Lightweight AR10 in .308

[CyberSnow]

My son, who is also an army Vet, really wants my Barrett AR15. I am thinking of trading him for a relatively light weight AR10. Since I live in an area where there are a lot of Elk and I am told that Grizzlies may be moving in, I want to move to a bigger round like the 7.62 or .308. Any suggestions?

 

[CyberSnow]

I noticed that the Browning BLR now has a 10 round magazine for the .308. I am wondering if a combat rifle is necessary here in Idaho?

 

[AH64guy]

You've posted quite a bit on wanting the AR-10 or a rapid firing rifle for bigger game.

What I can tell you is that "light" and AR-10 are not in the same sentence without a large investment - I've build quite a few, and even chasing the lightest carbon fiber barrels, carbon fiber handgaurds and light weight butt stocks - it's tough to get an AR-10 to shed weight. I'm going off memory as it's been several years - but IIRC - the greatest weight I saved was about 6-8 ounces, and the cost to get those ounces was substantial.

The S&W MP-10 as delivered was my favorite stock rifle - accuracy was 1-2 inches at 100, so nothing wow, but it came with a number of what I though were good features for a stock rifle.

 

[CyberSnow]

You've posted quite a bit on wanting the AR-10 or a rapid firing rifle for bigger game.

What I can tell you is that "light" and AR-10 are not in the same sentence without a large investment - I've build quite a few, and even chasing the lightest carbon fiber barrels, carbon fiber handgaurds and light weight butt stocks - it's tough to get an AR-10 to shed weight. I'm going off memory as it's been several years - but IIRC - the greatest weight I saved was about 6-8 ounces, and the cost to get those ounces was substantial.

The S&W MP-10 as delivered was my favorite stock rifle - accuracy was 1-2 inches at 100, so nothing wow, but it came with a number of what I though were good features for a stock rifle.

Thanks for the great advice. I have decided to keep my AR 15 and am now wondering about a larger caliber rifle. Given that I live in a very forested area not sure if I need a semiautomatic, lever action or a bolt action. It seems they would all be useful for hunting.

 

[AH64guy]

Well - just to keep everything one off - sounds like you'll want a low power scope or RDO and the ability to send a follow-up shot quickly.

I just bought a second Beretta BXR-1 in .308 with the 16 inch barrel. Straight pull action - it's fast for follow up shots, and it's not hard to learn. I had the 30-06 version, and it was MOA or sub accurate with quality factory, easy recoil, threaded barrel, and decent fit for me. I had it as a back-up rifle for a Newfoundland bear hunt, but didn't need it, so tripped it for the .308 version.

The detachable magazines hold 5 rounds, so 6 in the gun if you top the magazine off. The safety will take a bit of getting used to - it's a three position push safety that locks the rifle closed, intermediate notch allows cycling, and the full forward is "off", but it lifts up against a spring tension going forward with your thumb for each position, then comes back to the locked position if you hold it up and relax. Not bad - just "different" than we're used to.

The .308 version has an adapter that will allow you to use the the Magpul LR/SR magazines in 10-20-25 versions. Bluntly - the 20 (or larger) rounder sticking out the bottom of the rifle is about ridiculous IMHO - but I could see the 10 rounder "maybe" being useful for pigs or predators. For the majority of my needs - two 5 round magazines will be more than plenty.

 

[CyberSnow]

The

Well - just to keep everything one off - sounds like you'll want a low power scope or RDO and the ability to send a follow-up shot quickly.

I just bought a second Beretta BXR-1 in .308 with the 16 inch barrel. Straight pull action - it's fast for follow up shots, and it's not hard to learn. I had the 30-06 version, and it was MOA or sub accurate with quality factory, easy recoil, threaded barrel, and decent fit for me. I had it as a back-up rifle for a Newfoundland bear hunt, but didn't need it, so tripped it for the .308 version.

The detachable magazines hold 5 rounds, so 6 in the gun if you top the magazine off. The safety will take a bit of getting used to - it's a three position push safety that locks the rifle closed, intermediate notch allows cycling, and the full forward is "off", but it lifts up against a spring tension going forward with your thumb for each position, then comes back to the locked position if you hold it up and relax. Not bad - just "different" than we're used to.

The .308 version has an adapter that will allow you to use the the Magpul LR/SR magazines in 10-20-25 versions. Bluntly - the 20 (or larger) rounder sticking out the bottom of the rifle is about ridiculous IMHO - but I could see the 10 rounder "maybe" being useful for pigs or predators. For the majority of my needs - two 5 round magazines will be more than plenty.

On paper it looks very good. For hunting purposes 5-6 rounds should be adequate. Where did you find your weapon…on line? My closest decent gun shop is a 2.5 hour drive away.

 

[AH64guy]

They're available from a number of sources - online is usually best as there are a number of variables / options for the BXR-1 for calibers and barrel lengths.

I found the .308 locally, the LGS said they wouldn't be ordering any more and had discounted it as "1 of 1" remaining.

The 30-06 was a local estate find.

The straight pull is a European stand hunting favorite, not a common or as preferred here.