That is a FANTASTIC looking rifle

Some great looking builds being posted. I'd sure like to see how they're shooting. How about some range reports.

What's the barrel length?

14.5

That was my plan with the old tubular monolithic, but I was too slow, and missed out on getting one...

added a Tango Down bipod I purchased off the EE.  Still haven't fired her yet.  Cycled a magazine through, looked like everything was working correctly, but going to borrow a go gauge before I test it.

Also, picking up my ACOG today.  Better than a kid at Christmas.

Here is mine...all done.  Looking forward to shooting it.

Question for those of you with low profile gas blocks on your Matens.  Did you butt them right up to the shoulder of the barrel or space them 1/32" off the shoulder?

Mine is almost right up against the shoulder on my Lilja barrel and Syrac gas block. There's about a .010" gap. I think it varies depending on the barrel and gas block being used.

I have a syrac clamp on.  I can't flip it and align.  I left it about .025 from the shoulder.

My complete Maten. I did a function test at the range this weekend, but trigger time was cut short due to the gas block mounting screws loosening and allowing the gas block to shift slightly. In spite of this she functioned just fine, I just didn't want to take any chances. I didn't use locktite on the screws during assembly because I wanted to make sure everything was GTG before setting it. And since I've yet to do that, should I go with red or blue? I have a little packet of rocksett that came with the AAC breakout, would that work better?

I use red loctite. I bet the rockset would work too though. Just be sure its aligned before it sets up.

Good looking rifle BTW.

Genius, You should work for NASA, where was that little tip three months ago.  I've gone down a rabbit hole blaming my buffer, figured out it is my gas block, now I know how to fix it.  Love this thread.

That is a great looking rifle! 16 inch?

Thanks!

I think I might just use the rocksett. I did a little googling and found that it works as well as locktite, but holds up better to higher temps.

Thanks! Yup, 16" Ultra Match.

Got the foliage grip, added some panels, and just have to pick my ACOG and done.

Still have yet to shoot it.  Can't wait.

Nice Maten, you're gonna love shooting it! Are those rail panels from Noveske? If you were to put those rails on the sides and bottom, would it provide enough coverage to protect your hand from heat? I'm wondering if Mega plans to introduce MKM sized keymod panels...

Yes, they are Noveske.  If you go with them, get a heat gun or hair dryer, putting the locking pieces on is IMPOSSIBLE without some heat.  Learned it on my first set.  Heat gun makes it easy.

In terms of heat, on my 556's with panels, it definitely helps.  Not sure i'll be able to get the .308 hot with the prices I've been paying for ammo.  

Picked up my ACOG, have it on with the trijicon mount.  I will try to get a pic up today, but it is a beastly looking build all together.

awesome pics...  im in the process of building my maten.  i cant seem to find the mega trigger or 20" barrel.  its like trying to find a needle in a hay stack... if anyone has one they want to sell or know of one in stock please let me know. pictures with buils sheets have really helped me out... thanks in advance..  allan

First I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread.  It is what inspired me to build one of these awesome rifles. I'm getting close to finishing and will post pics when I do, but I have run into a problem. Does anyone have a .308 vise block that they would be willing to loan?  I would be more than willing to send a security deposit.  Any help would be appreciated, and thanks again for the great thread!
 

Do you have a vise block set for an AR-15 already?  I use something similar to this for both AR-15 and .308 builds.

What part of California are you in? I have a DPMS panther claw which works great.

I'm in riverside county (Temecula). would that panther claw work for the .308 MATEN upper?

Yup, its what I used to complete the job on mine. I'm in Orange County, probably about 60miles from you. If that's not too long of a drive for you, maybe we can set something up.

It would be worth the drive for me to do it right. Shoot me an email. I really appreciate it.

 

I have a few questions regarding the MaTen.

I am currently building one. But trying to decide on which BCG to use. I like the Armalite BCG for the spring loaded firing pin and track record of QC and what not. I had an AR10 for a long that I sold to fund this build.

