308 AR hunting rifle

Kachok · December 4, 2014, 01:58 PM

Been hunting hogs alot lately, and I keep coming across chances to drop multiples but I usually cannot cycle the bolt fast enough. Borrowed a friends AR in 7.62x39 and I liked it so much that I have decided I need to get one in 308. Went looking online and there are several manufactures who make just that. How makes the best value 30 cal AR? And what models are worth considering?

G.barnes · December 4, 2014, 03:23 PM

I'm very happy with my psa 308. Dpms has some good rifles like the hunter lite. The biggest deciding factor is how much do you want to spend.

Kachok · December 4, 2014, 03:25 PM

I have seen several good looking options in the $1000-$1,300 range. I just don't want the Walmart Sportical special el-chepo that I will always regret.

Dirty_Harry · December 4, 2014, 03:56 PM

If it were just a hunting rifle I would probably go for the Smith and Wesson MP10. DPMS seems to make a decent 308 as well.

Kachok · December 4, 2014, 04:10 PM

Only reservation about DPMS is they got bought out by Freedom Group (aka CCM) when I worked for Chrysler they bought us out and QC went to $#!^ overnight, the last three Remingtons I have dealt with further my concern with that. Failure to feed, failure to extract, rapid rusting, and poor accuracy, I hope DPMS can avoid such problems.

DPI7800 · December 4, 2014, 09:19 PM

LaRue Tactical makes one hell of a rifle also. Love mine!

reynolds357 · December 4, 2014, 09:29 PM

Armalite

Shooting North · December 6, 2014, 05:18 PM

I too am in the market for one. Have done a lot of research and I will second the Armalite recommendation.

led0321 · December 6, 2014, 09:44 PM

Rock River LAR8

SGTmario · December 8, 2014, 12:04 PM

I bought a SIG Sauer model 716 and it has been a great .308/7.62x51 hunting rifle. It was a little bit pricey I think I paid just over $1600 for it at a local gun shop. The only down side to it is that it is a little bit heavy, but other than that is is reliable and well made. Also it takes special magazines (magpul) which is kind of annoying but it hasn't really affected me. There were so many choices out there, I almost bought a DPMS but decided to spend the extra money on a SIG and I feel like I made the right choice.

doofus47 · December 8, 2014, 12:29 PM

If you're buying a hunting rig, I might assume you will be carrying it and looking for hogs at some point, not just sitting over a feeder?

I have a friend who has a .308 AR. I forget the brand, but he likes it. He is a big kid (like 6'3" and the high side of the 200s). Yet he shoots it less than his AK. As a matter of fact, he shoots it less and less. The bottom line is: he gets tired of carrying it, he says.

I'm not suggesting getting an AK. But if you like the AR platform, and you're adverse to getting an AR in 7.62AK (perfectly understandable with all the FUD), then why not get an AR in 6.8SPC? Yes, the ammo is expensive, but it's a hunting rig; you won't be banging away at bad guys all day in the sandbox with it. The rifle will be lighter than a full-size AR-10; it will have better ballistics than 7.62x39 and still have enough ooomph for hogs and deer.

Full disclosure: I have an AR in 7.62x39 which I think is plenty fine for hunting brush (I use it for deer hunting when I hunt dark timber), so I could recommend that as well, but it doesn't seem you were overwhelmed by your buddy's rifle caliber as much as his platform.

happy hunting no matter what you choose.

asmith · December 8, 2014, 04:29 PM

My pig carbine, PTAC.308 kit, PTAC lower, Luepold scope. Total cost with shipping and transfer fee $1185. 100 yard target. As far as the bad press that I have read about PTAC, I can't say that it is deserved, fit and finish is every bit as good as PSA's best rifles. YMMV.

HKFan9 · December 8, 2014, 06:51 PM

I would say for HUNTING, I'd go with the S&W, its lightweight compared to a lot of AR-10 type rifles and the price isn't too bad.

Panfisher · December 8, 2014, 07:09 PM

If you liked 7.62 x 39 AR you borrowed why not stick with that chambering? Lighter,fast handling and apparently kills pigs well.

