Re: .308 Rifle Opinions - LMT vs. Larue
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Voltage</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any of these 308s are mostly about the barrels... as far as accuracy is concerned.
I just did a demo using 4 different models and the clear winner for accuracy was the POF... it shot sub .5 MOA out of the box, over an over. Why, they use Rock Creek Barrels. So the barrel is the deciding factor in terms of accuracy.
So, beyond simple 'accuracy" you have to look at other factors, because honestly what is the Larue that a custom AR10 from say GAP can't do ? Besides not being built to spec ? You can spec out a custom AR10, and easily have .5 MOA accuracy simply by getting the rifle fit and finished with a good custom barrel.
Now back to the comparison... I have question ? Where does the innovation lie and who has it, as well what are the long term benefits.
Getting in the door with a $2400 rifle, CM barrel, while it may not be as accurate as the rifle with the match SS barrel, has a lot of great <span style="text-decoration: underline">features...</span> I think features are key. Like allowing the user to order any barrel that can handle a 308 cartridge case and change it themselves in minutes. Be that 243, 260, or 308, you have multi system platform.
Now, let's talk DI versus Piston... in a 308, a piston drive the bolt and chamber area stays 100X cleaner, which is going to translate to function. Especially if you are going to run a suppressor.
I honestly think one of these is way overhyped compared to features... I don't see why someone can't build it just as accurate, cheaper when you consider this site built a custom GAP AR10 back in 2004 that was an absolute Hammer for $1900. If it's simply a matter of the 20MOA receiver... I am sure a upper kit from someone like a JD or if you have one from IRA can work. IRA has 23MOA to suit the S&B crowd so you get more elevation out of it.
Make you're decision but don't fall into the accuracy trap... look at the features, look at the use, and look to the long term. If you want accuracy alone POF has it in spades and I know someone with a bunch in stock right now looking to do a group buy at a SH discount. Accuracy within the system is nothing more than a good barrel. </div></div>
I quote the Larue OBR website...
<span style="color: #FF0000">"The LaRue OBR (Optimized Battle Rifle) was built from the ground up, using a newly designed upper-receiver platform, combined with a lower, inspired from our successful 5.56 MM lower. Both the upper and lower are CNC-machined from billet, for the optimum fit and consistency. Machined from billet 7075-T6, the receiver components are designed with more material in critical areas to alleviate known issues of weakness in 7.62 platforms and to stiffen the receiver....translating into maximum accuracy."
There is more to an accurate AR than the barrel (when your looking for .0X" groups). I know the bolt floats and there is no bedding to worry about... but what about chamber specs? What about harmonics? What if the gas tube it causing tension on the barrel? Its these little things that make the OBR the shooter it is. My OBR shoots sub .25 moa. Not JUST because it uses a better barrel. Look above - "stiffen the receiver". </span>
I know that the POFs run cleaner and the LMTs are switch barrels, I agree the average SHTF ar308 junkie will well served by em', as they are no benchrest weenies - but I am. I use Lapua brass in my semi auto! I'll do anything to get the last .0000002" of my group. I have fallen deep into "the accuracy trap" and couldn't be happier. Couldn't be happier with my OBR.
BTW my OBR has never jammed. </div></div>As mentioned above, the POF has been a billet machined piece for a while now. Nothing new there. I'd like to see some FEN on the Larue receiver and see just exactly where they say it's "stronger" therefore "more accurate". I'd also like to see some FEN comparisons between an Armalite forged 7175 T73 receiver and the 7075 T6 billet pieces.
And "gas tube causing tension on the barrel"?? Really?
I have heard of other people, as well as me, that broke that cheap torque wrench the first time we used it. Fortunately for me a LMT fan gave me a replacement.
