Bang4Buck Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 (edited) I am relatively new to firearms and ARs. I bought a couple Colt 6920s over the past couple years and now I want a 308. The LaRue PredatAR is the closest to what I want, but it is expensive and I'd rather not get on a 2 year wait list. The LMT MWS is nice, but a little heavy and doesn't seem to have a few items I want. I know AR basics but I need help picking parts. I'll need help putting this together once I have the right parts and have a local gunsmith that will do the work for a decent price. The purpose will be a battle rifle for SHTF EOTW SD zombie apocolypse. It is unlikely I will shoot past 300 yards. Here is what is important to me: 1 - Reliability 2 - Weight - light but I don't expect the lightest 3 - Ability to customize - I believe that means I want a DPMS pattern rifle, correct? I believe the other patterns are less flexible from what I read on another AR forum I am on. 4 - Choices on accessories like mags - I want to run PMAGs and the like. From what I read the FN SCAR had mag shortage issues a while back. I don't want to put up with issues like that. There are 3 things I won't go cheap on. The barrel, BCG, and trigger. I want a solid BCG, probably SSA-E trigger (I love the SSA on my 6920), and nothing matters if the barrel is crap. All that being said I am overwhelmed with the choices out there for parts and am too new at all this to be confident I'm picking out there right parts. If I am buying a 5.56 I can just buy a Colt, BCM, DD, and call it a day. Not so easy with a 308. I need a complete suggested list. Can you point me in the right direction for 308 parts? 1 - Keymod rail is a must - how is this for a start: https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3479 2- I want a 16 inch barrel. Is this barrel a good deal? https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3459 3 - Is this BCG worth it or are there better quality options? https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2456 4 - Would the same SSA or SSA-E trigger that works on my 6920 work on a 308? http://tradingplacepawn.com/shop-online/by-brand/geissele/geissele-super-semi-automatic-ssa-trigger.html 5 - I am thinking BCM charging handle, as I love the one on my 6920. https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2290 6 - How about a suggestion on a stock? I just put a Magpul STR on my 6920. I like the storage and ergos on the STR much better than the MOE stock. I also want a stock with QD as I like my magpul ms4 QD sling I am missing a whole bunch of other parts such as grip, LPK, gas block and tube, receiver extenstion, etc.... I know nothing about which of these to consider. I would like to keep total cost of all parts around 2k but I will pay up a little more than that if I am getting quality. Thanks in advance for guidance on parts selection. Edited October 10, 2014 by Bang4Buck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EasyEJL Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 those all look like good choices. The stock is a personal preference, if you like the STR, go with that to start with. the Syrac adjustable gas block would make a good choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang4Buck Posted October 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 those all look like good choices. The stock is a personal preference, if you like the STR, go with that to start with. the Syrac adjustable gas block would make a good choice. Wasn't sure if the STR would fit a 308. Glad it will. My colt is mil-spec so I got a mil-spec sized STR. Would the 308 I'm looking to build be mil-spec or commercial spec? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EasyEJL Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 either way, its basically the same. The carbine buffer tube is the same on both the AR15 and the DPMS/AR10. the rifle tube is the same on DPMS pattern, but different on AR10. since you're talking carbine, any buffer tube will work, so just match the stock + tube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robocop1051 Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 Why stop at 16"? If this is a battle rifle, 16" is a bit much. Especially since most .308 muzzle devices are extremely long. Why not cut an extra bit off the barrel? You won't lose much if you go down to a 14.5" barrel with a pinned device... or even a 13.7" barrel with a pinned KX3 or KX5. You stated already that your likely max range would be 300 yards. 16" barrels are designed for 600 yards, so you can afford an inch or two. This will also save weight... ounces = pounds. Ps. Scrap the BCM "Gunfighter" and check out the MechArmor "TacOps-1" instead. You won't be sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang4Buck Posted October 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 If I go less than 16 inches my understanding is I pay a couple hundred bucks and wait for a tax stamp. The whole NFA trust does not appeal to me right now. I would like to retain the possibility of longer range shots even though the main focus will be less than 300 yards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EasyEJL Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 No, you can get a shorter barrel, so long as the muzzle brake is permanently mounted (pinned or welded) and that with the muzzle brake it reaches 16" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang4Buck Posted October 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 Ok I didn't realize that. I think for now I'll probably still stick with 16 inch as I lose a bit of range going to 14.5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaRKle! Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 (edited) Can you point me in the right direction for 308 parts?1 - Keymod rail is a must - how is this for a start: https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3479Good to see you found this place. I replied to your "Great .308 Debate" thread on M4C.The MATEN set is pretty darn nice. If you want a slightly cheaper option you could always go with a set of forged receivers and a Midwest Industries or Fortis Switch rail. That may be slightly lighter too. 2- I want a 16 inch barrel. Is this barrel a good deal? https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3459Since weight is one of your priorities, you might also look at light-weight options such as Brownell's 16" light-weight, mid-length barrel. 3 - Is this BCG worth it or are there better quality options? https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2456The BCG you selected is good, but I don't really think the exterior carrier chroming is really worth the extra cost. Check out Aero Precision's BCG. 4 - Would the same SSA or SSA-E trigger that works on my 6920 work on a 308? http://tradingplacepawn.com/shop-online/by-brand/geissele/geissele-super-semi-automatic-ssa-trigger.htmlAll Geissele AR triggers work just fine in an LR308 pattern gun. I use SD-E's in my .308 ARs. 5 - I am thinking BCM charging handle, as I love the one on my 6920. https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2290My .308 ARs run BCM MOD 3 charging handles. Not too heavy and the large latch makes one-handed charging very easy. Also not as expensive as the other options (and there are actually sales on them). 6 - How about a suggestion on a stock? I just put a Magpul STR on my 6920. I like the storage and ergos on the STR much better than the MOE stock. I also want a stock with QD as I like my magpul ms4 QD sling.I am missing a whole bunch of other parts such as grip, LPK, gas block and tube, receiver extenstion, etc.... I know nothing about which of these to consider. I would like to keep total cost of all parts around 2k but I will pay up a little more than that if I am getting quality.Thanks in advance for guidance on parts selection.Wasn't sure if the STR would fit a 308. Glad it will. My colt is mil-spec so I got a mil-spec sized STR. Would the 308 I'm looking to build be mil-spec or commercial spec? If you like the STR, just get another for your .308AR. Just make sure you get a mil-spec diameter receiver extension. The STR will close fully on a VLTOR 7-position receiver extension.As for the other parts I'll copy what I posted on M4C:For the buffer system go with a VLTOR A5 receiver extension (6 or 7 position depending on the stock you get), milspec diameter stock, AR-10 action spring, and AR-15 H3 buffer.The gas block and gas tube are the same as AR-15 parts. The LPK you get will need to be LR308 compatible (enlarged bolt catch and larger mag release). either way, its basically the same. The carbine buffer tube is the same on both the AR15 and the DPMS/AR10. the rifle tube is the same on DPMS pattern, but different on AR10. since you're talking carbine, any buffer tube will work, so just match the stock + tubeCarbine receiver extension isn't the same on the AR-10. The AR-10 carbine receiver extension is longer than the standard AR-15/LR308 carbine tube. The rifle receiver extension is the same length on all three (AR-15, LR308, and AR-10). Edited October 10, 2014 by FaRKle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shibiwan Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 4. Yes, the geissele triggers will fit on the 308-AR. I have the SSA-E on mine. 5. BCM charging handle will work great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EasyEJL Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 Carbine receiver extension isn't the same on the AR-10. The AR-10 carbine receiver extension is longer than the standard AR-15/LR308 carbine tube. The rifle receiver extension is the same length on all three (AR-15, LR308, and AR-10).dangit, I wondered if I had that backwards, but not important given that he (and I) use DPMS :)Also I should mention Shadow Ops has in stock and ready to ship 16" 308 barrels for $209, but I have no idea on real quality as they are a new product. http://www.shadowopsweaponry.com/products/311-308-16-762-nato308-ar-barrel.aspxI'm planning on getting one to test out, as I've been wanting to dump my 20" barrel for a 16 anyhow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaRKle! Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 Also I should mention Shadow Ops has in stock and ready to ship 16" 308 barrels for $209, but I have no idea on real quality as they are a new product. http://www.shadowopsweaponry.com/products/311-308-16-762-nato308-ar-barrel.aspxI'm planning on getting one to test out, as I've been wanting to dump my 20" barrel for a 16 anyhow.Please post the specs when you get it (weight and gas system length)! BTW would you happen to know the if the barrel extension and barrel were nitrided separately, assembled, and then the gas hole was drilled, or if they were assembled first, gas hole drilled, and then nitrided? The order of this is important to determine whether or not the extension is attached with the proper torque value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang4Buck Posted October 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 Question on the MATEN set. There is a rifle length and an extended rifle length found here: https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/browse&category=arvariants_receivers-lowers&keyword=&pagenumber=2 I assume the only difference is the length of the keymod rail? And what is the length of the extended and rifle length keymod rails? I have looked on mega arms site and I can't find that simple answer anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgecrusher Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 I have the rifle = 12" extended is either 14", or 15" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shibiwan Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 You want the most bang for your buck? The sub $1000 armalite DEF10 is a great deal and then you can accessorize it however you want. :D