Smyth Busters: AR-10 vs AR-308 - What's the Difference?
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Brownells Gun Techs Caleb and Steve are sharp as new thumb tacks and even more adept at bursting balloons of firearm misinformation. Today they tackle the notion that any AR-type rifle chambered in 7.62 NATO or .308 Winchester is an AR-10. Many people who think they own an "AR-10" actually have what's generically called an "AR-308". The AR-10® is a specific rifle made by the Armalite® company, which owns the AR-10® name as a registered trademark. So ONLY that Armalite rifle can be legitimately called an AR-10®. ("AR-15" is a non-trademarked, public domain designation for the smaller rifle usually chambered in 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington.) The big deal for an AR-308 owner is that AR-10® parts are NOT necessarily interchangeable with parts for the DPMS LR-308 or other AR-308 rifles. Significant differences include the upper receivers, barrel extensions, handguard mounts, bolt headspacing, gas tubes, and buffers. The fire control groups, dust covers, pistol grips, muzzle devices, and receiver extensions (buffer tubes) WILL interchange, as will the magazines (except for some very old AR-10s that used FN FAL mags). If you own an AR-10®, Armalite will be your main source for parts, though some aftermarket parts makers do offer AR-10® specific handguards and the like. One problem is that some makers of AR-308 components are careless and say their parts are for the "AR-10". Have you had compatibility problems with AR-10 vs AR-308 parts? Tell us about it in the comments!
Пікірлер: 779
I didn’t know this.
@htomerif
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, and if you look for an AR in 308, its almost always going to be called an AR-10. I mean looking at Gunbroker, its literally always going to be called an AR-10. Honestly, I think Brownells is wrong here. If everyone is calling AR-308's AR-10's then we have the same thing happening as when people started calling generic AR platforms AR-15's. No, you almost certainly don't own an Armalite one, but functionally all of the parts labeled "AR-10" are going to be for what Brownells here is calling an AR-308. In fact if you look on Brownells own site and search for AR-10 parts, you get essentially nothing but AR-308 parts. Credit to them, though: they're all labeled "AR 308" or "308 AR", and NOT AR-10, but they still match the AR-10 keyword.
@prescotts.3235
3 жыл бұрын
I didn't know either. I blame the merchants if they continue to misinform their customers.
@deeno313bababa
3 жыл бұрын
I didn’t no either, was thinking about building one sometime.
@jgreat8582
3 жыл бұрын
Good information if you were to build one you are better off getting all the parts from 1 company like Aero Precission that way all parts will match
@sqike001ton
3 жыл бұрын
Isn't an sr25 based off the ar10
The more you know...💫
wow! I'm a big time ar-15 guy, I did not know there was a difference between the ar-10 and the ar-308. thank you for the education.
Why do I get the feeling that Caleb is really into swing dancing at sock hops? Seriously though, this series is excellent. Great info!
@wayneparker9331
3 жыл бұрын
😂😂😂👍 I had much the same reaction.
@stevemc6010
3 жыл бұрын
He straight up looks like he came of the set of a movie or show set in the 50s Perfect voice for that era too, reminds me of Joseph mazello as Eugene sledge
@forcesightknight
3 жыл бұрын
Isn't everyone?
@ronws2007
3 жыл бұрын
Monday Tuesday Happy Days. Thursday Friday Happy Days....These days are ours, oh happy days...
@TacticalBuffoonary
2 жыл бұрын
Because he looks like a 50’s square.😎
Ok. I didnt know most of this. I knew there where various 308 chambered ar's at to make sure what I got would fit. But dang. Now I know. Thank you.
Even in the AR-308 ( I have always called it LR-308) there are some issues with compatibility. My suggestion has always been match up your receivers as one set, your barrel/bolt as another. You can kinda mix/match the rest. But say, aero M5 lower (LR-308 compatible) with a DPMS upper can get a little weird with overall fitment.
I have a AR308 6.5 Creedmoor that I put together for this very reason. The AR308 pattern is more widely provided for in the aftermarket than the AR10 is which makes compatability issues less. Unless you just have to have the Armalite name on the receiver the AR10 isn't worth the hassle in my opinion.
@Gwenhwyfar7
3 жыл бұрын
"I don't fob! I'm a Dapper Dan man!"
