Advice on .308 AR

[offgrid]

Wanting to put together a AR .308.

Which format? DPMS or Armalite? I have a couple Noveske AR15 uppers I'm happy with, Noveske uses Armalite.

Shortest barrel length? Any concerns/reliability going 14.5", Noveske?

Iron Ridge has a shot-show special on lowers/uppers. Any one using their stuff?

Thanks

[275RLTW]

I stopped in & talked with the guys at Iron Ridge (www.ironridgeguns.com)a few weeks ago & discussed their .308, along with some other projects. They have a great handle on what they are doing and the parts they are using. Can't wait to see a finished product.
Lewis Machine & Tool (www.lewismachine.net) has been advertising a new .308 based on their MRP platform. It's here in SHOT for display & just like their other rifles, its indestructable. I've used LMT in USASOC & can personally attest to their durability, accuracy, and reliability (their rifles got me back home!!!) Although pricey, a bit heavier, and may take a 6 mo to a year to get, I will definately have one soon.
Another option is LWRC International (www.lwrci.com) with their REPR. I have not been able to test one yet however I have nothing but good about LWRC and their products/service. The cost is close to $4K for thesse rifles but I do believe that you get what you pay for with them.

There are other manufacturers out there that make .308 AR's, look around. I would highly suggest avoiding Armalight and DPMS as I have personally seen too many problems with their products. Remeber to consider what you are using this for; if it's for show then look for the best deal. If it's to use and possibly protect life then look for the best, period.

[BPTactical]

My $.02

Armalites are built to very exacting tolerances and therefore can be sensitive to dirt and ammo choices. They usually require a bit of break in and ammo experimentation.
DPMS rifles are a touch looser in their machining and they arent quite as finicky ammo wise.
Both like to run with a wet bolt carrier.
Armalites are machined from forgings whereas DPMS are machined from billet. As a result the Armalite will have a more refined appearance and is a touch lighter.
I have worked on both and have yet to come across a problem that was not a fairly simple fix.
Rock River has a .308 platform that uses FAL mags but I dont have any real time with one other than looking it over. Seems well built.
Not sure on the LWRC- too new to make a call on them-I have yet to hear any feed back on them.

I myself have a DPMS TAC20 with a J&P trigger, Magpul PRS and Nikon optics. It will outshoot whatever my eyes can see and I have out shot an Armalite SASS with it.
For about 1/2 the cost.
Maybe one of these days I will change out the barrel and bolt/carrier. That is where the accuracy in the AR platform is....

[Grant H.]

I got rid of all my armalites and went to the DPMS platform.

I have one of the IRA lowers, and it is a work of art. I love that. The rest of all my LR-308s are DPMS lowers.

The things that made me sell the Armalites and keep the DPMS rifles is threefold:

1. Neither seemed to have a reliability advantage - All of mine were flawless
2. The DPMS rifles do not have the fanboy pricing that is outrageous. Stuff for Armalites is ALWAYS more expensive... NO MATTER WHAT!!
3. Magpul made a PMAG for the DPMS platform... And it is only $20 rather than $40-$90 depending on availability...

Choose for yourself...

[Grant H.]

I stopped in & talked with the guys at Iron Ridge (www.ironridgeguns.com)a few weeks ago & discussed their .308, along with some other projects. They have a great handle on what they are doing and the parts they are using. Can't wait to see a finished product.
Lewis Machine & Tool (www.lewismachine.net) has been advertising a new .308 based on their MRP platform. It's here in SHOT for display & just like their other rifles, its indestructable. I've used LMT in USASOC & can personally attest to their durability, accuracy, and reliability (their rifles got me back home!!!) Although pricey, a bit heavier, and may take a 6 mo to a year to get, I will definately have one soon.
Another option is LWRC International (www.lwrci.com) with their REPR. I have not been able to test one yet however I have nothing but good about LWRC and their products/service. The cost is close to $4K for thesse rifles but I do believe that you get what you pay for with them.

There are other manufacturers out there that make .308 AR's, look around. I would highly suggest avoiding Armalight and DPMS as I have personally seen too many problems with their products. Remeber to consider what you are using this for; if it's for show then look for the best deal. If it's to use and possibly protect life then look for the best, period.

While most of what you posted is true... I want to share a little experience of mine....

My $1200 LR-308s have run through 1000's of rounds with no issues. Every manufacturer has their lemons.

If you have the money, and you don't like having it in your savings account, sure go for a Larue OBR, LWRC REPR, or LMT when they get released. But don't burn that much money because "the DPMS or Armalite will never be as reliable". It just isn't true.

[Fentonite]

... But don't burn that much money because "the DPMS or Armalite will never be as reliable". It just isn't true.

I agree. My DPMS LR308B has been failure-free since day 1, and is a sub-MOA shooter.