Waiting on Epoxy7 the AR10 resident guru to chime in.![]()
Indeed, Epoxy has a wealth of knowledge. One should now look at the DPMS GII RECON among the usual suspects.
Mildcustom2, word on the street is you had your first taste of the AR10.
I'm hooked on AR10's and it will definitely be my next purchase. I'm pretty sure I know which route I'm gonna go.Im looking for some insight into the purchase of ... 7.62 NATO chambered ( Non-Restricted ) Rifle.
Im not interested in a M305 or XCR - AR10 or alike seems to be the path that I am drawn towards. Not interested in "fancy
' adjustable gas blocks and such.
Accuracy is...the most important factor. looking to put rounds a long way down range.
I think you need to define a few more parameters like what is your definition of 'long way down range' and your accuracy requirements for such a range.
Choices are extremely limited, but a non-restricted, 7.62mm semi-auto, that is highly accurate at long range (up to and including near max. effective range of the .308 - say 800m) is a built up national match M1A. Personally, I don't think any of the other currently available offerings (non-restricted semi-autos) meet that.
There are going to be several ARs that will do it, but then you are into a restricted rifle.
Price point also plays a fairly large factor in your choices.
My first 308 AR should be in my hands tomorrow or Thursday, as long as Canpar doesn't get delayed with this snow storm.
So do tell, what model did you choose?
You're probably aware of all these, but there aren't that many out there unfortunately...
Top picks for an AR in .308
H+K Mr.308 (oh so nice. but very expensive)
Armalite SS 16" (most likely what I'll get even though Epoxy would recommend a 20" barrel)
LMT (quality rifle, but heavy)
KAC
DPMS
PWS (interesting for the different system)
Anyways these are just my choices and in no way represent an order of whats best.
Indeed, Epoxy has a wealth of knowledge. One should now look at the DPMS GII RECON among the usual suspects.
Mildcustom2, word on the street is you had your first taste of the AR10.
I think you need to define a few more parameters like what is your definition of 'long way down range' and your accuracy requirements for such a range.
Choices are extremely limited, but a non-restricted, 7.62mm semi-auto, that is highly accurate at long range (up to and including near max. effective range of the .308 - say 800m) is a built up national match M1A. Personally, I don't think any of the other currently available offerings (non-restricted semi-autos) meet that.
There are going to be several ARs that will do it, but then you are into a restricted rifle.
Price point also plays a fairly large factor in your choices.
...Hoping my synopsis up top may answer a few of these questions.
It looks like DPMS has really been improving lately. Previously they were the lowest priced and lower quality. It should be noted that AR308 rifles seem to be built better and nicer with most companies as they are the flag ship. This is the same with DPMS. Also one of the reasons I'm very tempted to give them a try is that they are owned by the Freedom group now. Remington and Bushmaster are part of this.
Lol @ freedom group. That is on my list as one of the reasons to avoid it.
That and the fact there is enough history to warrant steering clear of recent and current DPMS kit - though it's good to see people offering up their hard earned to be guinea pigs.
You must've missed the part where he said accuracy was a must.
Setting up the RFB for hunting, these were the last rounds of the day after the scope and gas system was dialed in:
100yds shooting 180gr factory loaded nosler partitions
(excuse the crappy cell phone pic)
![]()
When the RFB first came out I was involved in accuracy testing for it. We could get 3 round groups in 1 moa, but it opened up after 3. 1.5 was the best 5 rounds. I seem to recall the load was 168 SMK 43.4 varget, federal brass CCI BR primers.
Of interest was the accuracy a number of people had with cheap 145 MFS ammo. I've seen decent 10 round groups posted from a reliable source. Seems the non brass case and 145 ammo were very good in the RFB. I have some but haven't tested it yet. Also of note was that checking the chamber the RFB has a 7.62 chamber not 308. I'm using the scope on another project but it will go back on the RFB. Got sidetracked after the initial flurry of testing and needed the scope.
The 175 SMK I loaded for the RFB turned into an exceptional round for the Armalite AR10. Which was great because the RFB didn't like it. What works in the AR10 24" SS .1:11.25 DnD rifle also works well in the bolt action 5R milspec. It's nice being able to interchange ammo.
No disagreement here that a decent 308AR with a good trigger and barrel will smoke the RFB for accuracy. Let's face it short of a 50K WA2000 not much can run with the 308 AR accuracy wise. The fact it's restricted should be a crime. The modern sporting rifle was deemed prohib then changed to restricted under the guise of no legitimate hunting or sporting purpose. They restricted our generations Mauser action.
Armalite AR10. See mags above. These things are war work horses. They are no frillls built like tank AR rifles. 7175 forged upper/lower. The bolt looks like a big AR15 bolt. In comparison the Gen1 DPMS bolt looks like a toy. Even the LMT gen1 bolt which is a lot nicer than the DPMS doesn't look as solid built as the AR10. No ambi or anything fancy. But they shoot and are tough. With the Gen2 mags I have no concern regarding reliability. The SS barreled versions are often Walther-Lother tripple lapped ceramic coated. The trigger is a decent two stage NM. Although there are better it works fairly well and I like the design. Anyone that's removed or installed one knows what I'm talking about.
The Armalite is the best deal. I currently own three of these rifles. Two are DND versions (What our guys used in Afghanistan) and a recently completed Super SASS (Thanks to fireball for assembling my upper and helping get parts). While you don't get ambi controls or fancy rail systems you do get a rifle that will shoot with the best, is tough and affordable for a 308. They are up to military use.



























