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Posted: 12/31/2009 11:37:53 AM EDT
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Just ordered my barrel and matched bolt from Fulton Armory. Here's the breakdown of the setup:
Upper: DPMS Receiver with F/A and Port door cover (AP4 Style) Krieger Criterion 18.5" Barrel w/ rifle length gas system (Chrome Lined) tp555's Custom 3 position gas block (Open, Reduced, Off  )
JP/VTAC Rifle Length FF Tube w/ Full length top rail AAC 18T Blackout Flash Hider AAC 7.62SD Lower: DPMS (DPMS LPK) Giessele SSA Trigger Magpul MIAD VLTOR E-Mod Stock (may swap this out for an ACS later, still trying to decide which one I like better) Optic/Mount: Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x SPR Illuminated Larue SPR-S (LT-158) I'm wanting something relatively lightweight without sacrificing the ability to engage targets at 500+ yards. The barrel weighs 2.5 lbs so it's fairly light compared to most aftermarket 308 barrels. The VTAC tube and barrel nut are among the lighter forend options that free float the barrel. The DPMS Lite Rail might have saved 1-2 oz., but I don't have a need for that much rail space. The Leupy might be a little small magnification-wise but I wanted a 308 capable of CQB if the need arose and that optic will shine there vs. one that's 3-4x on the low end. Plus it's lighter than most of the alternatives. Once it's all together I'll post pics 
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Sounds like a good setup,
You didn't mention what sort of receiver extension [buffer tube] and buffer you have in mind for your stock. I spent way too much time researching that one... |
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Quoted:
Sounds like a good setup, You didn't mention what sort of receiver extension [buffer tube] and buffer you have in mind for your stock. I spent way too much time researching that one... I was planning on using the factory LR308 DPMS buffer tube and buffer that came with my AP4 lower. I read through the thread and I like the idea of a heavier buffer, but I don't want the added length of the Armalite Tube. I shoot with the stock fully collapsed to be NTCH. Adding length to the stock over a standard AR15 tube would change the "feel" of the rifle somewhat. Do you think the DPMS 308 Carbine buffer will be ineffective? |
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I use that same 18.5" barrel on my LR-308. It is still quite heavy even though its medium contour. How does it shoot? It's only 2.5 lbs. according to F-A's website. Is it heavier than that? F-A's Med. Weight SS Barrel weighs 3 lbs at the same length. My SPR build's Terebratus (from Superior Barrels) is 1/2" shorter and weighs the exact same. |
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... I was planning on using the factory LR308 DPMS buffer tube and buffer that came with my AP4 lower. I read through the thread and I like the idea of a heavier buffer, but I don't want the added length of the Armalite Tube. I shoot with the stock fully collapsed to be NTCH. Adding length to the stock over a standard AR15 tube would change the "feel" of the rifle somewhat. Do you think the DPMS 308 Carbine buffer will be ineffective? The buffer works ok, there are lots of AP4s out they are running ok. Its on the lighter side, mainly because its small, and only 2 tungsten weights fit. You could do a Slash buffer and/or CWS–– carrier weight system. That will add some weight. The issue is that as mass goes down (lighter), bolt velocity goes up since the recoil force is basically constant. That higher bolt velocity beats up the parts more, affecting overall longevity. In addition, feeding, extraction and ejection can suffer. I have the AR-10 tube with a solid steel 9mm buffer and another 3oz in carrier weight. (one of these) Works great. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
... I was planning on using the factory LR308 DPMS buffer tube and buffer that came with my AP4 lower. I read through the thread and I like the idea of a heavier buffer, but I don't want the added length of the Armalite Tube. I shoot with the stock fully collapsed to be NTCH. Adding length to the stock over a standard AR15 tube would change the "feel" of the rifle somewhat. Do you think the DPMS 308 Carbine buffer will be ineffective? The buffer works ok, there are lots of AP4s out they are running ok. Its on the lighter side, mainly because its small, and only 2 tungsten weights fit. You could do a Slash buffer and/or CWS–– carrier weight system. That will add some weight. The issue is that as mass goes down (lighter), bolt velocity goes up since the recoil force is basically constant. That higher bolt velocity beats up the parts more, affecting overall longevity. In addition, feeding, extraction and ejection can suffer. I have the AR-10 tube with a solid steel 9mm buffer and another 3oz in carrier weight. (one of these) Works great. I sent an e-mail to Clint and I'll probably end up ordering one of the heavy buffers from Slash. I hadn't read up much on the buffer issue and assumed the DPMS buffer was sufficient...thanks for the heads up! |
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Quoted:
I use that same 18.5" barrel on my LR-308. It is still quite heavy even though its medium contour. How does it shoot? It's only 2.5 lbs. according to F-A's website. Is it heavier than that? F-A's Med. Weight SS Barrel weighs 3 lbs at the same length. My SPR build's Terebratus (from Superior Barrels) is 1/2" shorter and weighs the exact same. Well, mine is actually the 3lb SS barrel now that I remember. The problem is that a lot of the weight on my barrel is near the front due to the profile. The further out the weight, the worse the moment arm and the more front heavy it seems. It shoots great regardless and was well worth the money. With 180gr Nosler loads I shoot under 1/2" at 100 yards easily. Half a pound should make a big difference so you should be fine. 
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Quoted:
Well, mine is actually the 3lb SS barrel now that I remember. The problem is that a lot of the weight on my barrel is near the front due to the profile. The further out the weight, the worse the moment arm and the more front heavy it seems. It shoots great regardless and was well worth the money. With 180gr Nosler loads I shoot under 1/2" at 100 yards easily. Half a pound should make a big difference so you should be fine. http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo39/lr308guy/barrel.jpg?t=1262388715 I can see where that barrel would feel very front heavy. I'm curious as to the exact profile on the one I ordered. It is a .750 gas block and I would assume it would have to be smaller in diameter in front of the GB than your barrel to weigh 1/2 lb less... We'll see this weekend, it arrives on Friday 
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Just a personal experience point.
I have Clints buffers in ALL of my .308s now. I started out with the DPMS buffer and had some cycling issues. I couldnt get them to quit. I bought a second DPMS LR-308 and shot it and found that it shot great, always cycled, and always ran as designed. Started looking at what it had and noticed that it had Clints heavy carbine buffer and trimmed spring. As soon as I saw that, I ordered another pair, and have not had any cycling issues since. Big +1 for Clints buffers. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Well, mine is actually the 3lb SS barrel now that I remember. The problem is that a lot of the weight on my barrel is near the front due to the profile. The further out the weight, the worse the moment arm and the more front heavy it seems. It shoots great regardless and was well worth the money. With 180gr Nosler loads I shoot under 1/2" at 100 yards easily. Half a pound should make a big difference so you should be fine. http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo39/lr308guy/barrel.jpg?t=1262388715 I can see where that barrel would feel very front heavy. I'm curious as to the exact profile on the one I ordered. It is a .750 gas block and I would assume it would have to be smaller in diameter in front of the GB than your barrel to weigh 1/2 lb less... We'll see this weekend, it arrives on Friday Post a pic, I'd be interested to see the difference too. |
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