I guess I am building my own .308...

[StevieK]

Got into a group buy for a great deal on DPMS uppers and 80% lowers, finished the lower a few weeks ago, and now I am ready to move forward.

Now I have those items and <span style="font-weight: bold">this</span> also on the way. So, it appears that I am now building my own .308 semi.

Is there a comprehensive list of the required components that go into a build? Also, who are the best/trusted vendors for components?

 

[ORD]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

AR15.com (BARFCOM as sometimes referred to) is probably the best source of information in terms of a "comprehensive list of required components" as well as general pointers for assembly of both uppers/lowers, parts compatibility between the DPMS/KAC pattern rifles and those from Armalite for the AR-10 pattern rifles, etc., etc.

See here's as good a place to start as any:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_121/413443_.html

Good luck!

 

[colscar]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

What's the cost compared to buying one already made ....i want a rock river 308 or even a dpms lr ....but looking at the price of parts I just wonder if its better to build or just buy I'm not looking for leathal precision I just want something that will group well and maximum distance of 500 meters and ideas

 

[Mil.Dot]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

It really just depends on the parts you select. If you build, a DPMS-based build will be cheaper than a AR10-based build, simply because you can get DPMS format receivers for cheaper.

Standard trigger and standard parts, you could do it for $1200, give or take . . . Add a nice Geissele trigger, rail, upgraded stock and barrel and you will quickly push $2000, at which point there is an argument to just spend a little more and get something from a reputable company/builder.

 

[ORD]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Col. Scar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's the cost compared to buying one already made ....i want a rock river 308 or even a dpms lr ....but looking at the price of parts I just wonder if its better to build or just buy I'm not looking for leathal precision I just want something that will group well and maximum distance of 500 meters and ideas </div></div>

And just to add...if you do decide to build...do yourself a favor and SKIP THE RRA! Nothing wrong with RRA as a company...they build some good quality AR-15's and parts/accessories. However, 308 semi-autos are a little different. Every platform (Armalite, DPMS, RRA, etc.) has its advantages and disadvantages, but the RRA has a lot more disadvatages working for it than others. I am not suggesting that they are bad rifles or incapable of good operation/accuracy, but they are highly proprietary rifles (moreso than their DPMS/KAC and Armalite counterparts) that the "aftermarket" doesn't seem to be interested in supporting at this point in time.

The only real "advantage" (if you want to call it that) is that the RRA uses FAL mags which are plentiful and fairly inexpensive compared to Armalite mags or DPMS/KAC mags (especially with the 20LR PMAGs available for $18 or so these days).

 

[338Federal]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Code:</div><div class="ubbcode-body ubbcode-pre" ><pre>Project .338
Mega Receivers $520.00
Troy Free Float $206.30
22" Armalite .338 Barrel $400.00
DPMS 4 Round Mag $24.99
DPMS Receiver Ext. $15.99
DPMS Lr308 Buffer, Rifle $19.99
DPMS Lr308 Buffer Spirng $7.99
DPMS A2 spacer, unused $2.79
Badger Ordinace .875 Gasblock $74.99
DPMS buffer retainer $1.99
DPMS buffer retainer spring $1.99
Gas tube roll pin $1.99
Jp custom Stock $85.00
Leupold 1" High rings $49.99
Geissle DMR Trigger $240.00
Armalite BCG + Rifle gas Tube $300.00
Lr308 Pmag 20rnd $20
DPMS AR10 bolt catch $8.99


Tools
Lr308 Receiver block $53.99
1/2 torque wrench $24.99
White lithium Grease $4.47
Strap wrench, unused $4.99
Snap ring pliers, unused $3.99
308 Headspace GO $25.49
308 Headspace No-GO $25.49
Barrel clamps, unused $15.00 </pre></div></div>

A cut and paste from my large frame gun build. I found discount pricing on many of the more expensive parts, and saved on shipping in many cases. Adding in some reloading bits, and some other "misc" items i came out at $2354 without optics, bipod, or sling.

So that works as a decent build sheet and a price guide. It was noted i didnt list a lower parts kit on another site, it was already in the lower, but can be had for around $50.

