Ar 308 recommendations

[Anton Chigurh]

First let me say I'm not very well versed in 308 ar platforms. That said I'm thinking on getting into a 20" 308. Some hunting and recreational target work (no comp or anything), not necessarily a carry gun, but 10ish lbs scoped would be nice.

If I'm just buying a complete rifle I've looked a little online at RRA Predator HP (I love my RRA predator pursuit 223) and of course the new Gen II DPMS Hunter. Price is about the same. I know RRA isn't compatible with others and that the Gen II is the latest greatest right now.

The other option is that I already have a DPMS LR 243, so I can use that lower and BCG and just build an upper with whatever custom barrel I can get and still be cheaper than a new rifle. If I go this route I'm thinking Black Hole, Lilja or maybe Shilen thru DTech for barrel. I suppose I'd just get an LR308 A3 upper from Midway for the build.

I'm not in any particular hurry. Having it in 6 mos or less would be preferred though.

So, suggestions from those that know more than me will be appreciated.

 

[Anton Chigurh]

No opinions?

Gen2 Hunter 308

Lar-8 Predator HP

OR

Build LR 308 gen 1 upper with custom barrel??

 

[ss7]

I really like the idea of using an existing setup for your build for a couple of reasons -- reduced initial investment, best quality options for barrel selection, increased value in lower upgrades (like a trigger upgrade), etc.

I would have high expectations with any custom barrel done by a competent smith. Personally, I would have gone that route if I had the patience to wait several months. Now for my shameless plug -- I went with a JP barrel/bolt combination and have had expectations exceeded.

 

[Anton Chigurh]

That where I'm leaning at this point. I've been looking at Black Hole barrels, DPMs LR 308 A3 upper receiver. I could use the BCG I already have, it shouldn't have much wear on it (100-200 rds thru that one is all), but I don't know if using the same BCG on two diff uppers is a good idea or not.

 

[ss7]

There are 2 things that come to mind for sharing the bolt -- wear patterns on the lugs and headspace. Your smith will be able to chamber the barrel and set the headspace using your existing bolt. Personally, I wouldn't be concerned with the shared wear, but its less than $150 to have unique bolts for the barrels for peace of mind...

 

[Anton Chigurh]

Makes sense. I was half way thinking of putting this together myself, as the barrels are supposed to be drop in, but you recommend a smith assemble for proper headspace I guess? I could get a go gauge with the tools and check it, take it to smith if it isn't right.

 

[ss7]

I'm not recommending you have a smith assemble drop in parts. The smith doesn't have an advantage getting the headspace correct on a drop in -- its its either going to be correct or its not. If its off the easiest route is replacing the bolt, not removing the extension and cutting the barrel. He's only going to have control to if he cuts the chamber himself to match (the route I would have considered if I didn't set a time constraint for my build) That said, I don't personally know anyone that has had headspace issues on the AR308 platform and there isn't much talk regarding issue so chances are very low you have anything to worry about.

 

[Anton Chigurh]

Thanks for all the info.

I think I can handle building with drop in parts and few tools that are inexpensive or that I already have (armorer block, barrel nut wrench, torque wrench). Now to nail down the components I'd like to use and compare cost vs buying another rifle. Building does sound like more fun though.