@rogerpemberton79
3 жыл бұрын
@@Gwenhwyfar7 pride in vanity is to a fault. To each their own.
@RARufus
3 жыл бұрын
An AR308 in 6.5 Creedmoor is a terrible naming convention. ARSR makes somewhat more sense since it references the magazine size. Then what do I know. 😉
@rogerpemberton79
3 жыл бұрын
@@RARufus is DPMS pattern LFAR 6.5 Creedmoor more to your liking? In complete truth and transparency that really would be a more direct descriptive terminology.
@everydaygear3730
3 жыл бұрын
6.5 is the way, for now and the future
At first I thought we were nitpicking but - this is important info... I concede lol
I learned something new today. I had no idea that that AR-10 was so different that a AR-308. Thank you for the information.
Knew this while doing research to build my DPMS AR308 years back. There are manufacturers that like to list non compatible parts as AR10/308. My advice is to know what you are buying by reading the details and buy matching receivers. Great information and video as always Brownells.
@Kaliburz
3 жыл бұрын
Yup... I have an Eagle Arms AR-10B from years ago.. 2005 or so...uses the M1A/M14 modified mags. I wanted a 243 upper & could not find nothing, not in the B config. And if I did... it cost as much or more then the DPMS pattern complete rifle.... So when CDNN was clearing DPMS LR308 lowers, bought one to built a 243...& a 308 hbar...
Good advice for those of us with little to no hands on experience with the heavy caliber AR platforms.
I learned this the hard way when I built my PA10s years back. Still, good info to have out there. Good video guys. Thanks!
@commiesnzombies
3 жыл бұрын
i spent alot of money on an armalite ar-10 20 round mag only to find out it will not fit in a dpms lr 308 or smith wesson m&p 10 / only seems to fit armalite mag well and nothing else
@TurningGuns
3 жыл бұрын
@@commiesnzombies finally, someone said LR 308, this ar 308 is just going to add to the confusion.
@calholli
2 жыл бұрын
@@TurningGuns Yeah.. exactly. I've always known them both as AR10's-- with either the Armalite patter, or the LR 308 patter..."AR 308" just throws more mud in the muddy water. lol
@bobby1970
2 жыл бұрын
@@TurningGuns So, the LR-308 and AR-308 are separate and different patterns? I'm just trying to make sure I'm getting this all right.
@TurningGuns
2 жыл бұрын
@@bobby1970 that's right.
I love these videos and bits of knowledge you all are providing. Thanks for making this stuff!
I think an episode highlighting Caleb’s barber, hair stylist, coiffurist is past due
@laurencerosenthalwinckler4439
2 жыл бұрын
first time here and got the same feeling
I actually had no idea the AR-10 was an Armalite name. I also had no idea that AR-10 parts were not compatible with AR-308s. Great info!
I am currently building an AR308 and Very glad you put this video out. So far I have only the upper, lower and the internals. Thank You Both for the information!
@blckandwhtknight
3 жыл бұрын
Worth mentioning there are two different heights of AR 308 receivers. Before you look at rails its a good idea to check which you have.
@usernamunavailiable
3 жыл бұрын
@@blckandwhtknight I was surprised they didn’t mention that fact.
@usernamunavailiable
3 жыл бұрын
I used a Zev hand guard on my BA 308 build, and highly recommend it.
@wbrennan2253
3 жыл бұрын
Research was helpful be when I assembledine.👍
@calholli
2 жыл бұрын
@@usernamunavailiable They did..
Parts compatibility is the biggest reason I tracked down an older DPMS LR-308 instead of building my own from scratch.
@calholli
2 жыл бұрын
KAC SR25, DiamondBack DB10, LMT LM8, and even M110 DMR sniper rifle that the military uses, also have the Armilite AR10 pattern.. and I'm sure there are a few others-- It's not just Armilite...... I'll probably never build an LR308, and just stick with the Armalite pattern-- all the best brands use their standard.
When I first started my Aero m5308 build I didnt know that lower parts kit from other manufacturers couldn't fit, even the buffer weights and springs weren't interchangeable. So if you buy Aero M5 308 and start to build it make sure all the parts come from Aero.
