Build 1: .308 AR Tactical Sniper Rifle
Introduction
Below is a list of the hardware I selected for this build. When possible I will explain the reasons for my decisions as they apply to this project. Every attempt will be made to include images of the actual parts as well as how much I paid and links to where I obtained the parts from.
Build 1 : The first project will be based on the DPMS LR-308 platform. DPMS has a good reputation and currently I believe there is a better chance obtaining compatible hardware in a reasonable time frame versus an Armalite build. Unfortunately these .308 pattern AR's don't have all the hardware options available that the standard AR15's do but this will be fun none the less.
I want this gun to have a manageable size and weight so that it can be fired comfortably from the shoulder as well as with a bipod or from the bench. The 18" barrel should provide for sub minute of angle accuracy out to 200 yards and farther.
Update: April 1, 2010 - This project is still waiting for a barrel. Fast approaching one year and a little frustrated.
Update: June 15, 2010 - I gave up waiting for the DPMS barrel and canceled the order.
DPMS Stripped Lower Receiver
308-LR-05 $349.99 + $40 Transfer to my local FFL $389.99
DPMS Stripped Upper Receiver A3 Flattop Matte
3308-FTT-EA1 $179.99
This was a pretty easy choice. I'm left handed and didn't want to risk a smooth sided upper from Fulton Armory or JP Rifles for fear of cases flying into my face. The DPMS A3 is a typical flattop similar to that of an AR15 and because of this it includes a shell deflector in its design.
Fulton Armory -FAR-308 Lower Receiver Parts Kit
FACS-308 LRPK-LTG
$59.95
Fulton had it in stock without the trigger group. That was exactly what I wanted. Delivery was in about 3 days!!!
JP Enterprises Tactical 4 lb. Fire Control Package
$182.99
The JP Enterprises Tactical 4lb fire control package come in at nearly $100 cheaper then the Geissele we are using in build 2. That's the first reason for going with this trigger. The second reason is to be able to compare the various triggers for the content of this site as well as to see if the lower cost units perform nearly as well or equal to the top of the line Geissele. JP has been making triggers for competition .308 AR's for years. I have no reservations about this being an outstanding trigger for this .308AR build.
DPMS 18" Heavy Barrel
308-BL-18 $299
Not many options here at this time. DPMS barrels get pretty high marks for accuracy and the price isn't too bad either $299.
Barrel length: I struggled with this aspect of the build for a while. I had originally wanted a 24"-26" for the extra few hundred fps in bullet velocity, however after a little research I noticed many guys getting their long barrels shortened to 18"-20". Upon investigation the weight and added length really make the gun strictly a bench rifle. That's not what I want. There should not be any measurable accuracy differences between this 18" heavy barrel and its longer siblings at the range 100-400 yards that I will be shooting.
Ordered May 22,2009, Canceled May 25, 2010
Fulton Armory - Bolt Carrier
FA-TN-300-105 $309.95
Not many choices here. DPMS is predicting incredible wait times. JP is expecting to manufacture some stripped carriers in the fall. Armalite's are nowhere to be seen. This leaves Fulton Armory. I do suspect that the Fulton Armory bolt carrier is in fact DPMS. Ordered 06-23-2009
Troy Battle Sights (BUIS)
Rear SSIG-FBS-R0BT-00 $149 Front-SSIG-FBS-FMBT-00 $129
This was an easy decision. The Troy Battle Sights are the best sights available for the AR15,M16,M4 rifle period. They are precisely machined of aluminum and stainless steel. All adjustment screws are recessed and cant accidentally be altered. They apertures are machined correctly to retain zero regardless of which aperture is being utilized (small aperture is correctly offset). The sights are on the correct plane to be co-witnessed with most optics. These sights are most likely the most expensive units available. If your life might depend on them one day they will be priceless.
 
Magpul UBR Rifle Stock - DPMS LR-308 SR25 AR10
MAG330 $266
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Note: To utilize this stock the rifle will need to be fitted with an AR15 carbine length buttstock extension tube. This will require a special buffer and an Armalite AR-10 spring
Small Parts
Below is the little stuff you don't want to forget about
Daniel Defense AR10 12.0 Lite Rail (Handguard)
$399
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ERGO AR-LF Tactical Deluxe Grip, SUREGRIP - with Spacer - Pistol Grip
4060LF $46.20
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Gas Block
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Muzzle Brake/Flash Hider/Compensator
Unfortunately with the State of Connecticut's "Assault Weapon" ban I will not be able to utilize anything threaded to the barrel. Here's a few for the readers of this page
Optics
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Magazines
I opted for two different brands of magazines, the official DPMS MA-3082 19 round and C Products 20 round model 510. The DPMS cost $45 regularly but with the current shortage of gun parts they are being sold online and at gun shows for $70. C Products cost $22 direct from the manufacturer. The magazines arrived in about two months after placing the order.
Bipod
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Manufacturers Links
Below is a list of the manufacturers I used for this build.
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