Guns & Outdoors Forum

I would like is semi auto, daylight, 300Yds and under and generally standing offhand unrested. Im nearly settled on .308. Im also considering only a red dot vs scope. Are there any advantages to assembling something that meets the criteria or just shop till I find a model to fit. What kind of performance should be expected from a $2K rifle?

I have a basic DPMS LR-308 (AR-10 pattern) rifle that I think I bought for 800-900 bucks that I have run on steel out to 500 yards with success. The optic on it is a Redfield (when Leupold was making them) 3-9x40. Very basic large platform AR pattern that works great.

If you are wanting to run to 300, I would consider a magnified optic of some sort. Not that you can’t go to 300 with a red-dot, but it’s just easier on the shooter to use a magnified optic.

If I was building what you are talking about, I would probably go with a 1-6 or 1-8x optic on a 16 or 28” barreled AR-10 pattern gun. If you are looking to keep it cheap, go Bear Creek rifle and a Primary Arms optic.

PSA makes a nice rifle under $1k. Plan to replace the trigger.

Build it the way you want it

The new Ruger SFAR the 20" version would probably be about my only consideration - the typical AR-10 is an overweight brick; they were going for something close to 5.56 weight with that platform. Probably a 1-8 optic.

I'd probably go against the grain and rip out the factory whizz-bang 2-stage trigger and drop a standard semi-auto Colt fire control group and lap in the mating surfaces for a clean 7-8 pound single stage. I like "simple" and "works".

I would recommend a 20” barrel .308 and shopping until you find one as close to exactly what you as possible. One recommendation for an upgrade I always make for .308 frame ARs is an adjustable gas block. My DPMS was so ridiculously over gassed that 7.62 NATO spec ammo really slammed the bolt back. I changed that out and I have it tuned way down so any ammo functions.

Bigslug wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 3:21 am The new Ruger SFAR the 20" version would probably be about my only consideration - the typical AR-10 is an overweight brick; they were going for something close to 5.56 weight with that platform. Probably a 1-8 optic.

I'd probably go against the grain and rip out the factory whizz-bang 2-stage trigger and drop a standard semi-auto Colt fire control group and lap in the mating surfaces for a clean 7-8 pound single stage. I like "simple" and "works".

Those are intriguing for the light weight.

But.

You inhaled WAY too many cleaning product fumes if you find a 7-8 pound trigger ideal.

Build the lower. Invariably, I replace the stock, trigger, grip, and trigger guard (if not integral), so why buy a complete lower.

Upper, you can shop around and generally find a complete upper that meets your needs. I like 16”-18” barrels with a 10 twist.

I second the motion to install an adjustable gas block on whatever upper you get.

Also second (or third) the LPVO and go 1-6x or 1-8x.

CPJ 2.0 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 3:03 pm

Bigslug wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 3:21 am The new Ruger SFAR the 20" version would probably be about my only consideration - the typical AR-10 is an overweight brick; they were going for something close to 5.56 weight with that platform. Probably a 1-8 optic.

I'd probably go against the grain and rip out the factory whizz-bang 2-stage trigger and drop a standard semi-auto Colt fire control group and lap in the mating surfaces for a clean 7-8 pound single stage. I like "simple" and "works".

Those are intriguing for the light weight.

But.

You inhaled WAY too many cleaning product fumes if you find a 7-8 pound trigger ideal.

For a 300 yard autoloading social rifle, I'd call it good. Even on long shots, I shoot DA revolvers DA as though the SA notch doesn't exist. I'm a lot more concerned that a trigger be clean than light. Fix the finger.

I saw a lot of folks - myself included - in the Highpower game get burned by "target-grade" fire control and other widgets that failed the durability test mid-match. As such, I instinctively equate "sexy" with "high maintenance" YMMV

What if we told you that you could get a reliable trigger in the 3-4 pound range? That would be amazing, no?!?!

I think I just accidentally reported someone's post.

Anyway, yeah good triggers can be had for about $100.

CPJ 2.0 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:19 pm What if we told you that you could get a reliable trigger in the 3-4 pound range? That would be amazing, no?!?!

You do you, Boo.

The Ruger is compelling. 18 or 20 in barrel, selectable gas check almost adjustable, a pound lighter than most, and within budget. A new trigger in the future and a 1-8x and it would be ready to go. And there is this years whitetail season coming

I have no owned an AR or variant so thanks to all for the helpful detailed info.

Shoot mine. Or Zee’s. Done right, they shoot..

There are two common patterns for big ARs. There is no “mil spec.” DPMS or Armalite. Matching upper and lower parts is the key. They don’t interchange. DPMS is the most common. Just know, you can’t just buy parts.

Adjustable gas block is mandatory…

I grabbed a PSA AR-10 when it was on sale, and I have not been disappointed… at all.