http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=DEF10&ReturnUrl=Categories.aspx?Category=c4bf2a5c-d77d-4f58-8022-95f6afe8e6cf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamO Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 (edited) You want the most bang for your buck? The sub $1000 armalite DEF10 is a great deal and then you can accessorize it however you want. :D http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=DEF10&ReturnUrl=Categories.aspx?Category=c4bf2a5c-d77d-4f58-8022-95f6afe8e6cf Damn man... The more than thing gets posted around here.. the closer I get to buying it just on principal. MUST......RESIST.... !! Edited October 10, 2014 by AdamO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang4Buck Posted October 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 Is this as good a deal as I think it is? http://www.capitolarmory.com/mega-arms-mkm-maten-keymod-upper-lower-set.html The extended rifle length is $150 cheaper than anywhere else I can find it. Should I jump on this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shibiwan Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 Damn man... The more than thing gets posted around here.. the closer I get to buying it just on principal. MUST......RESIST.... !! You cannot fight these Jedi mind tricks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgecrusher Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 Is this as good a deal as I think it is? http://www.capitolarmory.com/mega-arms-mkm-maten-keymod-upper-lower-set.html The extended rifle length is $150 cheaper than anywhere else I can find it. Should I jump on this? Yes, it is. I have a rifle length set waiting on a stamp to be an sbr, they are so nice. I love all Mega's stuff! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgecrusher Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 And this has been killing me inside.... End of the world zombie apocalypse? Really? Hmm. I'm not sure I'd want to toting that much .308 ammo for such a "scenario". Seems a .22lr would be best, if you survived long enough to worry about that. Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang4Buck Posted October 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 And this has been killing me inside.... End of the world zombie apocalypse? Really? Hmm. I'm not sure I'd want to toting that much .308 ammo for such a "scenario". Seems a .22lr would be best, if you survived long enough to worry about that. Lol I'm in Dallas. The zombie apocalypse is here, and its name is "ebola". Kidding, of course. Just making it clear the rifle is for shorter range and self-defense and not a longe range precision setup. Thought I'd like to have accuracy out to 600 or so yards if I needed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgecrusher Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 You will be fine out to that range, easy. Friendly disclaimer: Consider over penetration though. A .308 will go through at least 8-10 layers of dry wall. Even after engaging a target at close range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang4Buck Posted October 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 (edited) Ok so how is this for a part's list: Mega arms MATEN Keymod set http://www.capitolarmory.com/mega-arms-mkm-maten-keymod-upper-lower-set.html Barrel (I'll change this as I learn more) https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3459 Aero BCG (is there a better quality mil-spec like a colt or BCM equilavent for 5.56?) - http://aeroprecisionusa.com/aspx/store/productdetail.aspx?pid=291 SSA-E trigger - http://tradingplacepawn.com/shop-online/by-brand/geissele/geissele-super-semi-automatic-ssa-trigger.html Magpul STR stock mil-spec - $70 Magpul MIAD gen1.1 grip - http://grabagun.com/magpul-mag520-blk-miad-gen-1-1-grip.html BCM or similar charging handle - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2290 That gets me to around $1527 not including tax, shipping, $15 FFL fee. Farkle! you said the following: For the buffer system go with a VLTOR A5 receiver extension (6 or 7 position depending on the stock you get), AR-10 action spring, and AR-15 H3 buffer. The gas block and gas tube are the same as AR-15 parts. The LPK you get will need to be LR308 compatible (enlarged bolt catch and larger mag release). I will get a mil-spec STR stock per above. Any more direction these items? You mention 6 or 7 positition VLTOR A5 receiver extension (6 or 7 position). Which way do I go on this? Is there a good quality gas block, gas tube and LPK you can recommend? I honestly know jack squat about who makes good stuff on these. I think I can stay at or under 2k for all parts (minus optic and sling) based on how I'm doing so far. Edited October 10, 2014 by Bang4Buck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shibiwan Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 (edited) 300 AAC ... just sayin'...... <laughs> I will get a mil-spec STR stock per above. Any more direction these items? You mention 6 or 7 positition VLTOR A5 receiver extension (6 or 7 position). Which way do I go on this? Is there a good quality gas block, gas tube and LPK you can recommend? I honestly know jack squat about who makes good stuff on these. There are differences in 308 LPK's. The 308 receivers all use longer takedown pins but some are longer/shorter than others. If you're sticking with the MEGA set, then any DPMS LR308 compatible LPK should work. No big concern on the brand - just compatibility, since there's no real standard in the 308-AR world. That said I do have a couple CMMG 308 gunbuilder (i.e. LPK without trigger) parts kits available. They are DPMS LR-308 compatible. Edited October 10, 2014 by shibiwan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgecrusher Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Mega sets come with pins installed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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