SLRrifleworks just saved my build! These 308 ARs aren't cookie cutter...
So I've been building a 308 AR. Got a deal on a blemished upper and lower from PSA. Little did I know what I was getting into, nothing is standardized with these things.
Well before I go into all that detail let me just say SLRrifleworks rocks! I've got 3 of their rails and couldn't be happier. The rail I ordered for my 308 AR was evidently the high rail and I needed the low one. I didn't realize this until after I torqued the barrel nut on and put my gas block on. Once I slid the rail on I realized it was too tall and didn't match up. I thought I'd try my luck seeing if I could pay a restocking fee and maybe kick in a little more to exchange it (the nut was scratched a little from the wrench attachment piece). To my amazement they respond within minutes (this was after hours too) and told me to just print the e-mail and send it back and they'd exchange it free of charge. I was blown away, I even offered again to kick in some cash since it was TOTALLY my fault. Needless to say they will get all my business for rails and gas blocks from now on! That is some GREAT customer service!
So onto my other issues/lessons learned.
This is my build:
PSA upper and lower
Geissele SSA-E trigger
D Wilson AR10 BCG
Raptor ambi-charging handle
18” Faxon Firearms heavy fluted barrel or
SLR Rifleworks 15" 308 Solo Series Hand Guard
SLRrifleworks low pro adjustable gas block
Surefire SOCOM muzzle brake
Leaning towards the Magpul PRS stock
Issue 1) Fitting the barrel was crazy, it was so tight I don't think it'll ever come off. I basically had to tap it on by holding it and bouncing the rifle on my garage floor. I will say the stock is beefy...lol
Issue 2) The Raptor charging handle was binding. From what I found from the S&W forum, they had to grind the hump off the front top end and do some filing of the channel. I ground the hump off and it works now. I still may file the channel out some and try that.
Issue 3) The ejection port cover rod had to be cut down to clear the rail. No biggie but yet another thing that isn't standard...
Issue 4) Magpul Pmags don't really fit well. I'm having to trim them a little where they come in contact with the lower (just at the magwell around the trigger guard area).
Positives:
1) The D Wilson BCG is awesome. Very nice and headspace checked out, I spent the extra coin to get the go/no-go gauges so I could verify that. I needed a little reassurance since I was learning to trim and force fit some other stuff...lol
2) The Magpul PRS stock is beefy! As I was ever so not gently tapping it against the concrete floor in my garage trying to get the barrel to seat i noticed that I had it adjusted out about an inch. Once I realized that I stopped to collapse it all the way so as to not stress the stock anymore than I already had. The adjustment knob twisted as easily as ever so no issue by me beating on it....and I needed a few more love taps to get the barrel all the way down.
3) Geissele trigger seems to be sweet from dry firing, I've got them on my 5.56s and love them. No issues, it dropped right in and I'm sure it'll function as flawlessly as the other 2 I have.
4) The barrel was an after thought, I was originally going for a Rainier barrel but couldn't find it in stock without paying more than I found it elsewhere. I liked the fluting and the faxon barrel says it'll shoot sub moa with match grade ammo at 100 yards, same as the higher priced models I looked at. I'm sure it'll be good to go.
5) And lastly, just can't say enough about my rail from SLRrifleworks. The rail looked great for the limited time I had it on and I'm sure the replacement they send me to fix MY MISTAKE will be even better!
Hopefully I'll have pics soon. Got to find some glass for it so I can work on stretching its legs next. Sorry for the long post...