@MrIggy562
3 жыл бұрын
I kind of went this route just to make it as hassle-free as possible, but thanks for the heads up
@zroberts02
3 жыл бұрын
What about Fire Control Groups? I would like to have something a bit nicer than a standard trigger if possible.
@ironhorse8573
3 жыл бұрын
@@zroberts02 most likely you're going to have to stick with Aero precision. I tried lower parts kit from DPMS LR 308 did not fit. Contact Aero or contact the manufacturer of the product you're trying to use. That way you don't waist your time and money getting the wrong part.
@kevindietiker7887
3 жыл бұрын
@@zroberts02 Hi I have an all aero precision ar308 and have a LaRue trigger group in it and have had no problems whatsoever.
@calholli
2 жыл бұрын
@@zroberts02 The triggers and pins, grips, forward assist and dust cover-- are the same.. I believe that even the charging handle are the same too........ The two main issues are the barrel/ bolt pair..and the receiver pairs being cut different.
I'm glad you guys made this.
Something everyone seems to gloss over regarding AR-10's is that they were purpose-built for 308. The massive bolt-carrier, the gigantic buffer tube, the direct impingement system; everything about it was designed to fight the problems regarding full auto 308 in a lightweight platform. Let me elaborate. The bolt carrier is unusually large compared to other options, and is pretty space inefficient; but for recoil control, the added weight helps a ton. Same situation with the buffer tube; the FAL just used a smaller spring and a rod on a hinge, but the AR used a larger tube to hold a larger spring and a weight to further offset the recoil. The direct impingement system is pretty important too, as it does two things: it improves accuracy due to barrel harmonics, and it prevents Joe Schmuckitelly from destroying the barrel and internals by creating an intentional failure point that completely disables the firearm and is super cheap to fix. Meanwhile the FAL was built for 280British, an intermediate cartridge, and is thus a bitch to shoot. And the G3 was part of a whole family of guns, one of which being the MP5 and the other being the G53, which was in 5.56. As a consequence, the G3 is also a bitch to shoot. And the sad thing is that America doesn't use the AR10 for anything other than DMR roles, which isn't the role it's meant for; it's a battle rifle, and it out performs the M14 and SCAR by a longshot. Plus, it doesn't just cheat by being super heavy.
Glad to see this addressed. Built my first AR platform 308 around 18 years ago and went thru this all back then. What you don't mention is why there are different platforms vs the AR-15 platform. Simple, but understandable: there was no "mil-spec" developed for this platform, even tho the first AR (Armalite Rifle) was in 308 caliber. After the US adopted the 223 cartridge for their new rifle, the 308 platform languished. DPMS really pushed their own version in the 90's/early 2000's, and because of the proliferation of their version, it was adopted by parts manufacturers and eventually duplicated by other firearms manufacturers. Today there are a plethora of great companies making "DPMS Pattern" rifles, with some tweaking the design even further.
@LRRPFco52
2 жыл бұрын
DPMS LR-308 came out in 2004. Eagle Arms re-branded as ArmaLite Inc. introduced the "AR-10" in 1996. Stoner was working on prototype SR-25s in the late 1980s, introduced the production rifles with KAC in early 1990s, with ads for them showing up in gun rags in 1993. Original ArmaLite rifles were prototyped from 1955-1959, licensed for production in the late 1950s to Dutch, who made rifles for Sudan and Portugal.
Thanks for the information about this topic I wish you had put this out 2yrs ago when I started to plan my build. When I started planning my build I noticed 4 different types of variations on this format. I recommend anyone building one to purchase the main parts from one manufacturer no matter what the cost. Keep up the good work.
I too did not know this was even a thing. I have never seen AR-308 advertised either. I have not yet modified my “AR308” (Diamondback) so I am glad you guys posted this before I wasted money I could have spent on precious metals - lead, copper, & brass.
