Re: GAP-10 vs building
I tried the off-the-shelf route, and had 1 out of 3 success, and that was an Armalite/Eagle EA-10 with 24" pipe that shot 1/3 MOA out of the box. The next two were DPMS LR-308 and LR-260. Both are 1.5 MOA and the .308 had extraction problems.
Ray Dog recommended that I have GA Precision build my next one, so I went that route. They sent me a rifle that shoots .5 MOA 5-round groups, and runs reliably.
I turned to them again for my .260 Rem AR, and they sent me a Bartlein-piped rifle that shoots regularly into .4-.6 MOA for 5-round groups with every 123-140gr BTHP and VLD bullets I have tried with it, to include 123gr Scenars, 130gr VLD's, 139gr Scenars,140gr VLD's, & 140gr AMAXs. If I pull a shot, the groups open up to .75 MOA.
I shot a 9.25" group with it on Friday at 1000yds with the 130gr VLD's off the bipod resting on the tailgate of my truck, while laying in the truck bed. I had shifting and light changes in the wind conditions, but held the same POA.
When you buy off-the-shelf, you're rolling the dice with DPMS. When you have GAP build you a rifle, the dealer has the cards already rigged for you.