If I use the Armalite BCG, should I use the Armalite AR10 gas tube as well? I am going with a 20-22" barrel. I know Armalite uses a slightly longer gas tube, and Im curious if I should use their tube with this build. Or if it would cause any problems. I read through a few pages, but nothing about it came up.

So, should I use an Armalite rifle length AR10 tube, or rifle length AR15 tube?

Also, Im going with the PRI Delta handguard with the top rail that ties into the upper receiver. Im aware I need to use the DPMS style barrel nut, but PRI said I should use the Armalite style top rail. Is this correct?

Here is my wish list so far, any input is always appreciated:

MaTen receiver set, non ambi
Armalite BCG
Black Hole Weaponry Barrel
Geiselle SD-E trigger
Armalite, DD, or LMT lpk.
KNS detents
Magpul MOE Fixed rifle stock
Slash heavy buffer and spring
Larue APEG grip
BAD-ASS safety
Phase 5 extended bolt release
PRI Delta handguard
Magpul Pro BUIS
Low profile gas block
And havent decided on what muzzle device yet

Any input would be appreciated, Im always open to new ideas and suggestions.

AR-10 gas tube vs DPMS gas tube will depend on what the barrel is drilled for. My Lilja barrel is DPMS pattern yet drilled for AR-10 gas tube lengths. Get barrel first, then measure.

IIRC, the PRI Delta handguard will not sit flush with the MA-10 receivers.

Two other things I would reconsider are:
Going with Armalite parts in a MATEN will just cause headaches. Stick with a DPMS/SR-25 pattern BCG (Rainier Arms, SI Defense, 7.62 Industries are all top quality)
For the gas block, I would get one thats adjustable. The Syrac Ordnance is adjustable and locks in the adjustments so there are no screws to loosen up or back out. .308 AR's can be a little picky when new and being able to set the gas flow really does help eliminate any potential problems.

How will the Armalite BCG cause problems? From this thread, I have gathered numerous people have had zero issue with them. IIRC, the Armalite AR10 rifle length gas tube is longer so it protrudes further into the upper receiver. I may be backwards on this, I need to check the Armalite FAQ thread again. The Armalite BCG would be the only Armalite part, unless I use their LPK.

I thought Mega made their uppers to operate with both styles of BCGs, as long as you use the correct barrel extension? What other problems would I run into using an Armalite BCG? Any and all help and info if appreciated. Im about to buy 2 AR10 BCGs, one NP3 coated, and one hard chromed just as a back up. I was under the impression they will work just fine. Atleast thats what ive gathered so far from 10-15 pages of this thread so far. Still reading on them though.

I cant find any info on the 308 carriers on SI Defense's website. I think their is something wrong with their site, or my web browser. But Can only get to weapons section, and nowhere to buy parts. 762industries website is down. Lilke they need to pay the bill to godaddy. I have also found a deal on ShadowOpsWeaponry 308 BCG, but can find no other info besides their sales ad. And its a great price. The Armalite is what I can find in stock and at a reasonably non gouged price. Plus, I had an AR10 for a long while, and it ran 100% for almost 1000rds before I sold it.

Ill check out the Syrac GB, also, what do you mean by the PRI will not sit flush? The handguard will not sit flush with the receiver, like a gap between the back of the nut and the receiver? My imagination is not working well today, its hot in the desert....

Nothing is set in stone yet. Im thinking of buying 2 receiver sets as well. The shop I am getting them from has both the Nickel Boron one and standard Anodized one. So, options are still open and nothing set in stone yet. Thanks for any more help you can give me

I didn't say it would cause problems, I said headaches, meaning more trouble than its worth. You can use whatever parts you want, its just easier to stick with one platform (DPMS/SR-25 or AR-10) rather than mixing and matching. Just my opinion and a suggestion after going through the same process.
As for the PRI handguard, I don't think the top rail will be the same height as the receiver. I'm not sure about the one for the AR-10 if you used an AR-10 barrel, bolt, and barrel nut.
Check out the Rainier Arms NiB .308 bolt carrier group. That or the JP Enhanced with their captured buffer system would be my pick if starting over.

