Ok, need some suggestions for my MA-TEN build.

[motoguy]

I'm looking for some help from those more experienced than I. My previous 308 experience has been with my DSA FAL's (18"), and bolt hunting guns. I recently decided I wanted to play in the 308 AR world, and build a long-distance shooter. I'll be honest and call this a hobby / sniper-fantasy build, as that may be pretty accurate. That doesn't, however, mean I don't want it to be built well.

I picked up an LMT MWS a few weeks ago, and I feel that probably satisfies the short-barrel AR10 wants. I'd like the MA-TEN build to be a non-railed, precision focused, reach-out-and-touch-someone build. I'm also trying to get my NFA trust together, so suppressed usage will definitely be in the future for this gun.

I'm torn between an 18" and 20" barrel for this gun. I've got the 16" MWS, and the 18" FALs, so I'd kind of like to have something a little different. I've always liked the classic 20" AR look as well. However, a 308 AR is heavy enough as it is, and based on some of the reading I've done (for example, http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/ ), it seems that there just isn't much difference between the 18" and 20" barrel performance.

Basically, I -want- a 20" barrel, to have something different than what I've already got. I'm trying to justify this desire with velocity increase. Reality seems to be telling me that if I'm going to mount a suppressor to this beast, that I don't want the suppressor at the end of a 20" barrel. Reality also seems to be telling me that the actual performance difference between the 18" and 20" barrel isn't terribly significant.

What are the thoughts from those who have been here before?

 

[BCP]

Re: Ok, need some suggestions for my MA-TEN build.

Lilja precision make a 20" DPMS 308 pattern barrel that is a drop-in for 450$. Advertised weight is 2.5lbs so about the same weight as many 16-18" match barrels out there, or perhaps lighter.

 

[Mute]

Re: Ok, need some suggestions for my MA-TEN build.

It could make a difference not in weight so much but in how it handles and maneuvers.

 

[BattleAxe]

Re: Ok, need some suggestions for my MA-TEN build.

If you're going to be fighting the wind at distance a 20" barrel can make the difference between finding the target or finding the weeds. An 18 incher is extremely accurate at short-to-medium range but the wind is a game-changer once you get past 600 yards. I was torn between 18 and 20 since I had an 18 on my SASS. I decided on the 20 for my GAP and I'm <span style="text-decoration: underline">very</span> glad I did. When you add wind into the equation the difference between 18 & 20 can be "terribly significant"...<span style="font-style: italic">everything</span> is magnified at distance.

You said you wanted a "long-distance shooter" so when you factor that you're already at a disadvantage choosing a gas gun for that mission it's a no-brainer...go longer.

 

[rchman]

Re: Ok, need some suggestions for my MA-TEN build.

Since you already have the short end covered, each incremental step up (from 16 to 18 and 18 to 20) adds up, so the 20 will probably be worth it otherwise you have closely overlapping rifles.