Getting in to semi-auto .308

[TACTICAL45]

I am thinking of selling my bolt action .308. It is a great shooter and accurate as hell. When I am home, I just don't have the place to shoot that it is capable of. I think realistically, I need something in the 6-800 yd range. I also want a "accurate" semi in .308. So I have been doing some research on this here and another site. I know I may end up building to a certain extent, or possibly the whole thing, just could use some direction.

My main concerns are as follows;
I want something that will be universal (mags and such)
Non-chrome lined barrel (SS 16-18 inch max preferred)
Single stage trigger (adjustable)
Medium to light weight package
More to the combat side than a bench shooter
If able, under $3,000.00 (for a base model)
I know I am forgetting something, but I wanted to get this going. I am currently stationed in AFG, and "should" be state side by DEC. I am trying to get most everything figured out before I get home, so all I have to do is sell my rifle and start with the new one.

If I end up building my own, who makes a "universally compatible" upper and lower that will take a lager variety of mags and such?
I will end up putting on my own sights, stock and rail system. I have a NF 3.5x15x50 NXS F1 MIL/MIL Zero stop already mounted on my current .308, so I am good there.

This is my current .308 that will up for sale/trade.

 

[Redmanss]

First off, I wouldn't sell off the bolt gun unless you absolutely don't have the budget or desire to have both. That being said...

Building versus buying a large frame AR is very expensive. I'm finishing up building two, one in 16" .306 and one 26" 6.5CM on JD Machine receivers. If I had it to do over again I would have bought DPMS LR308 or Armalite AR-10 models and swapped out the barrels as necessary. Yes, I didn't skimp on the parts making it even more expensive, but those parts will probably be marginal in return on investment.

If you do go the build route, MEGA MATEN is the route I would recommend on receivers. There's a lot of options out there for barrels and forearms, and you can run a Armalite bolt group (smaller FP hole) in it on an Armalite pattern easy as hell. Just match up a DPMS pattern bolt with barrel and same for Armalite bolts and barrels.

http://megaarms.com/maten/compatibility/

For barrels Lilja, Rainier, Krieger (in stock from Fulton Armory) and JP all offer good options which are typically readily available or with a reasonable wait, depending on what pattern you go with.

 

[powereng]

Don't do it! I sold my GAP-10 for my AE MKIII and couldn't be happier. I just took a precision rifle class and 10 of the 12 students had bolt guns, and half of those had AI rifles. In my humble opinion you would be going backwards selling your AI for a semi-auto.

 

[800mZero]

For 3 grand you can get into a MWS, or a GAP-10. A little more and you can get into a JP LRP-07. All of which will meet your criteria.

 

[TACTICAL45]

My current rifle is and needs to be shot long distance to fully use it. There are no ranges anywhere near me for that (S.E. Michigan). I made a couple trips to Shorts in Indiana and some cleared out corn fields up north, but that is it. It may sound weird, but I honestly feel bad not using it. There is a member here who spent some time showing me how to shoot long distance, but it got cut short because of me joining the Army. It's been quite some time since I have shot it. To my recollection, I have around 150 rounds shot though it (have to look at data book when I get home), I am the only owner. Plus, I have got the urge to go semi .308, BAD! On my military pay it would take some time to save enough to afford such a rifle. During my research I learned about the MEGA systems, I seen one here stripped for around $500.00 or so, both upper and lower. I won't even go into the best to worse category for now, but the much sought after LMT keeps popping up on just about everyone's list.

Has someone created a list of what systems are not interchangeable with others? Mags, barrels, stocks, BCM's and such come to mind. I find bits and pieces, but nothing near a complete list that I could refer to.

Redmanss, excellent link my friend!

 

[shovelstrokeed]

FWIW, I've been quite happy with my 18" LWRC REPR. I understand they don't get much love here and, in truth, I am just a beginner at this long range game, so far, I have limited myself to 200 yards or less as I learn to shoot the gun and relearn things like follow through, breathing, trigger control, recoil management, driving the gun, etc.

The gun is starting to show potential and, I'm sure will improve more as my ammo selection (not reloading yet) and knowledge improves. I have been able, on a number of occasions to put 4 of 5 into a large ragged hole, covered by a dime with the 5th pretty much a called flier using FGMM 168g. The gun and shooter combo is right at a consistent 1 MOA thus far and I expect the shooter half of that to get better.

Sucker is a bit chunky though, at >12 lbs. I rarely have to haul it very far from my truck to the firing point. My adding a PRS stock and an Accushot bipod should improve things a bit more as I'll be more secure behind the gun.

 

[TACTICAL45]

I am not new to the whole shooting game, just to semi .308's. I have just about 1,000 hand loads that I did up for my .308 they are Lapua brass, BR2 primers, 175 SMK's with 43.5 of Varget, I forget the OAL, but it is recorded on my load sheet. I may sell them with the rifle, or maybe keep them for my semi, not sure yet. I have a lot of more of the listed on stand by for loading as well. Best thing is it is all new, never once fired!

