AR 308 Rifle

Welcome: It's my goal within these pages to attempt to make some sense of the parts compatibility and interchangeability of the different variations of the .308 AR. If anyone has anything to add or sees an error please use the contact page and drop me a line.

Thanks - Andrew

The .308 AR Forum is Back

The Good News:

Learning from past mistakes there's good news and bad news. The good news is we have brand new forum for you dedicated fans of the .308 pattern AR rifles. The forum is located on a new server with a different host and its very own domain name 308forum.com.

The Bad News

Unfortunately with the new host as well as a new version of forum software I was not able to carry over the original forums user info and data. Folks will have to register again. Thankfully the forum was still pretty new and there wasn't much data to lose.

Lets make this one work!

Thanks - Andrew

GG&G EOTech Hood, Flip Up Lens Module

GG&G has offered flip up lens modules for many EOTech sights for quite some time. I have also wished for a while that it was an option for my 557AR223. Unfortunately the 557 AR223 hood design didnt allow for the flip up module to be installed. Well Im here to report that GG&G has solved this by offering a new hood with the flip up lens module installed. GG&G also etched the hood with windage and elevation marking. Lastly in a fashion similar to a landmine the front lens cover is engraved with "Front Towards Enemy"

Theres more pictures here.

Timney 308 AR Trigger

This Timney trigger is a true self-contained, 100% drop-in ready upgrade that will change the way you think about AR triggers forever. Comes with a factory 4 pound pull, this trigger can be installed in minutes without any gunsmithing, fitting or adjustment required. The trigger makes use of your rifle's original hammer/trigger pins, due to its proprietary design the trigger eliminates pin rotation and walkout. The solid, straight design of the trigger shoe is great for competitive events, helping the shooter pull the trigger straight back to the rear without influencing the rifle's alignment with the target. The housing is machined from lightweight 6061 T6 alloy which is anodized for superior durability. The hammer is EDM machined from S7 tool steel and features a Nickel coating which helps deliver the exceptionally smooth, crisp single-stage pull. The other components of the trigger are EDM cut from A2 tool steel, then heat treated to Rc 56-60.

Brownells Coupon

308 AR Bolt Carrier Group Buy

We are trying to gauge interest for a 308 Bolt Carrier Group Buy. We need a reasonable amount of interest before we start making calls and drilling down specifics. If you think you nmight be interest please join the forum and vote in the poll here

ACU Camo iPhone, Android Skin

I normally dont post this stuff but this is too cool not too share. I was browsing Amazon.com and noticed there are skins for just about any device in the camo of your choice. Below are examples of an iPhone and Android skin in ACU camo. If anyone reading this buys it I would love to see user images and feedback. Click the highlighted links or the images below to see the vast options available.

I think I need a new phone.

AMERICAN TRIGGER CORPORATION : SR Gold .308 Modular Trigger

Brownells has finally added the American Trigger SR Gold to their online catalog. Check it out here or click the image below. Dont forget to visit my SR Gold trigger page here

ArmaLite AR-10 1913 Carbine

ArmaLite announces that for a limited time it is offering the AR-10 1913 Carbine in small numbers.

The AR-10 1913 Carbine comes standard with a National Match two-stage trigger. It features a 1913 quad rail handguard, forward assist and collapsible stock.

Compact yet rugged, this AR-10 is perfect for both tactical and sporting uses.

This limited run of AR-10 1913 Carbines has just come through the line and IS in stock. Contact your local ArmaLite dealer for details on continued availability. Armalite.com.

The AR-10A4CBNF 1913 features:

• ArmaLite’s National Match two-stage trigger
• 16” barrel
• Picatinny gas block
• Flattop Picatinny upper receiver
• Forward assist

MAG-TEC INDUSTRIES INC. : AR-STYLE .308 20-ROUND MAGAZINE

Theres a new AR 308 Magazine available. This unit comes from Meg-Tech and is compatable with DPMS LR-308 an KAC pattern rifles. Check it out here.

All-steel, straight body magazine is built to handle the punishment of tactical operations and service rifle competition. Delivers 20 rounds of .308/7.62mm NATO ammo reliably and consistently in AR-style .308 rifles from Bushmaster, DPMS, Knights Armament Corp., Remington, Rock River Arms, and others listed below. Precision-formed, spot-welded body is kept to precise dimensions to ensure snag-free movement of the follower. Polished stainless steel follower further reduces drag for smooth flow of the round stack. Removable floor plate allows disassembly for cleaning or maintenance.