A pause for the COZ · December 8, 2014, 07:30 PM

I have one of the PTAC.308's from Palmetto coming.
They had it on Black Friday deal for $699. Could not pass it up.

I had been wanting a 308 Semi Auto for a while. 1st was looking at the FN copies from Century. But noted quite a few quality complaints. They no longer offer them new, so was looking used.

Then I was thinking about a AK variant in 308. Was most likely going to pick one of these. Usually in the high 600's to low 700's range. But the accuracy potential and $600 plus did not make me in a hurry.

Wanted a AR 10 in 308, But the cost and my unfamiliarity and no standard design. Kept me from buying.

Till now. I wanted a less expensive option that came pre built.
Cant report how good it is yet. Dont have it. Been two weeks so far..

asmith · December 8, 2014, 08:00 PM

I don't think you will be disappointed. I took a chance after reading some the negative comments from the guys on this forum and I am glad I did. I own 2 PSA AR15's one with stainless barrel and one with chromed line barrel and I have to say the quality of the PTAC 308 is equal if not better. Plenty good enough to kill feral pigs....as you can see I am no 1000 yard shooter, but how many people take that kind of a shot at a pig....

A pause for the COZ · December 9, 2014, 10:39 AM

I dont have pigs to shoot, But my AR15 300 Black out worked fine for the Deer we have. So this should work fine.

I just wanted a step up from the 300BLK, Since I already have 1000's of Mil surplus 308 brass and 1000's of cast bullets already on hand. Make a easy upgrade for me.

A pause for the COZ · December 9, 2014, 05:59 PM

Woot!! Got the shipping Email from PSA on my 308

smee78 · December 12, 2014, 07:41 AM

When it comes to 308 ar platforms there are quite a few options out there, I think if I were to get one it would be the Ruger, it has a nice rail down most of the top for many different options, gas adjustable system, magpul mags, flip up sights and a nice case to carry it all in. For me it would prob come down to a Ruger or S&W (leaning to the Ruger), both have great customer service (if ever needed) and should stand by there product after the sale.

Ibmikey · December 12, 2014, 08:17 AM

My DPMS LR 308 is a nice soft shooting package but for carrying this old guy reverts to a carbine build in .300 Blackout, I put down a 350# hog with the 300 and am very confident it will take most animals (depending on cartridge configuration) I will run into in Texas --at short ranges. My buddy has consistently put down pigs with his AR 15 and 55gr ball so a standard AR might be an option for you. They are just high energy pigs so you don't need an Abrams tank to knock one over if you place shots properly. My favorite hog rifle is an AAC Handi Rifle in 300 Blackout but then you are back to slow reloads.

Ritz · December 12, 2014, 09:31 PM

I can't imagine using a handi for anything at short range that might want to come at me if it wasn't dead.

SaveAmerica · December 12, 2014, 09:32 PM

I don't know what your budget is, but I wouldn't go with one of the low cost .308 rifles. Get a decent rifle. Look into the new Ruger SR762. It is a piston driven lightweight .308.

G.barnes · December 12, 2014, 10:51 PM

I had a ruger 762. I like the standard di pattern better. Especially that huge gas block.

stagpanther · December 13, 2014, 03:41 AM

Black Hole has developed a new 30 barrel for the AR 15 platform called American 30--the preliminary numbers look very impressive up to 150 gr projectiles. From what I gather the cartridges are more or less necking a 6.8 spc to a 30.

A pause for the COZ · December 14, 2014, 04:26 PM

Got my Ptac Friday. Every thing is there and nothing broke.
Have about 60 rounds through it.
So far so good. Think I am really going to like this thing.

December 4, 2014, 01:58 PM	#1
Kachok Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2012 Posts: 304	308 AR hunting rifle Been hunting hogs alot lately, and I keep coming across chances to drop multiples but I usually cannot cycle the bolt fast enough. Borrowed a friends AR in 7.62x39 and I liked it so much that I have decided I need to get one in 308. Went looking online and there are several manufactures who make just that. How makes the best value 30 cal AR? And what models are worth considering?

