AR10 - Buy or Build

[C.O. Shooter]

This is in the early planning stages, however, have a desire to own an AR10! Something with long range capabilities. I know the AR10 comes in a variety of calibers, but mainly looking at .308. I thought of buying the parts here and there, but also considering the alternative to buy.

I am looking at the Rock River Arms, LAR8 - Varmint A4 w/26" barrel. Rock River Arms: LAR-8 Varmint A4

I would like the Operator CAR Stock and the Advanced Half Quad Handgaurd! I think for the money, this would be hard to beat! Anyone own or shoot one? Impressions or thoughts? Would the 6" of barrel be beneficial to the .308 than the 20"? I understand the gain in FPS. Primary use: paper, rocks, maybe some critters if laws ever permit it.

 

[hawk45]

It will always be cheaper to buy. But if you have specific needs that you can't find in a proprietary offering, then building is the best option.

Do some good research before you build or buy, because unlike the AR15 platform, the AR10 (really 308 AR platform) is not standard. Armalite AR10 platform is one type, DPMS 308AR is different as is RRA make/model. They all use different magazines and barrels. Some parts are interchangeable, but not all. So be sure whatever way you go that you get what you really want.

Cheers.

 

[C.O. Shooter]

Yea RRA has a disclaimer about being interchangeable!

 

[notajeep]

IMO lots of other quality .308's to choose from. If I were going to build a AR-10 I'd go .243 or 22-250.

 

[jbirdhunter]

I like mine.

 

[C.O. Shooter]

I like mine.

Nice, what are the specs on this rifle?

 

[notajeep]

I almost like it too! Looks like you forgot to make the scope match the rest of the weapon. Or I'd like it more!

 

[Varangi]

JMHO-
What type of shooting- Static prone or bench vs. tactical, CQB style?
Practical Distance- Range of shooting?
Weight and ergonomics of platform?

I have used many variations of the SR-25 or DPMS style 308 AR platforms in the last 20 years. These were mostly working "Battle Rifles". Most with field expedient mods to make it run for the conditions. Only in the past 5 years or so did I have ready access to all the bling that the internet offers.
My all around favorite for a factory or pre-built 308 rat gun is Mark Larue's 18" OBR- I outshot the bolt guns out to 1300 yrds. w/ factory Black Hills 175SMK's. It's light enough for occasional walks through the forest.
But, as I get older and wiser- lazier, weight and ergonomics are more important.

The FBI has been experimenting with faster twist barrels and lighter bonded rounds. Without giving up their secrets, 155gr bonded 308's are staying supersonic out past 1200yrds in faster rifling.

I currently use POF's 14.5" gas gun as my primary 308 precision gun when a bolt gun just won't do. It's light and can be carried around all day- and will keep up with most of its longer barreled cousins. I even use this when most are using M4 SPR's. I pull off the scope and mount a red dot or holographic site. Nobody notices until it goes bang.

Good Luck

Mike

 

[C.O. Shooter]

I'm looking for a rifle that I can shoot a variety of targets at variable distances. PA doesn't currently let you hunt with semi auto - AR style rifles at this time. Maybe someday. This would be a rifle to shoot for fun at rocks or paper out to 1000 yds. I do not own a .308, so I figured why not! As far as shooting styles go, I take what ever rest I can get.

 

[C.O. Shooter]

If I go the Rock River route, is the 26" better than the 20" barrel? What would I be gaining/giving up? I know there are pluses and minuses with each!

 

[jbirdhunter]

It is a RRA LAR-8 with a 26" barrel 1:10 twist. I have a badger ordinance muzzle break on it.
The scope is a IOR 6X24X50 with the M-dot extreme (I love that reticle) its the first scope I have spent over $500 on so I'm a little hesitant to paint it

 

[C.O. Shooter]

It is a RRA LAR-8 with a 26" barrel 1:10 twist. I have a badger ordinance muzzle break on it.
The scope is a IOR 6X24X50 with the M-dot extreme (I love that reticle) its the first scope I have spent over $500 on so I'm a little hesitant to paint it

Can you post pictures of any groups you have shot? Thanks!

 

[jbirdhunter]

Can you post pictures of any groups you have shot? Thanks!

CO shooter, I'm just getting it broke/ dialed in so I don't have any groups to show and now I'm getting ready for bow season so I won't be able to shoot for a while. but when I did shot it about a month ago I was very impressed. I picked out a 6" rock at 600y and consistently hit it.

 

[C.O. Shooter]

CO shooter, I'm just getting it broke/ dialed in so I don't have any groups to show and now I'm getting ready for bow season so I won't be able to shoot for a while. but when I did shot it about a month ago I was very impressed. I picked out a 6" rock at 600y and consistently hit it.

You can't complain about that! Thanks!