 

[colscar]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

So do u recommend getting a dpms or armalite???? Ive build a few AR 15 and the reason I don't want to duild an AR 10 is that I don't have those tools and penciling in tools and equipment for a 308 build I think it be better if I just get one assembled I'm a left handed shooter and I have two left handed stags in 556 and 6.8 ...I love AR platforms and really want to get a 308 before this whole weapons ban thing....if it ever happens which I hope not ...I figure I can get a bolt action later ....

 

[338Federal]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

Id do a DPMS. The format has far more components available in many different finishes. The only reason I used an Armalite barrel and carrier were they offered the length barrel i wanted without having it custom made. Ar15.com build it yourself and Variants sections will offer you endless insight on how to properly piece a large frame AR.

 

[StevieK]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 338FedAr10</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Code:</div><div class="ubbcode-body ubbcode-pre" ><pre>Project .338
Mega Receivers $520.00
Troy Free Float $206.30
22" Armalite .338 Barrel $400.00
DPMS 4 Round Mag $24.99
DPMS Receiver Ext. $15.99
DPMS Lr308 Buffer, Rifle $19.99
DPMS Lr308 Buffer Spirng $7.99
DPMS A2 spacer, unused $2.79
Badger Ordinace .875 Gasblock $74.99
DPMS buffer retainer $1.99
DPMS buffer retainer spring $1.99
Gas tube roll pin $1.99
Jp custom Stock $85.00
Leupold 1" High rings $49.99
Geissle DMR Trigger $240.00
Armalite BCG + Rifle gas Tube $300.00
Lr308 Pmag 20rnd $20
DPMS AR10 bolt catch $8.99


Tools
Lr308 Receiver block $53.99
1/2 torque wrench $24.99
White lithium Grease $4.47
Strap wrench, unused $4.99
Snap ring pliers, unused $3.99
308 Headspace GO $25.49
308 Headspace No-GO $25.49
Barrel clamps, unused $15.00 </pre></div></div>

A cut and paste from my large frame gun build. I found discount pricing on many of the more expensive parts, and saved on shipping in many cases. Adding in some reloading bits, and some other "misc" items i came out at $2354 without optics, bipod, or sling.

So that works as a decent build sheet and a price guide. It was noted i didnt list a lower parts kit on another site, it was already in the lower, but can be had for around $50. </div></div>

Excellent! Thanks. This is very helpful.

Anyone else?

 

[BCP]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StevieK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got into a group buy for a great deal on DPMS uppers and 80% lowers, finished the lower a few weeks ago, and now I am ready to move forward.

Now I have those items and <span style="font-weight: bold">this</span> also on the way. So, it appears that I am now building my own .308 semi.

Is there a comprehensive list of the required components that go into a build? Also, who are the best/trusted vendors for components?

</div></div>

For DPMS components JSESurplus, for most other stuff Rainierarms or Midwayusa.

Troy TRX handguard or JP
Magpul CTR stock
Clamping gas block (EGW has one)
Reg. A2 flash hider or maybe one of ar15performance comps
DPMS 308 LPK then pick your trigger
Magpul MOE grip
No idea where to get a DPMS 308 BCG right now so you might have to wait awhile before your rifle is 100% complete

Will be about as light as you can build a 308 AR so don't be surprised if it has a healthy amount of recoil

 

[Dead Eye Dan]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

I have a DPMS lr-308B and have never had a problem with it. The only thing to watch for (if you go w/ DPMS) is making sure that aftermarket parts you want are compatible. For instance, DPMS uses a different length carbine length buffer tube if you want a collapsible stock. also if you want a match grade trigger; I got one from JP that's really nice (also the only part I had installed by a professional, so he may have tweaked it. DPMS themselves are very helpful and try to help you thoroughly and promptly.

 

[Howa4AU]

Re: I guess I am building my own .308...

I have been searching for a 308 bcg. Futon Armory is the only place that has one in stock I can find (chrome carrier), but it is $300 and I will hold out for JSE, Rainier, or Midway to get one in.