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3/26/2015 2:16:30 PM EDT
I decided I wanted something I could use for Elk season.  Want to keep it light so going with 18 inch barrel.

What I have so far
Quentin D anodized 308 lower
dpms a3 flattop upper low profile w FA and DC

Interested in:
dpms sass 308 18" barrel w micro .963 gas block
RRA 2stage trigger
MI keymod 15"
ergo grip
magpul str or ctr stock
dpms panther muzzle break

also need:
LPK
buffer tube and spring
sights or scope
mid length gas tube

anything else I am forgetting?  Suggestions on parts?  thanks
3/27/2015 12:17:29 AM EDT
[#1]
How much hiking do you plan for each hunt? I do a lot and try to keep my hunting rifle under 13 lbs. That's with scope and ammo. A 18 inch barrel with .963 at the block is going to be pretty heavy. Just my 2 cents.
3/27/2015 12:53:43 AM EDT
[#2]
Yeah thats what i am thinking too the faxon is 2.31 pbs vs 3.46 for the sass both fluted
3/27/2015 1:13:19 AM EDT
[#3]
The DPMS SASS barrel is heavy. I would not want to do a lot of hiking for fun with a rifle built with one. I have a DPMS SASS and its the heaviest semi auto rifle I own. It may be even heavier then my 26" bolt action rifle but I have never weighed the bolt action w/scope to be sure.

AIM surplus has a 18" barrel listed for I think $140 right now. I do not know anything about the maker but might be worth looking at it. Also look at Rainier Arms barrels.
3/27/2015 3:29:55 PM EDT
[#4]
I assume you are building a stalking gun for quick/snap shots within 100m, right? Otherwise you would be going with a bolt action. I have a carbine I built for the same purpose and I used this:

link

No need to lug around a bull barrel for boiler room shots on elk at that range. Just my 2c; ymmv. Good luck with your build.
3/27/2015 4:26:10 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
I assume you are building a stalking gun for quick/snap shots within 100m, right? Otherwise you would be going with a bolt action. I have a carbine I built for the same purpose and I used this:

link

No need to lug around a bull barrel for boiler room shots on elk at that range. Just my 2c; ymmv. Good luck with your build.
View Quote


Went with a Faxon 18" SS heavy fluted weight is 2.31 lbs only 2 ounces more than your 16" rainier armalite....

yes that sass is alot more than what I wanted for sure.
3/27/2015 4:35:22 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
I decided I wanted something I could use for Elk season.  Want to keep it light so going with 18 inch barrel.

What I have so far
Quentin D anodized 308 lower
dpms a3 flattop upper low profile w FA and DC

Interested in:
dpms sass 308 18" barrel w micro .963 gas block
RRA 2stage trigger
MI keymod 15"
ergo grip
magpul str or ctr stock
dpms panther muzzle break

also need:
LPK
buffer tube and spring
sights or scope
mid length gas tube

anything else I am forgetting?  Suggestions on parts?  thanks
View Quote


moving right along ordered the faxon 18 ss heavy fluted barrel.  AIM is out of nickel boron BCG but have the nitride bdg bcg in stock for $169....is it worth the wait on the NiB?
3/28/2015 12:32:27 AM EDT
[#7]
I really like the Nickel Boron. If' that's what you want then I'd wait since hunting season is a few months away. Time is on your side. You might also try the Primary  Arms sites
3/29/2015 3:26:50 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
I decided I wanted something I could use for Elk season.  Want to keep it light so going with 18 inch barrel.

