Best .308 AR

[Oolong]

What's the best .308 AR? I know of the DPMS, the AR 10, and the SR 25... but I'm not sure if they are all mutually interchangeable and if not which one has the most caliber conversions?

Also I read that the "AR 10" has a high level of interchangeablity between itself and the AR 15 however I was wondering if this extend to the DPMS and SR 25 and if this included the fore grip, stock and grip?

 

[Jackal]

There is no "best" AR10.
Virtually none are interchangeable or have caliber conversions.
Only one AR10 Im aware of has the most interchangeability with an AR15 and thats the DPMS GII.

If you want a big heavy bench or target rifle, there are many options. If you want a lightweight AR10, DPMS GII corners the market.

My DPMS GII weighs 7lb 11oz WITH optics and mount.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Armalite has the MARC modular AR carbine which allows relatively simple switching between configurations for 7.62 and 5.56. I've never tried it but I have a 16" AR-10A4 carbine flat top with armalite's detachable front and rear ('carry handle') sights. It's actually 18" with the flash hider unlike colt's 16 inchers which are 16" WITH the flash hider. This version of AR10 accepts the 308/7.62 PMAGS not the M14 type steel magazines used on other Armalite AR10B's. Armalites are a bit of history and are beauties.

 

[hq]

AR10 by definition is nowhere near the barbie doll gun AR15 is, even though there is a degree of interchangeability between parts from different manufacturers. The claim "AR10 compatible" instantly prompts a counter-question "with which one". Personally I went with SR25 platform, in form of DPMS-manufactured Remington R-25 in .308 and haven't looked back. It's a tack-driver with quality ammo, a bit on the heavy side at 10lbs scoped but still quite portable, OEM and Magpul magazines work great and the trigger mechanism is AR15 compatible. I had the barrel threaded with HK417-compatible 15x1 threads for suppressor and G28 type flash hider and that's about it.

But that's just me. I'm definitely not one of those guys who want more rails than Union Station to hang anything from picatinny mounted can opener to tactical satellite dish to guns, nor am I into having an ultimate Transformers toy that converts to a dozen different things. If that's what you're after, AR10 may not be the ideal platform, even though times are changing and sooner or later there inevitably will be a mainstream standard once manufacturers finally agree on details the market directs them to. What I've been looking for is an AR with even longer action, for .300WM or .338Lapua, and that's when it all gets even hairier as there seems to be no standard at all and everything is proprietary to each manufacturer.

 

[Everready73]

As far as specific guns the Armalite and DPMS G2 have good feedback on the low end. The SW MP10 is also pretty solid for a little more money and the new Savage Line looks good. On the high end Daniel Defense, LMT MWS, PWS PIston, and the KAC SR 25 are top of the line

 

[Oolong]

So should I just get a m14?

 

[hq]

So should I just get a m14?

Presumably M1A (sorry, nitpicking, M14 is by definition full auto) but it all depends on what you really want. A gun to customize to your heart's content, a nice standard rifle or something in between. AR10/SR25/etc. isn't a bad choice by itself at all, mine has exceeded the moderate expectations I've had when I bought it and it's proven to be a very useful and dead reliable midrange hunting rifle as well as an accurate rifle for range days. A quality M1A would be no different in practical terms, just somewhat different in appearance, ergonomics and feel. Both can be modified with off the shelf custom parts to a degree. Availability of stocks, triggers, action parts and add-ons is abundant for either. AR10 has the modularity advantage of switching calibers by just getting another upper. M1A is more of a classic design.

It all boils down to what YOU want.

 

[Oolong]

I thought Springfield owned the exclusive rights to the name M1A and because of this the generic term was M1A. I favor the ability to buy a new upper in a something like 6.5 if possible but I assumed from a previous comment that that wasn't possible.

 

[Jackal]

So should I just get a m14?

Do you want a lightweight medium range rifle or a heavyweight long range rifle? M1A's are nice rifles, but they are heavy pigs with optics installed.

 

[Oolong]

I'll probably end up getting both but I already have plans on building a AR 15 soon so if a AR 10 isn't that significant of a range increase I'll get the M1A first. However i still haven't really heard someone say what the best of the AR .308 are, I got a general group but nothing specific.

 

[hq]

I thought Springfield owned the exclusive rights to the name M1A and because of this the generic term was M1A. I favor the ability to buy a new upper in a something like 6.5 if possible but I assumed from a previous comment that that wasn't possible.

