AR-10s

[Edheler]

In the near future I going to be able to afford an AR-10 variant in .308 Winchester. What do you like and why? At the top of my list right now are:

LMT 308 Modular Weapon System
LaRue Tactical OBR

Don't worry too much about the budget and feel free to suggest anything in or close to the category so long as it is really worth the money.

I realize this could be a heated topic and hope we all keep it civilized. I really am looking for information to make a decision on.

Thanks!

[eaglescouter]

24" heavy barrel:  I like it, everybody else whines about the weight.
20" mid contour barrel:  It's a bit lighter, but they still whine.

Mine are DPMS uppers on TM lowers, the 20" has a cheap muzzle brake on it which tames recoil significantly (not that recoil in this platform is a problem).

I've used iron sights and optics on the Larue cantilevered mount (I like the Larue).

Reloading using the online Hodgden web manual resulted in a significant overload.  Compare your load recipie using more than one published source to validate your data.

[Edheler]

Reloading using the online Hodgden web manual resulted in a significant overload.  Compare your load recipie using more than one published source to validate your data.

I am not to the reloading stage yet but I am saving my brass for when I do.

[MeanStreaker]

Thankfully there haven't been many responses yet, so when I share my opinion, hopefully it won't seem like I'm stepping on anyone's toes personally.   I don't mean to, but I've done a lot of research in this area and have a pretty strong opinion.

The most important question you have to answer for yourself is, "What do I want to do with it?"  That answer will greatly impact your decision process.

First, if you just want a fun paper puncher and don't mind if something breaks every now and then, or it goes down until you do a thorough cleaning, most will serve you well.  However, if you want something you can "depend on", there are many brands to avoid and only a few I trust.  I never even considered AR-10s over my beloved M1A's a few years ago because the reliability just wasn't there.  Then once some major armed forces started adopting and issuing AR-10 variants (Brits and New Zealand), I began my deep research.  There are a few dependable ones out there now, but the two that probably top the list are the LMT MWS and Larue PredatAR/OBR. 

After a long time, I narrowed my choices down to the above two.  I chose the 16" Larue PredatAR.  My reasoning came down basically to one thing: weight.  (Although I greatly desired the more traditional gas impingement system of the PredatAR for parts availability if things got scarce in the future.) 

I wanted the best 0-700 yard do-it-all "battle rifle".  The PredatAR is light enough to carry all day, balances very well and comes up quickly for CQB work, maneuverability, and follow up shots... and as you saw at our IBC in March, I could hit the 20" steel all day long with no misses (after I got my ACOG zeroed.)

If you want more of a specialized, designated marksman type rifle where maybe 800-1000 yards is really important to you, or you don't plan to ever carry it much, and you want to squeak out an extra 0.5 MOA or something, then you should look at the LMT MWS.  Or if you think the LMT quick-change ability of that platform would be important to you.  For me it's not.

PM Posterboy as he is very happy with his MWS.  The weight isn't that much different when I held both, but I probably would notice it after a long weekend hike.

But since I run my PredatAR great up close, and kept 2-3 MOA groups rapid fire with a USGI sling at 500 yards with surplus South African ball.... there's no way I'd consider something heavier let alone a 20-24" barrel for my uses described above.  I'll admit after I got mine and then later read about the release of their heavier barrel PredOBR, I thought maybe I went the wrong way.  But then once I rang that 500 yard steel at will I reaffirmed I made the right choice.

Good luck!

[TN_Dadx5]

I bought a Rock River Arms Standard Operator last summer and have really enjoyed getting to know it and using it.  It has a 20" cryo treated barrel and looks like the typical battle rifle.  I really did not want a stainless barrel but did want the Smith Vortex flash hider.  My idea for this was more of an long range "attitude adjuster" than a hunting rifle, even though this does perform the hunting mission quite well.  At 10 lbs, I was forced to beef up my shoulders a bit to be able to shoot from the standing position well.  It comes with flip up sights and I added a Nikon BCD with a Burris PEPRS QD mount.  Last time I did a KD AQT I scored 212 and at 400 yds in slow fire prone I could cover all 10 M80 rounds with my palm.

I had looked at the LMT and was pretty set on that until I got around to the $.  The RRA can be found for about $1400, maybe a bit less.  I am totally happy with it and would say at least take a look at it.

[slim]

The best AR-10s come in 5.56 and are called "AR-15s." 

[Edheler]

The best AR-10s come in 5.56 and are called "AR-15s." 

