AR Sponsor
Posted: 6/7/2016 12:51:10 PM EDT
|
Hey Guys, so I’ve had an AR-10 build planned for years, but other .223 builds (and life) have kept it from happening … until now. This past Friday I ordered a blem M5 (.308) lower from AERO Precision because I’ve used their receivers exclusively for .223 builds and I really like them.
About the Rifle: It’s going to be chambered in .260 and I chose that caliber for several reasons, but mostly because I wanted to be in the 6.5 family and I reload my own ammo so I don’t need to rely on factory ammo. With Lapua making brass for .260, and how close it is to the .308 parent case it should make magazine feeding the most reliable option so it seems like the no brainer choice. The rifle will mostly be used for target shooting (paper and steel) from 300 – 1000 yards. I also hope to use it for some varmint and hog hunting at some point, possibly larger game but that’s not the main purpose of the rifle. With the possible hunting use overall weight is a consideration, but not a top priority. Top priorities, in order, are: reliability, reliability, accuracy, reliability, weight. Even with reliability being my top concern, sub MOA with match ammo is still a must. I fully subscribe to the mantra of “buy once, cry once” so this isn’t going to be a cheap build and as a result it isn’t going to be a quick build due to not having an excess of disposable income. My goal is to have the rifle up and running within 12 months. Having said that, I also don’t want to needlessly throw money out the window on “high end” parts when it may not be necessary, but again, reliability is my main concern so I won’t go cheap on parts that haven’t been proven. Any and all feedback is very welcome, especially from those of you who have been down this road already and used these parts or other parts that you feel are worthy of mentioning. Parts list in next post due to size restraints. |
|
AERO Lower Receiver
•AERO LPK minus grip and FCG •Geissele SSA-E •Magpul PRS stock - I really like this stock but it’s a heavy beast of a stock so it may not make the cut depending on the weight of the rest of the rifle) so suggestions for alternate lighter stocks you like with similar features are welcome. •Impact Weapons sling QD Receiver End Plate •JP Enterprises Gen 2 Silent Capture Buffer Spring AERO Upper Receiver •BCM Charging Handle •JP Enterprises SuperMatch Barrel, 22”, 1-8 twist, rifle length gas. I may order the barrel with just the machine finish and then send it off for fluting / finishing to help reduce the weight. The barrel also comes with a JP enhanced high pressure bolt individually headspaced to the barrel. •JP Enterprises Low Mass Bolt Carrier with cam pin, firing pin, and FP retainer pin •JP Enterprises low profile adjustable gas block (JPGS-8) •Midwest Industries 15" DPMS .308 SS-Series one piece FF handguard So that’s the bulk of the rifle. I haven’t decided on a muzzle device yet but I really like the Lantac Dragon, as well as JP’s standard brake. On top will be a Vortex PST 6-24x50 with the EBR-2C reticle. I’m thinking for just the rifle I should be into it around $2,500 - $2,700 depending on what parts I can get on sales and how much I end up paying for all the shipping. I'll keep this thread updated with pics as the build progresses! |
|
Your listing a PRS stock with a QD end plate. Current PRS stocks only work with rifle buffer tubes and springs. The new Gen 3 doesn't look like it would have room to use a QD end plate either. I don't see an adjustable gas block on your list. I believe you will definitely want that, especially with the low mass parts. 6.5/260's are known for being overgassed. JP offers an extended length gas system, so if your getting their barrel, you may want to look into the extended gas system. Keep in mind that the MI rails are very slender and don't leave a lot of room around an adjustable gas block if you are putting the gas block under the rail. I had to relieve one screw on my SLR to make sure the barrel always floats and won't ever touch the rail under recoil/bipod/sling tension etc. |
|
I went the 6.5 Creedmoor route with my Aero upper. I stayed with standard weight parts and use a rifle buffer tube and buffer to keep the mass, since I've got a standard rifle length gas system with a 24" barrel, it should keep everything closed a little longer and help with any gas issues. Here are pictures of the MI Mlok rail over my SLR gas block. This is a .936 gas block, so not a lot of spare room.   |
|
I guess I should also add that I swapped stocks so I could get an adjustable cheek piece. The Geissele mount sits a little high at 1.535 and I would prefer if it sat a little lower and offered a small amount more of forward offset. Aero uppers are DPMS high spec, so they've already got some extra height over a standard AR upper. I moved my Luth AR onto the rifle pictured above and that made a big difference. I will probably grab a gen 3 Magpul stock when they are available. |
|
Quoted:
AERO Lower Receiver •AERO LPK minus grip and FCG •Geissele SSA-E •Magpul PRS stock - I really like this stock but it’s a heavy beast of a stock so it may not make the cut depending on the weight of the rest of the rifle) so suggestions for alternate lighter stocks you like with similar features are welcome. •Impact Weapons sling QD Receiver End Plate •JP Enterprises Gen 2 Silent Capture Buffer Spring AERO Upper Receiver •BCM Charging Handle •JP Enterprises SuperMatch Barrel, 22”, 1-8 twist, rifle length gas. I may order the barrel with just the machine finish and then send it off for fluting / finishing to help reduce the weight. The barrel also comes with a JP enhanced high pressure bolt individually headspaced to the barrel. •JP Enterprises Low Mass Bolt Carrier with cam pin, firing pin, and FP retainer pin •JP Enterprises low profile adjustable gas block (JPGS-8) •Midwest Industries 15" DPMS .308 SS-Series one piece FF handguard So that’s the bulk of the rifle. I haven’t decided on a muzzle device yet but I really like the Lantac Dragon, as well as JP’s standard brake. On top will be a Vortex PST 6-24x50 with the EBR-2C reticle. I’m thinking for just the rifle I should be into it around $2,500 - $2,700 depending on what parts I can get on sales and how much I end up paying for all the shipping. I'll keep this thread updated with pics as the build progresses! looks like your on the right path - as far as the PRS goes - consider the LUTH-AR for a lighter alternative it is what my AR10 wore before i switched to an A5 buffer setup - because I just like 'em shorter when not prone. I think you're doing the right thing getting a paired barrel/bolt - i still have issues with my barrel and bolt i've yet to resolve, and Wish I had went that way. - I paired FAXON barrel with a BCG from Next Level Armament - lugs keep getting chewed up badly, they've sent 3 bolts, 2 of which were no dice, so hats of to their customer service team, especially Dave whom is a great guy - I just recently began working on it again and contacted FAXON about it. thats the worst part of these large frame guns - no standardized TDP/Milspec I have since really taken a liking to my 6.5Grendel, and will likely convert this rig to a 260 Rem or 6.5Creed, and do it right with a matched, spaced bolt. |
|
Quoted:
Your listing a PRS stock with a QD end plate. Current PRS stocks only work with rifle buffer tubes and springs. The new Gen 3 doesn't look like it would have room to use a QD end plate either. Quoted:
Your listing a PRS stock with a QD end plate. Current PRS stocks only work with rifle buffer tubes and springs. The new Gen 3 doesn't look like it would have room to use a QD end plate either. Thanks for the heads up, I wasn't sure if it would work or not so I just listed it for good measure because I love them on my .223's. Good to know though so thanks again for pointing that out! Quoted:
I don't see an adjustable gas block on your list. I believe you will definitely want that, especially with the low mass parts. 6.5/260's are known for being overgassed. JP offers an extended length gas system, so if your getting their barrel, you may want to look into the extended gas system. Keep in mind that the MI rails are very slender and don't leave a lot of room around an adjustable gas block if you are putting the gas block under the rail. I had to relieve one screw on my SLR to make sure the barrel always floats and won't ever touch the rail under recoil/bipod/sling tension etc. I do have the JP "JPGS-8" adjustable gas block hidden there in the list, but I'll double check the dimensions for both it and the handguard. I don't remember if I checked them against each other or not but considering how close the clearance is on your rifle it's something I'll double check for sure. Thanks again for the tips, I appreciate it!! |
|
Quoted:looks like your on the right path - as far as the PRS goes - consider the LUTH-AR for a lighter alternative it is what my AR10 wore before i switched to an A5 buffer setup - because I just like 'em shorter when not prone. Quoted:looks like your on the right path - as far as the PRS goes - consider the LUTH-AR for a lighter alternative it is what my AR10 wore before i switched to an A5 buffer setup - because I just like 'em shorter when not prone. The LUTH-AR looks like a fantastic alternative, and at a much better price. I'll read up on them some more for sure but at first glance it looks like it may just replace the PRS on my list. Quoted:thats the worst part of these large frame guns - no standardized TDP/Milspec Isn't that the truth, it can be a real pain trying to make sure everything is going to fit together correctly. I'm still considering sticking with an AERO handguard so I know the receivers and handguard will all fit together correctly, I'm just not a huge fan of their handguards is all. |
|
Quoted:
Sorry, it blended with all the other JP gear 
Should be a pretty sweet setup.Got any optics picked out yet? I already have the Vortex PST 6-24x50 with the EBR-2C reticle that will sit on top. I have it on my .223 SPR right now but it's overkill for that rifle so I'll put it on this build and put my 1-6x back on the SPR. |
|
So I read up on the Luth stocks last night and have decided to go that route instead of the PRS, most likely the MBA-1. When comparing weight and cost it was really a pretty easy decision.