@contractor556
Жыл бұрын
Did you modify yet? Heard/read that if you have diamond back you have to stay with diamond upper and lower for example. Do you know if this is true ? I have Db15 556
This was illuminating to me. And yes, there is market confusion. Beginning of this year, I bought the Windham Weaponry R16SFST-308. So, technically, they are not calling it an A-10 but I have thought of it as such. Perhaps I should call it an LR 308. That being said, I was looking for an extra wide charging handle because with the scope on, the ocular is right over where the charging handle rests. Anyway, so looking for it, many sights list both because it is perhaps a part that works in both. The rifle came with a telescoping stock on a carbine length tube. Before shooting it, I wanted to change the stock. I took off that carbine length tub, spring and buffer and put on a Luth-AR rifle stock kit for AR-10s. Then I put on a Magpul PRS Gen III precision rifle stock. This led to a comedy of errors you may enjoy. I did not check the weight of the rifle buffer in that kit. I accidentally overgassed myself. When I went to shoot it, I was getting good performance out of one ammo (Federal) and the failure to extract leading to double feeds (Hornady.) Overgassing is when the amount of gas coming back is making the bolt carrier group move back and forth to fast. Fixed gas block and staked gas key, my one option that did work was to take apart the assorted buffers and swapping weight slugs, I have the rifle buffer weighing 6.1 ounces and that solved the problem, mostly. Basically, in a rifle buffer, you need at least 5.3 ounces, sometimes more.
One thing I thought you would’ve touched on is the difference in DPMS pattern receivers. Being there is DPMS high, and DPMS low.
@PimptatoPCs
3 жыл бұрын
That's a good point. If you are building an upper from scratch, you have to match the receiver (high/low) with your hand guard height. But most people just buy complete uppers and never even have to think about that.
@CalebSavant
3 жыл бұрын
We are doing that in a Quick Tip video.
@calholli
2 жыл бұрын
They did...
Great video! I’ve always thought you guys deserve way more subscribers due to your production quality and especially your firearms knowledge! Thanks for the great content!
@firstnamelastname6216
3 жыл бұрын
Brownell's is an awesome company for sure! A+
@skeetermartini
3 жыл бұрын
@@firstnamelastname6216 that too!
I've known some of this in a general way, but it's good to hear the specifics. Guess I've had a fair amount of dumb luck in putting my AR-308s together...
Interesting, never knew there was a difference. Great info guys👍
@usernamunavailiable
3 жыл бұрын
Not only a difference between those, but among the AR308 (DPMS pattern) receivers there is a difference in height which determines what rails are compatible.
I bought a “carbine length” gas tube that was supposed to be compatible with the LR308 (not from midway or brownells) and I was having a whole bunch of issues with cycling, feeding, etc. it turns out the Fun fact is: AR10 gas tube length 12 inches, LR308 carbine length gas tube 11.75 inches. It’s the small things
I always learn a lot from you guys. Thanks for your videos. I enjoy them all!
That’s VERY good information, thank you, and the differences at the component level obviously are very consequential.
Great info as usual! Thank you guys!
I put together my first AR 308 this last year. I found some really good articles about the differences between AR-10/LR-308 and Armalite and DPMS. Then I was lucky enough to find great deal on Aero M5 lower.
Thank you Caleb and Steve! I also thought they were the same thing. Good to know, because I am about to build myself an AR-308 (not an AR-10) and it helps to order the correct parts!!
Don't forget the bolt hold open part, the AR308 version is just a bit shorter and won't reliably hold open the AR10 upon expending the final round. Also, The AR10 requires a threaded pin to hold that part in the receiver, many AR308s use a standard roll pin in that location. Cheers!
@murphytoadster9864
10 ай бұрын
I had to angle grind my catch so it would fit around the receiver to fully rise up and that was a quick easy fix. Only had to grind it one time vs typical gunsmithing where you have to go back and fourth 20 times to get it perfect
From my understanding, DPMS (LR308) is more the standard/norm now where as the AR10 is slowly becoming a thing of the past.
@LRRPFco52
2 жыл бұрын
DPMS no longer exists as a company and within the LR-308 line-up, they had 3 different receiver heights. That was before they introduced the GII small frame series, which shares no critical parts with LR-308 series. There are a lot of companies using SR-25 compatible receivers, including LaRue, LMT, and ArmaLite. After-market companies who make their own receiver sets went through major beta testing pains through customers, discovering that parts fit together just fine, but then damage the lowers under fire. Carrier rails smash into the RET thread boss area because none of the parts were vetted with pyramid testing.
