Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: .308 Build/Fitment/Firing Issue

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
    Posts
    2
    Feedback Score
    0

    .308 Build/Fitment/Firing Issue

    First post here. Hope the knowledgeable members can help me with my build. This is my second build, but I am not 100% sure what is going wrong.

    Built a .308 with these parts:
    -Aero upper
    -DPMS Gen 1 lower (non-Aero)
    -Faxon Firearms Low-Profile Gas block (fixed)
    -Heavy Rifle Buffer (9oz)
    -Armalite Buffer Spring
    -Fixed rifle stock
    -Luth-AR 308 Bolt Catch

    There is a gap when I connect the upper and lower. You can see where the Aero upper hole does not align with the rear takedown slot. I can get the rear takedown pin only by hammering it in. Picture is with the front takedown pin only.


    I have tried a different upper and I have the same fitment issue.

    When I fire it, the round ejects, but the bolt only goes back halfway and the next round doesn't feed right. Can pull bolt all the way back with the charging handle to reload manually.


    Any ideas?
    Last edited by daveblack; 04-18-21 at 15:31.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Posts
    139
    Feedback Score
    3 (100%)
    Your fitment issue is due to there not being any milspec or other dimensional spec. for 308 ARs. Every manufacturer can make any piece any dimension they want. Put your Aero upper on an Aero 308 lower and that issue will disappear. The best method is always to buy upper/lower from same company to avoid this. If the bolt only goes back 1/2 way when fired it sounds like it is hanging up somewhere on its way into the receiver extension. Not hard enough to completely seize but enough to prevent full function. Can you feel any drag at all when you pull it back by hand?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    265
    Feedback Score
    0
    If it has the same fitment issue with a different upper, it's probably an out of spec lower.

    If you read through my "disappointing outcome" post, you'll see that I had similar feeding issues and read about how it was resolved. It sounds like your rifle is undergassed, but there are some basic checks you should do before you start changing things. Start by checking bolt gas key, gas block alignment and gas tube protrusion into the upper.

    Knowing your barrel length and gas block diameter would be helpful.
    Last edited by Black_Sheep; 04-18-21 at 17:15.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Posts
    1,345
    Feedback Score
    3 (100%)
    My Aero uppers fit on my old DPMS lower. It does sound like a problem with the lower, not the idea to use them together.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    3,655
    Feedback Score
    6 (100%)
    Aero M5s are DPMS "LR" pattern and should match other LR pattern.

    The one I had worked great.

    I can't remember specifics on DPMS generations though.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
    Posts
    2
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by dpete View Post
    Can you feel any drag at all when you pull it back by hand?
    Thanks for the response and good question. Yes, it drags more at this point and right before I have it fully pulled back.

    Quote Originally Posted by Black_Sheep View Post
    If you read through my "disappointing outcome" post, you'll see that I had similar feeding issues and read about how it was resolved. It sounds like your rifle is undergassed, but there are some basic checks you should do before you start changing things. Start by checking bolt gas key, gas block alignment and gas tube protrusion into the upper.

    Knowing your barrel length and gas block diameter would be helpful.
    20" barrel, 0.750" gas block. You drilled out the gas port and added a heavier buffer tube?


    Quote Originally Posted by dpete View Post
    Your fitment issue is due to there not being any milspec or other dimensional spec. for 308 ARs.?
    Quote Originally Posted by Black_Sheep View Post
    If it has the same fitment issue with a different upper, it's probably an out of spec lower.
    Quote Originally Posted by grizzman View Post
    My Aero uppers fit on my old DPMS lower. It does sound like a problem with the lower, not the idea to use them together.
    The fitment makes sense. Any chance I could have a gunsmith fix it? These were 80% lowers, otherwise I would have bought the same brand. It looks like the slope doesn't start early enough at the back. Not sure if this is the cause of firing issue.

    I have this same problem with an identical upper/lower combo. The bolt gets caught when I pull the handle all the way back. It slams forward when I hammer out the rear takedown pin.
    Last edited by daveblack; 04-18-21 at 22:42.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    265
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by daveblack View Post
    Thanks for the response and good question. Yes, it drags more at this point and right before I have it fully pulled back.


    20" barrel, 0.750" gas block. You drilled out the gas port and added a heavier buffer tube?





    The fitment makes sense. Any chance I could have a gunsmith fix it? These were 80% lowers, otherwise I would have bought the same brand. It looks like the slope doesn't start early enough at the back. Not sure if this is the cause of firing issue.
    I’d try to resolve the fitment issue first to eliminate bolt / buffer misalignment as the issue.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •