Grade my proposed .308AR build. Comments/Critiques/Experiences welcome.

[AdamO]

So as I embark on this endeavor to build my first .308 chambered AR style rifle it has become very much apparent that and ouch of prevention is worth a pound of cure where these builds are concerned.

 

My original goal/intent for the rifle is to have a medium to long range hunting weapon that I can shoot reliably out to 600 yards.  Deer season in Arizona it's not uncommon to take a 500 yd shot.  Thus being a mountain gun that I will be schlepping around, my focus was also on keeping it relatively light weight but not so lightweight as to make it unstable.  Specifically between 7-8 pounds before optics/ammo I've determined should be acceptable.  I was aiming for 7.5 but I've already succumbed to myself that it's a pipe dream. 

 

Of course I want everything for nothing just like any other Red Blooded American does so staying on a budget is always on my mind....

I've put together a parts list over the past month that has seen more revisions than Michael Jackson's nose.

 

I think I've finally gotten it settled and I've alredy purchased the upper and lower as a combo set from Aero Precision. Here goes the rest of the build:

 

Items in red already purchased.

** Actual measured weights

 

Barrel:

Fulton Armory - 18.5" Criterion Light Profile 1/10 Match - 38.4oz, $349.95

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

 

Ranier Arms - 16" Select 1/11 - 38.1oz**, $226.69 (one day annual sale price)

https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2687

 

Compensator:

Kaw Valley Precision Linear Comp - 2.9oz, $43.95

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Kaw_Valley_Precision_30cal_Linear_Comp_5_8x24_Blac_p/kvp-linear308-blk.htm

 

DPMS - A2 Flash Hider .308 - 2.5oz (est), $21.99

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/muzzle-devices/flash-hiders/308ar-a2-flash-hider-prod44153.aspx

 

Adj. Gas Block:

Syrac Ordinance .750 - 1.5oz**, 106.95

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/gas-system-parts/gas-blocks/ar-15-m16-gen-ii-adjustable-gas-block-prod67679.aspx

 

Gas Tube:

Fulton Armory - Rifle Length, FAR-308AR - 1.6oz (est?), $14.95

http://www.fulton-armory.com/gastuberifle-1.aspx

 

DPMS AR-15/M16 Mid Length - 0.7oz**,  $13.29

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/gas-system-parts/gas-tubes/ar-15-m16-gas-tubes-prod18341.aspx

 

Hand Guard:

Midwest Industries - SS Free Float, High Profile, 12" - 13.1oz** (incl. Barrel Nut), $134.99 (after $50.00 discount)

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/forend-amp-handguard-parts/handguards-amp-rails/ar-10-ss-series-handguards-prod58256.aspx

 

BCG:

Fulton Armory - .308 AR, Chrome - 20.5oz, $299.95

http://www.fulton-armory.com/boltcarriergroupcompletetitanincludesboltcomplete.aspx

 

Ranier Arms - DPMS 308 Chrome w/ Phosphate bolt - 18.9oz**, $304.95

https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2456

 

Charging Handle:

Fulton Armory - Tital - 1.3oz (est.?), $59.95

http://www.fulton-armory.com/charginghandleassemblytitan.aspx

 

Mech Armor Defense Systems - TacOps1 (AR10) - 2.2oz**, $45.00

http://mechdefense.com/products/ar15-tactical-charging-handle

 

Upper Receiver:

Aero Precision - M5 .308 Assembled (DPMS) - 14.2oz**, $139.50

http://aeroprecisionusa.com/combo-sets/m5-upper-lower-bundle.html

 

Lower:

Aero Precision - M5 .308 Stripped (DPMS) - 12.4oz**, $166.50

http://aeroprecisionusa.com/combo-sets/m5-upper-lower-bundle.html

 

LPK:

Aero Precision - M5 Complete LPK - 8.0oz**, $91.39

http://aeroprecisionusa.com/aero-precision-m5-complete-lower-parts-kit.html

 

Buffer Tube Assy:

DPMS - AR-Style .308, Commercial - 11.5oz** , $59.95

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/buffer-tube-parts/buffer-tubes/ar-style-308-stock-mounting-kits-prod44751.aspx

 

Stock:

FAB Defense - GLShock GP - 14.1oz, $119.05

http://www.themakogroup.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=1042638&CAT=8666

 

Polymer M4 standard stock - 7.6oz** $0.00

Adam's parts bin

 

Total Projected Weight:  8.39lbs

Total Projected Cost: $1648.70

 

Total Measured Weight: 128.2oz** (and counting)

At this point the only part not actually measured weight is the A2 flash hider which is on back order.  If I guessed correctly at 2.5oz, then my final weight should be 8.16lbs sans mag and optics.

