AR's in .308

[Reserve21]

I am thinking about picking up an AR-15, but I would like to have it in .308. Is this a better option than the .223, and who makes an affordable one?

[David Hineline]

DPMS makes variations of the 308 thier cheapest running about $925 compared to .223 if you do much shooting surplus 308 ammo will be about 75 cents per round with LE type ammo aproacing $1.50/rnd. So not a cheap plinkster.

[Blackdog F4i]

I went with the AR-10.

.308 is not affordable, and is really only a better option at longer ranges if you are comparing frangible .223 vs. frangible .308.

Just know that the .308 platforms are not interchangeable like the AR-15. The mags are not even cross compatible.

The AR-10 appears to be the best current platform for a semi-auto long range sniper rifle. Their accuracy comes very close to bolt action rifles, and the magazine capacity and reload time makes them an excellent choice for a target rich enviroment.

Like anything, define your needs, then choose the weapon accordingly. Don't believe all the gunshop BS about the .223 being an ineffective round. There really aren't many options on the market that are better suited to a LE enviroment.

Think about this though......one 20 round magazine of Federal GMM is going to cost you about $30 to shoot. That can make an afternoon at the range REAL expensive.

[Tarawa]

Like Blackdog said pretty much nothing is interchangable on the AR-10.

The cheapest route all around would be to piece an AR-15 together.

I, like Blackdog, am putting together an AR-10. I am using it for hunting. I am using Armalite as apposed to DPMS. From what I heard the DPMS LR308 is not a very good rifle. I am just purchasing a complete upper and I am waiting on a lower sans the buttstock. All in all the rifle I am putting together is sold complete from Armalite for $2500. So I am going to save a couple bucks.

The AR-15 can be a Frankenstein type rifle. With the different components coming from different manufacturers. I wouldn't say the rounds are cheap but they are more inexpensive than .308!

All in all the Ar-15 is going to be cheaper.

Good luck

[fdkay]

What is the intention for your rifle? The CETME 7.62 rifle is not a bad bargain, they can usually be had for quite a bit less than an AR10. Many people are under the mistaken assumption that the CETME is a cheap knock off of the HK91 when in fact the design was a CETME design and the HK is an EXPENSIVE knock off of the CETME. They are not pretty rifles, and the AR10 and DPMS will both be more accurate and easier to mount optics and also easier to find accessories for.
If money is not an issue, the SOCOM16 or scout rifle would be a very attractive alternative, although pricey.
If price is a big issue, then SAIGA imports a .308 rifle (or used to) based on the RPK receiver, it is cheap, but high cap mags will be difficult. You could probably find one for about 300 bucks. This is NOT a 7.62x39 rifle, although they make those also. Naturally based on the AK they also offer 5.45x39 and 5.56x45.
If you want to be the weird kid on the block, KAHR/Auto Ordnance offer an M1 carbine for about 600 bucks. Do not laugh at the .30 carbine round, you can practice with ball ammo and load it with JSP's or the new cor-bon DPX rounds. It is very effective when loaded with the right ammo. Don't let some fool tell you that it is no more effective than a .38, show me a .38 special that gets 1900 FPS with a 110 grain bullet.

[JTShooter]

Beware the short barreled .308 cal rifle.... unless you're in the market for a flame thrower or you just don't like your hearing (indoors).

[Blackdog F4i]

If money is not an issue, the SOCOM16 or scout rifle would be a very attractive alternative, although pricey.

Pricey and a toss up as to if it will be reliable or not. Some are, some arent. From what I have heard, if it's not reliable it probably won't ever be without some serious work. Short barreled M1A's are not a real good idea. Plus they are on the same price point as a AR-10 and have MUCH worse ergonomics than an AR-10.

[warrior1978]

I own a AR-10 and also have a work issued Springfield Scout, both are chambered in .308.

Comparing the two rifles, here are my thoughts. The Springfield is a heavier and more complex rifle in terms of assembly and disassembly. The AR-10 is lighter and I have a collapsible stock on it, recoil is greater than the Springfield. I like the standard sights on the AR more than I do on the Springfield. Both are great rifles and I would take either over any rifle chambered in .223/5.56.

If I had to choose one over the other, I would take the AR.

[jwise]

If price is a big issue, then SAIGA imports a .308 rifle (or used to) based on the RPK receiver, it is cheap, but high cap mags will be difficult.

Saiga now has 25rd mags for their .308win rifle. My local shop has one of the new Saigas in stock, and it comes with the new mag. Very slick.

I have no dogs in this fight, but I would simply warn the original poster that an AR in .308 is NOT the same thing as an AR-15. It is bigger, heavier, and is NOT interchangable.

I think some of the best features of the AR is given up when you go to .308.

If I was authorized to carry a bigger caliber than 5.56, I'd get an AR-15 in 6.5 Grendel or 6.8SPC. Both fit into the AR-15 package, and are designed around the 16" barrel (not 20" like the .308.)