SPECS: Steel body, Parkerized, dark gray, matte finish. Stainless steel follower. 20-round capacity. Fits AR-style .308/7.62mm NATO rifles from American Spirit Arms, Bushmaster, DPMS, Fulton Armory, Knights Armament Corporation, Oberland Arms, Remington, RND Manufacturing, and Rock River Arms. Does not fit the ArmaLite® AR-10®.

Black Hole Weaponry AR 308 Rifle Barrels

Black Hole Weaponry is currently manufacturing 416 stainless steel polygonal rifled barrels. Check out Google for reviews or visit them on the forum

US rifles not suited to warfare in Afghan hills

KABUL, Afghanistan – The U.S. military's workhorse rifle — used in battle for the last 40 years — is proving less effective in Afghanistan against the Taliban's more primitive but longer range weapons.

As a result, the U.S. is reevaluating the performance of its standard M-4 rifle and considering a switch to weapons that fire a larger round largely discarded in the 1960s.

The M-4 is an updated version of the M-16, which was designed for close quarters combat in Vietnam. It worked well in Iraq, where much of the fighting was in cities such as Baghdad, Ramadi and Fallujah.

But a U.S. Army study found that the 5.56 mm bullets fired from M-4s don't retain enough velocity at distances greater than 1,000 feet (300 meters) to kill an adversary. In hilly regions of Afghanistan, NATO and insurgent forces are often 2,000 to 2,500 feet (600-800 meters) apart.

Afghans have a tradition of long-range ambushes against foreign forces. During the 1832-1842 British-Afghan war, the British found that their Brown Bess muskets could not reach insurgent sharpshooters firing higher-caliber Jezzail flintlocks.

Soviet soldiers in the 1980s found that their AK-47 rifles could not match the World War II-era bolt-action Lee-Enfield and Mauser rifles used by mujahedeen rebels.

"These are important considerations in Afghanistan, where NATO forces are frequently attacked by insurgents using ... sharpshooter's rifles, which are all chambered for a full-powered cartridge which dates back to the 1890s," said Paul Cornish, curator of firearms at the Imperial War Museum in London.

The heavier bullets enable Taliban militants to shoot at U.S. and NATO soldiers from positions well beyond the effective range of the coalition's rifles.

To counter these tactics, the U.S. military is designating nine soldiers in each infantry company to serve as sharpshooters, according to Maj. Thomas Ehrhart, who wrote the Army study. They are equipped with the new M-110 sniper rifle, which fires a larger 7.62 mm round and is accurate to at least 2,500 feet (800 meters).

At the heart of the debate is whether a soldier is better off with the more-rapid firepower of the 5.56mm bullets or with the longer range of the 7.62 mm bullets.

"The reason we employ the M-4 is because it's a close-in weapon, since we anticipate house-to-house fighting in many situations," said Lt. Col. Denis J. Riel, a NATO spokesman.

He added that each squad also has light machine guns and automatic grenade launchers for the long-range engagements common in Afghanistan.

In the early years of the Vietnam War, the Army's standard rifle was the M-14, which fired a 7.62 mm bullet. The gun had too much recoil to be controllable during automatic firing and was considered too unwieldily for close-quarter jungle warfare. The M-16 replaced it in the mid-1960s.

Lighter bullets also meant soldiers could carry more ammunition on lengthy jungle patrols.

The M-16 started a general trend toward smaller cartridges. Other weapons such as the French FAMAS and the British L85A1 adopted them, and the round became standardized as the "5.56mm NATO."

The Soviet Union, whose AK-47 already used a shorter 7.62 mm bullet that was less powerful but more controllable, created a smaller 5.45mm round for its replacement AK-74s.

"The 5.56 mm caliber is more lethal since it can put more rounds on target," said Col. Douglas Tamilio, program manager for U.S. Army firearms at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. "But at 500-600 meters (1,600-2,000 feet), the round doesn't have stopping power, since the weapon system was never designed for that."

The arsenal, which is the Army's center for small-arms development, is trying to find a solution.

A possible compromise would be an interim-caliber round combining the best characteristics of the 5.56mm and 7.62mm cartridges, Tamilio said.

The challenge is compounded by the fact that in flat areas of Afghanistan, most firefights take place at shorter ranges of up to 1,000 feet (300 meters), where the M-4 performs well.

U.S. soldiers in militant-infested Zhari district in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province said they haven't experienced problems with the range of their M-4 rifles.

