Building AR-10... Upper+Lower=Done?

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dttuner

Inactive
I want to put together an AR-10 "kit."

However, after doing some browsing and research online, I realize that building a weapon from several hundred parts may be out of my league.

On Gunbroker.com, I found several listings for "Complete Uppers" and "Complete Lowers," in .308 chamber.

The Uppers seem to include barrel, forend, charging handle, bolt carrier, bolt, etc.
The Lowers seem to include trigger assembly, stock, etc.

Is this all I need?


Also...
How is DPMS in terms of quality, durability, etc.?

PS - please don't flame. I am completely clueless when it comes to the AR market.
 
Unlike an AR15 ,you can not build an AR10 cheaper than a factory rifle .Armalite AR10's can be bought for $1225.00 NIB . DPMS rifles are ok,but the Armalite is better . People will tell you Armalite mags are expensive. You can get new 2nd gen 20 round Armalite mags for $20.00 if you look. Armalite's customer service is top notch if you ever need it .Resale value is better on the Armalite also.
 
So... full upper + full lower = complete AR-10?

I'm looking at gunbroker.com, where I see upper+lower for $1030, plus shipping.

Can you please post, or PM a link to Armalite AR-10 for $1225?

Thank you
 
Thanks GONIF.

Could you please also help me out with my question?

And FYI - I'm looking for an all-around, SHTF firearm.
My short range/close quarters is covered by mossberg 500, and glock 17.

.
 
With out the tools and skill you would be better off buying a factory gun .The first one at Buds would be a great SHTF rifle . You will need a scope mount ,the Armalite scope mount is great and priced right at the Armalite site. A inexpensive 10x scope like the Busnell 3200 elite is around $200.00 .With this set up you can get out to over 300 yards with ease . In fact with good ammo you will be under 3 inch MOA at 300 yards if your any good .
 
Well its hard to understand how much skill, or what tools ill need from your reply.
From what I remember from my USMC days, upper and lower are held together by two pins.
No skills OR tools required (except maybe a punch).

Can anyone please give me a direct answer to my question?
 
I did not know you were talking about a fully built upper and fully built lower I must not have been paying attention . That is not a kit build as far as I can tell . What you save is the Fed tax of about $35.00 that way . You will need to make sure the upper and lower are compatible .Armalite uppers and lowers fit each other but not other brands if I remember . Also unless you purchase the whole rifle you won't have a lifetime warrentee .
 
dttuner said:
Well its hard to understand how much skill, or what tools ill need from your reply.
From what I remember from my USMC days, upper and lower are held together by two pins.
No skills OR tools required (except maybe a punch).

Can anyone please give me a direct answer to my question?
Click to expand...

I'm going to assume you know that the different .308 AR platforms use different mags. Also the upper/lowers do not interchange between brands like the AR15 does.

This FAQ is for ArmaLite but well show you the differences between the brands and why they do not fit together.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_62/378850_AR10_FAQ_and_information_Small_Update_APR_2010.html

Buying a complete AR10 from ArmaLite has a lot of pluses. First is the lifetime warranty. ArmaLite has great customer service if needed. You could shop around for a used upper and assemble a lower or even a complete used rifle.

I have a 21" Noveske upper on a ArmaLite lower, it's the best rifle in the house. I also have a new to me 16" carbine from ArmaLite and it shoots almost as well as the 21" rifle. Being of sick mind I'm looking at a LMT MWS to add a third 7.62 AR to the herd.

AR10noveske02.jpg
 
As said, parts do not interchange on 308 AR's they way they do on the AR-15 platform. Buy an Armalite upper and Armalite lower, you are ok.

Note, Armalite owns and protects the name "AR-10" even though it is commonly used for generic AR in 308.

There are a variety of DPMS models, 308 vs. 7.62x51 chamber, barrel length, etc. Mine has been reliable and durable, so it depends on your measure of quality. For instance, there are more DPMS than Armalite rifles at 3-gun matches. More variants take the SR-25 type mags (KAC, DPMS, Fulton, JP, Fulton, MagPul, etc.), so if you lose or break them, they are more easily found or borrowed than Armalite mags.

Lee
 
Okay, okay. I give-in. Armalite it is :)

Here is my In-Order list of priorities for my rifle purchase:

1) Reliability
2) Weight
3) Range/Accuracy at a Distance
4) Versatility
5) Power/Velocity/Penetration/etc.
 
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I agree, there are a lot of people just giving their opinions without answering the question asked. Without knowing which upper and lower kit you are getting, it is difficult to answer your question. You might need sights, dust cover, grip, buttstock, etc. Some are sold "complete" without thes things, others include them. Call the seller and ask. But yes, typically, all you need is a complete upper and a complete lower.

As far as complete rifles, Armalite or Rock River Arms will meet all of the criteria you listed.
 
Remember A kit is parts you assemble ,you will need tools and skill to assemble them and head space and torque the barre,install the fire controle group,buffer tube and stock and not break,bend or loose any parts while doing so .Pushing in the pins on an assembled upper and lower is simple and not a kit rifle or a kit build .It will save you $35.00 of fedral tax and not be warrenteed . As far as the best all around rifle to fit your needs ,there are many. One of the best fully warrenteed for life rifles is the Armalite in the 20 inch .It will do every thing well .It will with good ammo and a decent scope and shooter produce honest 1 inch or better groups at 100 yards hot or cold ,and not have FTF or FTE problems while doing so .You can get other brands cheaper ,but you will not get something as good for less then the Armalite . http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_135/products_id/58345 . Warrantee,function,accuracy,and resale value Armalite wins . It is a lot of rifle for the $1225.00 and Armalite customer service can not be beat should you need it now or in the future . You could probably save $150.00 by going DPMS,or RRA and be happy ,but If you ever want to sell it the Armalite has the best resale value . IMHO get the Armalite and don't look back .Chrome lined barrels are very easy to clean and last longer then non chrome lined barrels,Armalite has chrome lined barrels .;)
 
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