 

Total Cost: $1359.15

 

 

So that's it so far.... I missed the mark on the weight by nearly a pound and I realize there are ways I can trim that back. But all things considered I'm still lighter than a lot of off the shelf rifles and I feel like this will be a quality rifle that should run well and shoot very well.

 

I don't know...  maybe there are some hidden gem parts and pieces out there in AR land that could do a better job of meeting my goals and maybe even saving some $$$.  But this is the best I can come up with. 

 

Cheap, Lightweight, and Accurate... pick two!

 

Thoughts?

-AdamO

Edited September 18, 2014 by AdamO

[Owl21]

The GL-Shock stock weighs 10.8oz w/o the saddle or 13.65oz with it. You can get one on amazon or from a few other vendors for less than $100 shipped free. Saved you some weight and money!

[Toolndie7]

Get a Mech Armor Tac-ops charging handle, Its even cheaper.  Wheres Robo when you need him, Hes posted all the links to the deal through 308ar.com

 

 

Edit:     Here is the link

Edited August 6, 2014 by Toolndie7

[Dane Armory]

I'm not sure if that Midwest handguard is for a LR308 ? Make sure its not the AR15 version which I have three of. Young Mfg makes a nice handguard for the LR308 pattern.

Also the Magpul buttstocks weigh less than what you picked out.

[blue109]

a member recently bought that stock and wasn't 100% happy. might need to search for the review..

[AdamO]

Owl21:

Good thinking on the Amazon angle.  Had not considered that.  Thanks!

 

TooIndie7:

Good suggestion on the charging handle.  Compatible with LR-308?

 

Dane Armory & blue109:

The handguard I listed is supposedly for DPMS 308.  They even make both profiles.  (Aero P modeled their uppers off of the older high profile rail.)  Do you have a link to some of the Young stuff?  I was unsuccessful finding any LR-308 handguards on their website.

 

I read some reviews on the GLShock stock as well.. most people that complain seem go be complaining about a loose fit on a mil-spec buffer tube.  I figure if I go that way then I'll use a commercial tube just for good measure.

 

Originally I was looking in to the Mission First Tactical Low Profile Utility Stock:

http://www.missionfirsttactical.com/Products/Battlelink-stocks/BATTLELINK-Utility-Stock_3

 

and adding the adjustable cheek weld:

http://www.missionfirsttactical.com/Products/Battlelink-stocks/BATTLELINK-Adjustable-Cheek-Piece

 

Three things drove me toward the GLShock stock.  One being that it has an adjustable cheek weld similar to the MFT I was considering, Two that it comes in nearly $60.00 cheaper, and Three the recoil absorption seemed intriguing to me although the whole package is about 1.5 - 2oz heaver.  That stock with the rifle length gas and adjustable gas block seemed like a good recipe for a more wife-friendly / kicks like a kitten .308 in my mind - not claiming that I'm at all right about this.

 

I do love Magpul furniture though.. My last AR-15 build is decked with Magpul goodies but for this one I WANT that adjustable cheek weld and the only one I know of from Mag that has it is the PRS which, while completely awesome, is a PIG of a stock.

 

I'm still wide open to suggestion in the stock arena, but I really want it to have an adjustable cheek weld.

 

Keep em coming folks!  This is exactly the type of feedback I'm after.. <thumbsup>

Edited August 6, 2014 by AdamO

[Toolndie7]

 

TooIndie7:

Good suggestion on the charging handle.  Compatible with LR-308?

 

Yes

[Dane Armory]

I'll have to take a picture of one. We just call Young Mfg and pick up the order in a day or two.

[98Z5V]

 

I do love Magpul furniture though.. My last AR-15 build is decked with Magpul goodies but for this one I WANT that adjustable cheek weld and the only one I know of from Mag that has it is the PRS which, while completely awesome, is a PIG of a stock.

