1 MOA or better hunting AR10 build?

[James]

What’s it take to get a 1 MOA or better AR10 with premium factory hunting ammo?

Good barrel and trigger? Anything else that really drives accuracy in this platform?

Due to the looming ban I picked up some Aero precision uppers, lowers, and various parts.

Thinking of building up a lightish weight one in .308 for Rosy elk and blacktail hunting.

16” barrel probably, and hoping for 7.5-8lbs bare rifle, but any advice is welcome.

[carpsniperg2]

Not to hard. First is trigger for sure. Factory mil spec triggers are not made to be sub moa triggers. You can do much better but will run 100/150 for middle of the road good trigger. Next is barrel, I really like wilson barrels and black hole have been my go-to on the 15/10 builds. I have others but I can say all of them without a doubt from those 2 are better than MOA for sure.  The rest is just pick and play stuff. I do prefer a good stock with a check piece like the PRS magpul but you pick up a lot of weight. LuthAR and ace make some great lighter options. I also really favor a softer grip with the 10 platform like the ergo grips. Since you get some recoil in your hands on the bigger pills in the 308 and plus.

[dreadi]

In my experience, barrel and load are the most important when all other parts and made and installed correctly. Accuracy between a $60 trigger and $200 isn’t measurable if someone buys a poorly made barrel or the ammo doesn’t work well with the setup.

It’s possible to get a weight near your stated goal. You will have to be mindful of all parts that you choose including small small parts that can come in aluminum or titanium instead of steel.  handguards that are mostly made of carbon fiber are one part that can make a big difference in overall weight.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

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[Alchase]

On AR15.com, Molon has a ton of testing various ammo, barrels, etc. with extensive data. Basically it comes down to
Good barrel, good ammo, decent trigger, and a shooter who is capable of 1 MOA.

Easy peazy 

 

Links to Molon's information - https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/Molon-Reference-Links/118-693858/

Pull up a chair and read awhile, some great information in there 

[James]

Excellent, thank you guys. Glad to hear there isn’t much more to it than a premium barrel and trigger.

On the hand guard topic, carbon fiber is definitely the plan. The idea of still hunting with an aluminum hand guard in November sounds awful…

[James]

I do prefer a good stock with a check piece like the PRS magpul but you pick up a lot of weight. LuthAR and ace make some great lighter options. I also really favor a softer grip with the 10 platform like the ergo grips. Since you get some recoil in your hands on the bigger pills in the 308 and plus.

I am glad you brought this up, I too need a good comb on my rifles. I was looking at the magpul PRS lite, but even that is 18.5oz I’ll take a look at the LuthAR stuff, but am also open to any other lightweight stocks that have adjustable comb risers.

[Alchase]

The Ruger SFAR (Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle) in 308, 16 inch Barrel, at 6.8 pounds, is getting fantastic reviews. By those that have them.

Might be a good example how to keep weight down, and make a good shooter.

https://ruger.com/products/sfar/specSheets/5610.html

[hunter399]

In my experience, barrel and load are the most important when all other parts and made and installed correctly. Accuracy between a $60 trigger and $200 isn’t measurable if someone buys a poorly made barrel or the ammo doesn’t work well with the setup.

It’s possible to get a weight near your stated goal. You will have to be mindful of all parts that you choose including small small parts that can come in aluminum or titanium instead of steel.  handguards that are mostly made of carbon fiber are one part that can make a big difference in overall weight.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

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I agree
Barrel and ammo
Just like bolt action.
If you look at these AR barrel places ,most will guarantee 1 moa with match ammo.

[luvmystang67]

I bought one of the Geissele G2S for $90 in the christmas sales.  It has brought mine down from like 2.5" to <1" with an 18" barrel, free float handguard, and decent hornady 168 grain ammo.  Dont underestimate the trigger, it makes a big different to my outcomes, even if it was part me to begin with.  I think an 18" barrel is the sweet spot in size/velocity... I don't personally think you need a super premium barrel to get this either, just make sure its a good decent barrel.  The platform is pretty inherently accurate.

[huntandjeep]

Everything I've ever read on the internet states  " Gun will shoot sub MOA , as long as I do my part " .  .
Seriously though the Barrel is the major part . Then the Trigger  .

[bullfisher]

Barrel and matched bolt face, everything else is for you the shooter. I'd recommend a quality adjustable gas block too.
As mentioned above, if your going for a rig that light, weight must be considered for everything you buy. It gets heavy quick and lightweight stuff is spendy...

[CaNINE]

I have an sig 716 that shoots better than MOA. But after lugging it around the deer woods a time or two it just was awkward and uncomfortable to carry compared to a bolt action rifle. My biggest grip is the rail hand guard and they just don’t sling over your shoulder as well for carry.  Sure will come in handy for other scenarios.

[Alchase]

I have an sig 716 that shoots better than MOA. But after lugging it around the deer woods a time or two it just was awkward and uncomfortable to carry compared to a bolt action rifle. My biggest grip is the rail hand guard and they just don’t sling over your shoulder as well for carry.  Sure will come in handy for other scenarios.

When carrying an AR long distance, safari carry Or Shoulder ready carry position always seems more comfortable. A good adjustable sling is recommended.

Sig 716 is a great shooting 308 AR, but almost nine pounds without optics.

To get to 6 or 7 pounds, in a 308, is an achievement in extreme selective buying. Especially if you include optics.

