New to the world of AR

[dtkutchu]

Since I will be getting a decent tax-return check this year, I was thinking of looking into an AR. I would like something based off the AR-15 platform shooting the 308. This will not be used at any ranges past maybe 400 yards.
My main question is: Are there any good rifles based off the AR-15 platform that are chambered in 308 that come in at under around $1200?

 

[Pat M]

Re: New to the world of AR

DPMS, LR308 18" or 24" bull barrel

 

[Oddball Six]

Re: New to the world of AR

Search for the AR-10.

Realize in that price range you are going to be stuck with Bushmaster, Armalite, and DPMS. Maybe RRA as well.

http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/?cat=1737

Alternatively, if you are willing to work on it yourself, you can take advantage of parts sales over time here and elsewhere to put together something you understand with reasonably good component parts.

 

[cwillits505]

Re: New to the world of AR

ahhh a new soul venturing into the AR world.. welcome sir.. welcome to the land of "how much money can I fit into this little tiny package"...

 

[dtkutchu]

Re: New to the world of AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oddball-Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Search for the AR-10.

Realize in that price range you are going to be stuck with Bushmaster, Armalite, and DPMS. Maybe RRA as well.

http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/?cat=1737

Alternatively, if you are willing to work on it yourself, you can take advantage of parts sales over time here and elsewhere to put together something you understand with reasonably good component parts. </div></div>

Would it be a better idea then to assemble it myself? Should I buy upper and lower parts kits, or find a parts list and obtain them all in individual pieces over time? I am quite mechanically inclined, so either way is fine. If I should get parts kits, what manufacturers should be avoided? Thanks for taking the time to help a newbie btw

 

[Elnino31]

Re: New to the world of AR

Just curious, why 308 if you're not shooting past 400yds?

The 223 will provide plenty of accuracy at that range, its much cheaper to shoot, and quality AR's can be had for $1200. Ar10 parts generally cost more and theres a smaller selection. A good spr type build provides accuracy and manueverability.

 

[dtkutchu]

Re: New to the world of AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Elnino31</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just curious, why 308 if you're not shooting past 400yds?

The 223 will provide plenty of accuracy at that range, its much cheaper to shoot, and quality AR's can be had for $1200. Ar10 parts generally cost more and theres a smaller selection. A good spr type build provides accuracy and manueverability. </div></div>

I don't plan on taking it out past 400 yards since there is no such place for me currently, but when I do have a place like that, I don't want to be limited by a small cartridge

 

[BELLYCRAWL]

Re: New to the world of AR

Don't rule out the 6.8 or other AR15 platform chamberings. Lighter, capable, and cheaper. I have not taken this plunge, but I am really considering it. Just do your research.

Blessings,
BC

 

[dtkutchu]

Re: New to the world of AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bellycrawl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't rule out the 6.8 or other AR15 platform chamberings. Lighter, capable, and cheaper. I have not taken this plunge, but I am really considering it. Just do your research.

Blessings,
BC </div></div>

I always do

I always research anything I am tempted to venture into very thoroughly.
If you do start a build or get a new rifle, let me know how it turns out.

 

[dtkutchu]

Re: New to the world of AR

Ok, so I tried to figure everything out and get it all priced out to build. If anyone has the knowledge and patience to give feedback on my ideas, please do so

My main concern is that I missed something while searching for the parts.

DPMS .308 Upgrade Upper, with Forward Assist and Dust Cover
http://www.rguns.net/rifles/rifles-semiauto-ar15-uppers-308.shtml

RRA 6-Position Tactical CAR Stock Kit, Commercial, Black
http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=300

TM-10 Lower Receiver Stripped
https://www.tacticalmachining.com/tm-10-lower-receiver-stripped.html

Daniel Defense Lower Receiver Parts Kit AR-15
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/126821/daniel-defense-lower-receiver-parts-kit-ar-15

18" 308B Match Grade Bull Profile Mid Length Gas System .936 Gas Block - 1x11 Twist
http://www.blackholeweaponry.com/catalog...de438e87ed882fe

And, eventually I will replace the trigger with the RRA 2-stage match kit, and add a DPMS carry handle and front sight, but that is later on.

