Or just buy one? I have looked at parts and there does not seem to be a cost savings to building one vs. just buying a DPMS 308.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
- Thread starter JelloStorm
- Start date
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
What are some good upper and lower sets that you guys are using to build yours?
Also can you recommend a barrel manufacturer that you've used?
What are some good upper and lower sets that you guys are using to build yours?
Also can you recommend a barrel manufacturer that you've used?
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
there was a slick sided one at my local walmart the other day for 850 bucks. good deal!
there was a slick sided one at my local walmart the other day for 850 bucks. good deal!
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
building one i dont think saves money but it lets you get what you want and not replace parts off the gun you just purchased.
building one i dont think saves money but it lets you get what you want and not replace parts off the gun you just purchased.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
Exactly, you get to build it the way you want from the start, without the upfront investment. I am looking at possibly getting a mega arms upper lower combo and some rainy day in the future, build a 260 remington out of it.
Exactly, you get to build it the way you want from the start, without the upfront investment. I am looking at possibly getting a mega arms upper lower combo and some rainy day in the future, build a 260 remington out of it.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
Ditto on the above.
Build it for precise personal customization or for the experience but saving money is not going to happen.
Ditto on the above.
Build it for precise personal customization or for the experience but saving money is not going to happen.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
Built mine over 8 months spending 2400+ and got all the parts i wanted. If i had bought what i wanted, then put the parts on it to get it where i like it, it would have been over 3000.
So i got all the parts i wanted, and have a greater understanding of how to work with my weapon. Plus i couldn't afford 2400 in a lump sum, so building spaced it out. In other words build in 8 months or save for 8 months, and still not get what i want.
Built mine over 8 months spending 2400+ and got all the parts i wanted. If i had bought what i wanted, then put the parts on it to get it where i like it, it would have been over 3000.
So i got all the parts i wanted, and have a greater understanding of how to work with my weapon. Plus i couldn't afford 2400 in a lump sum, so building spaced it out. In other words build in 8 months or save for 8 months, and still not get what i want.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 338FedAr10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Built mine over 8 months spending 2400+ and got all the parts i wanted. If i had bought what i wanted, then put the parts on it to get it where i like it, it would have been over 3000.
So i got all the parts i wanted, and have a greater understanding of how to work with my weapon. Plus i couldn't afford 2400 in a lump sum, so building spaced it out. In other words build in 8 months or save for 8 months, and still not get what i want. </div></div>
this was my exact reason for building my lr308. didnt want to have extra parts and spend money twice. could take several months or if you got all the moneys to buy everything at once would be a lot faster. building it is the fun part.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 338FedAr10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Built mine over 8 months spending 2400+ and got all the parts i wanted. If i had bought what i wanted, then put the parts on it to get it where i like it, it would have been over 3000.
So i got all the parts i wanted, and have a greater understanding of how to work with my weapon. Plus i couldn't afford 2400 in a lump sum, so building spaced it out. In other words build in 8 months or save for 8 months, and still not get what i want. </div></div>
this was my exact reason for building my lr308. didnt want to have extra parts and spend money twice. could take several months or if you got all the moneys to buy everything at once would be a lot faster. building it is the fun part.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
If you're patient, and don't mind exchanging time for money, it can be done. I've spent a LOT of time hunting for deals, sales, group buys, and trading, and have slowly accumulated a box of parts toward a MATEN build.
It's all a tradeoff, time vs money vs schedule vs elbow grease.
If you're patient, and don't mind exchanging time for money, it can be done. I've spent a LOT of time hunting for deals, sales, group buys, and trading, and have slowly accumulated a box of parts toward a MATEN build.
It's all a tradeoff, time vs money vs schedule vs elbow grease.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
I'm just putting the finishing touches on my MaTen build. My friend just took delivery of his DPMS REPR.
After all is said and done, we'll have close to the same amount of money into the rifles. I'll be right around 2k without optics, and he's at $2400.
Neither of us have scopped the guns or started working up loads, but I'll be the accuracy will be close to the same.
I think it really comes down to whether you like to tinker and build or whether you like to pull a rifle out of a box.
Also, are you willing to buy what they sell you, or do you have to have everything just the way you want it?
I think I made the right decision for me and he made the right decision for him.
I'm just putting the finishing touches on my MaTen build. My friend just took delivery of his DPMS REPR.
After all is said and done, we'll have close to the same amount of money into the rifles. I'll be right around 2k without optics, and he's at $2400.
Neither of us have scopped the guns or started working up loads, but I'll be the accuracy will be close to the same.