[dreadi]

If you had more time were looking for a complete rifle, I think you’d be in the mood for a POF Rogue.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

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[Alchase]

If you had more time were looking for a complete rifle, I think you’d be in the mood for a POF Rogue.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

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http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
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POF Rogue is a great rifle 

At around $2k, but definitely a quality rifle !

[dreadi]

If you had more time were looking for a complete rifle, I think you’d be in the mood for a POF Rogue.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms

POF Rogue is a great rifle 

At around $2k, but definitely a quality rifle !

Yeah…the normal cost of parts, plus time, plus tools (if you don’t have them), sometimes equals, factory gun. Then you have to get it running and diagnose it. Sometimes I just go a built/proofed gun. Buy up parts and making your dream come true…sometimes can be a nightmare.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms

[Alchase]

If you had more time were looking for a complete rifle, I think you’d be in the mood for a POF Rogue.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms

POF Rogue is a great rifle 

At around $2k, but definitely a quality rifle !

Yeah…the normal cost of parts, plus time, plus tools (if you don’t have them), sometimes equals, factory gun. Then you have to get it running and diagnose it. Sometimes I just go a built/proofed gun. Buy up parts and making your dream come true…sometimes can be a nightmare.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms

 

Especially with AR10s 

I have read horror stories of chasing problems on home builds on AR10s.
The POF 6.5C, is interesting. If I was looking for a larger variant, it would be hard to not go with a proven reliable factory gun. Then accessorize as I see fit, 
If I was going to build one though, the 6mm ARC would be high on the list with a 6.5 Grendel a distant second. The Grendel has a decent selection of available bullets, but the 6MM ARC is a flat shooter. And both will hit hard. And both use the AR15 platform instead of the AR10. I am really starting to like .243 ish calibers. 

[fly-by]

This build is very light and shoots sub-MOA for the first 3 shots then really opens up. Not an issue for a hunting rig. Key is the 16" pencil barrel.

https://faxonfirearms.com/faxon-duty-series-16-pencil-308-win-mid-length-4150-qpq-nitride-ar-10-barrel/

The rest is nothing special:

DPMS lower
Aero upper
Good aftermarket trigger
super slim hand guard
Generic collapsible stock
Light optic

[Alchase]

Sweet rifle!
Could it be opening up because of heat?
What scope is that?
And what trigger are you using if you don’t mind me asking?

[konradcountry]

16” barrel probably, and hoping for 7.5-8lbs bare rifle, but any advice is welcome.

I'd get a 12" handguard or smaller. You don't need those long handguards on a hunting build.

16" barrel but don't bother with a brake. Too loud and a flash hider is better for hunting.

I'm not a fan of the pencil barrels unless you really don't plan on range shooting.

I doubt you can get to 8 pounds but it will be pretty light. In thick woods a 4x is all you need.

[luvmystang67]

16” barrel probably, and hoping for 7.5-8lbs bare rifle, but any advice is welcome.

I'd get a 12" handguard or smaller. You don't need those long handguards on a hunting build.

16" barrel but don't bother with a brake. Too loud and a flash hider is better for hunting.

I'm not a fan of the pencil barrels unless you really don't plan on range shooting.

I doubt you can get to 8 pounds but it will be pretty light. In thick woods a 4x is all you need.

I agree on this.  I personally really think an 18" barrel is the sweet spot, I've always found 16" to be too short and 20" is a monster.  I have a VERY lightweight and small handguard, that doesn't even cover the gas block (exposed gas tube for a bit).  I also have REALLY lightweight stock and grip options to keep weight down.  The rest you can't do much about.  I don't know about a pencil barrel, but you certainly don't need a heavyweight.

[Alchase]

16” barrel probably, and hoping for 7.5-8lbs bare rifle, but any advice is welcome.

I'd get a 12" handguard or smaller. You don't need those long handguards on a hunting build.

16" barrel but don't bother with a brake. Too loud and a flash hider is better for hunting.

I'm not a fan of the pencil barrels unless you really don't plan on range shooting.

I doubt you can get to 8 pounds but it will be pretty light. In thick woods a 4x is all you need.

The Ruger SFAR is 6.8 lbs. with a 15” free float hand guard and a brake (I don’t really care for brakes)  it shows you can get a light weight 308 AR if you are selective.
Can you do it at all he price point the SFAR does $1300 

At ranges between 0-400 yards there is no real advantage to 18” barrel over a 16” barrel. 16” hunts just fine.

[Archy99]

I do prefer a good stock with a check piece like the PRS magpul but you pick up a lot of weight. LuthAR and ace make some great lighter options. I also really favor a softer grip with the 10 platform like the ergo grips. Since you get some recoil in your hands on the bigger pills in the 308 and plus.

I am glad you brought this up, I too need a good comb on my rifles. I was looking at the magpul PRS lite, but even that is 18.5oz I’ll take a look at the LuthAR stuff, but am also open to any other lightweight stocks that have adjustable comb risers.

Been loving my FAB Defense RAPS stock…will def buy another. I’m 6-5, 300 and the adjustability, and stiffness when expanded is perfect for my needs. Mounted on an LR308 w 20” barrel.


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[dilleytech]

It’s too late now to buy a rifles but my wife picked up the ruger SFAR in 20” and it’s awesome. Feels light in the hands and seem to shoot pretty good. I doubt it’s a 1moa gun but maybe with an aftermarket barrel some day. But we kill stuff within 100 yards anyway.

[jaymark6655]

I would say it is barrel, bolt, and extension. Getting a great barrel with an extension that is trued up and square with a matching bolt is key. Then ammo tuned for the rifle. Trigger is nice, but more a of thing to help the shooter do his job.