Henry Rifle Forums

I have, for a long time, thought that a heavy ‘battle type’ rifle may be a good idea. Having studied the ‘AR 10’ as my idea of this type rifle, I am looking for suggestions.

Research has shown that there are many options. My ideal appears to be the Aero Precision M5 model. This shows as an accurate, strong build. And, pretty pricey.

I have read and watched much about selectively buying parts and assembling. The horror stories abound. I even own a 80% lower. But, am afraid to try to match it up with an upper. Too many questions.

Have any of you done this? Have ideas and suggestions?

Thanks for any input. Appreciate it.

Jim

Hey Fish
Im sure someone will chime in with the put together part. But about 4 years ago when I was buying those types of guns I decided I needed an AR-10. I bought a Sig Pro Patrol. The gun club I was a member of at the time had a bunch of them in and they all sold right away. I had the chance to shoot one before I bought mine. I like mine just fine. I put a Jerry Miculek muzzle brake on it. The recoil is very minimal. I havent shot it much but I can say I have one. Its pretty impressive when you start bangin away with it at the range. I might also add its a chunk of a gun to hold for us old guys.

Thanks Al. I know it’s heavy and packs a punch. Duh. I am truly more interested in what it does at the other end. Yeah, I may shoot a deer or two.

The ability to reach out and touch seems be growing in importance. Not worried about 500+ yard shooting. Just want to defend me and mine.

I can’t afford the real deal. So, looking for an alternative.

Thanks

Unless you have a couple of AR style rifle builds under your belt I would side more to buying a factory built rifle. The AR-10 platform is not a mil-spec platform like the AR-15 and not all parts will play together with other parts. Some lowers will not fit some uppers and so on. Figure out what features you just have to have and which ones you would like to have and start looking. Rock River Arms make nice ones so does S&W and you mentioned Aero Precision already. Expect a nice AR-10 build or bought to be around $1K. Your 80% lower is it an AR-10 lower or AR-15? They do not interchange, though some parts like triggers do. AR-10 is larger and takes different mags.

Thanks Brett. Yes, I already know about the different fits. Hoping someone has beaten that problem. The quality outfits offer whole rifles and kit. It looks like a kit will save a couple hundred dollars.

My best idea, outside an aero kit, is l found a post by Live Free Armory. It sounds like they know their stuff. I will research further.

And, barrels alway are another discussion.

I know what you are saying and thats exactly the reason I bought mine. When it touches there is some reactions for sure.

I had a Rock River AR 10 with a 20”bull barrel. It only takes FN pattern mags so Magpul and other mags are out. It was very accurate and I shot it out to 600 yards with a 16X scope and my match handloads. Fun gun but I traded it for a match bolt gun when I got more serious about 600 yard shooting.

Another fun option would be an M1A.

Have fun with whatever you end up with.

Hey dog. Thanks. I am very impressed with the ‘SOCOM 16’

Don't forget to check local pawn shops. Might be a first generation 308 DPMS in the mix, maybe even a gen 2. And, a 20-24 inch barrel is not a bad thing (the shorty's are LOUD). I've shot 1 MOA groups with 125g Nosler BT's with BL-C2 powder at 1K yards with a gen 1. Its even a great bullet for 2-4 legged game at less yardage.

This is what I like to shoot 600 yards with.

Out here in the Ne boonies, 2 shops within 100 miles. They know me. Damn! That M1A is awesome. Good work making that into a long ranger.

My hunting buddie has one of those also he loves it.