Is my Colt 6920 with an EOTech 552 mounted on it good enough to cover that category?

[SSG Platz]

If you want the most accurate rifle, go with the ORB from Larue, they are sub MOA gas gun and IMHO the best thing out there at the moment.  Let me know what you decide, I get a discount from them.

~PlatzOut~

[grunt soldier]

larue OBR no question about it.  if money isn't a concern then that is where it's at.  I have a stealth ar and it's crazy accurate.  mark makes some sick sick kit to say the least and they stand behind there product no questions asked.

[oladcock]

We have a DPMS LR-10 20"and like it a lot. Just getting it broke in so haven't worked up a load yet but have run 150-180grs. Runs on anything, no problem....O.L.

[Chris Z]

I posted this on a different forum awhile ago and thought to share.

What I did with my $4000.

Armalite AR10 SASS
Leupold 4.5-14X M4 FF   with Horus reticle (I use hold overs)
ARMS #36 S-EX Swan sleeve + medium rings
USGI M1 Garand type sling (I don't use a bipod)
7 mags(25 rounders) and a field parts kit
A slew of DAG surplus ammo (not part of the $4000)

What I can do with my $4000
From the prone with a sling, 5" groups at 300yds
Range and hit 20" targets 100% out to 500 yds.
Range and hit 20" targets 9 out of 10 at 600 yds.
Range and hit 20" targets 7 out of 10 at 700 yds.
Practice more at the 600 and 700 because DAG is only 40 cents each.
Because I'm not tied to a bipod I can adjust to the different ranges very fast but this is more of a battle rifle discipline and to make high probability hits past 700 yds one will need to use a quality bipod and match ammo. Knowing this, if for a few hundred dollars more and my set-up will deliver all the 308 is capable of, why spend more?
_________________________

[posterboy]

I have the LMT. Laser.

It fell into my lap and was as new at price a I couldn't refuse. Mine is similar to the PredatAR accuracy wise with surplus ammo..but with good stuff it shoots .05 MOA off a bipod @100 as is outta the box no mods ( 16" cl barrel). It is 2 lbs heavier true...but the difference isn't as noticeable with the set up I have ( leupold-1.5-5x) Is it as accurrate as the OBR? no but .05 moa is more then plenty for me. I see the OBR as a precision platform where as I see the LMT as a DM role.. capable as a battle rifle 0-500 but accurate for the 800-1000 if needed matched with skill to drive it. Approaching 400 rnds on mine with marginal field style cleaning..no problems whatsoever. I also agree that the 16" barrel is plenty. It will get out to 1000 and if I were to want to go further then I would rather have a different caliber and perhaps tool.

SSG Platz you are my new special friend where were you 6 months ago lol  ! Think he will tell you that the LMT and the OBR are similar in weight dept but as I said are kinda of two different role rifles.

After seeing and shooting  MeanStreakers LaRue ...you really can't make a "wrong" choice. They make an awesome rifle be it the predaTAr or the OBR. I of course am happy with my LMT. You are going to have a BIG smile which ever way you decide to go that is all you need to remember. 

[Two Wolves]

I went with a P.O.F. 308, 20" barrel. It has a Magpul stock and the H-rail top. H rail is where the pitcatiny rail has a void or drop down section to allow for larger optics and stay close to the barrel. As far optics I put a Trijicon 5.5x50 on it. My goal is to shoot 1000 yds. How does it shoot? Don't know yet. I'm trying to find a way to attach a sling to the bottom of the stock. I want to use the 1.25 swivel. ANY IDEAS OUT THERE? ~ Two Wolves

[Roland]

You really can't make a wrong choice here, and I wish I had enough money to have the same dilemma.

That said, I'd go with the LaRue, if it was me, simply because they have a greater reputation for accuracy.

[SSG Platz]

I went with a P.O.F. 308, 20" barrel. It has a Magpul stock and the H-rail top. H rail is where the pitcatiny rail has a void or drop down section to allow for larger optics and stay close to the barrel. As far optics I put a Trijicon 5.5x50 on it. My goal is to shoot 1000 yds. How does it shoot? Don't know yet. I'm trying to find a way to attach a sling to the bottom of the stock. I want to use the 1.25 swivel. ANY IDEAS OUT THERE? ~ Two Wolves

Keep working at it, and you will be shooting the Riflemans Mile in no time, for a 308 now days, 1,000 nothing.

