308 uppers, buy or build? parts sources?

[AXEMAN]

i bought my DPMS lower stripped and put it together. i need an upper and its buy/modify or build/have built. would rather not have to buy the ar tools if i can help it, but... anyway, i found Rguns and heard stuff about them and found a cheaper place so i dont have to use them unless its a last resort. DPMS, well i am still waiting on a call about an ar15 upper i ordered 11 months ago and have since found and bought so i dont think they are a viable source for anything but parts. i want a specific config, but its not offered so its either buy an upper and modify it or start from scratch. i have seen prices from high to low on components. assembled uppers as low as $165, BCGs for $210, chromed for $250. whats the best way to get a 18" barrel, full length free float tube, a3 upper? i have considered a good match barrel if i go the build modify way.

basically i am looking for sources for parts and thoughts about how others have gotten their uppers built. i know GAP and others make this and that, but i am doing it this way to keep the price down and avoid having to drop a big chunk o change all at once.

i know how people keep their shopping places secret, so pm me if you want and i will keep your secret.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: 308 uppers, buy or build? parts sources?

I'd talk to LoneWolf and see what he recommends. The link to his build is http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1671235&gonew=1#UNREAD. That rifle's a work of art, and though I think you want a bit different gun than he built, I'd probably go to him first if I were trying to do it myself.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: 308 uppers, buy or build? parts sources?

Really the tools are not that expensive and IMHO it's the best way to get what you want.

I am not sure the DPMS uppers will fit in the Bushmaster AR10 block I have.

Now for the Anecdotal info that I just gathered this morning.

I installed a DPMS LR308 bolt carrier group into my AR10 upper with Noveske Barrel. It would lock up on a loaded round of 168gr Federal Gold Metal Match.

It would close on a 1.630 Headspace Gauge (Go Gauge).

It would NOT close on a 1.633 Gauge.

It WOULD lock back on an empty magazine.

I did not see any clearance issues or see any reason that this wouldn't work.

Conversly my AR10 bolt carrier dropped into the LR308 just fine. It cycled and locked back on an empty magazine.

I did not check the headspace because if you were going to use a DPMS barrel in a DPMS upper why not just use the DPMS bolt carrier group.

So it appears that the LR308 and AR10 are closer in design and tolerance than I originally anticipated.

Please keep in mind, this is NOT me saying you should put together a parts mutt without checking it all yourself. There may still be feeding and gas issues.

I just found it interesting that you could most likely use a Noveske, Armalite, etc. barrel in your LR308.

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: 308 uppers, buy or build? parts sources?

here is one thing that i dont get. DPMS has a 18" bull with carbine gas port and hand guard. they want $814 and Rguns sells the same upper, i know he may not have it in stock, but it lists for $650. i am really thinking that i need to just buy the parts and build as long as get the parts from any place but DPMS directly, lol

also, didnt DPMS have a build an upper deal on the site? i cant find it now

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: 308 uppers, buy or build? parts sources?

ok, in comparing lets say a $280 stock DPMS barrel i dont see a reason to not pay another $120 for a kreiger for example. that being said, how does the DPMS SASS barrel rate? compare it the rest of the stock barrels, is it better quality being made for the SASS platform or just another barrel like lets say the 18" fluted bull or the 24" stainless one they have?

im thinking SASS barrel and carbon fiber tube or ventilated metal tube that DPMS uses. hogues tube isnt made for 308s as far as i can tell. thanks

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: 308 uppers, buy or build? parts sources?

its down to ...
dpms sass barrel 18"
YHM lo-pro gas block if it will work
dpms A3 upper receiver
full length free float, either carbon fiber or vented metal
chrome BCG
gas tube



anything missing besides pins and small misc stuff? never built one, so tools too i guess. thoughts or suggestions welcomed.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: 308 uppers, buy or build? parts sources?

Sounds good.

Just going to need the vice block for the upper and a barrel wrench for your intended free-float tube.

Of course you will also need punches, hammer and a bench vise.

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: 308 uppers, buy or build? parts sources?

sweet. gotta unload a few things but ill start the installment plan asap. receiver first i guess. one thing i noticed was its gonna be hard to find everything in stock at one place. $165 is the lowest price i have seen on the receivers so far. i better snag that quick. BCGs are $205-$210 and $250 for chrome. schweet