In terms of value, the first AR308 I bought was a DPMS LR308 at $1500. This was 10 years ago, however the price didn’t change much until a few years ago when the gii model took over. The dpms first gen has a 24” stainless barrel (bought as s target rifle), a slick upper so no forward assist or dust cover, a simple tube for end, a2 furniture and a crappy milspec trigger. So $200 to upgrade to a RR NM trigger. It’s restricted.
Today the Gii version is fancier, has a decent trigger, forged upper/lower, dust cover etc but a crappy for end and basic furniture. It’s about 2k and add another $200 or so for a new hand guard. It’s still restricted.
Others have already done a price comparison to the MH which starts st $3650 for the base model with DPMS A2 furniture. Ambi, threaded, cerekoted and threaded barrel is extra. This includes a standard DPMS basic forend. Anything else is extra. A MH done up the way I would want is over 5K.
So we have a BCL 102 at $1750 that requires a new trigger so $200 starting for a good one and of course you can spend more or less. Handguard is Mlok with quick release point (that will now actually work), it has a dust cover, will have ambi controls including right side bolt release, has a decent enough looking muzzle brake, barrel is threaded, fluted and cerakoted and it’s non restricted.
The only thing I plan on changing is the trigger or lightly modding it, pistol grip and stock. The rest I plan on keeping as is. I think it’s pretty good value. Providing of course that those components are decent. If there any issues, well I found a good barrel for $300 and $200 for a new decent BCG. Not optimal but still a heck of a lot cheaper than it’s closest competitor and frankly competitive in stock form with the restricted options. So no non restricted tax for a change.
Op thanks for the quick review. One of the problems is the 18.5” barrel. I suspect if the barrel was 20” we would have a lot less issues getting high end performance using match grade ammo. In many cases you might be just off the accuracy node as most match ammo is geared for hitting that node FPS with a 20-26” barrel. The printed FPS is 2650 out of a 26” barrel. Fortunately there is a decent rang to hit the accuracy node and some barrels give higher FPS than others.
Now I know there is an accuracy experiment going on but I think they missed the mark. The US military along with Federal gold has already spent millions doing the work for us. The three powder choices universally known for use in these types of rifles are 1) 4064 2) varget 3) RL15. I prefer varget but would use 4064 as well. No need to guess which powders for these rifles. Bullets 168, 175 smk. Amax etc are also good choices.
I’ve said since day one regarding this rifle that my belief is 168 or 175 smk with 43.4-44 grains of varget is likely the right formula for these rifles. 168 and 175 smk with 43.4 is my go to round in both 5R milspec bolt action rifles and 24” AR10t dnd rifles. You're aiming for sub .5 moa . The platform is capable of it. If I were a betting man then I would put money on 44 grains of varget with 2.8 OAL.
For reference Federal gold off the shelf ammo is pretty equivalent to 43 grains of varget for the powder load. I suspect that’s just a bit too slow for these shorter barrels.
As always, reload at your own risk. Start lower and work up, looking for pressure signs etc.