It is possible. Depending on the model you choose you may well have to get another upper of the same brand because all of them aren't necessarily interchangeable. Caliber selection is mainly limited to .308-based cartridges; .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, 7mm-08, .338 Federal, .358 Winchester and so on. If the desired caliber isn't available as an off the shelf complete upper, it's just a matter of rebarreling or building one from parts. If you mean 6.5mm Grendel, it's mostly dedicated to AR15 platform, as the cartridge overall length is much shorter. The 6.5mm caliber variant on AR10 platform is .260 Remington, which is a more powerful, flatter shooting cartridge.

You're talking about range increase. What would you like to do at a longer range? Punch paper, I assume? Compared to .223 based cartridges .308 based ones offer less wind sensitivity and generally speaking higher retained velocities at extended ranges, so if that's your consideration, you're looking at the right direction.

 

[Jackal]

I'll probably end up getting both but I already have plans on building a AR 15 soon so if a AR 10 isn't that significant of a range increase I'll get the M1A first. However i still haven't really heard someone say what the best of the AR .308 are, I got a general group but nothing specific.

Best at what? There is no "best" rifle, it all depends on your purpose. What will it be used for?

 

[Jackal]

Doubled.

 

[Nature Boy]

If an M1A is something that has always appealed to you then I would certainly keep it as an option, but get it only if you've always wanted one. It's an accurate, kinda quirky, wood and steel classic beauty. I love mine for all those reasons

I also want an AR10 and a SCAR 17....but having the M1A has pretty much scratched my itch for an auto loading .308.....well, for the next day or two

 

[Varminterror]

We just went through this recently here, but the AR-10 has a greater potential, or at least higher average precision/accuracy than the M1A. It also tends to be considerably lighter, shorter, and less expensive. With less expensive and more readily available replacement parts, more easily serviced. I favor the M1A in my heart over the AR-10/LR-308, but I shoot and recommend AR's over M1A's.

There's a pretty good market for LR-308/DPMS Pattern rifles. The Armalite AR-10 pattern is locked up with much fewer licensees, but it's still not 100% single source. Lots of folks make barrels in various calibers, handguards, mags, receivers, etc for DPMS pattern. It's not nearly as standardized as the AR-15, but if you're looking to do a home brew or custom builder AR-10/LR-308, the DPMS pattern is the better choice.

I've owned both, but I'm down to only DPMS pattern rifles now, all 4 of them home built, two of them on Aero receiver sets. I've been tempted by an SR-25, but I don't love the handguard nor care to spend the money for piston operation - if and when Ruger releases the AR-25, I'm in for a receiver set. I have a 308win barrel for mine, but it's one's a 7-08, one a 260, and two 243wins. Been tempted to do a 6.5 creed or a 338fed, just haven't placed the barrel order yet.

My next battle rifle will be a SCAR 17, just to say I own it. Probably bonus time next year.

 

[Oolong]

What about the 6.5 creedmore?

 

[Varminterror]

What about the 6.5 creedmore?

What about it?

Between my 260 and my 7-08, I just haven't been able to convince myself to jump down to a 6.5 creed. Tempted, but never convince myself to place the order. I have a 6.5 creedMOOR in an RPR, probably won't own it too long. Lots of folks talk about how the Creed won't likely feed well in a semiauto, but I think that's mostly rumor. I did a 243AI, it fed fine after a little tuning.

 

[Jackal]

What about the 6.5 creedmore?

We cant really help you unless you tell us what your intended use for the rifle will be.

 

[Llama Bob]

What's the best .308 AR? I know of the DPMS, the AR 10, and the SR 25... but I'm not sure if they are all mutually interchangeable and if not which one has the most caliber conversions?

Also I read that the "AR 10" has a high level of interchangeablity between itself and the AR 15 however I was wondering if this extend to the DPMS and SR 25 and if this included the fore grip, stock and grip?

If you're looking for a "best" .308 AR and one that supports easy caliber conversions, it's hard to beat the LMT MWS. They are sub-MOA accurate with the match .308 barrel and appropriate ammo. Their monolithic upper ideal for mounting optics. Changing a barrel requires only the supplied wrench and about 5 minutes. Machining is sufficiently precise that you're usually no more than one click off zero when re-installing a barrel. Available calibers:
.243
.260
6.5CM
.308 (in a million lengths, twists, chrome/non-chrome and levels of finish)
.338 Federal and .358 Win have been produced in the past and are available from dealers

It is also possible to get aftermarket barrels, although you need a donor barrel extension or a manufacturer who knows how to make one.