 

 

LaRue RISR on a MagPul MOE stock, just to try it out. 

 

That's an option.  Better option than what you're considering, IMHO.

[Robocop1051]

+1 on the Mecharmor TacOps-1

+1 on the Magpul CTR or MOE w/ LaRue riser

I own a Midwest Ind handguard. The metal isn't all that strong. Personally, I suggest APEX hanguards. Save yourself unwanted weight and forego the top rail.

Think about grips too. The Magpul MOE+ is my #1 pick right now

[AdamO]

I have an MOE+ on one of my AR's and flat out love it.  Will probably go that route again if not an Ergo.

 

I had looked at the Apex with the Gator Grip as well as the Troy Apha Rail.  Seems like both were heavier than the MI SS.  I'll have to re-check that.  I liked the Apex stuff for sure.

 

Edit:

On further review, my best guess is it's pretty close to a wash on weight savings.  The MI 12" is 12.4oz including the weight of the barrel nut according to them...

 

The Apex 12" is 10.4 oz and at least on the website they don't publish the barrel nut weight so I'm left to assume.. best guess based on other offerings is that barrel nut is likely around 2oz.  It is a nice ass hand guard though.  $233 + $30 for the nut puts it just over $100.00 more than the MI as well.

 

Not ruling it out.. just things to consider.

Edited August 7, 2014 by AdamO

[Robocop1051]

You mentioned that this was going to be part of your hunting rig. If you hunt like me, you'll want a sturdier hand guard than the MI. Constant in/out of the truck. Whackin into trees and rocks. I wouldn't trust the soft metal.

I won't lie. The APEX is a lot more expensive. It is on par with the other top tier handguards. The MI isn't bad, I own one. It's sufficient for my .22lr plinking rifle.

[Robocop1051]

Ps. We have a member here that can score you a deal on the APEX. Contact Branson1369 for more info.

[98Z5V]

^^^   Ah, yes, good old Dave Branson.  OP, you can't go wrong with him.  <thumbsup>

[AdamO]

I will hit him up then.  Thanks for the info on the MI, you make a good point about banging into stuff.  If it's not sturdy enough to take a little abuse then I guess I should look in a different direction.

 

On the TacOps handle.... I'm gonna go ahead and jump in on the group buy.   There are 3 listed, the TacOps-1, the CQB, and the AR-10 Sniper...

 

Is the TacOps-1 (AR15) long enough work in the DPMS style upper or do I need the AR-10 Sniper?

Edited August 7, 2014 by AdamO

[98Z5V]

AR15 charging handle is too short.  Must use one for the .308 AR.

[AdamO]

Well, I'm in on the charging handle group buy.  Been here a whole day and already spending $$$... HAHA

[Robocop1051]

Well, I'm in on the charging handle group buy. Been here a whole day and already spending $$$... HAHA

Bah. Just wait. I'm weighing the inconveniences of dialysis right now. I figure if I sell my kidneys, I can buy some pretty sweet gear... do I need BOTH lungs? I really don't breathe that much...

[98Z5V]

... do I need BOTH lungs? I really don't breathe that much...

 

You will if you have the sack to show up for the Halloween sand trip - I'll make you sweat, even in your new "svelte" form...  <lmao>

 

You better hang onto BOTH those lungs, and I can damn sure tell ya right now you're gonna need BOTH those kidneys for that trip...  <laughs> :ecs:

[Robocop1051]

^^^^^^^^^

Now that is funny. I better start conditioning my liver in the process too.

[Rsquared]

What? Halloween? I didn't hear this? Holding out on me me huh?

[AdamO]

Ok, if you guys are going to jack my thread, you have to fill me in here.  Particularly since one of you is local to me.  What is the Halloween sand trip all about?  

[Robocop1051]

It starts with copious amounts of booze, leads into the southern California dunes, finds its way onto high horsepower vehicles, and then ends in the local emergency room. Fun times!

[Robocop1051]

Ps. Thread jacking is a sign of acceptance here.

[AdamO]

So basically.....Rendezvous in Yuma, bring the truck, the camper, the generators, and enough fuel for a week, a couple of gallons of some premium homemade shine, the YZF450 w/ the sand paddles, and a couple of boom sticks?

 

This has potential... >:D

Edited August 8, 2014 by AdamO