Build or Buy .308 AR

[Cold_Bore_88]

I currently own a Sig 716. It shoots great and has had zero failures. The only problem I have is that the customization is very restrictive (Thanks Sig) and it is heavy as hell.

I built my 5.56 Seekins 10.5" SBR an it shoots around 1 MOA on AVG. From time to time I have 3 shot groups in UNDER 1".

I am now focusing on the .308. My question is wether or not to build something custom or buy something close to what I want.

My brother in law has a GAP-10. It shoots good and comes from a very reputable company. What I am about to say next will probably be torn apart by GAP lovers but, even he admitted it was probably not worth the wait and money.

Now let me rebut the statement by saying I want a GA bolt eventually. I think they are beautiful guns.

As far as semi autos go, I want to know if it I still plausible to build a sub MOA .308 specifically how I like it.

My argument against GA is the upper. I am not a fan of the rail. The LaRue is an option but lead time and customer service are an issue. And LMT is just was too overpriced. And neither LaRue or LMT have a forward assist.

I am actually leaning towards the Colt Comp PRO CRL 16. Light, easily customizable and still shoots sub MOA. Pretty close to what I want.

Give me your advice. Build or buy?

 

[HKpirate]

My current build is a Mega Arms matched maten set along with a ton of jp parts. I am a big fan of building what you want to the first time rather than buying a gun and adding more parts to to get what you want. But if I were to buy a already built gun its would either be a GAP-10 or a JP LRP-07. Now I am a little bit of a JP fan boy so take that for what its worth. I have a small amount of time behind the GAP-10 and it was a tack driver and the craftsmanship is top notch.

At the end of the day the guys at both GA precision and JP were great to talk to on the phone and were more than happy to answer any and all questions. I seemed to have lucked out talking with Larue as everyone I have talked to were extremely nice and I know many people do not like them as a company but they make some amazing looking rifles with the biggest draw back being wait times.

I love building the guns I shoot with the term build being used lightly as slapping parts together isn't exactly building I felt extremely comfortable with the companies I choose to do business with. And at the end of the day feeling good about where you spend money is a key for me.

 

[ORD]

There are dozens of "Buy or Build" threads floating around, several of which reference some (if not all) of the platforms that have your attention. Have a read.

That said...

It all comes down to what specifically you want/need/expect from the rifle, how much you want to spend, how long you want to wait and whether you want to "buy off the rack" or you want a true "custom" rifle. The GAP-10 is one of the single finest precision semi-auto rifles available today, but the rail/handguard setup isn't for everyone and if it is that big a deal for you...skip it and find something else. Some people don't like the integration of the handguard/upper receiver monolithic rail and the addt'l height that it adds to the system (despite being able to get your optics down lower thanks to the forward relief in the rail). It is what it is...again...don't like it...move on. As for whether or not a GAP-10 is worth the wait or money...those are highly subjective matters that really don't have much bearing at the end of the day. One man's $3k is another man's pocket change and to some...a nearly year-long wait isn't really so bad, especially if at the end of that year you get everything you wanted/expected and more. Also, I'm assuming that you have seen the "new" rail that George has designed that is coming out soon and you aren't referring to the "older" POF/Hogan style rails which your BIL likely has? If so, move on. If you've not seen the new model...have a gander at the new stuff before you pass judgment too quickly. There is a lengthy thread here on the Hide wherein the membership basically gave George considerable input on options/specs for the rail and picked the new rail design from a couple options. They are sexy beasts in my opinion and I'm hopeful that maybe George will see his way clear to sell some in the open market to folks who want a much-deserved facelift and features enhancement for their aging POFs!

If you can find a factory rifle that gets you +90% of everything you want and the other 10% can be easily (or at least readily) addressed in the aftermarket through upgrades like FCG, stocks, etc., then have at it. If not, suck it up and go custom. There are far more than just GAP when it comes to the custom, precision semi-auto market, and many who will work with you on a variety of different options that will better help to get the rifle to "exactly" what YOU want/need.

Finally, having a forward assist on a large-frame semi-auto is like putting an elevator in an outhouse...not needed and really out of place!! The only reason that most have them nowadays was for competing in gubment kontract runs where they were otherwise mandated. Most mfgs of large-frame ARs didn't include them on rifles until the more recent history of the platforms. If the added carrier weight, inertia, force etc. of the larger operating system can't get the round chambered for you...jamming on a FA isn't likely a great idea for getting the job done! If you think that you MUST HAVE A FA on your large-frame AR...have at it, but for heaven's sake...don't let that silliness be a deal-breaker for you on other options out on the market.


Oh...and to throw yet another wrench in this whole works...Seekins is introducing their new large-frame AR at SHOT (there's a thread here from earlier today/yesterday and one on the Seekins industry forum on BARFCOM). Its @#$%ing beautiful (in my eyes anyway) and will have a TON of features that you don't generally see in even the custom world. Think of a Seekins iRMT-3 on steroids! Glen has indicated prices on complete rifles in the ~$2400 range which is HIGHLY competitive given the specs/features released thus far...no word on exact availability yet.