What I have so far
Quentin D anodized 308 lower
dpms a3 flattop upper low profile w FA and DC

Interested in:
dpms sass 308 18" barrel w micro .963 gas block
RRA 2stage trigger
MI keymod 15"
ergo grip
magpul str or ctr stock
dpms panther muzzle break

also need:
LPK
buffer tube and spring
sights or scope
mid length gas tube

anything else I am forgetting?  Suggestions on parts?  thanks
View Quote


Ordered
Quentin d lower anodized
Dpms a3 upper w dc and fa
Faxon 18 inch heavy fluted barrel

Needed
Considering rra stage 2 trigger n 4lb
Slr and mi keymods
Magpul ctr str stock
Aim nib bcg is out of stock
Ergo grip

Recommendations for lpk,  gas block, gas tube, buffer setup and thinking dpms panther flash hider...?
3/29/2015 6:59:29 PM EDT
[#9]
I know PSA has gotten a lot of flak over their PA10 and what parts are proprietary but their BCG is dpms pattern, has FA serrations, worked good on my Maten with rainier match barrel and is in stock. It was tight when first out together, but passed a go gauge and after clean, lube, and break in it's been great. Machine work looked excellent, coating was even. If rather have em on the right side than the loose side. Just a recommendation if you get it a time crunch.
3/29/2015 9:37:09 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:


Ordered
Quentin d lower anodized
Dpms a3 upper w dc and fa
Faxon 18 inch heavy fluted barrel

Needed
Considering rra stage 2 trigger n 4lb
Slr and mi keymods
Magpul ctr str stock
Aim nib bcg is out of stock
Ergo grip

Recommendations for lpk,  gas block, gas tube, buffer setup and thinking dpms panther flash hider...?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I decided I wanted something I could use for Elk season.  Want to keep it light so going with 18 inch barrel.

What I have so far
Quentin D anodized 308 lower
dpms a3 flattop upper low profile w FA and DC

Interested in:
dpms sass 308 18" barrel w micro .963 gas block
RRA 2stage trigger
MI keymod 15"
ergo grip
magpul str or ctr stock
dpms panther muzzle break

also need:
LPK
buffer tube and spring
sights or scope
mid length gas tube

anything else I am forgetting?  Suggestions on parts?  thanks


Ordered
Quentin d lower anodized
Dpms a3 upper w dc and fa
Faxon 18 inch heavy fluted barrel

Needed
Considering rra stage 2 trigger n 4lb
Slr and mi keymods
Magpul ctr str stock
Aim nib bcg is out of stock
Ergo grip

Recommendations for lpk,  gas block, gas tube, buffer setup and thinking dpms panther flash hider...?


Whats the best deal on lpk(for ar15 right?)?

I am not very familiar w buffer system!
3/30/2015 1:28:50 AM EDT
[#11]
Have the bblfluted or dimpled to reduce the weight, but I love hearing stories of folks hunting with their semi auto .308's. It's gaining in popularity and I love it. Soon it will become the norm.
3/30/2015 1:27:43 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
I decided I wanted something I could use for Elk season.  Want to keep it light so going with 18 inch barrel.

What I have so far
Quentin D anodized 308 lower
dpms a3 flattop upper low profile w FA and DC

Interested in:
dpms sass 308 18" barrel w micro .963 gas block  Way too heavy for a hunter
RRA 2stage trigger  Don't get this trigger.  There are much better options for a hunter.  A simple tuned rack trigger or drop-in single stage trigger is what I prefer.
MI keymod 15"
ergo grip
magpul str or ctr stock
dpms panther muzzle break    make sure you know what a .308 with brake will sound like, and reconsider whether you want that kind of blast.  For hog-hunting on multiple targets, they are awesome, if you put electronic muffs on before you start slaying.  For stalking hunts on elk, where chance contact is common, a brake isn't much fun.

also need:
LPK
buffer tube and spring
sights or scope
mid length gas tube

anything else I am forgetting?  Suggestions on parts?  thanks
View Quote


I would get the lightest barrel from the most reputable manufacturer possible, with a chamber leaning on the generous side for the case body and neck, and throat length ideal for your intended loads.  The DPMS SASS barrel is a heavy beast meant for precision shooting from the prone/bipod, not carrying around while hunting.  Trust me, they are exceptionally heavy.

You want a light or medium-light barrel profile.  18" is a good length.