If anyone has the time and patience to let me know if anything is incompatible or I am missing something, post on here or pm me. Thanks in advance for your time

 

[wfjames22]

Re: New to the world of AR

You will need to use a large frame AR lower (and upper, but you have selected one in your list) if you are going to build a .308. The RRA lower and AR15 LPK will not work. Additionally, not all large frame AR uppers and lowers are interchangeable.

Here's some reading material....
https://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2061177
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1209603
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2241044

 

[dtkutchu]

Re: New to the world of AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You will need to use a large frame AR lower (and upper, but you have selected one in your list) if you are going to build a .308. The RRA lower and AR15 LPK will not work. Additionally, not all large frame AR uppers and lowers are interchangeable.

Here's some reading material....
https://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2061177
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1209603
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2241044 </div></div>

Thanks for the info

will definitely give it a good, careful read

/e Edited previous post to reflect new lower

 

[dtkutchu]

Re: New to the world of AR

Pretty much finalized parts list

DPMS .308 Upgrade Upper, with Forward Assist and Dust Cover
http://www.rguns.net/rifles/rifles-semiauto-ar15-uppers-308.shtml

RRA 6-Position Tactical CAR Stock Kit, Commercial, Black
http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=300

TM-10 Lower Receiver Stripped
https://www.tacticalmachining.com/tm-10-lower-receiver-stripped.html

Daniel Defense Lower Receiver Parts Kit AR-15
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/126821/daniel-defense-lower-receiver-parts-kit-ar-15

18" 308B Match Grade Bull Profile Mid Length Gas System .936 Gas Block - 1x11 Twist
http://www.blackholeweaponry.com/catalog...de438e87ed882fe

Midwest Industries T-Series Free Float Tube Handguard Quad Rail AR-15 Aluminum (mid length)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2344161...-ar-15-aluminum

DPMS Gas Tube AR-15 (mid length)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1413288594/dpms-gas-tube-ar-15

DPMS AR-15, LR-308 Bull Barrel .936" Inside Diameter Aluminum Matte Gas Block
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/147862/...-aluminum-matte

MI Front Flip-up Sight for Rails
http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=2109&cat=1701

DPMS .308 Detachable Carrying Handle
http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=2021&cat=1717

I am pretty sure that everything is compatible and present. If anyone has any thoughts/input on the relatively finalized plan, feel free to share. The total cost for the build as posted is $1340 on the dot, without shipping and FFL cost.

I am keeping iron sights only on it for the time being, since I will be taking the rings and scope off my dad's rifle when it is ready fully assembled and ready to try to stretch its legs.

 

[cwillits505]

Re: New to the world of AR

Ar15 rail systems are not compatible with AR10's.... check above parts list ^^^^^^

 

[wfjames22]

Re: New to the world of AR

The DD LPK isnt going to work, you will need this one. The handguard isnt going to work either, you will need one for a DPMS pattern 308 upper receiver. If I were you, I would go with a low profile gas block and a rifle length handguard (with or without rails). I like the look better when you cannot see the gas block. Below is a picture of what mine looks like, sorry for the crappy phone pic.

 

[dtkutchu]

Re: New to the world of AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The DD LPK isnt going to work, you will need this one. The handguard isnt going to work either, you will need one for a DPMS pattern 308 upper receiver. If I were you, I would go with a low profile gas block and a rifle length handguard (with or without rails). I like the look better when you cannot see the gas block. Below is a picture of what mine looks like, sorry for the crappy phone pic.

</div></div>

I just called TM and they confirmed that I will need the specific lpk you mentioned. I guess I will have to find a handguard in similar looks to the
Other one that will fit the upper

You have been an enormous amount of help. Thank you so much

 

[cwillits505]

Re: New to the world of AR

Dk, check your PMs... I replied to yours and made some suggestions that should get your search off and running...