December 4, 2014, 03:56 PM	#4
Dirty_Harry Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2006 Location: Kalamazoo, MI Posts: 1,484	If it were just a hunting rifle I would probably go for the Smith and Wesson MP10. DPMS seems to make a decent 308 as well. __________________ "The only purpose for a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you never should have laid down." "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I expect the same from them." -John Wayne

December 8, 2014, 12:29 PM	#11
doofus47 Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: live in a in a house when i'm not in a tent Posts: 2,483	Not to be a jackaninny, but I'm going to stir the options/goals pot If you're buying a hunting rig, I might assume you will be carrying it and looking for hogs at some point, not just sitting over a feeder? I have a friend who has a .308 AR. I forget the brand, but he likes it. He is a big kid (like 6'3" and the high side of the 200s). Yet he shoots it less than his AK. As a matter of fact, he shoots it less and less. The bottom line is: he gets tired of carrying it, he says. I'm not suggesting getting an AK. But if you like the AR platform, and you're adverse to getting an AR in 7.62AK (perfectly understandable with all the FUD), then why not get an AR in 6.8SPC? Yes, the ammo is expensive, but it's a hunting rig; you won't be banging away at bad guys all day in the sandbox with it. The rifle will be lighter than a full-size AR-10; it will have better ballistics than 7.62x39 and still have enough ooomph for hogs and deer. Full disclosure: I have an AR in 7.62x39 which I think is plenty fine for hunting brush (I use it for deer hunting when I hunt dark timber), so I could recommend that as well, but it doesn't seem you were overwhelmed by your buddy's rifle caliber as much as his platform. happy hunting no matter what you choose. __________________ I'm right about the metric system 3/4 of the time.

December 12, 2014, 07:41 AM	#19
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	When it comes to 308 ar platforms there are quite a few options out there, I think if I were to get one it would be the Ruger, it has a nice rail down most of the top for many different options, gas adjustable system, magpul mags, flip up sights and a nice case to carry it all in. For me it would prob come down to a Ruger or S&W (leaning to the Ruger), both have great customer service (if ever needed) and should stand by there product after the sale. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

December 4, 2014, 03:23 PM	#2
G.barnes Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2011 Posts: 182	I'm very happy with my psa 308. Dpms has some good rifles like the hunter lite. The biggest deciding factor is how much do you want to spend.

December 4, 2014, 03:25 PM	#3
Kachok Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2012 Posts: 304	I have seen several good looking options in the $1000-$1,300 range. I just don't want the Walmart Sportical special el-chepo that I will always regret.

December 4, 2014, 04:10 PM	#5
Kachok Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2012 Posts: 304	Only reservation about DPMS is they got bought out by Freedom Group (aka CCM) when I worked for Chrysler they bought us out and QC went to $#!^ overnight, the last three Remingtons I have dealt with further my concern with that. Failure to feed, failure to extract, rapid rusting, and poor accuracy, I hope DPMS can avoid such problems.

December 4, 2014, 09:19 PM	#6
DPI7800 Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2014 Posts: 208	LaRue Tactical makes one hell of a rifle also. Love mine!

December 4, 2014, 09:29 PM	#7
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Armalite

December 6, 2014, 05:18 PM	#8
Shooting North Junior Member Join Date: August 1, 2014 Posts: 6	I too am in the market for one. Have done a lot of research and I will second the Armalite recommendation.

December 6, 2014, 09:44 PM	#9
led0321 Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2013 Posts: 135	Rock River LAR8

December 8, 2014, 12:04 PM	#10
SGTmario Junior Member Join Date: December 8, 2014 Location: WA Posts: 7	I bought a SIG Sauer model 716 and it has been a great .308/7.62x51 hunting rifle. It was a little bit pricey I think I paid just over $1600 for it at a local gun shop. The only down side to it is that it is a little bit heavy, but other than that is is reliable and well made. Also it takes special magazines (magpul) which is kind of annoying but it hasn't really affected me. There were so many choices out there, I almost bought a DPMS but decided to spend the extra money on a SIG and I feel like I made the right choice.

December 8, 2014, 04:29 PM	#12
asmith Member Join Date: January 15, 2013 Location: Texas Posts: 42	My pig carbine, PTAC.308 kit, PTAC lower, Luepold scope. Total cost with shipping and transfer fee $1185. 100 yard target. As far as the bad press that I have read about PTAC, I can't say that it is deserved, fit and finish is every bit as good as PSA's best rifles. YMMV.