I would start this by looking at what load is going to be suitable for Elk.  For me, that means the Hornady 150gr GMX Superformance factory load.  Hornady 150gr GMX Superformance

Because of the medium-slow burning powder, I would prefer a rifle-length gas system, and seal it well at the gas block and tube.

For these reasons, I would go with a Fulton Armory 18" RLGS lightweight Criterion barrel.  They are very accurate, well-made, and priced just right.  Fulton LW 18" RLGS

You should be cranking the 150gr GMX out at around 2750-2790fps, which is more than adequate for Elk.  It will blow right through them and expands rapidly, without losing any weight other than the polymer tip.  You're looking at 99% weight retention.

The MI KM handguard is great, however, I would also consider a carbon fiber tube.  Just don't grab onto a metal tube in the cold after you have dressed out with bloody hands. A friend of mine pulled the skin off his hand that way.

I don't know what pin length and diameters will be compatibly with the Quentin D lower, so you will have to navigate that aspect yourself, or with the help from others who have them.

For BCG's, I would go with one of these:

JP Lo-Mass with high pressure bolt and firing pin
AP Customs/Rhino Lo-mass BCG
Rubber City Armory fluted carrier and high pressure bolt, black nitrided

For recoil systems, I would go with the JP Silent Captured Spring system and balance it out with your gas system and BCG for optimum cycling.  The 18"/RLGS will help you out with that.

With all that said, I've been down the .308 AR road and got away from it because of 6.5mm.  I currently have a .260 Remington AR on DPMS receivers (basically a 6.5-08), and several 6.5 Grendel AR15's.  A lightweight .308 18" AR will be plenty for elk hunting, but you will need to pay attention to parts selection as you work to keep the gun light.  A lightweight barrel and handguard will go a long way to making that happen for you.

For a scope mount, I would go with Aero precision or NightForce for the lightweight mounts, and get appropriate glass for Elk hunting, where you aren't worried about target knobs getting accidentally turned, glass is clear, quality brand with a solid reputation, great low-light gathering capability, and the ability to hold up to .308 AR recoil and return-to battery shock on the tube.  Leupold Vari X's are good for that, at good price points.

Most importantly, get out and get some training on making hits in the field, in field conditions, at UKD targets with Elk vitals in mind.
3/30/2015 3:01:36 PM EDT
[#13]
just built a recoil system on my 308... A5 vltor tube, regular H2 buffer, 308 length recoil spring. The key to all of it is the adjustable gas block. Ive got an SLR rifleworks that is key when shooting it suppressed. FYI, this is a 16" Rainier Match barrel.
3/31/2015 6:34:39 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:
just built a recoil system on my 308... A5 vltor tube, regular H2 buffer, 308 length recoil spring. The key to all of it is the adjustable gas block. Ive got an SLR rifleworks that is key when shooting it suppressed. FYI, this is a 16" Rainier Match barrel.
View Quote


Thanks ill check them out

I ordered a geissele g2s for $150 today too
3/31/2015 9:00:28 PM EDT
[#15]
I’ve got two 308’s built on the DPMS pattern.   The first one I bought was a 20” DPMS LAR308.   And the other one I built.    I built it as a AR10A2 Carbine.   I use the carbine the most.   I blooded the carbine this year with two cowhorn spikes.   The carbine weights out at a little over 8# empty and that is with the scope and 10# heavy.

First picture is my AR10 on the left and a AR15A2.



At the range with my AR10A2 Carbine.   In this picture it is supporting a Nikon m308 scope, which has sense been replaced with a Primary Arms 4-14x44 FFP scope.



Wolf

3/31/2015 10:10:45 PM EDT
[#16]
What size barrel you got on the ar10 carbine wolf?

how is the primary arms glass?
3/31/2015 10:51:38 PM EDT
[#17]
It’s a DPMS 16” 7.62X51 SPORTICAL.    I bought it through Brownells.  