Lt. Scott Doyle, a platoon commander in Zhari, said his troops are usually facing Taliban AK-47s.

"When the Taliban get past 300 meters (1,000 feet) with an AK-47, they are just spraying and praying," he said.

Martin Fackler, a ballistics expert, also defended the 5.56 mm round, blaming the M-4s inadequate performance on its short barrel, which makes it easier for soldiers to scramble out of modern armored vehicles.

"Unfortunately weapon engineers shortened the M-16's barrel to irrational lengths," Fackler said. "It was meant for a 20-inch barrel. What they've done by cutting the barrel to 14.5 inches is that they've lost a lot of velocity."

Associated Press correspondent Sebastian Abbot in Lako Khel, Afghanistan contributed to this report.

Troy Battle Sights

I purchased the Troy Battle Sights as part of a project to upgrade my early 90's Colt Sporter. Look for more pictures and a review soon. See the project in it's entirety at AR15Tactical.net

Buffer Technologies AR-Restor Hydraulic Buffer for .308

The .308 rifle becomes an even more versatile and efficient weapon by adding a new hydraulic buffer now offered by Buffer Technologies.

In the constantly growing and competitive market of products developed for law enforcement and the military, we have another product that will help give shooters a competitive edge. This new buffer will be a great asset to those men and women who choose the .308 caliber rifle as one of their weapons of choice, said Rob Parham, Buffer’s Director of Military and Law Enforcement Sales.

The .308 is well known by law enforcement officers as a versatile and reliable weapon and one that many trust with their lives. However, because of its reliability, the .308 gets constant use, and can cause parts to wear down. This new product helps reduce shock, protect optics and improve accuracy. Other benefits include faster target acquisition, recoil reduction, suppression of bolt bounce, lower firing rates and drop in replacements.

The new .308 hydraulic buffer is created from black oxide finished steel and black anodized aluminum. It weighs .38 pounds, has a 5.8 inch compression length and is designed for the .308 chambered rifle with a full length buttstock. Buffertech.com

Bushmaster .308 ORC

• .308 Win.
• 16" Heavy Profile w/ Mid Length Gas System and A2 Birdcage Flash Hider
• Receiver Length Picatinny Optics Rail with Two 1/2" Optics Risers
• Milled Gas Block
• Heavy Oval Hand Guards
• Six Position Telescoping Stock – reduces overall length by 4" when collapsed for convenient carry
• Shipped in a Lockable Hard Case with Operator’s Safety Manual, 20 Round Magazine, Orange Safety Block and Black Web Sling
• One Year Bushmaster Warranty

Brownells In-Depth GunTech .308 AR Article

Mecharmor Defense Systems TachOps-1

Ambidextrous tactical charging handle can be operated with minimal body movement in confined spaces, under concealment, or even in the prone position. Lets you to maintain constant visual contact with the target during magazine changes, jam clearances, and other high-stress CQB situations. Extended, ergonomically shaped grasping surface provides an extra-secure grasp and extra leverage for normal charging operation, yet won't interfere with the forward assist or oversized optics that extend behind the rear of the receiver. Dual-mode latch mechanism has a second release button in the center rear of the handle for easy handle operation with the support hand, further increasing your operational versatility. The heavy-duty latch roll pin resists breakage under hard use, and the 7-pound stainless steel latch spring ensures the latch locks down tight—and stays locked—until you release it.

PECS: 7075 T6 aluminum, hardcoat anodized, Teflon coated, black. .223/5.56 fits AR-15/M16/M4. .308 fits AR-Style .308 rifles

(Grand Island, Neb.) - Hornady® unveils the next generation of match ammunition - the Superformance™ 308 Win 178 gr BTHP Match. Achieving 2,775 feet per second from a SAAMI spec 24" test barrel, this new load is approximately 175 fps FASTER than any comparable commercial load available today! Topped with the NEW 178 gr BTHP Match bullet featuring a .530 ballistic coefficient, this Superformance™ offering provides industry leading ballistic performance.

