Can I build cheaper and with better quality than what I can buy a Ruger SR 762?

[Okieshooter]

Ok I am new here and new to building. I have tinkered some with guns but nothing like a start from scratch. I don't have a machine shop so an actual "build" is out of the question. What I can actually do is assemble the components lol.

I can wait for Ruger to come out with a target version of their SR762 (like the one they did for the 556) and probably pick it up for around $1500. From what I have read the 556VT is an accurate, good quality rifle with a good barrel and trigger so I could probably expect the same if Ruger comes out with a 762 version. I have the regular 556 and although its intended for a battle rifle its quite accurate and if the durability of my 20+ year old 10/22 that I abused as a kid is any indication the AR's should last a looong time. So can I "assemble" one thats as good or better quality than a SR762 target version for the same money or close to it?

Here is what I am looking for in an AR 308:

1. Accuracy

2. Piston driven

3. Durability/Quality

4. Low recoil

5. Light weight would be nice but not a huge deal

6. Takes Pmags

I would use it for long range target shooting up to 1000 yards but if I would need to spend substantially more to get over ~800 I will not worry about going out to 1000. I have never really done long range shooting but I'm eager to learn it and have fun.

I will use it for hunting etc. This wont be just a bench rifle.

I am set on the 308 caliber because of the ammo availability and cost. =more range time

I want a semi-auto since I already have a .270 bolt gun.

I won't spend more than $2000 on just the gun thats more than I can justify.

This budget doesnt include optics.

So is this even feasible? If so what parts would I need to do it? I know next to nothing about building so I have no idea what goes with what or even where to begin.

I don't need something that will require an armorers certification to assemble lol. Easy is better.

Thanks in advance for all the help and expertise.

[FaRKle!]

Would you mind elaborating on why you're looking to make this a piston-driven gun? Going to DI will make reaching your budget constraint much easier (or allow you to splurge in more important areas).

Edited November 2, 2014 by FaRKle!

[Okieshooter]

You're right it does limit the options considerably. Without getting into all the piston vs DI its just a matter of personal preference really. I like the piston driven setup and want to see about getting it in a 308. I may have to wait for more options to appear on the market but the thing is I may be missing something already out there since I dont know what the possibilities are in an AR308. What will fit with what etc. I know enough to know that there are several varieties of things that aren't interchangeable with one another but I'm ignorant of what will fit my criteria and work together.

[FaRKle!]

To my knowledge there aren't any BYO piston conversion kits for .308 ARs like there are with AR-15's. I do own a piston .308, but if I were building I'd go DI.

[Okieshooter]

I dont have to build I'm just wondering if its possible to build one that will be better quality for the same price as buying one off the rack. Buying one already made will mean I will probably change stuff out on it anyways so I have the stock I want etc so if I can spend the same amount of money for better quality parts and not have extra unwanted stuff laying around that would be good. But if there is an excellent choice on the market that wouldnt need many modifications to meet my criteria I am open to that as well.

[FaRKle!]

Adams Arms may interest you. Not fully released yet though.

It has an accuracy guarantee (1MOA), piston system, within your price range, and uses what appears to be the LR308 GII pattern receiver which cuts down on the weight.

[Okieshooter]

I will have to check that out.... I dont know much about Adams Arms...

[crimsonfalcon07]

It's a pretty new company.  From what I've gleaned from my own experience building a 308 AR, you don't really do it so much to save money as much as to get exactly the gun you want.  There are great 308 AR's out there pre-built.  If you're not too picky, any of them will do.  If you want something specific, you may want to do the build yourself, or if you plan on doing a lot of upgrading.  The other advantage to building it yourself is that you can space out the expenditures a bit, and buy stuff during sales.

[EasyEJL]

I dont have to build I'm just wondering if its possible to build one that will be better quality for the same price as buying one off the rack.

basically no. you can build one that's higher quality, but it will cost more. Prices on barrels range from $200-$800, stripped upper receivers from $100-300, stocks from $30-300, etc.

[Okieshooter]

Ok thanks for all the help and info.

In your opinion what would I need in order to build and what would be the best quality within my budget and criteria?

[EasyEJL]

actually not being specific on items, but depending on what you have toolwise you could easily spend another $150-200 on just tools. vise block, pin punches, wrenches for free float tube and/or castle nut, etc.

going past that, first real choice and most important is barrels - length is pretty meaningful

I would use it for long range target shooting up to 1000 yards but if I would need to spend substantially more to get over ~800 I will not worry about going out to 1000. I have never really done long range shooting but I'm eager to learn it and have fun.

I will use it for hunting etc. This wont be just a bench rifle.

are sort of mutually exclusive. to really be a 1000 yard rifle, you'd want a 20" or potentially longer (nobody suggest 32" please :D ) but at the same time, if your primary objective is hunting, a 16" will be significantly lighter to lug around. the 308 ARs tend to be pretty heavy.