Wolf
4/1/2015 11:24:14 AM EDT
[#18]
ok right now heres what its looking like

Already Ordered:
QD lower 80% 308
DPMS A4 Upper w DC and FA
Geissele G2S trigger
Faxon 18" Heavy Flutted Barrel (2.31 lbs) (was going dpms sass but that sucker is close to 4lbs)
308 buffer kit w 6 position tube (3.9 ounce, will this be ok or do I need to upgrade the buffer)


Need advise on:
Adjustable gas block .750
gas tube mid length
BCG(want AIM NiB but its out of stock they said a couple weeks on the wait)

Ordering today:
LPK
ergo grip
Magpul ctr or moe stock

trying to keep the rest of the weight down.  I know the barrel isnt the lightest but its what I wanted.  Any other deals on NiB BCGs?



4/1/2015 12:21:32 PM EDT
[#19]
Sent you a PM. :)
4/1/2015 4:38:36 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Quoted:
ok right now heres what its looking like

Already Ordered:
QD lower 80% 308
DPMS A4 Upper w DC and FA
Geissele G2S trigger
Faxon 18" Heavy Flutted Barrel (2.31 lbs) (was going dpms sass but that sucker is close to 4lbs)
308 buffer kit w 6 position tube (3.9 ounce, will this be ok or do I need to upgrade the buffer)


Need advise on:
Adjustable gas block .750
gas tube mid length
BCG(want AIM NiB but its out of stock they said a couple weeks on the wait)

Ordering today:
LPK
ergo grip
Magpul ctr or moe stock

trying to keep the rest of the weight down.  I know the barrel isnt the lightest but its what I wanted.  Any other deals on NiB BCGs?



View Quote


We're honored to be a part of your planned build!
4/1/2015 8:00:18 PM EDT
[#21]
I would buy the nitride BCG without a second thought.  Will look good for the life of it with no staining, cleans up super easy as it is very slick and it's in stock.
4/1/2015 8:47:18 PM EDT
[#22]
Nothing wrong with the RRA 2 stage trigger.

You would be hard pressed to find a better trigger at that price point.

I have geissele triggers as well, and the RRA isn't quite as nice, but it's not twice as expensive either.
4/1/2015 9:32:24 PM EDT
[#23]
Hey man thanks for stoppin by couldnt wait so found the last 18" faxon heavy fluted at a place called area 53.

Already arrived it is super nice and I am excited to get this thing assembled and try it out.

AtotheR
4/1/2015 9:35:05 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Quoted:


We're honored to be a part of your planned build!
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
ok right now heres what its looking like

Already Ordered:
QD lower 80% 308
DPMS A4 Upper w DC and FA
Geissele G2S trigger
Faxon 18" Heavy Flutted Barrel (2.31 lbs) (was going dpms sass but that sucker is close to 4lbs)
308 buffer kit w 6 position tube (3.9 ounce, will this be ok or do I need to upgrade the buffer)


Need advise on:
Adjustable gas block .750
gas tube mid length
BCG(want AIM NiB but its out of stock they said a couple weeks on the wait)

Ordering today:
LPK
ergo grip
Magpul ctr or moe stock

trying to keep the rest of the weight down.  I know the barrel isnt the lightest but its what I wanted.  Any other deals on NiB BCGs?





We're honored to be a part of your planned build!





Hey AIM is out of the NiB BCG right now.  which one did you guys test on and would you recommend any of their other selections in 308?

I like the Nickel Boron but not sure I will end up waiting it out....

Also just bought:

.750 steel park adj gas block
SLR 14 inch low solo keymod my fav
Fulton LPK
4/4/2015 8:37:25 PM EDT
[#25]
Geissele G2S came today its nice and quality.  

AIM said it might be 2 weeks for the bolt carrier group I am trying to get to match up with my faxon barrel.

SLR solo Keymod is on the way to 14"


still need
break or flash hider
and gas tube

Thanks for everyones insight I really appreciate it and cant wait to get to milling the lower this week hopefully I can find some milling bits or are regular bits ok?
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