The new 178 grain BTHP Match bullet was purpose built, and optimized specifically for the 308 Winchester chamber. It features an aggressive ogive as well as an extremely efficient boat tail that makes this projectile highly effective aerodynamically, yield less wind drift and allows the shooter to obtain flatter trajectories. Accuracy results were excellent. We shot a .680" group at 200 yards with our test equipment, and field tests out to 1250 yards yielded 8 inch, not 8 MOA, but 8 inch total circumferential groups. - Joe Thielen - Hornady Project Engineer

Remaining supersonic to approximately 1,275 yards, this new load provides a 200 to 250 yard advantage over anything else currently available in 308 Winchester. Because Hornady incorporates its Superformance™ technology, there is no increase in pressure, barrel wear or felt recoil. It also offers incredible temperature stability and excellent accuracy potential.

When we combine this high B.C. match bullet with our Superformance™ propellants, the result is a completely new load specifically designed to maximize every aspect of the 308 Winchester. - Dave Emary - Hornady Senior Ballistician.

Founded in 1949, Hornady Manufacturing Company is a family owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are "Made in the USA" by over 300 employees, Hornady Manufacturing has become a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool and accessory design and manufacture.

For further information regarding Hornady products visit our web site at www.hornady.com. Media members interested in Hornady products for editorial review should contact Steve Johnson at sjohnson@hornady.com.

I have started building two DPMS LR-308 based .308 AR pattern rifles. The first is a .308 AR Tactical Sniper Rifle and the second is a Long Range .308 AR Target and Varmint Rifle. Keep an eye on those pages as they are constantly being updated. There has been an increased level of parts availability for the .308 AR/AR-10 type rifles.

Below is the images of the 24" Long Range .308 AR Target Rifle

Chip McCormick Corp is pleased to announce the re-introduction for 2010 of our dual patented, true drop in Tactical Flat Trigger Group.  Breaks at a crisp 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 lb pull weight.  Soon to be available through Brownell’s

Armalite AR-10 Magazines

Brownells has Armalite AR-10 magazines in stock and at a reasonable price.

Magpul PMAG 20-LR

The 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester PMAG 20-LR is a cost effective, high reliability magazine for SR25/DPMS-pattern rifles, featuring true 20-round capacity, constant-curve body and snap on dust/impact cover. Designed specifically for military-issue Mk11/M110 rifles and milspec ammunition (including M118LR), the PMAG-LR is less than half the weight of standard issue steel magazines, and maintains a service life round count approximately equal to the rifle itself.

Larue OSR Reborn Larue OBR Optimized Battle Rifle

Here's a message Mark Larue sent to another site:

Guys,

As some of you know, we are under litigation attack by A.R.M.S. (Dick Swan) for using the numerals 1 and 7 in our LT-170 mount part number. He filed for and last spring outrageously got a trademark on "#17" and then he sued us. IIRC, he also trademarked 7.62, 5.56, 50BMG, etc., etc.

I'm more than a little perturbed.

One of his interrogatories (sic) is what evidence I have of soldiers ever having an A.R.M.S. mount fail on them. Ask and ye shall receive.

I know a gent that says that roughly 20% of the A.R.M.S. mounts have to be replaced before he can run the guys in his sniper course. Says they come in flopping in one way or the other, levers loose, roll pins shot, whatever. And these are the ones that are left of the ones that haven't already been replaced.

I have replaced numerous busted A.R.M.S. units in the past, and have heard more stories than I can count ... the gist of one story - "busted levers on square ranges crunching under the boots of trainees" ...

So, I am officially offering to replace/exchange any in-op/broken A.R.M.S. mounts for the LaRue product that best fits as a replacement.

I'll do it even at the unit level. If your team has a bucket full of dead A.R.M.S. mounts of any sort laying around, then put them to good use. I am aware that due to NSN numbers, many are the failed units are likely sh*tcanned and a replacement bought (with taxpayer money). Either way, I don't care how many ... besides, it won't be nothing compared to the attorney bills we are incurring weekly.

I do ask that some sort of note be written that says what the problem is, i.e. broken levers, loosened roll pins, stripped-out threads, etc.

Let me know about any and all A.R.M.S failures you know about ... even if you threw them away, no worries, please let me know about it here.

We may have to spend $100,000 dollars to fend off this attack, and that's money we can't buy equipment with, money we can't hire more folks with, money shot to hell.

Any help from you guys will be much appreciated.

