308 SASS recommendations

R

roblewis999

Private
Minuteman
Sep 29, 2009
47
0
43
Beach in NC
#1
Based on my experiences and those of other people that have deployed in country I have decided that I do not need a bolt action sniper rifle. What I am far more likely to find useful is a semi auto gun, provided it can group at anything under 1moa.

My friend recommended a Springfield Armory of the match type, but I intend for this rifle to be suppressed, and I have heard that the M1A’s are not the best with that.

I would have bought a Rock River, but their stated accuracy is 1.5moa, which is a bit less accuracy then I care for.

At this point I would like some recommendations for a rifle to build and use as a semi auto sniping platform. I would like to keep the price of the rifle as low as possible of course, but under 3k I guess.

Also, if the reason someone’s favored brand of rifle is inaccurate, would it be possible to fix that with a simple barrel change – (ie Could I install a Lilja or Lothar Walther barrel into the RRA and be set from there)?

Also, I don’t enjoy lugging around big heavy things, so keeping the weight down is also a large factor in deciding what to buy.

I have tried to find info on the PTR/MSG 91, but can’t find any manufacturer info as to their stated accuracy. I’ve looked at the DPMS and Armalite SASS, but have never owned or shot anything by either company.

Suggestions please gentlemen.
 
#4
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

I searched the threads and I was able to find one that discussed DPMS and Armalite, which many members here said were good to go. I was wondering if there were any new thoughts on the topic - the accuracy of said platforms, etc.
 
#5
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

I searched the threads and I was able to find one that discussed DPMS and Armalite, which many members here said were good to go. I was wondering if there were any new thoughts on the topic - the accuracy of said platforms, etc.
 
#6
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

The Armalite AR10T stainless is plenty accurate and comes from Armalite with a Lothar Walther barrel (crowned, unthreaded), and I believe the SASS does as well, but is threaded. Some early versions of the 10T came with Mike Rock barrels. The SASS rifle has an adjustable gas block for supressor use and comes in 16" and 20". I've built two versions, a 24" stainless 10T cut to 20", and a 16" with an SASS barrel (with a standard gas block). Although I haven't had a chance to really accuracy test either rifle, they both should be sub MOA guns. If you;re going to build your own from scratch, be aware...the SASS gas block assy is available, but very expensive. There are aftermarket adjustable gas blocks available for less, but not sure if they fit the T barrel (gas block dia. is .875" vs. the standrad gas block dia. which is .750)
There are plenty of guys with quality built semi autos shooting right there with the bolt guys.
I wouldn't bother with a DPMS, but that's just me.
There's a ton of info on these rifles at www.ar15.com.
 
#7
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steelcomp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Armalite AR10T stainless is plenty accurate and comes from Armalite with a Lothar Walther barrel (crowned, unthreaded), and I believe the SASS does as well, but is threaded. Some early versions of the 10T came with Mike Rock barrels. The SASS rifle has an adjustable gas block for supressor use and comes in 16" and 20". I've built two versions, a 24" stainless 10T cut to 20", and a 16" with an SASS barrel (with a standard gas block). Although I haven't had a chance to really accuracy test either rifle, they both should be sub MOA guns. If you;re going to build your own from scratch, be aware...the SASS gas block assy is available, but very expensive. There are aftermarket adjustable gas blocks available for less, but not sure if they fit the T barrel (gas block dia. is .875" vs. the standrad gas block dia. which is .750)
There are plenty of guys with quality built semi autos shooting right there with the bolt guys.
I wouldn't bother with a DPMS, but that's just me.
There's a ton of info on these rifles at www.ar15.com. </div></div>

I agree with this, the Armalite AR-10 is probably the quickest, most effective way to get an accurate semi-auto 308.
 
#8
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

I own a Armalite AR10 SASS and an Armalite AR10T (24" stainless Mike Rock barrel) and I enjoy shooting both. I have not sent either out for custom work (unlike my bolt guns), however, both are sub 1 MOA platforms @100 yrds (with factory FGMM or BH match if I do my part). Not bad for $2.5K and under $2K respectively (w/o glass). This said... by late October, hopefully I'll have a Knights SR25 Match in my hands so I can see what that platform can do relative to the Armalites.

 
#9
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

Thanks guys - I keep searching and reading everything I can find and it seems like it has been narrowed down to a few - Armalite and DPMS both seem to have larger groups of dedicated followers.