As far as accuracy, I believe that 1" will be good enough for now, I don't expect 1/2" from what I end up with, that is unless vendors decide to cut their pricing in half. ;-)

Keep the input coming, I'll be watching and learning.

 

[BCP]

There's a guy I know on another forum who is selling a mega monolithic upper/lower built 308 AR with an A2 stock and a blackhole 18" barrel for I think 1600. Is that what you are thinking of?

 

[jevan126]

Tactical 45 where in southeast Michigan are you ? I live in Southgate Michigan. I have a JP Enterprise LRP-07 .308 win and if you are interested we can get together and you can see what a high quality large frame AR looks like.

 

[TACTICAL45]

There's a guy I know on another forum who is selling a mega monolithic upper/lower built 308 AR with an A2 stock and a blackhole 18" barrel for I think 1600. Is that what you are thinking of?

No, it is just a stripped upper and lower. But, that one does not sound bad at all.

 

[TACTICAL45]

Tactical 45 where in southeast Michigan are you ? I live in Southgate Michigan. I have a JP Enterprise LRP-07 .308 win and if you are interested we can get together and you can see what a high quality large frame AR looks like.

Near Clarkston, or better yet for a reference Great Lakes Crossing. I really appreciate the offer, but I won't be back state side for a couple months, I still have a short time here in AFG. Who knows, if I have time when I get back we can link up? I only get home twice a year for two weeks each, so things go fast and crazy when I'm there, then it's back to Ft. Stewart.

 

[TACTICAL45]

What does anyone know about Black Rain receivers? I have read that they will accept the mags, what about the barrels and such. Are they as parts "friendly" as the Maten?

Should I just go with a DPMS SASS and put a trigger and barrel on it and call it a day? I wonder what type of accuracy I would get out of that combo? I have not given up on a LMT MWS by any means. I may just end up trading heads up, my .308 (without glass or rings) for a semi .308. That way the pain is over and I can be on my way.

Also, The Mega I mentioned earlier was not in the $500.00 range (Black Rain set) it was the $700.00 range.
FS: NEW Mega MATEN Nickel Boron 308 upper and lower - AR15.COM

The funny thing is, I'm not a shiny, look at me type of guy, but for some reason having a nickle upper/lower, SS barrel is really appealing to me.

 

[jevan126]

Well first off thank you for your service and be safe. Second I was in the Army myself from 1982 to 1985, great experience and changed me. I went in right after graduation, talk about a shocker. Well if you get back and have time and would like to go shooting let me know.

 

[damiiaaannn]

I have a LMT MWS, and love it.

 

[TACTICAL45]

Well first off thank you for your service and be safe. Second I was in the Army myself from 1982 to 1985, great experience and changed me. I went in right after graduation, talk about a shocker. Well if you get back and have time and would like to go shooting let me know.

Too easy, and thank you as well for your service.

 

[TACTICAL45]

So I am thinking, if I build it, this is the possible route I will go, blank spaces still to be determined, so help out, or if you have suggestions, let's hear them.

Upper/Lower======MEGA-MATEN Nickle Boron
Barrel==========16" SS Nickle Boron
Twist===========DPMS config Not sure which would be best for the length, 10 or 11.25
Barrel maker======Krieger?
Gas Block========Something adjustable?
BCG===========Something in a DPMS config, Possibly DPMS Lightened or JP Lightened
LPK============DPMS
Trigger==========JP single stage adjustable
Stock
Buffer==========DPMS
Forward rail=======Would like to go Fortis, rumor is they will be out by the end of the year? If not, NSR.
Grip============Ergo ( I am really stuck on them )
Charge handle======VOLTR BCM #4 ( have it on my issued and personal weapons )
Sights===========Troy HK Battle Sights ( have them on my M4 as well )
Gas tube=========Not sure on length to get
Scope===========Undecided
End plate=========Undecided
Flash hider========Vortex or A2
Dust cover========Undecided
Mags============PMags
Bolt release========BAD lever ( have it on my issue and M4 )

I have seen some discussion regarding the bolt catch, which one and why?
What is the deal with a captured spring? Pro's/Con's?

Man! Did I miss anything?

 

[samnev]

I have both the DPMS SASS and the LMT MWSE. The SASS is the more accurate of the two but not by much. Both shoot under 1 moa with my 168 grain SMK hand loads. The SASS is ~ $800 less expensive and the fit and finish is equal to the LMT. To me it is the biggest bang for the $$$ and comes standard with the Magpul PRS stock and Harris Swivel bipod. I upgraded my LMT with the PRS and Harris swivel bipod and it added $450 to the price which means it cost $1250 over the price of the SASS. I also installed the JP reduced trigger spring kit from Brownells ($10) which really helped reduce thee trigger pull.Down side of the SASS it is a beast to lug around. But he LMT is no lightweight either.
My favorite all around 308 platform is the SIG FDE 716 which cost about the same as the SASS but he trigger pull while crisp with no creep is heavier than either of the other 2 (close to the LMT's stock trigger pull) and will probably be upgraded in the near future. While not quite as accurate as the other 2 it's still a 1 moa rifle. I also really like the Magpul ACS stock it comes with.
By the way if I am correct your 308 bolt action seems to be a TRG 22. I agree with those who tell you not to sell it. I would never sell mine. I would save for the 308 of your choice even though it might take a while.
As a US Army vet I also want to thank you for you service in these trying times and stay well and god speed you back to CONUS safely.