I also went and filled out the 4473 last night for the lower. AERO says they're 5-7 days behind on getting out new orders so there was no rush to get that taken care of. I expect it won't be here for another couple weeks. 
|
|
Quoted:
I don't see an adjustable gas block on your list. I believe you will definitely want that, especially with the low mass parts. 6.5/260's are known for being overgassed. JP offers an extended length gas system, so if your getting their barrel, you may want to look into the extended gas system. Keep in mind that the MI rails are very slender and don't leave a lot of room around an adjustable gas block if you are putting the gas block under the rail. I had to relieve one screw on my SLR to make sure the barrel always floats and won't ever touch the rail under recoil/bipod/sling tension etc. Quoted:
I don't see an adjustable gas block on your list. I believe you will definitely want that, especially with the low mass parts. 6.5/260's are known for being overgassed. JP offers an extended length gas system, so if your getting their barrel, you may want to look into the extended gas system. Keep in mind that the MI rails are very slender and don't leave a lot of room around an adjustable gas block if you are putting the gas block under the rail. I had to relieve one screw on my SLR to make sure the barrel always floats and won't ever touch the rail under recoil/bipod/sling tension etc. Quoted:
I do have the JP "JPGS-8" adjustable gas block hidden there in the list, but I'll double check the dimensions for both it and the handguard. I don't remember if I checked them against each other or not but considering how close the clearance is on your rifle it's something I'll double check for sure. Thanks again for the tips, I appreciate it!! EDIT - Well after checking the specs the OD on the JP gas block is 1.34" and the ID of the MI handguard is 1.3" so it looks like my search continues for a handguard. Thank you again for bringing that up! I was looking at the .223 handguard. The DPMS .308 SS-Series Handguard lists a 1.75" OD so I would assume that should give plenty of ID clearance for the 1.34" gas block. I'll call MI to see if they have the exact ID just to double check but I think I should be good with this handguard ... which is awesome because it's the same handguard I wanted just sized up for the .308. I have the .223 version on my SPR and love the rail! |
Picked up my lower last night!! Very excited to get this build going, now just waiting for the LPK I want and the stripped upper to come back in stock ... I find my patience is severely lacking however.
 </a>" />
Any idea why the pic won't show rather than a link? |
|
Quoted: Picked up my lower last night!! Very excited to get this build going, now just waiting for the LPK I want and the stripped upper to come back in stock ... I find my patience is severely lacking however.
http://<a href=http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/s614/ajandrs/Lower_zpsa3c5mypp.jpg</a>" /> Any idea why the pic won't show rather than a link? You don't have 50 posts yet, so you have to have 3 approvals from Team members per picture post for the pics to display. You should see it now. |
|
Quoted: Picked up my lower last night!! Very excited to get this build going, now just waiting for the LPK I want and the stripped upper to come back in stock ... I find my patience is severely lacking however. Trust me when I say: Take your time. Non-556 builds are a completely different monkey. |
|
Quoted:
Trust me when I say: Take your time. Non-556 builds are a completely different monkey. Quoted:
Quoted:
Picked up my lower last night!! Very excited to get this build going, now just waiting for the LPK I want and the stripped upper to come back in stock ... I find my patience is severely lacking however. Trust me when I say: Take your time. Non-556 builds are a completely different monkey. desertmoon is right. If you haven't already, do some reading on what LPK and bolt catch to use with the Aero M5 lower. I don't own one but I am a retailer so I skim through the info on them. The LPKs and bolt catches are not always Plug N' Play. |
|
Got my grip and stock installed. Grip is the Magpul MOE-K2+ ... it's not a super tight fit up at the top but it's good enough, I don't think anybody that wasn't looking for it would even notice.
I actually love this grip and stock so far so I think I'm going to move them over to my 5.56 varmint rig for the time being so I can try them out and get a little use out of them. Like I said up above I expect this built to probably take me up to a year to complete unless I run into some unexpected funds so I might as well get a little use of these parts while I can. As for the parts compatibility concerns, I hear you guys loud and clear. I've been reading up on AR-10 builds for a couple years now so I think (or at least hope) I have a pretty good understanding of the problems that can arise using parts from various manufacturers. Since I'm using the AERO lower I'm going to be using their LPK as I expect anything they sell would be compatible with other parts they sell and build rifles with. I'm currently waiting for their M5 "builders LPK" (no FCG / grip) to come back in stock, as well as their M5 upper.  " />
|
AR Sponsor