I think it really comes down to whether you like to tinker and build or whether you like to pull a rifle out of a box.
Also, are you willing to buy what they sell you, or do you have to have everything just the way you want it?
I think I made the right decision for me and he made the right decision for him.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
Just buy one, get up graded trigger - shoot it / if needed buy a fancy barrel & sell off old one
Just buy one, get up graded trigger - shoot it / if needed buy a fancy barrel & sell off old one
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
I've built 308AR's on Mega, Iron Ridge, and JD Machine receivers. All were very nice in their own way. Mega to me stands out the most.
In regards to barrels, I've used Krieger, Rainier Arms-Ultra select, and Bartlein blanks-all with great success. I've also heard great things about JP barrels.
It all depends on what you are going for. I'd rather build it my way than buy an off the shelf AR. The rifles I have, shoot as well as any other 308AR's you can buy.
Do your homework, brainstorm the parts and availability and go from there. It all depends on what your going after
I've built 308AR's on Mega, Iron Ridge, and JD Machine receivers. All were very nice in their own way. Mega to me stands out the most.
In regards to barrels, I've used Krieger, Rainier Arms-Ultra select, and Bartlein blanks-all with great success. I've also heard great things about JP barrels.
It all depends on what you are going for. I'd rather build it my way than buy an off the shelf AR. The rifles I have, shoot as well as any other 308AR's you can buy.
Do your homework, brainstorm the parts and availability and go from there. It all depends on what your going after
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
Guys the original posters questions was simply about price.
There is no way possible to build a DPMS 308 cheaper than buying it already assembled.
Current prices from Internet today are:
1000 bucks new
another 1000
800 used
If someone can show some links to individual parts for less than 1k than I will stand corrected.
BB
Guys the original posters questions was simply about price.
There is no way possible to build a DPMS 308 cheaper than buying it already assembled.
Current prices from Internet today are:
1000 bucks new
another 1000
800 used
If someone can show some links to individual parts for less than 1k than I will stand corrected.
BB
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
I paid $2k for DPMS's SASS rifle last Friday. PRS butt fits my long neck and a large objective, rifle shoots .5MOA out of the box w/ no break-in. Why dink around or pay a lot more?
I paid $2k for DPMS's SASS rifle last Friday. PRS butt fits my long neck and a large objective, rifle shoots .5MOA out of the box w/ no break-in. Why dink around or pay a lot more?
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bennybone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guys the original posters questions was simply about price.
There is no way possible to build a DPMS 308 cheaper than buying it already assembled.
Current prices from Internet today are:
1000 bucks new
another 1000
800 used
If someone can show some links to individual parts for less than 1k than I will stand corrected.
BB </div></div>
Agreed.
I purchased mine for just over $1000 and love it. Certainly one can buy all the parts separately and build a custom. Why not? But if all you are after is a relatively budget friendly way to get shooting your first AR10 style semi, then search a bit and buy.
Like the man said.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bennybone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guys the original posters questions was simply about price.
There is no way possible to build a DPMS 308 cheaper than buying it already assembled.
Current prices from Internet today are:
1000 bucks new
another 1000
800 used
If someone can show some links to individual parts for less than 1k than I will stand corrected.
BB </div></div>
Agreed.
I purchased mine for just over $1000 and love it. Certainly one can buy all the parts separately and build a custom. Why not? But if all you are after is a relatively budget friendly way to get shooting your first AR10 style semi, then search a bit and buy.
Like the man said.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bennybone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guys the original posters questions was simply about price.
There is no way possible to build a DPMS 308 cheaper than buying it already assembled.
Current prices from Internet today are:
1000 bucks new
another 1000
800 used
If someone can show some links to individual parts for less than 1k than I will stand corrected.
BB </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JelloStorm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are some good upper and lower sets that you guys are using to build yours?
Also can you recommend a barrel manufacturer that you've used? </div></div>
Jellostorm, the OP asked, what receivers and barrels people are using. I am simply giving him/her my ideas.
And, yes, you could possibly build a 308AR for around 1k, if you buy intelligently.
Tactical Machine upper lower $429
Rainier Arms/Bison Armory/DPMS barrel $220-250
DPMS LPK $60+
Hanguard $50+
DPMS BCG $225+
Buttstock $50+
Misc parts $50
There's always coupons one could use on MidwayUSA that could bring you good prices. Again, it all depends on what your going for.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bennybone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guys the original posters questions was simply about price.
There is no way possible to build a DPMS 308 cheaper than buying it already assembled.
