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11/14/2016 9:24:08 PM EDT
I have been scouring the forums trying to decide which entry level AR Platform .308 / AR 10 to go with and seem to be striking out on a solid answer. . . What I dont want to do is buy a rifle ( like I did with my AR15 ) and take lots of stock parts off it, and end up spending money down the road if I dont have to. . . My purpose for buying this gun is a 3-600 yard gun for p-dogs in a year or so

DPMS - Oracle
Pros
  • Can buy locally for $750
  • Magpul Mags easily located
  • relatively easy to find "DPMS" style barrels / hand guards stocks etc

Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • dealing with "you bought a DPMS?!" [*/]
  • Fairly bulky



Rock River LAR-8
Pros
  • Rock River seems to be a trusted brand, though I've never shot one
  • RRA Sells upgrades / replacement parts / mags

Cons
  • minimal documented reviews
  • have to FFL transfer or pay high locally, not that huge of a deal imo. about a wash with tax
  • HAVE to go through RRA For any support parts since they are fairly specific to the RRA LAR-8


DPMS - G2 Series
Pros
  • fixes the detent issues from before
  • Magpul Mags easily located
  • relatively easy to find "DPMS" style barrels / hand guards stocks etc


Cons


  • minimal documentation on longevity
  • Not Locally available, FFL Transfer

    [li]no aftermarket support for barrels, potentially when I get good enough to need one, there will be




11/14/2016 9:49:42 PM EDT
[#1]
If you are going with entry level then Armalite AR10A would be worth looking at.

However, I see you say you don't want to take off stock parts and spend more money down the road. If you buy an entry level gun the chances are high that you are going to want to do just that.

You are going to have tons of choices on upgrades and start out at the cheapest technology if you go with the DPMS.

Outdated technology? You are reading too much into it.
11/15/2016 1:10:53 AM EDT
[#2]
A 308 for prairie dogs?
11/15/2016 1:57:00 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
A 308 for prairie dogs?
View Quote


I thought the same thing also.  Still, it's a rifle shooting a bullet, and it can work.  Vaporization comes to mind.

Regardless of the right-tool-for-the-job scenario, I'm an Armalite AR10 guy.  However, the long standing DPMS or at least DPMS-style platforms probably offer more variety in component selection.  OP, I think you'll find that with big caliber AR's like the DPMS, Armalite, and other brands, you will likely do less switching and jumping around in component juggling when you get a good working rifle.  I have two AR10's in .308...one 16" and one 20" barrels.  I switched handguards on both and the buttstock on one.  That's about it.  On my AR15's I've done all manner of dinking with them.  They just seem to encourage that sort of thing until you get each one in the exact configuration that suits your needs.
11/15/2016 3:40:43 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
I have been scouring the forums trying to decide which entry level AR Platform .308 / AR 10 to go with and seem to be striking out on a solid answer. . . What I dont want to do is buy a rifle ( like I did with my AR15 ) and take lots of stock parts off it, and end up spending money down the road if I dont have to. . . My purpose for buying this gun is a 3-600 yard gun for p-dogs in a year or so

DPMS - Oracle
Pros
  • Can buy locally for $750
  • Magpul Mags easily located
  • relatively easy to find "DPMS" style barrels / hand guards stocks etc

Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • dealing with "you bought a DPMS?!" [*/]
  • Fairly bulky



Rock River LAR-8
Pros
  • Rock River seems to be a trusted brand, though I've never shot one
  • RRA Sells upgrades / replacement parts / mags

Cons
  • minimal documented reviews
  • have to FFL transfer or pay high locally, not that huge of a deal imo. about a wash with tax
  • HAVE to go through RRA For any support parts since they are fairly specific to the RRA LAR-8


DPMS - G2 Series
Pros
  • fixes the detent issues from before
  • Magpul Mags easily located
  • relatively easy to find "DPMS" style barrels / hand guards stocks etc


Cons


  • minimal documentation on longevity
  • Not Locally available, FFL Transfer

    [li]no aftermarket support for barrels, potentially when I get good enough to need one, there will be




View Quote

I know your not asking what caliber you should get but...I shoot prairie dogs with .223 AR-15's. I only get to go once a year and normally shoot anywhere from 2000-3000 rounds. You'd be way better off building a 24-26" .223 with a WOA or Shilen, etc. barrel and a DPMS Lo-Pro slick side upper. My G2 is just a toy with no factory support or spare parts availability. If you get a 1-8 twist barrel you can easily shoot to 600 yds with 77 and 80 grain bullets. A quality fast twist barrel will still shoot lighter 50-55 grain bullets quite well.
11/15/2016 5:53:10 AM EDT
[#5]
I worded the title on this thread poorly. sorry about that. I have no problems replacing parts if needed, I just don't want to have to upgrade a barrel on a gun that started on the higher end of my budget. I am okay buying an inferior gun and putting the parts into it to make it better, would rather build a complete rifle but it does not look like it is a cookie cutter as AR 15s are. Reason for the 308 interest in general is that some of my buddies went out pdog hunting and said the 20-30 mph sustained winds were tough with a .223 / 5.56

I have an AR15 platform that will go with me as well, but both the Wife and I want a gun to shoot. . . for when I get back home, would that same 20-24" barrel w/ 55ish grain bullet take down a coyote at 300ish?

