Ar in 308

[Gman]

I was going through the same decision making process. I like the AR platform. There have been a number of .308 ARs that have had reliability problems with the bolts, usually due to removal of locking lugs to allow dual column feeding. The problem was bad enough that Bushmaster gave up on the idea and RRA was going to pick it up and move it forward but I have yet to see a LAR-8 in the wild. DPMS seems to be selling more of them than anyone.

One of the things I like about the AR platform is that they're light. When I started comparing the .308 ARs, they typically weigh as much or more than an M1A. The standard M1A with a 22" bbl and the fiberglass stock is 9.3lbs. The RRA LAR-8 A2 is 9.3 pounds. The DPMS LR-308C weighs 11.15 pounds.

Adding optics to an AR platform is much easier.

Then I started thinking about the method of operating the action. Direct impingement gas works well for the little 5.56x45. The .30 caliber battle rifles have a long history of working very well using a similar short stroke piston in the M1 Garand and M14/M1A.

Essentially, I figured if I could only have 1, I'd save my pennies and go with what is proven. Picked up my M1A yesterday.


Good luck in your quest.