 

[dtkutchu]

Re: New to the world of AR

Final parts list (I really hope):
I have tried to check for compatibility for all components and make sure that all parts are present, but since this is my first time with this, I am hoping for some feedback and/or thoughts on what I have thus far.
So, here is the current run-down:

DPMS .308 Upgrade Upper, with Forward Assist and Dust Cover
Magpul UBR
TM-10 Lower Receiver Stripped
DPMS Lower Receiver Parts Kit LR-308
Rainier Arms Select™ .308 Barrel - 18 BLK
DPMS Free Float Tube Handguard Quad Rail LRT-SASS LR-308 Rifle Length Aluminum Black
DPMS Gas Tube AR-15 (rifle length)
DPMS Gas Tube Roll Pin AR-15, LR-308
MI Low Profile Gas Block
<a href="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/226869/troy-industries-rear-flip-up-battle-sight-ar-15-flattop-aluminum-black" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">
Troy Industries Rear Flip-Up Battle Sight AR-15 Flattop Aluminum Black</a>
Troy Industries Front Flip-Up Battle Sight HK-Style AR-15 Handguard Height Aluminum Black
POF-USA .308 Triple Port Muzzle Brake
Bolt Carrier, Titan, Chrome, with Chrome Key
Firing Pin Retainer, Titan
Bolt Cam Pin, Titan
Firing Pin, Chrome, Titan

I am pretty sure that everything is compatible and present. If anyone has any thoughts/input on the relatively finalized plan, feel free to share. The total cost for the build as posted is $1450, without shipping and FFL cost.

I am keeping iron sights only on it for the time being, since I will be taking the rings and scope off my dad's rifle when it is ready fully assembled and ready to try to stretch its legs, so rings/optics are not factored in.

 

[Strangedays]

Re: New to the world of AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dtkutchu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Final parts list (I really hope):
I have tried to check for compatibility for all components and make sure that all parts are present, but since this is my first time with this, I am hoping for some feedback and/or thoughts on what I have thus far.
So, here is the current run-down:

DPMS .308 Upgrade Upper, with Forward Assist and Dust Cover
RRA 6-Position Tactical CAR Stock Kit, Commercial, Black
TM-10 Lower Receiver Stripped
DPMS Lower Receiver Parts Kit LR-308
Rainier Arms Select™ .308 Barrel - 18 BLK
DPMS Free Float Tube Handguard Quad Rail LRT-SASS LR-308 Rifle Length Aluminum Black
DPMS Gas Tube AR-15 (rifle length)
DPMS Gas Tube Roll Pin AR-15, LR-308
MI Low Profile Gas Block
MI Front Flip-up Sight for Rails
DPMS .308 Detachable Carrying Handle
POF-USA .308 Triple Port Muzzle Brake
Bolt Carrier, Titan, Chrome, with Chrome Key
Firing Pin Retainer, Titan
Bolt Cam Pin, Titan
Firing Pin, Chrome, Titan

I am pretty sure that everything is compatible and present. If anyone has any thoughts/input on the relatively finalized plan, feel free to share. The total cost for the build as posted is $1450, without shipping and FFL cost.

I am keeping iron sights only on it for the time being, since I will be taking the rings and scope off my dad's rifle when it is ready fully assembled and ready to try to stretch its legs, so rings/optics are not factored in.
</div></div>
If those are your main sights I would go Troy instead. I would also switch out your stock idea. If you are running the 18" barrel then go with a bit heavier stock. Magpul UBR would be a much better choice. Also I would can the brake you have and just buy a RWS brake in the sales section here on the hide. Much cheaper also. The detachable handle is another thing you don't need. Get the troys and thank me later.

 

[wfjames22]

Re: New to the world of AR

If you are going to do all this, I would pony up for a good trigger on the front end. I say this not even owning a good trigger but I do realize what I'm missing after shooting AR's with nice triggers. I shoot my bolt guns much,much more than my AR's but I'm about to start investing in good triggers for my AR's. I've got my sights set on a Geissele SSA-E to start off with.