I've used the USMC SR25 and wasn't really thrilled with it, neither are my friends that carried it for whole deployments. That's actually part of the reason I decided to build this rifle, I wanted to see if I could make something better for a tenth of the price. Unfortunately it seems like it will be rather easy.

Save your money man.
 
#10
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

For the price I have read very good things about the DPMS 308 SASS. Most people say they are sub MOA @ 100 yards with match ammo.

I have a POF 308 that shoots .75 inch groups at 100 yards with match ammo. I think if I did my part I could tighten it up a little more!
 
#11
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

Rob - thanks for the advice on the SR25... perhaps I'm just suffering from upgraditis.

Just saw this Armalite upper on gunbroker - FYI:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=141561812

Would be a great baseline for your platform...
there are also stripped lowers out there (these were generally unavailable in 08/early 09 or were going for a 2-3x premium). If you go this route, you may be able to put the package together for $1500-1700 (depending on the buttstock you go with) w/o optics.
 
#13
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

I have essentially a DPMS SASS that I built from parts.Major difference is handrail ( Larue) and 22" barrel ( Kreiger match),Magpul PRS stock.Accuracy is .5 moa with proper handloads.It was not cheap and it is not light.Not everyones cup of tea but it fills certain roles very well.IE....
DSC00470.jpg

DSC00471.jpg
 
#14
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

For sub 3K, a used/new Gap Ar-10 would be what I was looking for. If you can't find one, a Larue 308 or POF would be my next bet. With that being said, make a list of the components you specifically want, aquire them, then send them off to a competent smith and you will be good to go.
 
#15
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

Yeah, they have a big bandwagon, but ya know how that goes. Just to clarify, I'm not bashing their product - and I'm stoked that the community finally got a semi auto platform, but for that price?? A lot of paying for the name.
 
#16
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

I want to thank everyone for their advice, I need to start looking at the 'ol bank account and making some decisions. Probably need to realize that I can't have light, super accurate, semi, and everything else I want all in one gun. I will be back to bounce some more ideas off you guys in a few days. Thanks all.
 
#17
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

NO gun has it all..they are at best a compromise.At least you have realized a few things before you spent money....figure out what it is you want to do first then find a weapon system that does THAT.Good luck!
 
#18
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

Well, if you really want the Rock River, here's what my LAR-8 Varmint will do:

Winchester Case
Fed 210M primer
Nosler 180 gr. Ballistic Tip
RL-15 42.5 gr.
AVG. = 2624 FPS
SD: 15 FPS
ES: 39 FPS

DSC_0106.jpg


DSC_0261.jpg


If you don't like the 26" barrel on the Varmint model, you could always cut it down.
 
#19
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

Steelhead,
Have you had any issues with the FAL mags as far as reliability, etc.? I have a TON of FAL mags, NIB and like the idea of not having to buy another brand of magazine...

Also just beginning to consider the DI 7.62 so the price of the rifle is right...

Thanks!
Dave
 
#20
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: exhogflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have essentially a DPMS SASS that I built from parts.Major difference is handrail ( Larue) and 22" barrel ( Kreiger match),Magpul PRS stock.Accuracy is .5 moa with proper handloads.It was not cheap and it is not light.Not everyones cup of tea but it fills certain roles very well.IE....
DSC00470.jpg

DSC00471.jpg
</div></div>

How did you get the Larue rail onto your DPMS upper? Custom barrel nut? Thanks.
 
#22
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

I recently acquired a DPMS SASS and have been extremely impressed with it. If I do my part, it will shoot sub-moa with Fed 168 GMM. It far exceeded my expectations in a gas gun in the accuracy department. Well worth a look and every bit as accurate as the Armalites. I have owned both the Armalites, M1A's and now the DPMS. Couldn't be happier with my current rig.

100 yard 5 shot string with Fed GMM 168's....

SASS100yardgroup.jpg
 
#23
Re: 308 SASS recommendations

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DHC45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Steelhead,
Have you had any issues with the FAL mags as far as reliability, etc.? I have a TON of FAL mags, NIB and like the idea of not having to buy another brand of magazine...

Also just beginning to consider the DI 7.62 so the price of the rifle is right...

Thanks!
Dave </div></div>

Dave,

No issues in regard to reliability. I have some old FAL mags that look really worn out, yet function fine in the FAL, but are very tight in the mag well of the LAR-8. These have been culled out and are for FAL use only.

All the newer looking magazines work fine.
 
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