I'm lost.... Please help!

Guys, I've been kicking around getting a .308 AR for some time but I am having a tough time wrapping my brain around this segment of the black rifles. I have many AR15 rifles and have been shooting them for years, but as I start looking into the .308 there is just so much out there that I feel like a noob.

I am considering one of these because I'd like to start using an AR for hunting and I just won't do that with a 5.56 rifle. It seems that most of the 308 crowd is about long range high accuracy shooting and a lot of the hardware is slanted in that direction. I have bolt guns for the tack driving fun and want to stick to a somewhat lightweight field able rifle. There are so many manufacturers in the game and I've read a bit about Armalite parts fitment being different than the other brands. In short, I am lost and don't know where to look. The 308 gear seems to be much more pricey than the 5.56 counterparts.

Basically, I want a good reliable gun that will accept a mag format that is available in both high-cap and 5 round configurations, something flat top with a rail system. I'm not sure on the optic yet but I would also run an IR laser for night shooting. I know this is a vague request for info, but can you guys chime in with some good info for a 308 newbie to include the rundown on the manufacturers and the pros and cons of each? Thanks!

First, there is no "Mil" standard for 7.62x51 (.308 Win.) AR Style rifles, so parts interchangeability between manufacturers should not be expected. However, the Armalite AR-10 shares a lot of parts with the AR-15 style rifles.

Armalite offers rifles that accept their GEN II magazines which can be had in 5, 10, 20, and 25 round capacities. They also offer rifles that will use the same mags as the Knights, Remington, and DPMS style 7.62x51 rifles. I myself prefer the Armalite GEN II magazine format.

As for the pros and cons of each, all you really need to know is Armalite is one of the finest manufacturers with truly excellent curtomer service.

You can't go wrong with adding an AR-10 to the stable..

I bought my 2nd Ar10, a 16" carbine under the guise I was going to use it for hunting. By the time you add a mount, optic, and a loaded mag, its anything but light. Its going to be a good 2-4 pounds heavier than your standard 30-06 bolt.

With an armalite free float, UBR, and a Vortex 1-4x, it is my favorite rifle. Dead nuts reliable from the very beginning. I hardly shoot my AR15s anymore... anything those can do, the Ar10 can do better.

6.8 and don't be late.

Armalite is the best 308 AR second only to the SR25. Thats only because of all the extra crap they do to the SR25 that makes is more accurate, not necessarily more reliable. Like cryo treatments, match barrels, blah blah.

All that stuff, you can do to any model of Armalite AR10, and still have plenty left over for great glass, when compared to the SR25.

Armalite makes a few calibers, but the 308 is most ideal. I wouldnt mind getting a .338 Federal sometime in the future. Never shot one, but I like the idea of it. I opted for the 20" A4 model for my first. With the chrome lined barrel, VLTOR Emod stock, MOE handguards, MI front sight and LMT rear. I love the feel of the mags as opposed to the KAC or Magpul pattern. And you have the option from 5-25, and can use modded M14 mags which work just fine as long as they are cut right.

There is plenty of support for the AR10 as far as rails, sights, etc. Pretty much the only thing you cant get thats available for the SR25 pattern guns, is an ambi mag release. But, it would be easy to fab one up. Armalite's BCG is one of better design. You truly get the most for your money with Armalite. When you consider quality of craftsmanship, customer service, and mostly sub MOA guns out of the box as long as you do your part.

Couple of years ago I decided to buy a .308 AR. I read this sub forum and the .308 AR sub forum then decided I needed to handle one before making a decision. My budget could only afford an entry level one so I went to gunshow to explore my options. No gunshop in my area had them in stock. Found a dealer that had the DPMS and the Armalite AR-10 A4 with green stocks. When i picked them up and handled them it was a no brainer. The Armalite had better fit and finish, better workmanship. I couldn't be happier with my decision.

Educate yourself on what's available. Handle them and if possible shoot other people's. Really the only way for you to make an informed decision and decide which one you will be happy with.

Marty

Thanks for the input, guys. Looks like I have some homework to do.

I am far from an expert on the AR10. I just finished my AR0T in 20 inch BBL. I only shot 120 rounds to see how it would function and it was great. I didnt even get to go shoot more since last range sesion and I ordered another stripped Armalite AR10 lower. I want the same exact gun in a carbine. I didnt even start reloading for it but if I can get 2 MOA out of South African surplus I bet I can get 1 MOA or better out of my reloads without a problem.

This is what my stainless barreled carbine does with the right handloads:

I have:
AR10 SuperSASS
AR10T 24 inch Eagle Arms chrome moly barrel.
AR10A4 rifle
AR10A4 carbine
AR10A2 carbine
spare 24 inch SS 10T upper
spare 24 inch SS 10T upper which has the barrel coated and threaded.

Guess which rifle I am gonna recommend.

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