So I have been wanting to build a nice gun for some time now and have been drawn to some of the more capable bolt guns that you can get on the cheap these days (Tikka T3, etc) but I think the modular nature of the AR may have finally won me over. In looking at options I've found that it may be possible to do a decent build with interchangeable uppers so that you can hot swap from say .308 to .223 or 7.62x39 etc.
I would really like to accomplish a minimum of three calibers .22lr, 7.62x39 or .223 and .308 or 7.62x54R (dont know if this is even possible but I already have a mosin and ammo is dirt cheap) and preferably be able to potentially accommodate as many others as possible including .50BMG and the crossbow upper even.
I'm looking for input, ideas, and comments from a community I know and trust. FYI - I dont know a whole hell of alot about guns and semi-autos in particular so I apologize if this all sounds a bit naive.
There are a couple drop-in conversion kits that allow a standard (.223" / 5.56mm) AR-15 to shoot .22LR ammo. I've also seen upper receiver assemblies for 9mm, 5.7x28mm, 7.62x39mm, 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendel, .300 Blackout, etc (I'm sure I missed a few)... and even .50 Beowulf.
But longer cartridges (like .308" / 7.62 NATO) require a larger frame and a bigger magazine well. So upper receiver swaps won't work for those. That will take a whole new rifle.
I've never seen or heard of a 7.62x54R setup for the AR platform. And .50 BMG is a completely different ballpark.
[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 07-15-2014).]
I came across the colt LE 901-16S while looking into this further wich is a modular AR15 platform designed to handle the larger .308 mag and be easily converted by dropping in a complete upper with a mag insert. Its a bit more expensive than I was looking for but seems to tick most of the boxes.
Anyone know anything about converting a colt 901 to .22lr? I know you need a complete .22lr upper that uses std milspec .223 size mags but I am unsure about the buffer spring can you just use the .223 spring they sell?
Problem #1 with the ar is it's over priced like most guns because of the demand and building makes no sense because you rarely save any money over just buying one. The modular design does not have much advantage when the parts your swapping are 90% of the cost of the gun, no need to swap the upper when little money can just buy another lower and have another gun without the potential hazards of swapping parts.
I would not consider doing a 7.62 x 39 ar. There are few magazines that won't give you problems and they are not cheap. I'd only consider .223 and .300bo because they use a standard mag and you get enough flexibility out of those 2 rounds you don't really need much else.
A harder but more fun build would be a psl in 7.62x54r. I am a mosin fan as well and something semi auto would help me dispose of lots of cheap surplus ammo.
[This message has been edited by jmbishop (edited 07-15-2014).]
I am a big fan of 300 blackout, but I definitely recommend a 5.56 for your first build. Nice thing is, you can swap uppers and go from 5.56 to 300BLK in 10 seconds. I am also a big fan of 6.5 grendel, but youll need to get into reloading to take full advantage of the round. I have a Grendel that I hit an 18" steel target at 1200 yards during the last long distance shoot I attended. Now I also have a 5.56 that will ding steel all day at 700 yards, and theyre a lot cheaper to shoot.
Just so you know I am a type 07 FFL (manufacturer), and I have my own billet FTW Wichita KS AR's. If you need a lower/upper/full build, parts, ammo, etc let me know. I also have a couple of Rhino Arms 308 billet upper and lowers available. Follow my facebook page and you can see lots of pics of my work. www.facebook.com/ftwcoatings
Originally posted by Dizzixx: I came across the colt LE 901-16S while looking into this further wich is a modular AR15 platform designed to handle the larger .308 mag and be easily converted by dropping in a complete upper with a mag insert. Its a bit more expensive than I was looking for but seems to tick most of the boxes.
It looks like what they did was take a .308 / 7.62mm lower receiver and make it compatible with smaller caliber (.223 / 5.56mm etc) upper receivers. That's a pretty cool idea.
That said, the .300 Blackout cartridge attacks the problem from the opposite direction. It's basically a .308 bullet stuffed into a 5.56mm cartridge. So it can fit in a standard 5.56mm lower receiver, and also fit in standard 5.56mm magazines. The larger projectile gives it the short-range punch of an AK-47. Although, the long-range ballistics are inferior to .308 Winchester.
So I think if you're looking to do some long range shooting, the Colt .308 platform might be your best bet. Or if you're just looking for more stopping power for home defense, then the .300 Blackout upper might be a better solution.
The .300 Blackout is interesting, I have considered 7.62x39mm and a compatible alternative caliber would be suitable. Thing is I know I would like to dabble in long range shooting for sure so I do also want the ability to reach out there. And then there is the cost issue.
I wish there was a more affordable 7.62x54R option as it would do all the above. But now taking into account the Russian sanctions who knows how long the cheap ammo supply will last.
In talking with FieroX he pointed out that I dont really know what I want, and its true. At this point though I am pretty much split between a .308 AR10 build (thinking something along the lines of DPMS) and a .308 Tikka T3, or doing an AR15 in .223 and then a Tikka T3 as well. (budget all said and done for both, optics and everything, somewhere around 2200-3000 preferably on the cheaper side to start)
In reading further about the Hydra system it sounds like a pretty great design that is well executed but like MGI is just not delivering as a company. Like others I will have to wait and see if that changes.
IMO, it might be better to have two separate platforms, instead of trying to build a "do everything" rifle. Because generally speaking, a "do everything" rifle will be mediocre at everything, whereas two different rifles will perform better in their particular roles. Besides, constantly swapping out parts on your "do everything" rifle is going to get really old.
If you troll GunBroker for awhile, you can snag a decent rifle for a good price. For example, I was able to get a Savage varmint rifle For about $300 plus shipping. It's an older model, but is in great shape. And it still shoots sub-MOA with good ammo and a bipod.
[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 07-20-2014).]
