Building a .308 -> Barrel length advice

[rfenster]

I'm looking at finding a DPMS .308 upper for a lower that I've had for a while.

Any advice as to barrel length? Is 16" too short for .308?

I'm seeing tons of uppers in either 16" or 24", but not many available in lengths in between.

How important is a forward assist on a .308 rifle?

Thanks in advance

[jh308]

The DPMS Foward Assist is not functional on the 308 line. If you look at the bolt carrier, there's no grooves for the assist to catch on. It's basically there for cosmetics.

How far do you want to shoot and what is it for? That will be the best determining factors as to what length that would best suit you.

[Fentonite]

I have a DPMS LR-308B - it has an 18" bull barrel, and I couldn't be happier. It's a bit heavier than the standard 16", but it shot a 100 yard 3/4" group first time out (just sighting-in). I expect it to get better as it gets broken in. Personally, I find the extra weight an acceptable trade-off for the ability to be effective both close-up and at significant distance. PM me, and maybe we can get together so you can get a look at it, if that'll help you make a decision. Good luck.

[nogaroheli]

The DPMS Foward Assist is not functional on the 308 line. If you look at the bolt carrier, there's no grooves for the assist to catch on. It's basically there for cosmetics.



I just played around with the forward assist on mine and it sure seems to push the BCG all the way forward, maybe you weren't looking at the right thing.. [Dunno]

[jh308]

Sure, it'll move the bolt carrier, but w/out the proper assist notches cut into the carrier, it won't do much when resistance is applied to the carrier. It needs the carrier notches to be able to rachet the carrier forward. When Armalite came out w/their new A4 AR-10 upper, having a foward assist that worked properly was actually one of their marketing ploys. Maybe DPMS has changed their carriers recently. Mine is almost four years old and has the original chrome carrier. Maybe yours is different. Of course, they all have the Stoner foward assist built into the carrier itself...

ETA: I'm not the best at communication at times. For an example of what I'm try to say, take a flat head screw driver and push on your DPMS carrier at the same angle as the Foward assist hits it. Now take the same screwdiver, at the same angle and push against one of your AR15 carriers that has the forward assist grooves notched into the carrier. Notice the difference?

[SU405]

Sure, it'll move the bolt carrier, but w/out the proper assist notches cut into the carrier, it won't do much when resistance is applied to the carrier. It needs the carrier notches to be able to rachet the carrier forward. When Armalite came out w/their new A4 AR-10 upper, having a foward assist that worked properly was actually one of their marketing ploys. Maybe DPMS has changed their carriers recently. Mine is almost four years old and has the original chrome carrier. Maybe yours is different. Of course, they all have the Stoner foward assist built into the carrier itself...

ETA: I'm not the best at communication at times. For an example of what I'm try to say, take a flat head screw driver and push on your DPMS carrier at the same angle as the Foward assist hits it. Now take the same screwdiver, at the same angle and push against one of your AR15 carriers that has the forward assist grooves notched into the carrier. Notice the difference?


According to this article it is functional but does not work the same as on the 15 carrier.

Third paragraph down explains.

http://www.americanrifleman.org/ArticlePage.aspx?id=1474&cid=2

[jh308]

According to this article it is functional but does not work the same as on the 15 carrier.

Third paragraph down explains.

http://www.americanrifleman.org/ArticlePage.aspx?id=1474&cid=2

I stand corrected. It's functional for approx 1/4" to 3/8" of total movement.

[KFinn]

A very similar gun is on my wish list for 2010.

I want to get the LR-308 with 24 inch stainless bull barrel.

the black teflon coating on the barrel, Fluted, threaded, suppressor

Change the stock to a sniper setup with cheek pad.

Harris bi pod swivel

Iron sights and Millet 6x-24x scope with illumination, windage, elevation, mill dots, etc.

Rails

Lighter trigger

[jh308]

That sounds like a nice rifle. Be sure to post pics when your done.

[Grant H.]

Nope, 16" isn't too short...

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1531299

The Titan Barrels from Fulton have been proven to be similar in ability to the OBR without the need for a $3K gun.

I have had good luck with ALL of my 16" barrels in .308 on AR type guns. (to be fair, I have several custom built bolt guns that have 26" tubes on them...)

I do have the FA on all of mine. I don't ever need it, never have, but I prefer the way it looks. Slick sides just don't do it for me.

You can get 18" uppers direct from DPMS or rguns.net for reasonable money. I never needed the extra 2" on a .308. One of my 5.56s is 18" but it is still shorter than the .308 with a 16" and muzzle brake.