I've decided to try out an AR platform but am ignorant.  I want to spend around 1.5k and was looking for feedback.

This looked fairly nice..... http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=411254719

Or a Ruger SR-762...known quality...warranty...etc

Any input is appreciated

Thanks much.

Curious, how much you plan on shooting the AR? If you plan on doing a lot, you may want to start with a 5.56 AR15, over a .308 AR10, as your first.

Rugers are heavy and unrefined.

I suggest you look at the S&W M&P 10....

At that price you could really get a nice AR. I'd go 5.56 route instead of 7.62.  Might want to look at Daniel Defense or something along that line.

+1

Appreciate the feedback.  

My 5.56 needs are met by my worked up mini-14..I know blasphemy but it shoots consistent 1.5 @ 100.  I wanted to add a 308 to my small SHTF collection and have considered ptr91, DSA FAL, VEPR's but concluded learning about the AR platform was the best choice even with the added expense.
As far as how much shooting of the 308...probably around 100-150 rounds a month.

I'm a bit surprised the Ruger is disliked as the reviews I've seen seemed positive and I am attracted to the piston over impingement.

The gunbroker gun seemed to have good components.  Any feedback on that?

I'll check out the S&W both my pistols are M&P and are really well made.  Is it true that the receiver extension tube, buffer, spring and bolt carrier are proprietary and not compatible with Armalite or DPMS. The bolt and barrel extension are also proprietary so it won't take a DPMS or Armalite barrel.

Thanks again, the good feedback sure helps the learning curve.

delete...

+2 I've seen to many complaints on the SR 762.

I am in the same boat and went with an S&W MP-10. I will let you know what I think after I get it.

Also, I would not rule out the M14. :-)
I have one and love it. Perfect transition for the Garand guy.

I love the M14/M1a but part of my decision is geared towards getting experience with the AR platform in general.

Right now if someone handed one to me I could shoot it but not much else.  The garands I know well the AR not so much.

I'm leaning to the build on the gunbroker link as it seems non-proprietary and more representative of AR's in general.

I too am wanting a Ruger SR762.
It appears that the early production has had issues feeding from Magpul Gen 3's
Last two pages of this thread explain Rugers solution with recent production. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_121/625493_Ruger_Enters_the_AR10_Market___Short_Range_Report_on_Page_Eight.html&page=1

I just cannot decide what gun to sell to fund a SR762

Once you have a Garand, having a.308 is laregely redundent. If you look at the specs between .308 and .30-06 you'll see that the .30-06 handles heavier bullets a little better for for all practical purposes they're the same cartridge.  I say this as someone who has had a Garand forever and who recently picked up a .308; I'm still waiting to discover what it is I was supposed to have been missing by not having a .308.  

My recommendation is to skip the .308 chambered AR platform and buy a top of the line AR-15 like one of the Colt LE models.  Then, buy a .300 Blackout upper to give you the .30 caliber platform you're looking for.  The great stength of the AR platform is its huge adaptability.  You can use a rifle length scoped upper and get long range DMR performance, a carbine upper for self defense and close range target aquisition, a .300 blackout upper to get 7.62x39 knockdown power (but with much better capabilities with a silencer), and even a .22 LR adapter for backyard plinking.  That doesn't even address the cool things you can mount on picatinny rails.  

On the other hand, if you have an AK-47, all you're ever going to have is an AK-47.  Well okay, there is all that shitty low-cost Soviet ammo that rusts your gun and which can't hit anything beyond 100 yards with.  Big whoop.

If you want 308 I would get a new dpms g2 you can get the 24 for $1050 or so or a ap4 (m4) 308 for $1200.….. One good thing about a at platform over mini14 for a shtf scenario is ar's are a dime a dozen aka, a lot easier to find parts for in a shtf environment if something broke.... And moa or sub moa accuracy.

I would say figure out the features you want and build it yourself. You will save money and get what you want out of the gun.

I'm building a Spikes tactical gun its gonna be about 1600. All high quality parts... you can see my list here http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/645066_My_First_Build___Spikes_Tactical.html

Check out Larue Tactical

You should probably narrow it down a little more.

.308 I'd check out the DPMS Gen2's

.556 I'd check out BCM KMR13 16" ELW-F

Then I'd check out some 1-? illuminated reticle glass & a mount

Or just go 6.8 or 6.5

There's nothing wrong with the Ruger, it's a very good rifle.  I love Ruger revolvers but it's extremely hard to beat the S&W M&P10 for weight, ergonomics, quality, performance and price.  There are several very good options for a .308 AR but, for me, after my research, the M&P10 was a clear winner.  That doesn't mean there aren't better choices but a LaRue or other high end model isn't in my financial future so for a sub $1500ish .308 AR the M&P10 is it.

Have you shot it? Place your opinion on how it performs and not on posts here.



I built a 7.62 FrakenBuild from all new parts... TM lower, DPMS upper parts/barrels, Armalite stock and buffer/tube assembly for less then $1k and in ARFDOM style I was told it was crap .



Runs like a champ, accurate and not an issue other then being unable to afford ammo



Yours is much sexier