I emailed PRI a while back, and they said to use the DPMS style nut with the Armalite top rail. I told him I was using the MaTen receiver, so hopefully he understood. I also emailed Ranier the same question, but have not heard back yet.

I have checked out the Ranier BCG too. But I just read a thread from someone using theirs and having extraction issues. But, they also may have pinpointed it to be a gas issue. Not sure if they have cleared everything up yet, I think its still an on going troubleshooting problem.

I was leaning toward the Armalite mainly because of the spring loaded firing pin. Seems like a nice feature to have to avoid any what if factors associated with slam fires. They put it in there for a reason, and I guess I have just bought into it I also like Armalite stuff. They have a good track record for quality control, and I just really miss my AR10. But I want to build another 308 using PMags, which is why I have chosen not to use Armalite receivers. And they dont sell their A model lowers and uppers yet. Plus, the Mega just looks nicer

Here is that Shadow Ops bcg.

Any insight on this one? Ive always known when things seem to good to be true, they usually are. But still that price is really tempting.

I dont know why, but the low mass carrier kinda turns me off. I always thought it was better to have a heavier carrier and buffer system, as opposed to lighter. But I guess if you use it combined with an adjustable gas block, you can tune it better. I just have not shot a rifle with it, and do not know if its worth the hype. What makes their bolt "enhanced" is it just the material used, or what?

Im wanting to build this the rifle with the best parts available. I know from experience Armalite makes good stuff. But I dont know of the others from personal experience. But, have read plenty good about them. All I do know, is I dont want to use DPMS stuff, or anything that is made by them or whoever they get their parts from. Which makes me a little leery on the other 308 BCGs. I dont know why, I guess Im just being picky.

Expense is not an issue with this rifle. Im doing contracting work here in Afghanistan, and this is what Im treating myself to. The best rifle I can build, no expense spared. Thanks again for the info and advice

By top rail, I mean the rail that bolts to the upper and connects to the forearm as well. Not sure if I made that clear. I tend to do that quite often when trying to explain things and ask questions. Just in case.

I get what you are going for. I built my rifle using as least amount of DPMS parts as possible. However, I do think it has more to do with assembly and configuration of the parts than the brand. JP makes one of the best .308 AR's available and they use DPMS extractors. If you want high end gear, buying a factory rifle is your best bet. I don't think Armalite's stuff is any better than DPMS's. They both work when properly built.

You may be better off with a high end factory gun.

762AR556,

I went with "DPMS" or SR25 pattern Maten just to keep it simple. I chose the JP BCG (only available in dpms pattern) and its the most finely machined AR bcg Ive ever laid hands on. Definitely nicer than an armalite or dpms and made better than "milspec" -I think it will fit what youre looking for.

I thought about buying a complete rifle. But, I like building them better. Makes me proud when I build a rifle. A couple buddy's I have, one bought a Daniel Defense, the other built one. So far, they've had well over 50 of all sorts of malfunctions in less than 500rds between the two of them. Mine has only failed twice because of one crappy really old magazine. Which I still use just to practice clearing jams, haha. They don't like going to the Range with me anymore. But, I don't want to buy anymore complete ARs. I love putting these together. Which is why I choose the MaTen.

Thanks for the advice though. I may still buy a Larue just because. Wish I could get on of their bcgs instead. Just because they're from Texas.

So, what makes JP's bolt enhanced? Is it just material and machining? Our have they done something else to enhance it?

I've chosen to go with the Armalite bcg, mainly because I found some on the EE and the guy will hold them for me until October when I get my second check. He is willing to do me a favor, so I'm gonna buy his gear. But I have s second upper, and I'm gonna build that one with the JP bcg. Just to do my own comparison. The shop I'm getting the set from, has 2, one anodized and one nickel coated. I think I might get both, just because the nickel one is Purdy and you can never have too many 308s. Heh.