As for the overkill..  I know that the 308 is overkill for the prairie dogs, kind of what I was going for, so when I get done I have a deer / coyote rifle with a little more reach ( or so I thought )
11/15/2016 7:53:27 AM EDT
[#6]
Armalite DEF10 is what you seek.
11/15/2016 8:38:10 AM EDT
[#7]
DPMS G2
11/15/2016 8:40:27 AM EDT
[#8]
I got an LR-308 last year on sale for $650
I put on $125 accessories ( ambi safety, grip, MOE stock, BUIS) and I just added good nuff optics $150

It shoots well, and is reliable. I'm pleased. And let anyone smirk at DPMS... I'm ringing steel at 500 and I'm in the gun $925
11/15/2016 8:52:30 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
Armalite DEF10 is what you seek.
View Quote



+1



11/15/2016 8:07:26 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
DPMS G2
View Quote





This is the decision I made after looking at options .  I had some extra parts and installed a Knights rail a, stock and grip as well as an SSA-e trigger .
11/15/2016 9:44:00 PM EDT
[#11]
It will be a good one.
If you cant get it to shoot to your accuracy requirement, you have nearly unlimited options on high quality aftermarket barrels.
Chances are good you'll be able to get the stock rifle to 1moa (average) with some working in.
11/15/2016 10:38:13 PM EDT
[#12]
DPMS AR15s and 308 are worlds apart and anyone scoffing at DPMS hasn't been behind one.  I have yet to see one that doesn't shoot like a laser.  I had one and no longer do and wish I still did, thing would print .3 with handloads on 5 round groups of 3.  I paid about 1k for it.  People at my club with them all have the same type accuracy but, you need to find the load she likes

Def 10A is real nice and the price is right
G12 is nice as well but don't know about widespread accuracy
LR 308 is a proven platform

I'd go LR308
11/15/2016 11:09:58 PM EDT
[#13]
I just watched a G2 Recon go for $1100 today BNIB on gunbroker too..


Going to through another one into the mix after more research.. M&P10. looks like a lot of favorable reviews on that one right out of the box, and I like that it is an 18" Barrel.
11/16/2016 12:31:31 PM EDT
[#14]
Brownells now has the Oracle on sale for $750 shipped.  I know it's not as top tier as some other rifles out there but that's a hell of a price to get into the platform.
11/16/2016 1:05:51 PM EDT
[#15]
Dunham's (Midwest sports store) has them for that price through Thursday. .. was dragging my feet to see if any black Friday deals come up. I've seen posts where people got the Oracle for $700 so if I miss it it will come along again. Have all winter and spring before ill feel like really messing with it outside.
11/16/2016 3:37:39 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:
I just watched a G2 Recon go for $1100 today BNIB on gunbroker too..


Going to through another one into the mix after more research.. M&P10. looks like a lot of favorable reviews on that one right out of the box, and I like that it is an 18" Barrel.
View Quote



I've had an M&P10 for several years now, and it has been outstanding.  I wanted an 18" barrel and lightweight, and the M&P10 fit the description.  Accuracy is great, and it performs flawlessly.  For the price, it is hard to beat.
11/16/2016 4:05:55 PM EDT
[#17]
I went with the DPMS G2 because it really brings a few innovations and lightweight that noone else can match right now.  The tradeoff is, no spare parts likely until 2017 because DPMS cant build enough to keep up with the demand.  The DPMS barrels arent $700 hand lapped customs, but they are very good and more accurate than typical.  DPMS makes very good barrels.  I went with a Bull because its a blank slate and I did what I wanted with it, but seeing Recons around for $1100-$1200 lately has been very tempting.    

There isnt a LOT of data out there, but a bunch of gamers are running DPMS G2's in competitions because of the weight and ease of accepting AR15 parts.  You could reach out to some of those guys for more info, im sure a few have been through a lot of rounds.
11/16/2016 5:39:53 PM EDT
[#18]
Another vote for the Def 10. More accurate than I expected and probably more accurate than I can shoot. Runs flawless on milsurp or commercial and match. You can rebuild the whole rifle with Quality engineered parts unlike some of the other Manufacturers. Light weight, accurate and reliable, you Can't go wrong if you want to actually carry it.
11/16/2016 6:09:02 PM EDT
[#19]
No DPMS stigma when talking .308. If you are on a budget, your money will go farthest with a DPMS .308.