I definitely learned some new stuff and will like to thank you’ll pls keep the info rolling in
Honestly didn't know this. Great info
I do appreciate that you have lessened my ignorance, This has also ran me down a rabbit whole which has taught me there a lot more differences about other 308/7.62 that I know nothing about.
I just built a AR308, seeing this video I'm pleased the companies I ordered from were all labeled correctly.
Good info guys. Always enjoy your lessons.
Love this. For novice folks, it helps greatly. This is what happens when... something is not standard... but looks similar. Never mind the differences between the AR10B vs AR10A...
I knew they were different but I had no idea it was this much difference! Wow
Never knew! Good info to have as I seek out parts…thanks Guys!
Like so many others I had no idea that there was any difference. This is very good to know. Thank you fellas.
Thanks for this informative video, quite timely for me.
Im really happy i came across this info. Still so much to learn.
I'm glad you cleared this up for me
I learn so much from these videos!
Thanks for the information guys!!! Learned a lot about the AR-10 / AR-308.
This is good to know. I have a Windham AR308. I installed the Elfman drop in trigger that also fits the AR15. Works great. Mil Spec buffer tube.
@McMan_
Жыл бұрын
Nice!
I built a DPMD platform AR-10 style in .243. My firing pin retainer some how was missing when I went to clean the rifle and spent hrs searching for one on line, and my wife came to my aid and found 2 @ J P rifle mfg.when local sporting goods nor Brownell and other on line stores had none. You are correct, my DPMSis not an AR.
I’ve learned the hard way too. Now I own both. Thanks again, Smyth busters
I was not aware of this at all, thank you for the education.
Another great video. You're always informative. Suggestion for a future video: Is an Armalite Rifle (not Assault Rifle) a "rifle" with a short barrel or a "pistol" with a long barrel? Also, is there a difference between a collapsible/folding "stock" and a "brace"? These always get a heated discussion on forums since (like the AR-10) after-market products are advertised as both.
Important to note that the buffer tubes DO NOT interchange. The AR 10 carbine extension is longer. Mixing those will can cause major problems. Worst case would be an Armalite extension on a AR308 buffer. Your bolt carriers going to get lodged in the tube the first time you fire it. Putting a Armalite buffer in short extension would be pretty obvious, as the bolt won't even travel to cycle a round, though it would be safe.
@CalebSavant
3 жыл бұрын
The rifle receiver extensions interchange but the carbines are indeed different.
Like so many others, I was unaware of the differences, until now, thanks! One issue I see with one of the AR-308 types is that of the DPMS Recon G2/GII, that it also is not quite the same as the average AR-308 due to the various improvements DPMS made. Now that DPMS has gone "poof" from the market, I'm hoping that the successor organization will have replacement parts available at some point.
Great video!
Thank you for the clarification, sirs
Great info!
If you own an Armalite rifle, buy your parts directly from Armalite. You also need to be very aware of whether you are holding an AR10A or AR10B. Strangely enough, the ‘B’ is the older version and the ‘A’ is the newer itineration that takes polymer mags. Steel mags only in the ‘B’ version.
My AR-308 was listed as AR10 DPMS compatible but you had to read into the description, you had to be looking for those parts that would work together and finding company's that worked together. As much as I would love to build my 308 from scratch for a completed upper with BCG charging handle barrel and handguard from BCA at 309.00 shipped when I bought it was a heck of a deal so found a lower that would work and built it from there only thing I had to change was putting an adjustable gas block from the over gassing but getting
Did not know this! I've been blindly referring to my Savage MSR in 308 as an AR-10. Thank you for schooling me.
Very helpful video, thanks!
Though I’ve been shooting most of my life I’m relatively new to the AR platform. I would have fallen into this rabbit hole deeply. I had no idea. My rookie thought is to spec out what I want and order it complete. Thanks guys, great info.
Excellent information; thank you! Don't have either platform, but at least now I know the difference...
I was not aware of these differences when i purchased my Armalite 7.62x51 AR10. Had I been an informed shopper, it would have made finding parts much easier! I still love my Armalite rifle & i would purchase again, just wish i did my research before spending the money. Now finding parts is difficult & theyre more expensive, because theyre not generic parts.