Thanks again for the advice guys. Keep it coming. I have until October to make up my mind. Noting is set in sine except I'm building on the MaTen receivers. I might be a Black Rain as well, but haven't seen much info on them or pictures either. But I like the different look of their AR15 sets. I'm kinda bored with the standard looking receivers. Just like seeing different stuff. It's become an obsession lately....

ACOG finally went on.  Haven't been to the range yet, but ASAP just to zero it in.  Using the stock Trijicon mount.  Thinking about a quick release.  The acog is a beast, and it would be nice to be able to take it off and not have to rezero it...  I'll keep an eye on the EE.

Will ambi mag catches work with the Mega MaTen? I was curious about the Norgon ambi mag catch and KAC ambi mag catch.

I've got a norgon in mine.  Works fine.  I not familiar with the KAC's mechanics but if it's anything like the norgon then it should be good to go.

Did a test fit today with Rainier Arms Select™ .308 Barrel - 16 SS.  Now I'm wondering if I should have gone 18 inch barrel instead.  I still like it though.




 

I got my receivers yesterday. I ended up getting the amb model. Now I have a few questions.

I am getting a Geissele SD-C trigger.

Which trigger pins should I use, or do they come with some? I read awhile ago that they do recommend your DO NOT use KNS pins. But cant seem to find the thread anymore. Is this still the case? If so, would the JP Anti rotation pins be good?

If not, which lower parts kit should I get? I want the best I can get, I dont mind spending extra for quality. I was thinking Armalite or Daniel Defense. Or, if there is anything better than these two, I am willing to get that. I just want to get the best that I can find. No expense sparred.

Im trying to decide bewteen the BAD-ASS or the CASS. Im just thinking the CASS to have the extra assurance of the dove tail connection because I remember reading a long while ago that these ambi safeties have a tendency to sher the bolt head off, and the CASS pretty much eliminates that possibility.

So, is there anything else I should get or take a look at? Any and all suggestions are appreciated. The Mega barrel is on the way, got the 20", and Im still debating on the forearm. The two main ones im looking at are the PRI Delta Forearm and the Lancer LCH7. Am open to suggestions on those as well, I have been checking out the KeyMod stuff, just not sure if I like whats out there right now. Only ones I found in 308 are the new CMMG, KAC, and one more I cant remember.

Thanks for any info guys, Im getting all the parts ordered, and when Im home for Thanksgiving, Im gonna put her together and go break her in.

You don't need kns or anti roll pins, the geissele pins work great.  Everything else seems like personal choice.  I have the JP handguard extended length, looks great with the 20" but not key mod.  Palmetto state armory has a good LPK with no fire control assembly.
From your previous list of parts, I have the apeg grip as well, it takes some dremelling to fit on.  It can be done, but it takes some time, if you don't want to have to do it I would get something else.  The maten takes the ar-15 version, ar-10 version of grips will have a gap.

Im looking to get a magpul PRS stock, do i buy the ar10 version or the ar15? im assuming the ar15, but i figured id ask

You need the AR10 version because the cheek riser is a tad bit shorter to allow for the much larger 308 charging handle.  If you get the AR15 version, the charging handle will hit the cheek riser if you have it up high enough.

You can modify the AR-15 version to work, but its easier to just get the right stock.
You need the AR-10 version.

okay thanks. so does it take a AR10 receiver extension?

If I were to use a Noveske barrel in a MATEN upper wouldn't I want to use an armalite BCG?

This is from me trying to read through 46+ pages

Yes, Noveske barrels require AR10 (Armalite) BCG's.

I have a mega barrel which is DPMS patterned, but am thinking about buying another upper and putting a Noveske barrel on it.  Problem with that is i can't seem to justify it.  I'll make something up soon.

Looking for any recommendations on a particular gas tube.

Any mid length gas tube should work.