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Posted: 2/7/2012 10:37:04 AM EDT
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So, I am completely new to the AR world, and am looking to spend some tax-return money on an AR. I would buy one, but it would be more cost-effective to build one from nothing, seeing as the .308's sell for $1200+ and I would have to buy all of the other parts I want, which would push that price even further.
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. Edit: I called blackholeweaponry to clarify what was included, and it is only the barrel. The lack of picture and good description had me confused at first. |
| I was just informed that my current selected lpk in not compatible with the lower, so that will be changed to the LR-308 lpk for the dpms once I can get to a computer. I was also told that the handguard will not work, so I will be searching for a new quad rail as well. |
| Troy makes LR-308 specific handguards that are available in both quad and single top rail configurations that are available around the same price as the MI rails you posted above. They are available through MidwayUSA as well, look under LR-308 as opposed to AR-15 |
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You'll find that many parts on the .308 AR platform are not cross compatible with AR-15 parts so be sure what you are buying is correct for your build.
Looks pretty good! You are on the right track for a nice budget build. couple observations... that bull barrell is going to make the rifle pretty darn heavy. weight sould be a consideration in any build as well as balance. a 18" bull barrell with a little 6 position CAR stock isn't a good combo for balance. It's going to be super nose heavy. research and add up the weight of all your parts and make sure it's not going to be a boat anchor (unless that's what you want). I'd go with a lighter profile barrell and a Magpul ACS stock (or something similar). that's my $.02 |
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Troy makes LR-308 specific handguards that are available in both quad and single top rail configurations that are available around the same price as the MI rails you posted above. They are available through MidwayUSA as well, look under LR-308 as opposed to AR-15 I will definitely look over those, thanks! |
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You'll find that many parts on the .308 AR platform are not cross compatible with AR-15 parts so be sure what you are buying is correct for your build. Looks pretty good! You are on the right track for a nice budget build. couple observations... that bull barrell is going to make the rifle pretty darn heavy. weight sould be a consideration in any build as well as balance. a 18" bull barrell with a little 6 position CAR stock isn't a good combo for balance. It's going to be super nose heavy. research and add up the weight of all your parts and make sure it's not going to be a boat anchor (unless that's what you want). I'd go with a lighter profile barrell and a Magpul ACS stock (or something similar). that's my $.02 That is one area that I neglected. Thank you very much for the suggestion. I will have to check into the heavier adjustable stock or a lighter barrel. I definitely don't want to restrict the maneuverability. Thank you for pointing out that oversight Edit: I think that I will replace the barrel with the Rainier Arms 18" Select and get the magpul stock to help balance everything out. the RA barrel is 2lbs, 10oz as opposed to the 4lbs or so bull barrel. |
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Updated the original post to include the new barrel, gas block, gas tube, and handguard. I think that I am going to wait to "pull the trigger" on the magpul stock until I can assess whether or not it is too front-end-heavy for my liking.
Revised build is up for final comments/hopefully approval. Thanks to everyone on here for providing constructive criticism and accurate feedback to help me realize my AR dream. |
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The barrel you have selected has midlenth gas system, you have a rifle length gas tube. you need to get the midlength gas tube. If you are going through rainier, i would ask them what gas block will work best with that barrel. I did not see that. Thanks :) are there compatibility issues between a gas block and barrel other than diameter? |
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The barrel you have selected has midlenth gas system, you have a rifle length gas tube. you need to get the midlength gas tube. If you are going through rainier, i would ask them what gas block will work best with that barrel. I did not see that. Thanks :) are there compatibility issues between a gas block and barrel other than diameter? i dont have a ton of experience, just my person experience with a rainier ultramatch 308 barrel. i got the stag low profile gas block, and it wouldn't fit. I ended up with the rainier low profile match gas block here. read the description and it will give you an idea of why you might want this block. edit: i couldn't use a clamp on block due to my monolithic upper. just ask rainier to dimple the barrel for the gas block they say will work best. they are good people. |
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http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=44139/avs|Cartridge_1=CTT_308%20Winchester/Product/-308-A3-UPPER-RECEIVER it's about $60 cheaper for the same thing... Bolt/Carrier Group not included on that one. Thanks for keeping an eye out for me though Hate to burst your bubble, but only the BOLT is included, not the carrier. It also comes with the charging handle. |
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Use an MA-TEN receiver set and an Armalite pattern barrel and BCG. It will be a bit more, but you will thank yourself for it later. Trust me and anyone else who has gone this route. I really don't want to spend too much more on this, otherwise I would. Quoted:
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http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=44139/avs|Cartridge_1=CTT_308%20Winchester/Product/-308-A3-UPPER-RECEIVER it's about $60 cheaper for the same thing... Bolt/Carrier Group not included on that one. Thanks for keeping an eye out for me though Hate to burst your bubble, but only the BOLT is included, not the carrier. It also comes with the charging handle. Since it was pointed out that the upper that I selected does not come with a bolt carrier, I have added a Fulton bolt carrier w/ key, firing pin, firing pin retainer, and bolt cam pin. Is there anything else missing? I found a full, detailed breakdown of the AR, and I think that everything is covered. Does anyone else see anything missing or wrong? Thanks again to everyone here helping me put this together. I really appreciate you all taking your time to share your knowledge and experience with a less-experienced person. |
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Quoted: Use an MA-TEN receiver set and an Armalite pattern barrel and BCG. It will be a bit more, but you will thank yourself for it later. Trust me and anyone else who has gone this route. Can you expand on this? Better quality bolt/barrel offerings for Armalite pattern? |
| I've used both BCG in builds and I haven't noticed any more wear on the DPMS than the Armalite parts and I tend to shoot the DPMS patterned guns more. Only benefit I see is the ArmaLite BCG isn't a free float firing pin which could come in handy if for some reason you were using really really sensitive primers. DPMS BCG are available in Chrome, ArmaLite is not, DPMS are slightly cheaper. It also seems that there are more barrels built to be compatible with DPMS bolts, but headspace should always be checked regardless. I will however agree that the Mega receivers are top notch!! If money is a concern though Tactical Machining lowers are great build starters. |
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