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Old August 25, 2008, 02:55 PM   #1
threegun
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Researching for my next rifle an AR in 308 need advice

Guys.....and Gals, I have begun my research into my next battle rifle and need some first hand experience to help with my selection.

I want a rifle with iron sights and 16-20 inch barrel and based on the AR platform but in the 308 caliber.

If you own one......what make and model and what kind of reliability, accuracy, durability.....Etc. Any problems? How about recoil........especially compared to the 223 AR?
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Old August 25, 2008, 03:02 PM   #2
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Mine was a 20.0" ArmaLite AR-10 SPR.
It was a very nice rifle, but not a keeper.
I sold it to fund another M14 build.

I have read many good things about DPMS Panther .308 ARs.
Make sure you get a nice two stage AR trigger. Good luck
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Old August 25, 2008, 03:11 PM   #3
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You have a several choices to choose: Armalite, ASA, DPMS, Kinght Armaments, Rock River, Fulton(uses DPMS parts), and Remington(made by DPMS). Personally I really don't know which is better. DPMS is probably the most popular and they get good reviews but I am not fond of the company because of many QC issues with their ARs. Knight's SR-25 is now being adopted by the Army as their new sniper rifle. Also take into account that due to design differences, parts are not interchangeable between different brands of AR-10 rifles.
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Old August 25, 2008, 03:15 PM   #4
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DPMS seems to have alot better rep with their AR-10's than they do with their AR-15's.

couldnt tell you why though...
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Old August 26, 2008, 05:10 AM   #5
wayne in boca
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I have a DPMS LR308 AP4.It is a 16" flat-top .308 carbine with a collapsible stock,forward assist,shell deflector,and flash hider.I had a JP Tactical 4#trigger job done on it,put a Burris Tactical 3-9X40 scope on it,added a CAA stock saddle and a Badger tactical latch.It is short,light (8 1/2 lbs.) and handy,and will shoot into a 1" bull all day with Portugese or South African surplus..The magazines are steel 19 rounders and have had zero malfunctions.A fine rifle.
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Old August 26, 2008, 06:11 AM   #6
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Wayne, How many rounds have you put through the rifle without malfunction?

How is the recoil compared to the ar in 223?
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Old August 26, 2008, 06:44 AM   #7
wayne in boca
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I've put around three hundred rounds through her so far.The factory trigger was atrocious,so after the first 50 rounds,I got a trigger job.Recoil is mild,but you know it ain't a .22.The stock saddle helps a lot with a good cheekweld on the six position collapsible stock.I really like this rifle a lot,and I have her just like I want her now.
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Old August 26, 2008, 11:38 AM   #8
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Wayne, I don't expect the recoil of my 223's but how far off the target does the 308 push you?

Have you ever fired an M-14? If yes is the muzzle rise equal or less?
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Old August 26, 2008, 11:45 AM   #9
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Quote:
hreegun Wayne, I don't expect the recoil of my 223's but how far off the target does the 308 push you?

Have you ever fired an M-14? If yes is the muzzle rise equal or less?
Everything depends on what stock the M14 is in.
If you shoot one in a standard USGI wood or synthetic stock you will notice muzzle rise.
Put the same rifle in a SAGE and the rise is greatly reduced.
Put the same rifle in a LAW483 TROY and you get a push straight back.
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Old August 26, 2008, 03:23 PM   #10
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I love the m-14. I just prefer to keep the platform as close to the same as possible. If I decide to switch to the 308 AR, my existing 223 rifles will stay with me until my boys take them over.
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Old August 27, 2008, 01:05 AM   #11
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I have an Armalite AR-10B. It's the 1950's throwback with the strange hook shaped charging handle. It has the softest recoil of any .308 gun I have fired, and the trigger is crisp and not bad for an AR design. It's a bit heavy, but most batle rifles are. I really like the punch it delivers over its smaller cousin, the AR-15. It handles similar to a FAL, but the narrower peep orifice of the rear sight allows for more precise aiming. It has a case deflector but no forward assist. The stock is a close copy of the original Sudanese AR-10's. I have not been able to try a DPMS .308 to make a fair comparison, but the performance of this rifle has been quite good.

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Old August 27, 2008, 09:11 AM   #12
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Thanks darivs.

Does the Armalite use modified M-14 mags?
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Old August 27, 2008, 01:32 PM   #13
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CMI made 20 and 25 round Gen II AR-10 mags are awesome.
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Old August 27, 2008, 01:38 PM   #14
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I've got an Armalite AR10A4. It's a decent rifle, but honestly I prefer my M1A. More reliable (though harder to scope).
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Old August 28, 2008, 06:13 AM   #15
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Is reliability questionable with the AR platforms in 308 or is it limited to certain manufacturers?
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Old August 28, 2008, 07:54 AM   #16
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Quote:
Is reliability questionable with the AR platforms in 308 or is it limited to certain manufacturers?
I don't think you can make a blanket statement about reliability. I've got a relatively early model AR10A4. The rifle itself is reliable, but the issue is the converted pre-ban M14 magazines. The hold-open device is a tab on the magazine follower that you have to depress to load the mags -- a PITA, but not a reliability issue. However, on my rifle it is easy to not get the magazines seated completely. The first shot is fine, but then the magazine slips lower under recoil so the second round is never chambered.

Now that the federal ban is out of the pictures, Armalite is building new magazines. So I suspect that if you are in a free state (unlike me) and can use the new magazines that this may be a non-issue. I don't have any experience with the other 308 AR platforms out there, so I can't comment on them.
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Old August 28, 2008, 11:43 AM   #17
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I hope others will answer the question of actual reliability.......that is my main hang up now.

I want an AR in 308 if it is reliable. I will get the new mags to avoid any headaches.

Thanks for your help M1911.
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