Current prices from Internet today are:
1000 bucks new
another 1000
800 used
If someone can show some links to individual parts for less than 1k than I will stand corrected.
BB </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JelloStorm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are some good upper and lower sets that you guys are using to build yours?
Also can you recommend a barrel manufacturer that you've used? </div></div>
Jellostorm, the OP asked, what receivers and barrels people are using. I am simply giving him/her my ideas.
And, yes, you could possibly build a 308AR for around 1k, if you buy intelligently.
Tactical Machine upper lower $429
Rainier Arms/Bison Armory/DPMS barrel $220-250
DPMS LPK $60+
Hanguard $50+
DPMS BCG $225+
Buttstock $50+
Misc parts $50
There's always coupons one could use on MidwayUSA that could bring you good prices. Again, it all depends on what your going for.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
Yes Green, I didn't see his subsequent post. Thx.
However to his original post, it don't get any cheaper.
In your price estimates you leave out shipping, I have found that no single retailer can provide the cheapest cost over all on all parts so you get killed by a thousand slices with freight costs.
I'd add another 100 bucks to that price list on the conservative end.
BB
Yes Green, I didn't see his subsequent post. Thx.
However to his original post, it don't get any cheaper.
In your price estimates you leave out shipping, I have found that no single retailer can provide the cheapest cost over all on all parts so you get killed by a thousand slices with freight costs.
I'd add another 100 bucks to that price list on the conservative end.
BB
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
Depending upon what style DPMS you are looking for, you can even go low end for about $800-900 complete off the shelf. That's what I've seen The .308 Oracle go for new here locally. And that's at Gander Mountain; not known for being a low price leader here.
That gets you a shooter and even leaves a little room for personalized touches if that's your wish.
Depending upon what style DPMS you are looking for, you can even go low end for about $800-900 complete off the shelf. That's what I've seen The .308 Oracle go for new here locally. And that's at Gander Mountain; not known for being a low price leader here.
That gets you a shooter and even leaves a little room for personalized touches if that's your wish.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
From what I've gathered doing research and starting a custom .308 build (on a MATEN) is that it's a lot like the difference between stock and custom bolt-actions. If all you're interested in is a Rem LTR or 5R SS, there's no sense in trying to build one out of parts.
In my case, like others have said, I like to tinker and to learn the inner workings of my firearms. I'm willing to bet that in the end, for under $2K in parts the rifle will shoot as well as some of the "name" custom AR 10s. The only two I really considered were the GAP-10 and the Larue PredatAR - both about $2800. Anything else seemed too expensive. I don't need the rifle to withstand a HALO jump and still shoot 3/8 MOA.
I certainly don't begrudge a shop like GAP charging another $800 or so. You get experience, a iron-clad warranty, and probably not a lot of profit for them.
From what I've gathered doing research and starting a custom .308 build (on a MATEN) is that it's a lot like the difference between stock and custom bolt-actions. If all you're interested in is a Rem LTR or 5R SS, there's no sense in trying to build one out of parts.
In my case, like others have said, I like to tinker and to learn the inner workings of my firearms. I'm willing to bet that in the end, for under $2K in parts the rifle will shoot as well as some of the "name" custom AR 10s. The only two I really considered were the GAP-10 and the Larue PredatAR - both about $2800. Anything else seemed too expensive. I don't need the rifle to withstand a HALO jump and still shoot 3/8 MOA.
I certainly don't begrudge a shop like GAP charging another $800 or so. You get experience, a iron-clad warranty, and probably not a lot of profit for them.
Re: Is it worth it to build a DPMS pattern AR10?
I wish I would have asked these questions up front. I bought a stripped lower, then found out everyone wanted >$1000 for a custom 260 upper, or else they were sold out. As stated above, scouring this forum for deals is the best way to save money, as well as find what you want. In the end I found a LNIB DPMS upper, BCG, CH with Badger latch, JP handguard, and some Lapua brass for $600. If you want to keep it under a budget, and shoot in the near future, I agree with lash's comment: pick up an Oracle, then upgrade.
I wish I would have asked these questions up front. I bought a stripped lower, then found out everyone wanted >$1000 for a custom 260 upper, or else they were sold out. As stated above, scouring this forum for deals is the best way to save money, as well as find what you want. In the end I found a LNIB DPMS upper, BCG, CH with Badger latch, JP handguard, and some Lapua brass for $600. If you want to keep it under a budget, and shoot in the near future, I agree with lash's comment: pick up an Oracle, then upgrade.
