I've been looking into assembling a .308 gas gun on a MATEN receiver set. Are handguards that fit the MATEN going to be different dimensions than handguards designed to fit on AR15 platform guns?
MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
- Thread starter sentry1
- Start date
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
Yes different from AR15.
Are you basing your install on DPMS or Armalite?
Yes different from AR15.
Are you basing your install on DPMS or Armalite?
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
I've been looking at using the Mega Arms MATEN matched uppper/lower combo. Not sure if that's a DPMS or Armalite pattern.
I've been looking at using the Mega Arms MATEN matched uppper/lower combo. Not sure if that's a DPMS or Armalite pattern.
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
Its DPMS format, and you'll need to find a 308 version of whatever free float tube you want.
You'll want to do your homework when building a large frame AR, they're are major differences that you dont encounter with regular AR15's. The biggest being you must used the same brand (format) barrel and BCG. Armalite and DPMS have a different head space spec for how there bolts lock into there barrel extensions. They do not mix and match.
Its DPMS format, and you'll need to find a 308 version of whatever free float tube you want.
You'll want to do your homework when building a large frame AR, they're are major differences that you dont encounter with regular AR15's. The biggest being you must used the same brand (format) barrel and BCG. Armalite and DPMS have a different head space spec for how there bolts lock into there barrel extensions. They do not mix and match.
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
Roger that. I was looking at a Rainier Arms ultramatch barrel in 20", I'm looking to build this as a precision rifle. I'll give them a call and see what specs it's built to.
Roger that. I was looking at a Rainier Arms ultramatch barrel in 20", I'm looking to build this as a precision rifle. I'll give them a call and see what specs it's built to.
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 338FedAr10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its DPMS format, </div></div>
I'm pretty sure its universal. You can use Armalite pattern or DPMS pattern. You just can't mix and match.
Armalite/Noveske barrel extension with Armamlite BCG,
DPMS barrel extension with DPMS BCG
Heres a plethora of info:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_121/51613...ere_first_.html
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 338FedAr10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its DPMS format, </div></div>
I'm pretty sure its universal. You can use Armalite pattern or DPMS pattern. You just can't mix and match.
Armalite/Noveske barrel extension with Armamlite BCG,
DPMS barrel extension with DPMS BCG
Heres a plethora of info:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_121/51613...ere_first_.html
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
The MA TEN is fully compatible with Armalite or DPMS but you need to pick a side before you get a handguard.
They are somewhat different mostly on how the barrel attach's.
You need to specify DPMS or Armalite based rails, along with getting the right barrel nut.
Also the MA TEN is the "high" DPMS pattern for rails (so they match up).
DPMS recently made their top rail on the upper thinner/shorter so if you want the top rail to match up then get the right one.
YMMV.
PS I am going through this now with my second MA TEN (DPMS) and my problem is I can't decide on which one to get.
Apex, PRI, JP, Samson, DD ... decisions, decisions.
I am leaning PRI ... but I digress (sorry).
The MA TEN is fully compatible with Armalite or DPMS but you need to pick a side before you get a handguard.
They are somewhat different mostly on how the barrel attach's.
You need to specify DPMS or Armalite based rails, along with getting the right barrel nut.
Also the MA TEN is the "high" DPMS pattern for rails (so they match up).
DPMS recently made their top rail on the upper thinner/shorter so if you want the top rail to match up then get the right one.
YMMV.
PS I am going through this now with my second MA TEN (DPMS) and my problem is I can't decide on which one to get.
Apex, PRI, JP, Samson, DD ... decisions, decisions.
I am leaning PRI ... but I digress (sorry).
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
Any recommendations for/against the Armalite or DPMS BCGs? Benefits/disadvantages of one over the other, etc...
Any recommendations for/against the Armalite or DPMS BCGs? Benefits/disadvantages of one over the other, etc...
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any recommendations for/against the Armalite or DPMS? Benefits/disadvantages of one over the other, etc...</div></div>
The only reason I went DPMS was to use P-Mags.
None other than that.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any recommendations for/against the Armalite or DPMS? Benefits/disadvantages of one over the other, etc...</div></div>
The only reason I went DPMS was to use P-Mags.
None other than that.
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
Is it just me or are there not any inexpensive options for AR10 free float quad rails? By inexpensive I mean $200 or below.
Is it just me or are there not any inexpensive options for AR10 free float quad rails? By inexpensive I mean $200 or below.
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
Hmm, the JP might work. Do you know if the top rail on it matches up with the top rail on a DPMS style receiver? Also, do they make some sort of mount to put QD sling on it?
Hmm, the JP might work. Do you know if the top rail on it matches up with the top rail on a DPMS style receiver? Also, do they make some sort of mount to put QD sling on it?
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
In addition to the JP, Troy also makes a 308 version of their TRX Extreme rail that can be had for under $200. Some people report they don't mount up as solidly as they should, others say they are solid. The only one I have handled was solid.
They come in DPMS low and high profile (as well as Armalite) and 12.6" and 13.8" lengths. Primaryarms.com has good prices.
Noveske makes a nice QD sling mount for the Troy rails.
Apex also makes freefloat tubes that are just over $200.