 

[TACTICAL45]

Thank you for your advice, I will think about it. I have read up on the SASS, I do like that it is not a proprietary barrel, compared to the LMT. Here is my rifle as listed;
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...x15x50-complete-set-up-308-a.html#post2678101

I serve with pride, as I am sure you did. What was your MOS? I'll do my best to get back state side, the locals here are stepping up their game. Then we get to show them first hand how we train for such an event! You know it goes........... ;-)

 

[daxromana]

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...dimpled-barrel-jp-bcg-pmags-geissele-etc.html

 

[TACTICAL45]

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...dimpled-barrel-jp-bcg-pmags-geissele-etc.html

Sir, are you wanting to trade my scope and cash for your rifle?

 

[samnev]

Thank you for your advice, I will think about it. I have read up on the SASS, I do like that it is not a proprietary barrel, compared to the LMT. Here is my rifle as listed;
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...x15x50-complete-set-up-308-a.html#post2678101

I serve with pride, as I am sure you did. What was your MOS? I'll do my best to get back state side, the locals here are stepping up their game. Then we get to show them first hand how we train for such an event! You know it goes........... ;-)

IIRC correctly It was 282.18. I enlisted after my first year in college just as Viet Nam was starting up so Uncle sent me to the Radar Repair School which at the time was at Fort Monmouth N.J. They then made me an Instructor at the school which is what the .18 on the MOS indicates. Other than basic I spent my entire 3 years there. I have a grand son that has served 2 tours in Afghanistan as an MP at Bargram AFB IIRC. He just got back a few weeks ago after his 2nd deployment. He manned the Ma Duce on a Hummer at least that what he showed us on the photos he sent us.

 

[broylz]

buddy of mine has a LWRC REPR and its a good rifle. not sure im a fan of the side charger though...

I really liked the M14 family for a battle rifle. you may have experience with them in the service as they are still in use for SDM roles.

For your budget, I would look into a M1A Scout, have the gas system welded up marine corps style, add a NM piston and spring guide and then have it bedded into a McMillan M3A...

 

[TACTICAL45]

IIRC correctly It was 282.18. I enlisted after my first year in college just as Viet Nam was starting up so Uncle sent me to the Radar Repair School which at the time was at Fort Monmouth N.J. They then made me an Instructor at the school which is what the .18 on the MOS indicates. Other than basic I spent my entire 3 years there. I have a grand son that has served 2 tours in Afghanistan as an MP at Bargram AFB IIRC. He just got back a few weeks ago after his 2nd deployment. He manned the Ma Duce on a Hummer at least that what he showed us on the photos he sent us.

So how did you like NJ? Tell your GS I said "hooah". Before I became SGT I was the company Armorer, gunner for the FSG. Neither one of liked the .50, so we went with a 240B, and joked about putting a MK19 along side of it. I figure out a way to do it, but never did. I can't say where I am now, we do leave on mission tomorrow, will return in a while. I am taking the gunner spot for this run and the return that's for sure! It may be my last while here. Locals have been stepping up their game as of late, so we show them first hand how we train for such an occasion! Fun for everyone. If you want catch me off line, I would like to keep in touch, maybe get some good info about this whole Semi .308 world.
Stay safe,
G7E out.

 

[TACTICAL45]

buddy of mine has a LWRC REPR and its a good rifle. not sure im a fan of the side charger though...

I really liked the M14 family for a battle rifle. you may have experience with them in the service as they are still in use for SDM roles.

For your budget, I would look into a M1A Scout, have the gas system welded up marine corps style, add a NM piston and spring guide and then have it bedded into a McMillan M3A...

I hear what you are saying, but I really am hooked on giving the semi .308 a try. It fits all things I require out of it.
Stay safe.

 

[TACTICAL45]

What are the advantages of going aftermarket on a upper and lower build? My first choice would be a MEGA MATEN, BLACK RAIN and so on. Are they that much better than say a SASS U&L from factory?
In all reality, how much loss in distance, velocity, energy loss is there between a 16" and 18"? I know it is a vague question not having complete information, just an average. I want to be able to carry 6-800 yds accurately.

 

[broylz]

m14/m1a is a semi auto 308

 

[TACTICAL45]

I stand correct, I meant to say AR platform Semi .308.

 

[800mZero]

Dont forget about the new Centurion Arms CMR 308 rail. That would be my choice, or the JP modular hand guard.