I remember reading about the PSA PA-10 using a mixed system like the upper is DPMS but the lower is Armalite except for the profile or maybe it was the other way around. I tried to build an Aero M5 LR-308 a few years ago but never finished, its still on my list of goals though :)
Good video to add to the saved list. Just for future information.
I learned something new. Thanks for the information, Brownells.
Thank you for the information.
Once had a POF-308 lower and didn't know it was completely different than either the Armalite or the various other versions. Was quite surprised when the upper was completely different!
Hmmm, who knew! I never changed my AR10T, so it never came up as an issue, but thanks for keeping me from future problems.
I have an Armalite AR-10 purchased in 94 . Armalite at the time made mags from M-14 mags and modified them to comply with the AWB passed that year . They had a funky button you had to push in to load the 1st 2 rounds . Later Armalite changed that and made they're own proprietary mags and then changed again to be compatible with pmags (the latest change I believe) . I was able to change out the mag release and modify 30 round M-14 mags by using a dremel to cut a hole for the mag catch and put non tilt followers in . They fit tight and work well in my 1994 AR-10 . I paid $1100.00 for it back then .
This helps me immensely. Building my first from the ground up.
A couple points of clarification from an Armalite AR10B owner, an AR308 owner, and a BRN10 owner. AR308 barrels can be used on the Armalite AR10 as long as you also use an AR308 pattern bolt carrier group and AR308 gas tube. I have Ballistic Advantage AR308 barrels and bolt carrier groups on both of my Armalite AR10B uppers. The AR10A uses current production AR308 magazines such as the Magpul Pmags. The AR10B uses Armalite magazines which are modified M14/M1A magazines, not modified FAL magazines. The original (commercial version) of the Armalite AR10 used the original Fairchild AR10 style waffle pattern magazine. Upon the 1994 "Assault Rifle" and HiCap magazine ban there was insufficient supply of those waffle pattern mags on hand to meet production needs, so Armalite retooled the AR10 to take modified M14/M1A magazine of which there were a ton of pre ban out there that were grandfathered in, hence the AR10B. When the AR ban ran out in 2004 Armalite could go back to that original pattern magazine, which is very much like the Pmag so Armalite, to distinguish between old (B pattern) and new pattern went with the AR10A nomenclature (confusing, I know). Trying to get anything from Armalite AR10B is an exercise in futility. I like my Armalite AR10B but I will never build another Armalite anything. Aero Precision is my choice these days. The BRN10 is another nice rifle. It shares a lot of parts with the AR308 platform (although not the lower parts kit) but the magazines are a bit different. Magpul Mags won't work but other brands of steel or aluminum magazines will. The BRN10 upper is the closest I have seen to fitting an Armalite AR10 lower (or vise versa), and it might work, but there will be a slight gap at the rear so it is not recommended. I wish Brownells would come out with a BRN10 flattop upper. That would open up a whole new build capability for us BRN lovers. Thank you for another excellent video. They are greatly appreciated.
@tonywilfong5409
2 жыл бұрын
I also put a areo persicion barrel on my armalite so I can't use the original bolt or gas tube is that correct I have to go to areo bolt gas tube
@tonywilfong5409
2 жыл бұрын
Also the lugs in the armalite do lock forward in the areo barrel
@tonywilfong5409
2 жыл бұрын
I'm in the middle of doing that change now on my armalite wish I never bought the firearm only shelf bought ar I have should have built it from scratch wish I known all of this
@d30gaijin
2 жыл бұрын
@@tonywilfong5409 Yes. Using the Aero or any other AR308 barrel in an Armalite AR10B upper requires the use of the Aero type bolt/gas tube. Just make sure you are using the Armalite AR10B upper vs. Armalite AR10A upper. Two different animals. LOL. Hope that helps.
@d30gaijin
2 жыл бұрын
@@tonywilfong5409 They might but I would not rely on that. Just safer to use and Aero BCG with the Aero barrel.
Thanks for this information, ran into this similar issue with an AR-15 build where I bought a proprietary upper/lower (non mil spec among other things) that I was unaware it was proprietary... needless to say I had issue with parts compatibility. I wish companies would put in big bold red warning labels that their platform works with in house parts or at least the measurements/spec of parts so if you buy aftermarket you can verify that they will fit. But it was a good live and learn experience as it was my first build... and thankfully I had a friend who could fix those issues.