December 8, 2014, 06:51 PM	#13
HKFan9 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2008 Posts: 3,057	I would say for HUNTING, I'd go with the S&W, its lightweight compared to a lot of AR-10 type rifles and the price isn't too bad.

December 8, 2014, 07:09 PM	#14
Panfisher Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,337	If you liked 7.62 x 39 AR you borrowed why not stick with that chambering? Lighter,fast handling and apparently kills pigs well.

December 8, 2014, 07:30 PM	#15
A pause for the COZ Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Braham, Minnesota Posts: 1,314	I have one of the PTAC.308's from Palmetto coming. They had it on Black Friday deal for $699. Could not pass it up. I had been wanting a 308 Semi Auto for a while. 1st was looking at the FN copies from Century. But noted quite a few quality complaints. They no longer offer them new, so was looking used. Then I was thinking about a AK variant in 308. Was most likely going to pick one of these. Usually in the high 600's to low 700's range. But the accuracy potential and $600 plus did not make me in a hurry. Wanted a AR 10 in 308, But the cost and my unfamiliarity and no standard design. Kept me from buying. Till now. I wanted a less expensive option that came pre built. Cant report how good it is yet. Dont have it. Been two weeks so far..

December 8, 2014, 08:00 PM	#16
asmith Member Join Date: January 15, 2013 Location: Texas Posts: 42	I don't think you will be disappointed. I took a chance after reading some the negative comments from the guys on this forum and I am glad I did. I own 2 PSA AR15's one with stainless barrel and one with chromed line barrel and I have to say the quality of the PTAC 308 is equal if not better. Plenty good enough to kill feral pigs....as you can see I am no 1000 yard shooter, but how many people take that kind of a shot at a pig....

December 9, 2014, 10:39 AM	#17
A pause for the COZ Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Braham, Minnesota Posts: 1,314	I dont have pigs to shoot, But my AR15 300 Black out worked fine for the Deer we have. So this should work fine. I just wanted a step up from the 300BLK, Since I already have 1000's of Mil surplus 308 brass and 1000's of cast bullets already on hand. Make a easy upgrade for me.

December 9, 2014, 05:59 PM	#18
A pause for the COZ Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Braham, Minnesota Posts: 1,314	Woot!! Got the shipping Email from PSA on my 308

December 12, 2014, 08:17 AM	#20
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	My DPMS LR 308 is a nice soft shooting package but for carrying this old guy reverts to a carbine build in .300 Blackout, I put down a 350# hog with the 300 and am very confident it will take most animals (depending on cartridge configuration) I will run into in Texas --at short ranges. My buddy has consistently put down pigs with his AR 15 and 55gr ball so a standard AR might be an option for you. They are just high energy pigs so you don't need an Abrams tank to knock one over if you place shots properly. My favorite hog rifle is an AAC Handi Rifle in 300 Blackout but then you are back to slow reloads.

December 12, 2014, 09:31 PM	#21
Ritz Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2013 Location: Virginia Posts: 283	I can't imagine using a handi for anything at short range that might want to come at me if it wasn't dead.

December 12, 2014, 09:32 PM	#22
SaveAmerica Member Join Date: October 2, 2009 Posts: 20	I don't know what your budget is, but I wouldn't go with one of the low cost .308 rifles. Get a decent rifle. Look into the new Ruger SR762. It is a piston driven lightweight .308.

December 12, 2014, 10:51 PM	#23
G.barnes Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2011 Posts: 182	I had a ruger 762. I like the standard di pattern better. Especially that huge gas block.

December 13, 2014, 03:41 AM	#24
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	Black Hole has developed a new 30 barrel for the AR 15 platform called American 30--the preliminary numbers look very impressive up to 150 gr projectiles. From what I gather the cartridges are more or less necking a 6.8 spc to a 30.

December 14, 2014, 04:26 PM	#25
A pause for the COZ Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Braham, Minnesota Posts: 1,314	Got my Ptac Friday. Every thing is there and nothing broke. Have about 60 rounds through it. So far so good. Think I am really going to like this thing.