Mark LaRue

CProducts LLC DPMS/SR25 308 Magazines

400 series Stainless Steel. Heat treated Isonite, an oxidizing process that introduces corrosion resistance to the base material resulting in the formation at the surface of a nitride compound zone, enriched with oxygen/oxides which increases the corrosion protection, boosts wear resistance, increases fatigue strength and produces low coefficient of friction [lubricity]. Hardened to RC 32 in the above process. Wire, Chrome Silicone, heat treated Tempered 600ºF / 1 hour, Protective finish 5.4.1 of MIL-STD-171

DPMS REPR

Based off the company’s LRT-SASS platform, the .308 Win. rifle sports a dark tan earth coating on its upper and lower receivers as well as on its free-floated, four-rail fore-end. In addition, the rifle sports a flat dark earth Magpul precision rifle stock that is fully adjustable for cheekweld height as well as length of pull.

The 18” barrel will sport a slim REPR contour with a Remonite finish and is topped off with a threaded muzzle and flash suppressor (although there will be an optional suppressor system).

In addition, the REPR will employ a revolutionary Ventilator gas system that redirects a claimed 40% of excess gas in the direct gas impingement system away from the inside of the receiver’s chamber/locking lugs area. This is accomplished through a lengthened gas key on the bolt carrier that works in concert with vent holes in the forward portion of the rifle’s upper receiver.

The MSRP is $2,159.

For more information, keep an eye out at www.dpmsinc.com.

Impact Guns

But wait there is even more good news. They also carry and stock Armalite AR-10's.

DPMS .308 Mags Available

Magpul .308/7.62 PMAGS

I have learned that the Brownells part# is 100-004-161. However they are not listed on the site yet. These are the magazines pictured in the right side image at the top of this page.

DPMS LR-308 Part Kits in Stock at Brownells

Brownells has just delivered the much anticipated AR-15/M16 catalog #5 and it doesn't disappoint. The catalog features more .308AR and AR-10 parts than previous efforts. The catalog features many items not yet listed on their web site. You can order one free right here. You might as well grab the Law Enforcement catalog too. Click the image for ordering info for all their catalogs.

What Barrel Nut Wrench for the Fulton Armory Titan Handguard?

If anyone knows please drop me a line because I cant figure it out.

I have not been able to find reliable information as to the correct wrench for tightening the Titan Handguard. To date the best advice was to buy a face spanner wrench made by Armstrong Tools. That's what I will do. It would be helpful if Fulton Armory would advise a solution or warn potential purchasers of the barrel nut on the product page.

The following wrenches will not fit the Fulton Armory Titan Handguard.

• DPMS Free-Float Tube Handguard Wrench AR-10, DPMS LR-308 Steel - 308-TL-01
• Yankee Hill Machine Wrench Free Float Tube Handguard AR-15 Steel - YHM-9621

Note: The YHM-9621 will tighten the handguard locking ring so its not a total loss.

The holes appear to be on a 1.750" circle as seen below

Update: 8-03-2009 - A visitor to another site has informed me that he has actually spoken to Fulton Armory on the barrel nut wrench issue. Fulton suggested he purchase a 1-3/4" face spanner wrench. The wrench he purchased for his build was an ARMSTRONG TOOLS 34-110 WR SPNR FACE 1-3/4 BLK. I have ordered a similar wrench. I'm also considering ordering the OTC-6613 Variable Pin Spanner Wrench. I like the OTC model as it is conceivable that I could fabricate custom pin sizes.

AMERICAN TRIGGER CORP SR GOLD TRIGGER SYSTEM

ATC has released the SR GOLD TRIGGER for .308 based platform rifles. This trigger comes hot on the heals of the very successful AR GOLD TRIGGER for the AR15 rifle. I look forward to testing this trigger on our Build 2 project. Visit the ATC SR Gold Trigger System page here.

Visit American Trigger Corp

.308 AR Upgrades and Add-Ons

We are on the look out for cool upgrades for the .308 AR. If you have added a cool handguard, optic or anything else that improves the form and function of the weapon drop me a line.

.308 AR Bolt Carriers

The news is grim for my LR-308 project.The search is not going well. DPMS is talking 1-2 years for complete bolt carriers to be available for sale as an individual part. Additionally I heard from JP Precision. Their JPBC- 4 wont be available until the fall. If anyone out there knows where I can obtain one please let me know through the contact page. I have ordered a bolt carrier from Fulton Armory even though they have no stock.

Update: 08-02-2009 - I have the bolt carrier on hand. It looks identical to the image below except for color. My unit carrier is silver as shown on the Fulton Armory site. I will replace the image with an actual one of my carrier soon. One item to note that might be of interest to visitors of this site. The Fulton Armory Bolt Carrier Group does not have forward assist serrations.

Here's my Fulton Armory BCG. Click the image to view it full size.

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