Yeah, most people I know call AR-308s AR-10s including me... I'm guilty of this as well. But, everyone I know who has a 308/762 has a AR-308 because that is the platform that is compatible with most of the market and aftermarket. I've built one and it turned out great. If you are doing it for the first time, I would probably suggest using a lower and upper from the same manufacturer. If you are doing an AR build for the very first time (any AR build) you probably want to get an assembled upper for sure. Putting together the lower is no biggie and tons of videos on it. Anyway, once you build an AR you will be hooked. It is a lot of fun.
Thanks for the information.
I built an AR 308/DPMS pattern, and the learning curve of what fit and what didn't 5 years ago was a real eye opener. And I still didn't know till just now about the bolts and headspace issues.
The AR10 was never a military standard so there was no standardization of platform like the AR15. Also Armalite never sold off the rights to the platform like they did with the 15. Best bet if building an AR308 is to build to DPMS pattern and the best option out there without spending a ton of money is the Aero M5 set up
I was once issued a Knights Armament SR-25 which is an AR-10 highly refined. Also was issued a Stoner armament system built by Knights Armament as well. The Stoner is not recommend for those who do not understand or are too lazy to pay attention to detail. Great weapons both.
I did know this and I've successfully assembled two AR308 uppers for the lower that I machined back in the day. I did my research and never had to return a part because it was for the wrong version.
That's the problem, the AR-10 was never standardized like the AR-15 was, that was only on Colt, they're thinking was allow other companies figure out the standards for it. 50 years later and it's still an issue.
Very informative. Thanks
Big props for being willing to say "Have an Ar-10? Call Armalite." A big part of customer service is admitting when you cant help and pointing to someone who can. Too many people are scared to do this these days.
Good information. I have been thinking of building an AR10/AR 308 and I did not know they were different.
Always learning. 👍
My AR308 from Aero Precision is badass. Best rifle I've ever owned and I've always wanted a AR308 since I was a kid. Living the dream
I've got everything but my lower and I've been very careful to make sure everything is compatible on my dpms ar308
Several years ago I got an ar10 lower from a friend. Thinking ar15 where everything is mil-spec, I ended up with a dpms upper to assemble my gun. I ended up with a very nice rifle in the end, but machining the lower to fit the upper was WAY more work than I want to do again! My advice is to research carefully when buying parts to ensure compatibility!😃
I have an old Noveske N6 which is on the Armalite pattern. Getting spare parts and magazines has been a nightmare. It is now just a safe queen
YES went down that rabbit hole!! Buy a matching set upper and lower receiver that will fix a lot of problems. Also barrel and bolt carrier group from same manufacturer.
My last build for gunsmithing school was an AR-10 and they made us take a whole history lesson on the platform and the variants made it so much easier
I bought a 308 bcg from you and on your email list for an aero upper and lower. I knew armalite was different but didn't know specifics. Good to know.
There are also different dpms upper receivers as far as the rail height goes.
I knew building a 10 isn’t as simple and straightforward as a 15 but didn’t know the reason. I knew enough that parts interchangeability was an issue but never the reason why. Thank guys, I’m positive you just saved me some headaches👍🏻
B series Armalite uses M14 style magazines. There are two generations of them. Armalite still makes Gen 2 B series magazines. Long story short, Armalite had patents etc. After AWB sunsetted companies didn't want to pay license fees. That gave rise to the 308 AR pattern.
Always great information from Brownells. I like the way it's explained also. Some will tell you this information almost as an insult. As if, you should know everything little thing about the rifle before you purchased it. I believe the only question I asked the dealer was can I shoot both 7.62x51 and .308 ammo. Thank you Brownells.
I have a friend who bought a Matrix Arms upper/lower combination with the slant back like an AR-10 but it has the DPMS threaded upper which they switched to without warning. When we did research on building it we first purchased an Armalite threaded barrel nut and it wouldn't work. Come to find out they switched the thread pattern at some point and made no other changes so other than the date of manufacture there is no way of knowing. We are having a bear of a time getting it to be reliable and now I am wondering what other things did they change? The rest of the parts are advertised to be AR-308 DPMS.