11/17/2016 2:46:28 AM EDT
[#20]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3fiqecEO7A
11/17/2016 11:05:35 AM EDT
[#21]
Everything you are looking for cries out for you just purchasing a stripped upper and lower receiver set.

Then build it to your specifications.

It has 2 advantages: 1) it's exactly what you want 2) you purchase the expensive parts (especially the barrel and trigger) when you have the money.

These are easy rifles to assemble, and there are tons of videos on YouTube that demonstrate how, as well as the wealth of information available here.

11/17/2016 4:06:27 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Quoted:
I worded the title on this thread poorly. sorry about that. I have no problems replacing parts if needed, I just don't want to have to upgrade a barrel on a gun that started on the higher end of my budget. I am okay buying an inferior gun and putting the parts into it to make it better, would rather build a complete rifle but it does not look like it is a cookie cutter as AR 15s are. Reason for the 308 interest in general is that some of my buddies went out pdog hunting and said the 20-30 mph sustained winds were tough with a .223 / 5.56

I have an AR15 platform that will go with me as well, but both the Wife and I want a gun to shoot. . . for when I get back home, would that same 20-24" barrel w/ 55ish grain bullet take down a coyote at 300ish?

As for the overkill..  I know that the 308 is overkill for the prairie dogs, kind of what I was going for, so when I get done I have a deer / coyote rifle with a little more reach ( or so I thought )
View Quote

6.5 Grendel? Barrels and bolts from Alexander Arms.
11/17/2016 7:04:52 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
Quoted:
6.5 Grendel? Barrels and bolts from Alexander Arms.
View Quote


My thoughts exactly.  You could just buy one of the uppers below and slap it on your AR15 lower and call it a day.  6.5G's high ballistic coefficient helps retain velocity and "buck" the wind.

http://shopalexanderarms.com/6_5_Grendel-Uppers.html

http://www.jsesurplus.com/65grendel.aspx

ETA clicky links
11/18/2016 11:20:47 AM EDT
[#24]
I was looking at .308 AR's just before the election.

It seemed like the LGS's had a good, better, best option with the DPMS being the lowest priced "good" option.

The S&W M&P10 was the next step up.

Then after that was the DPMS G2 Recon.

And then there were the two piston options:

1.  The Ruger SR762
2.  The Sig 716

The Sig 716 is out because of weight.  Better eat your Wheaties if you're going to lug it any farther than the car to the bench and then from the bench back to the car.

The Ruger SR762 intrigued me, but the price point was high enough I could buy 2 DPMS Oracles.  The Ruger would maybe be more my thing if Illinois allowed suppressors, since the Ruger has adjustable gas.
11/18/2016 11:47:19 AM EDT
[#25]
Just to muddy the waters

Alexandria Pro Fab from AIM

Upper $470-500 Here

Lower $120 Here Sold out but will be back.

DPMS compatible and comes free floated. I put one together for under $800 and really like it.

11/18/2016 11:50:41 AM EDT
[#26]
two.
11/18/2016 11:50:53 AM EDT
[#27]
damn triple tap
11/19/2016 10:48:25 AM EDT
[#28]
Thanks for all the great feedback fellas. I genuinely appreciate it. I was expecting to get a whole bunch of responses like, did you search, lmgtfy, etc. . .

After doing some research on ballistics and applicability for what I am going to do with the gun, I am going to be building a custom Aero Precision Rifle chambered in a 6.5 Creedmoor. As one member suggested above, you can get all the pieces and parts and not have to swap anything out and double buy anything, and since I dont intend on anything bigger than a whitetail, the 6.5 Creedmoor, though more expensive, is a better round for me. Total parts spending is going to be around $1500-1600.
11/19/2016 11:05:08 AM EDT
[#29]
A precision rifle chambered in 6.5C is NOT entry level. Do your research, then double and triple check your research. Lot more goes into making that round effective well beyond a barrel and rounds.

Good luck, and have fun!
11/19/2016 12:56:35 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Quoted:
A precision rifle chambered in 6.5C is NOT entry level. Do your research, then double and triple check your research. Lot more goes into making that round effective well beyond a barrel and rounds.

Good luck, and have fun!
View Quote


LOL!...yeah, this post has definitely morphed a good distance from its original direction.  Nothing wrong with that, but it's a big leap from a .308 Oracle.  At that point I'd just be tempted to get a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5C and be done with it...with decent glass, of course.  Still, a 6.5C AR would be fun too, though if building one and reloading, I've always been tempted by the .260 AR.
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