thinking about an AR 10 although cost of a total package might be out of reach. i have had a few and didn't fall in love with any of them. POF was unreliable at times,dpms had poor accuracy,PSA was hit and miss quality wise. my gun budget would be about $1500 +/-. from my searching it looks like sig,S&W,springfield,savage. but i wonder whether savage not being well into the type might have some teething issues. want reliability,longevity,accuracy (min 2 moa),weight is a factor. would prefer 18" but 16" seems all the rage as done 1/10. seekins looks like the best choice and i would really prefer the 1/11 twist. 1/10 for M80 type just makes little sense to me if given a choice. that is just not happening by about $1000. no,i'm not going to build one and having 1 done likely wouldn't be much of a savings. scope,mags,ammo (other than my bolt gun match stash) would bring the total to about 2.5 K. so,just asking opinions/experience on these midprice models. tx for input.
This is the only way I see to achieve this given your budget:
Cheapest complete Aero Precision lower direct from their site: $370, maybe cheaper elsewhere? + shipping, FFL fee
1:11 twist .308, X-Caliber 6 groove, 18" SPR contour, rifle gas with headspaced RCA HP bolt and bolt carrier. $665 + shipping
Aero Precision M5E1 upper with 15" MLOK rail graniteridgeoutfitters $350 + shipping
Total: $1,385 - shipping and FFL fee
Still need for $115, Charging handle, gas block, tube, pin, and muzzle device + shipping
There is a post somewhere on this site about a .308 AR build using an X-Caliber barrel and all I remember is that it was a hammer. I think the user has a Ferrari emblem for thumbnail pic. Did not have 5R as an option with 1:11. I'd re-think that a bit.
This gives you a "high pressure" bolt if you want to go 6.5 Creedmoor later but for now you have less chance of cratering with a smaller diameter firing pin which is what it really means.
You have a crappy trigger and stock to upgrade if you want later. 5/8-24 A2 basic FH will be the cheapest muzzle device other than Chinese thread protector. Charging handle, AP ambi is like 80 bucks. Basic .750 gas block and rifle length tube, pin probably could get with the barrel purchase?
EDIT: No, I'm not associated with any of the above companies but have purchased from all except X-Caliber. Don't tempt me into building a 7-08 AR upper.