 

[Cold_Bore_88]

My current build is a Mega Arms matched maten set along with a ton of jp parts. I am a big fan of building what you want to the first time rather than buying a gun and adding more parts to to get what you want. But if I were to buy a already built gun its would either be a GAP-10 or a JP LRP-07. Now I am a little bit of a JP fan boy so take that for what its worth. I have a small amount of time behind the GAP-10 and it was a tack driver and the craftsmanship is top notch.

At the end of the day the guys at both GA precision and JP were great to talk to on the phone and were more than happy to answer any and all questions. I seemed to have lucked out talking with Larue as everyone I have talked to were extremely nice and I know many people do not like them as a company but they make some amazing looking rifles with the biggest draw back being wait times.

I love building the guns I shoot with the term build being used lightly as slapping parts together isn't exactly building I felt extremely comfortable with the companies I choose to do business with. And at the end of the day feeling good about where you spend money is a key for me.

Thanks for the advice. I guess my real question is whether or not I could build a sub MOA 16". I was looking at various uppers and lowers but have have been paying more attention to the barrel and bolt. Looking at a JP barrel and various bolts.

What kind of accuracy do you get from your custom build?

 

[steelringer]

I built my lower, found a deal on a 14.7" with pinned brake for 16.1" total length on here for a mega.

I shot about 8 rounds through it last week, I didnt zero it I took my scope off my bolt gun, then bolted the scope on the mega. I had a target at 412 in the field so I backed out the mag and fired a shot at the 412 target I seen it hit about 7 mils low and 2 mils right. I adjusted the scope and after the second shot I hit the plate I shot the remaining 5 at the target I was a little low on the target but it was easily sub 3" at 412 with 178 amax and varget mixture. I bought the silent capture and put a gisselle ssae in the rifle and those 2 things have made an absolute awesome difference.

 

[Shoottothrill]

I am no AR anything expert, but I do own a Gap-10. I hadn't shot a gas gun in 10 years and was shooting 3/4" 5 shot groups at 100. I know that any good gas gun shooter with good ammo could easily shoot one ragged hole groups at 100 yards with this rifle. I won't get upset with ya cause I love my Gap-10. My advice is to buy one. Resale, if ya don't like it will be better than your Frankenweener
AR-10, and I bet ya don't sell it. I shot a grasshopper of the top of my target at 100 yards the first time I had it out. Also 640 yard steel was easy. Gonna go to a 1000 next time out. This is my 1 yard to 1000 yard rifle right now and really like it.

 

[shooterrdy]

Build. Use the Mega Maten billet matched upper lower and Krieger Barrel, run the Armalite or JP bolt, then you can go light with say a PRI carbon fiber tube or a bit heavier with a Key Mod like a Knights URX rail. Grip, Stock,Color,Trigger, Ambi controls, Charging handle, etc. ALL Your Choice and most are now in stock ready to ship again now. I used JC Customs out of Van Buren AR for mine its a M110 clone in FDE cerakote. Still want a JP silent capture recoil spring and PRI Charging handle but other wise GTG. very accurate and reliable. Should be able to build one hell of a gun for under 2,500. Yes that price will buy one hell of a gun but when your done its yours, Cry Once when you pay for it and its all good times from then on. Consider a 1/10 twist or faster for 175 or heavier bullets.

 

[msat10]

I'll buy before I would build. I seen too many persons have issues with there builds at the range.

 

[Guest]

I contemplated building or buying an AR10 for about a year. I ended up going with a POF P308 in March 2013 and couldn't be happier. Rifle is a laser, recoil is extremely soft and fit and finish is excellent. Couldn't be happier.

 

[HKpirate]

Thanks for the advice. I guess my real question is whether or not I could build a sub MOA 16". I was looking at various uppers and lowers but have have been paying more attention to the barrel and bolt. Looking at a JP barrel and various bolts.

What kind of accuracy do you get from your custom build?

I am running a 18" JP barrel with the matched bolt and it shoots 5shots all touching its crazy how accurate it really is ill get out this weekend and throw a group together and post it up here but that being said my entire gun is made with jp parts minus the upper and lower, prs stock and , SD-E trigger. and Mega arms has a sub MOA guarantee on their new maten barrels and they have a 16" option. And based on your picture you are a seekins fan they have a large frame coming out soon which look sweet IMO. The POF is a very nice system also not a fan of that handguard but when spending a few thousand dollars we are allowed to split hairs.

If your only concern is will you be able to get sub MOA with a build yes you can.

just build your upper with a good barrel and bcg along with a ADJ gas block since every large frame I have shot is terribly over gassed.
I am a fan a building and if you feel confident with it go for it get exactly what you want.

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Here's my suggestion after yesterday. I also recommend Armalite too as I have had good luck with mine as well but very heavy too.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...i-just-lucky-real-dpms-recon-scout-308-a.html

 

[Cold_Bore_88]

Now that I see the DPMS Gen 2 I may wait and see if I can get my hands one one.