The LMT adjustable fixed stock is also quite nice.

The only criticism I have of mine is that the factory trigger was so-so and I replaced it with and AR-Gold unit.

 

[larryh1108]

Best .AR308? I can't answer that but I am happy with my PSA. 18" barrel. It weighs 9.2# with the scope but without a mag. I like PSA's product.

 

[GAF]

I am happy with my DPMS LR 308. I use it for hunting whitetail. It is a bit on the heavy side, but I don`t mind a heavy rifle.
There is no best AR 10 or derivatives their of. It is really all about what you want.

 

[salt&battery]

AR10 by definition is nowhere near the barbie doll gun AR15 is, even though there is a degree of interchangeability between parts from different manufacturers. The claim "AR10 compatible" instantly prompts a counter-question "with which one". Personally I went with SR25 platform, in form of DPMS-manufactured Remington R-25 in .308 and haven't looked back. It's a tack-driver with quality ammo, a bit on the heavy side at 10lbs scoped but still quite portable, OEM and Magpul magazines work great and the trigger mechanism is AR15 compatible. I had the barrel threaded with HK417-compatible 15x1 threads for suppressor and G28 type flash hider and that's about it.

But that's just me. I'm definitely not one of those guys who want more rails than Union Station to hang anything from picatinny mounted can opener to tactical satellite dish to guns, nor am I into having an ultimate Transformers toy that converts to a dozen different things. If that's what you're after, AR10 may not be the ideal platform, even though times are changing and sooner or later there inevitably will be a mainstream standard once manufacturers finally agree on details the market directs them to. What I've been looking for is an AR with even longer action, for .300WM or .338Lapua, and that's when it all gets even hairier as there seems to be no standard at all and everything is proprietary to each manufacturer.

I have the R25 also had to send it back to Remington twice for extraction issues I believe. it is OK now and I shot 3 -178 factory match rounds into a ragged hole at 100 yds so I have loaded a batch. with other loads it was 1.50 before I sent it out. it was a Remington barrel so I think the chamber had to be cleaned up

 

[1stmarine]

"best", "worse" ... those discussions might lead to pretty arbitrary discussions.

In any AR the brand might say something or not say much. The outside is just a shell and one needs to understand what kind
of internal components are fitted inside that shell for a scpecific firearm or what kind of distinctive features might make a difference for the intended use.
A good Bolt Group, Decent Barrel and decent trigger are more important than brands as they are the beating heart of the Direct Impingement system.
Many after market parts not only meet the basic standards for fit and durability but they far exceed those needs whether they are brand name or assembled on a
OEM platform.

The LMT out of the box is a very good platform and probably why they won the British Military contract and the feedback we got is of amazing reliability while the US Army
knights system suffered from some hiccups.
In terms of accuracy the Les Baers come wiht 1/2 MOA proven. Nothing too fancy on the outside but it is due to the amazing barrels, chambers and quality internals.
Now we have light receivers people are also getting nice carbines done in 6lbs-7lbs and also alternative calibers.

What I am trying to say is that we are blessed with great choices. Many ARs are of good quality and another thing that is going to determine the performance is going to be
ones's choices in barrels and internals and also based on the intended use.

 

[boricua9mm]

KAC
LMT
Larue

I prefer rifles of this style to be combat proven, but there's no money trees in my yard, so KAC was off the table. Despite the Larues being used in Military competitions, the LMT MWS has proven its worth in the hands of the SAS during combat operations overseas. I wound up with the LMT MWS and since getting my blackened 18" SS barrel, I'm more than happy that I did. If the cost was of no concern I'd go with a newer generation KAC SR25 and never look back.

The KAC and LMT guns share a lot of the same genetic makeup. Uppers and lowers between these brands should be swappable, unless there is some other issue at play.

In the handgun section here on THR, it is said that the Military's selection of the P320 is the new gold standard, and subsequently, everything else is second rate. Ironically, here we have a Military standard rifle pattern for large frame ARs that has been developed by top notch providers of Military hardware many years ago, but all we hear is talk of "DPMS pattern."

 

[strambo]

You aren't really defining what you mean by "best" but KAC, Larue, and LMT come to mind along with Les Baer and GAP if raw accuracy is the only goal.