~PlatzOut~

[TN_Dadx5]

Two Wolves,

What MagPul stock are you using?  Most of them have the QD holes.  I have a CTR on the AR15 that I'm putting together and it has the QD holes.  See pictures.

Charlie

[George63]

I went with a P.O.F. 308, 20" ba. I'm trying to find a way to attach a sling to the bottom of the stock. I want to use the 1.25 swivel. ANY IDEAS OUT THERE? ~ Two Wolves

to attach to the bottom rail:

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/qudeswwpimod.html

[Two Wolves]

Two Wolves,

What MagPul stock are you using?  Most of them have the QD holes.  I have a CTR on the AR15 that I'm putting together and it has the QD holes.  See pictures.

Charlie

I was wanting to use the hole at the bottom of the butt stock. Surely someone has a fix for this? Just asking. Thanks in advance for your thoughts, Two Wolves

[TN_Dadx5]

Sorry about hijacking the thread EdHeler...

TW, if I wanted to use the bottom I would drill a hole vertically and use a regular swivel stud with the nut slipped into the hole at the bottom of the buttstock.  You will have to shorten the stud so it didn't hit the screw that holds on the recoil pad.

Charlie

[Edheler]

Sorry about hijacking the thread Edheler...

No problem at all - I think I have the data I need to make a decision. The difficult part as always is actually making the decision.

[Green Bean]

Post pics.

I went with a P.O.F. 308, 20" barrel. It has a Magpul stock and the H-rail top. H rail is where the pitcatiny rail has a void or drop down section to allow for larger optics and stay close to the barrel. As far optics I put a Trijicon 5.5x50 on it. My goal is to shoot 1000 yds. How does it shoot? Don't know yet. I'm trying to find a way to attach a sling to the bottom of the stock. I want to use the 1.25 swivel. ANY IDEAS OUT THERE? ~ Two Wolves

[zamboni_driver]

Get one of these:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/625257/grovtec-heavy-duty-push-button-quick-detach-sling-swivel-set-1-1-4-steel-black?cm_vc=wishList

Add a half inch drill bit, some JB weld and some black spray paint.   Then you get this....

[JoeZ]

Turkey neck/ cheek weld is more consistent when the cheek piece does not move or change. I like the Magpul UBR for this reason. The PRS cheek riser is too far back. Remember that a collapsible stock on an AR 10 needs an extra short buffer. I think its 2 3/4 inch.

[slim]

The difficult part as always is actually making the decision.

Not for me. That's the easy part. "I want one."

Finding the means to fund said venture is the difficult part. 

[EZ3]

Didn't they make something like this back in the '50s?  I think they called it an "FAL".  Just sayin'.     

[Two Wolves]

Green Bean---just for you.

[Two Wolves]

Get one of these:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/625257/grovtec-heavy-duty-push-button-quick-detach-sling-swivel-set-1-1-4-steel-black?cm_vc=wishList

Add a half inch drill bit, some JB weld and some black spray paint.   Then you get this....

Thanks for your suggestion and picture. I'll have to get over my sticker shock before I go to JB Weld. I can't believe that some one hasn't addressed this issue with a simple and clean adaptor. Regards~ Two Wolves.

[zamboni_driver]

Thanks for your suggestion and picture. I'll have to get over my sticker shock before I go to JB Weld. I can't believe that some one hasn't addressed this issue with a simple and clean adaptor. Regards~ Two Wolves.

I assume you mean sticker shock for the Magpul UBR.  I used a CTR which is still around $70 but the fact that the Magpul stocks lock down tight with no wiggle at all is why I bought mine.

[Two Wolves]

Thanks for your suggestion and picture. I'll have to get over my sticker shock before I go to JB Weld. I can't believe that some one hasn't addressed this issue with a simple and clean adaptor. Regards~ Two Wolves.

I assume you mean sticker shock for the Magpul UBR.  I used a CTR which is still around $70 but the fact that the Magpul stocks lock down tight with no wiggle at all is why I bought mine.

Actually, I mean the sticker shock of a new rifle. Your solution is well taken and may be the route I have to go. I'm envisioning a bracket that  slips over the hole on both sides of the stock and has a screw that holds it in place.  I was hoping someone had addressed this issue in that manner. Back to the drawing board. ~Two Wolves

[RockBridge]

Didn't they make something like this back in the '50s?  I think they called it an "FAL".  Just sayin'.     

The FAL can't touch an AR .308 platform in terms of accuracy. They aren't AK bad, but they still don't come close.