AR-10 accuracy: Mixing barrel & bolt manufacturers

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I plan on building a lightweight Stag-10 in 308 from an upper/lower combo kit. I've been eyeing up Faxon and Maple Ridge barrels. In terms of tolerances and consistent barrel-bolt lock-up, would it be wise to pair a Faxon BCG with a Maple Ridge barrel, or should I just buy a Faxon BCG and Faxon barrel? Not sure if there's much available for Maple Ridge BCGs online.

The intent of this build is for a lightweight, hard-hitting plinker, so I know asking this question might not make sense with that in mind, but I'd just like to know the facts, no matter how insignificant the subtle details may be. Answers like "technically, yes, but..." are certainly welcome.

Also, any input on prefered brands would be great. I have certainly been considering the Faxon Big Gunner in 18.6". Only slightly heavier than their 20" pencil and would be great for managing heat. Looks perfect for my needs.

P.s. does anyone here have a prefered, definitive DPMS-pattern AR-10 builder's guide he/she may recommend? Any resources on this, and the Stag-10 specifically, are welcome.
 
Buy a Brownells BCG and use it with whatever barrel you choose.
I’ve used two with great success, one with a cheap barrel and one with an expensive barrel
 
IBI barrel out of Chilliwack with brownell brand BCG works well for me but if money is no object BSF carbon fibre barrel with a JP Enterprise low mass BCG from RDSC. Option two is double the price
 
45C said:
Buy a Brownells BCG and use it with whatever barrel you choose.
I’ve used two with great success, one with a cheap barrel and one with an expensive barrel
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Thank you for the feedback! I'll keep that in mind when looking at parts.

Brian46 said:
If going for light, get a low mass BCG
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cruddie said:
IBI barrel out of Chilliwack with brownell brand BCG works well for me but if money is no object BSF carbon fibre barrel with a JP Enterprise low mass BCG from RDSC. Option two is double the price
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Have either of you guys, if you've tried them, had any issues using a low-mass BCG? If I'm willing to compomise on weight a bit, is a regular BCG a better way to go in terms of cycling reliability? Would going the low-mass route just mean getting a lighter buffer and spring? What of the gas system? I hear adjustable set-ups are important for AR-10 builds.
 
Bought two different Faxon barrels - accuracy was atrocious on one and not that great on the other. Much better accuracy on my Criterion 18.5" chrome lined. If I recall, IBI makes the blanks for Maple Ridge but don't quote me on that. I haven't heard anything about Maple Ridge barrels but IBI seems to be highly regarded so out of your two choices I'd go with the Maple Ridge.
 
I don't have a comment on the barrels as I haven't tried both. I have a MRA barrel in 308 but, havent had a chance to do an accuracy test yet(soon).

As for BCG's, as others have said, go with a Brownell's BCG(either full mass or low mass titanium). They are made for them by Toolcraft which makes OEM BCG's for a number of companies and the military apparently. They are great quality and it is not worth paying extra for a laser etched logo or company name imo. You can get the full mass ones with a number of different coatings with Nitride or Nickel Boron likely being the most popular.

If you decide to go low mass, you will need an adjustable gas block to slow it down. Honestly, I would get an adjustable gas block anyway so you can tune the rifles gas to allow for the lowest recoil and least wear with the ammo you are using.

If you go with an adjustable gas block you don't need to mess with different buffer weights although I would recommend a captured system from JP or Armaspec. Or, at least go with a flatwire spring.

As for matching the bolt manufacturer to the barrel, it is not necessary at all. What you do want to do is get yourself a set of headspace gauges and check headspace to make sure your tolerances are in check. I recommend a set of Clymer go/no go gauges for this. They can also be found at Brownells and you are unlikely to find a set for a better price. Another lower cost option is to borrow a set or rent a set from True North Arms for $20 plus shipping. Check headspace before installing the barrel to make it easier. Make sure you remove the extractor & ejector first and be very gentle with the gauges as they are precision tools that are susceptible to damage.
 
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DaveMachine said:
Bought two different Faxon barrels - accuracy was atrocious on one and not that great on the other. Much better accuracy on my Criterion 18.5" chrome lined. If I recall, IBI makes the blanks for Maple Ridge but don't quote me on that. I haven't heard anything about Maple Ridge barrels but IBI seems to be highly regarded so out of your two choices I'd go with the Maple Ridge.
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IBI does indeed supply blanks to MRA.
 
DaveMachine said:
Borescope pictures of the first Faxon barrel:

https://imgur.com/a/efaOR3T

Brownells took care of me, and aside from some paperwork req'd by the US gov, were super easy to deal with. Unfortunately, the replacement Faxon barrel didn't shoot all that great - around 2-3 moa with just about everything I fed it.
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Wow, that is brutal! Note to self, buy a borescope and stay away from cheap barrels...
 
DaveMachine said:
Borescope pictures of the first Faxon barrel:

https://imgur.com/a/efaOR3T

Brownells took care of me, and aside from some paperwork req'd by the US gov, were super easy to deal with. Unfortunately, the replacement Faxon barrel didn't shoot all that great - around 2-3 moa with just about everything I fed it.
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Jesus and they say savage makes crappy barrels.
 
Yeah, after cruising the interwebs, it makes sense why I haven't seen too many great groups out of Faxon barrels. I know they have a stellar rep, which is why I opted for them in the first place, but you don't see too many people posting great groups from them.
 
If your going for lightweight and accuracy I would recomend BSF carbon fibre barrels. I have one on my BCL paired with a faxon BCG, rifle length gas tube and BSF gas block. Shoots 1/2 moa at 100 and I'm not done refining my handload yet.
 
Faxon match heavy fluted & Toolcraft BCG here. Gun is way more accurate than me and I feel like it’s a waste of a great gun only being able to shoot at 300m around here. Shoots so well it’s kind of boring, actually.

This is my only Faxon, no experience with their other offerings but I do highly recommend their match barrel based on my highly accurate sample size of 1.
 
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