AR-10 Decision

AFJailor · Post by **AFJailor** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 1:36 am

So i've been thinking of getting an AR-10, I will most likely use it for target shooting and hunting. My question is this: What barrel length would you choose? 16" 18" or 24"? I've mostly been looking at DPMS but any suggestions would be welcome.

WarHawk-AVG · Post by **WarHawk-AVG** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 3:01 am

Target shooting/hunting = 20/24"

Tactical = 16/18"

Not to mention unlike the .223 the .308 takes alot more barrel to burn the powder completely..you would have INCREDIBLE muzzle blast from a .308 with a short barrel

The AR-10A2 has a 20" barrel

Here is the ever so popular A4 style uppers that many people are going to.
I wonder how many sniper rifles have 16" barrels, after all many sniper rifles were patterned after very successful hunting rifles

KBCraig · Post by **KBCraig** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 3:32 am

All of the above.

That's the beauty of the AR platform: 16" for bedside, 18-20" for hunting, and 24-26" for target work.

I don't even own an AR, and wasn't particularly fond of the platform when I was in the Army, but there have been vast improvements made since then, and it can be configured any way you want it.

It's the small block Chevy of the rifle world, only far easier to re-configure.

Kevin

AFJailor · Post by **AFJailor** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:46 pm

Was also curious if anyone had any experience with cryo-accurizing or barrel fluting? Just going over my options and trying to see if any of that extra stuff is worth it.

Thane · Post by **Thane** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 9:10 pm

AFJailor wrote:Was also curious if anyone had any experience with cryo-accurizing or barrel fluting? Just going over my options and trying to see if any of that extra stuff is worth it.

Probably not, unless you're an incredible marksman. Most rifles, even store-bought "Wal-Mart specials," are more accurate than the vast majority of shooters, giving 100-yard groupings of around 3-5 inches off a benchrest. While I am certainly capable with a rifle (I use the term "passably competent"), I am no expert marksman, nor am I a benchrest, and would gain absolutely nothing from an "accurized" weapon.

If you want to spend the money on stuff like that, great; but recognize that you likely won't see much difference outside of "cool factor."

Now, if you wanted to make yourself more accurate, I'd go with a longer barrel, for increased sight radius, a better trigger, and a good sling with instruction on how to use it. Increasing the sight radius helps the brain align the front and rear sights more precisely (unless you're using a scope, which I usually don't), as well as allowing the powder to burn more completely, which increases bullet velocity and cuts down on muzzle flash. A quality trigger will help cut down on trigger slap, which can throw aim off radically (I've seen shots at 200 yards miss by more than two FEET due to trigger slap and flinch). And a good sling with knowledge and practice can simulate a bipod nicely - I'm almost as steady with a sling as I am off a bench (I still wobble a teensy bit with both, though

).

Hope this helped.

stevie_d_64 · Post by **stevie_d_64** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:05 pm

In that caliber, see if you can wrap around the longer barrel lengths...Don't worry about the fluting or special barrel properties...

The only thing I would do is get a heavy "bull" barrel model, and go from there, with an optics package to meet your target and hunting requirements...

I did not go that route with my AR...As I wanted a rig that was short enough to use in a tactical sense...I'm only using this in .223/5.56 "Bushy A3" 16" barrel...

I'm like you, if I need to target and hunt out to ranges beyond 200-250 meters...I'd be going with that .308 as well...And I am not as afraid to "ding" up an M4 frame as I am a nice wood-stocked hunting rifle...So one of these heavier calibered rigs would be something that interests me as well...

Thats just how I feel about the subject...

Your heading in the right direction...Keep it simple and work into it, instead of trying to buy it all up in one shot...Might save you a few $$$

Good luck...

AFJailor · Post by **AFJailor** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:21 pm

Yea ive Decided on the DPMS LR-308 with a 24" bull barrel, but i want the A3 Upper reciever, threaded barrel and the miculek compensator that they sell. (this will all change im sure as I do more research but the model rifle i think will stay the same). I might get a bipod for it but at 11.6 pounds i think i might just try to keep it as light as possible.
I have a 16" .223 from DPMS with the bull barrel and i love it, even though it is noticeably heavier the felt recoil is greatly reduced.

The only big question is what mount/optics rig to use for it because i have no real knowledge in that area.

stevie_d_64 · Post by **stevie_d_64** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 8:27 am

That "A3" upper with the "Pic" rail should work just fine for just about any mount and optics you choose...

Take a look at these to give you an idea...I know I'm kinda partial to the websites products, but I do not feel the optics are partial...They don't care...They just want a home...

http://bushmaster.com/catalog_parts_sig ... pes_p2.asp

I would say the Bucuresti is an all around favorite...