In addition to the JP, Troy also makes a 308 version of their TRX Extreme rail that can be had for under $200. Some people report they don't mount up as solidly as they should, others say they are solid. The only one I have handled was solid.
They come in DPMS low and high profile (as well as Armalite) and 12.6" and 13.8" lengths. Primaryarms.com has good prices.
Noveske makes a nice QD sling mount for the Troy rails.
Apex also makes freefloat tubes that are just over $200.
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
I like that Apex tube. It seems comparable to the Midwest Industries Gen2 SS tubes, which I wish they made in an AR10 pattern. My only gripe with Apex is that it seems like they don't include any extra rails with the tube.
I like that Apex tube. It seems comparable to the Midwest Industries Gen2 SS tubes, which I wish they made in an AR10 pattern. My only gripe with Apex is that it seems like they don't include any extra rails with the tube.
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
I think you're right on the Apex rails. I looked at them a bit for a build, but was turned off by the prices they wanted for them. It really adds up in terms of total cost. Might be worth it if it is what you want, but it didn't suit me at the time.
I think you're right on the Apex rails. I looked at them a bit for a build, but was turned off by the prices they wanted for them. It really adds up in terms of total cost. Might be worth it if it is what you want, but it didn't suit me at the time.
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mpmilton</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 338FedAr10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its DPMS format, </div></div>
I'm pretty sure its universal. You can use Armalite pattern or DPMS pattern. You just can't mix and match.
Armalite/Noveske barrel extension with Armamlite BCG,
DPMS barrel extension with DPMS BCG
Heres a plethora of info:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_121/51613...ere_first_.html </div></div>
Barrel you are correct, i was more refering to the barrel nut, though it was likely unclear. The barrel nuts is DPMS format. Its the only really "dpms only" bit of hardware on the MATEN's. Order whatever 308 rail you want, as long as its nut is DPMS compatible, some sell both.
Also while you can use any LPK you want, its well advised to buy a 308 extended bolt catch, dpms sells these, and a few others. It has more surface area to stop the larger bolt, the regular ar stop will "work" but in research i found stories of them failing with repeat use.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mpmilton</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 338FedAr10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its DPMS format, </div></div>
I'm pretty sure its universal. You can use Armalite pattern or DPMS pattern. You just can't mix and match.
Armalite/Noveske barrel extension with Armamlite BCG,
DPMS barrel extension with DPMS BCG
Heres a plethora of info:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_121/51613...ere_first_.html </div></div>
Barrel you are correct, i was more refering to the barrel nut, though it was likely unclear. The barrel nuts is DPMS format. Its the only really "dpms only" bit of hardware on the MATEN's. Order whatever 308 rail you want, as long as its nut is DPMS compatible, some sell both.
Also while you can use any LPK you want, its well advised to buy a 308 extended bolt catch, dpms sells these, and a few others. It has more surface area to stop the larger bolt, the regular ar stop will "work" but in research i found stories of them failing with repeat use.
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
Bleh, so I need a DPMS high profile compatible handguard. Ideally I'd like a rifle or longer length handguard, preferably something which has an integral QD socket on the rail, or can have a low profile QD socket mounted. So far I've come up with these as my best options:
The Troy comes in at $250 with the two extra rails I'd need to have a QD socket on the side, and a rail underneath for my Atlas.
Troy TRX-308
The APEX looks like it already has 4 QD sockets built in, which means I just need two overpriced rail sections for my bipod to go on, and I'd be all set. ...Which price out at almost $400.
Apex DPMS 308
I guess Troy wins the day!
Bleh, so I need a DPMS high profile compatible handguard. Ideally I'd like a rifle or longer length handguard, preferably something which has an integral QD socket on the rail, or can have a low profile QD socket mounted. So far I've come up with these as my best options:
The Troy comes in at $250 with the two extra rails I'd need to have a QD socket on the side, and a rail underneath for my Atlas.
Troy TRX-308
The APEX looks like it already has 4 QD sockets built in, which means I just need two overpriced rail sections for my bipod to go on, and I'd be all set. ...Which price out at almost $400.
Apex DPMS 308
I guess Troy wins the day!
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
I believe the Troy comes with 3 rail sections and one of the rails may include a QD socket (see picture here http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2497). So for the in-stock 12" option, should be closer to your $200 price point (with a Midway coupon code it will sub-$200 instead of $250).
If you want a nearly integral QD socket http://www.midwayusa.com/product/653468/...lpha-handguards
I believe the Troy comes with 3 rail sections and one of the rails may include a QD socket (see picture here http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2497). So for the in-stock 12" option, should be closer to your $200 price point (with a Midway coupon code it will sub-$200 instead of $250).
If you want a nearly integral QD socket http://www.midwayusa.com/product/653468/...lpha-handguards
Re: MATEN vs AR15 freefloat tubes
You'll like that Troy, i have it on my Maten and its excellent. Though if using it on a hunting rifle you'll want gloves, since theres no really effective rail covers. The "squid" things they sell are over priced and still leave gaps where you're touching bare aluminum.
You'll like that Troy, i have it on my Maten and its excellent. Though if using it on a hunting rifle you'll want gloves, since theres no really effective rail covers. The "squid" things they sell are over priced and still leave gaps where you're touching bare aluminum.
