smallest non adjustable GB's on the market.

[imschur]

On a budget you can also run a straight up  Armalite AR-10 carbine spring and buffer. With the adjustable gas block you can probably do without the heavy buffer.

If you go with the heavy buffer you will need the modified AR-10 spring.

Fulton Armory also has buffers and springs that will work.

[NoFail]

Twisted, Hi and welcome!! Just a heads up if you haven't yet ordered a BCG yet get on it now. They seem to disappear so fast these days, really!!

[imschur]

Twisted, Hi and welcome!! Just a heads up if you haven't yet ordered a BCG yet get on it now. They seem to disappear so fast these days, really!!

Thats sound advice  <thumbsup>

[unforgiven]

Welcome from Indiana TwistedLT..

[Slash]

The mid length gas system is a lot more forgiving, especially on .308 ARs.  Most carbine systems run OK, choose the right components and you will be fine. 

You're getting a lot of suggestions as to which buffer/spring to use, but no one has asked the most imortant question - What type of stock do you want to use?  Depending on your answer, some of these suggestions could be completely misguided. 

You have two options when installing a carbine-length stock on a .308:

• Use an extended VLTOR/ArmaLite buffer tube.
  
  
  • Use a standard AR15 carbine buffer tube
    With this option you need a shorter buffer, either my
  CAR-10 Buffer or a DPMS-type .308 carbine buffer.  The DPMS version is cheaper, but you get what you pay for, and you can expect premature wear/breakage on the bolt lugs and extractor among other things.  The DPMS buffers weigh about the same as a .223 carbine buffer - Just too light for prolonged use in a .308 rifle.  Magpul specifically recommends using my buffers with their stocks on .308 ARs.  CAR-10 buffers are in use by US and Canadian military forces, as well as LEOS and shooters around the world.
  
  
  
  Either way PLEASE make certain that you use an appropriate .308 buffer spring, not a .223 spring.  Note the Wolff and Springco do not make .308 springs.  A lot of functioning issues are eventually traced to using the wrong buffer spring. 
  
  I recommend using ArmaLite AR10 buffer springs for all .308s.  If you decide to go with an AR15 tube you will need to purchase a modified spring for proper function.
  
  I do not recommend using flat-wire springs under any circumstances.
  
  Please feel free to contact me via email if you have any questions:[img height=20 width=176]http://www.heavybuffers.com/images/Email%20Icon.gif
  
  
  
  

[TwistedLT]

Thanks for all the advice.  Sorry I haven't responded sooner, but I've been working long hrs. lately. 

I do plan on running a Carbine Stock and standard buffer tube.  So I guess I need the Armalite Modified Buffer Spring and plan on ordering one of the CAR-10 Buffers.  Probably the Extra Heavy because I do want to be able to run heavier bullets and I might as well get the better one the first time.  Just have to earn a few more paychecks!

[NoFail]

but I've been working long hrs. lately.

this is probably a good thing,  uhhhhh, especially if you're planning a LR-308