AR-10 BUILD KITS | 308 AR BUILD KITS | AR 308 BUILD KITS

Rifle build kits in theory are an easy way for a shooter to purchase parts needed to build either an AR-10 or some form of a 308 AR. Unfortunately these build kits are not always readily available and differ in their completeness. The most basic build kits include the 308 upper and lower receiver, 308 bolt carrier group and a 308 charging handle. Some manufacturers and vendors up the ante by including AR-10/308 AR lower parts kits, some even offer the LPK with upgraded triggers. Then there is resellers who sell entire 308 AR/AR-10 kits in a box that includes everything needed to build a 308 rifle. Below I will comment about these types a kits in further detail.

These build kits are also often referred to as the following:

•  AR .308 Build It Yourself Project Kits
• 308 AR Build Kits
• Upper Parts and Kits
• AR 10 Rifle Kits
• 308 Complete Build Kits
• AR 308 Build Kits
• AR-10 Rifle Builder Kits

BASIC AR-10/308 AR BUILD KITS

The basic kits as stated above are typically an upper and lower receiver set, matching charging handle and bolt carrier group. I like these kits because they simplify an order. The remainder of the parts needed for a rifle build I would hand select.The decision of lower parts kit, trigger, barrel and handguards is up to me. This is way I save time and money in the long run by having it just the way I want it. Note: When buying from a vendor who is not a manufacturer always make sure the brand of the receivers and bolt carrier group are known, clearly stated from the vendor.

INTERMEDIATE AR-10/308 AR BUILD KITS

The intermediate 308 build kits can also be a great purchase. They will include a 308 upper and lower receiver, 308 bolt carrier group, 308 charging handle and the appropriate lower parts kit. It’s important to note that because their is no standard among these rifles their are differences between manufacturers. A simple example of this would be Aero Precision 308 AR lower receivers. They require a Aero Precision magazine release button which is slightly longer than a standard button. It’s only a $5 part but it can be pretty frustrating to learn you need it 3/4 of the way through your build.

COMPLETE AR-10/308 AR BUILD KITS

The complete rifle kits are as their name implies everything you need to build a 308 AR/AR 308 rifle. Well typically everything except the tools to put them together. These kits include everything from the other kits above but also include a barrel, stock, handguards, pistol grip. They may also include sights, optics and mounts etc. I am not a big fan of this approach and it’s not a knock against folks selling this stuff. They are after all giving shooters what they need. Things I dont like about these kits are that while they often contain some quality name brand items they often also contain unknown and knockoff hardware.Be warned. The other negative is as shooters we tend to not be satifisfied very long and like to swap out and upgrade parts. Buying a complete kit might leave you with a bunch of parts you wish you never bought.