Building a 30 cal AR rifle

Building AR style rifles is practically an American pastime...it would be hard to throw a rock at a group of gun enthusiasts and not hit someone who has built one of these rifles.

Rather than build a run of the mill 5.56 rifle, we decided to go all in and build an AR-10 7.62mm (308) rifle.

My AR-15 has an Aero Precision upper and lower receivers, and because they are known for producing good quality stuff, we decided to stick with this local company.

A word to the wise, if you plan on building an AR rifle (5.56 or 7.62) be patient. You can save much wampum by waiting for sales or markdowns. Many of the manufacturers like Aero Precision have email lists that will send you updates when they have things on sale. 
For example, we saved 15% & 20% on our upper and lower receivers respectively, by timing our purchases.
Also the market is heavily saturated with manufacturers and retailers, which is driving prices to the ground. You should use this to your advantage and score some deals.


Here is the parts list:

We purchased the Aero Precision M5 (.308) Stripped Lower Receiver, Anodized Black (SKU: APAR308003C). This lower unit has a built in trigger guard that has been enlarged for gloved fingers. This lower is patterned to accept the DPMS style magazines

The Aero Precision M5 308 Assembled upper (SKU APAR308503A) forged from 7075-T6 aluminum. Pretty standard fare...picatinny rail, forward assist, dust cover.....

 The Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) is also from Aero Precision (SKU APRH308184) it is forged from 8620 steel, has a mil-spec phosphate coating and forward assist serrations.

Aero Precision also supplied the gas block & tube

The barrel was purchased from Ballistic Advantage (SKU: BABL308006P) the 20" heavy barrel is made from premium 416R stainless steel and come with a threaded muzzle using 5/8 x 24" threads

For the hand guard we chose a Midwest Industries M-Lock compatible free floating unit

Midway USA provided the Magpul MOE grip and fixed butt stock in Olive Drab

Magpul Pmags were an obvious choice, we purchased a pair of the 20 rounders , unfortunately they only come in black at this time

DPMS supplied the buffer tube kit

Aero Precision also supplied the Lower Parts Kit (on special of course!) SKU# APRH100249

Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm scope was acquired from an eBay retailer

We secured this Weaver Tactical Thumb-Nut SPR 1-Piece Scope Mount with Rings from Midway USA, designed to work on AR Rifle picatinny rails, it is crafted from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 Aluminum with a Type III Hard Coat Anodized Finish.

To provide a stable platform we purchased the Caldwell XLA bi-pod, the folding legs are adjustable from 6 to 9 "

We purchased this Magpul swivel mount to allow the use of the bipod

For the flash hider, we purchased a standard 30 caliber bird cage style from Aero Precision.

Multi-Use Duty Rifle Sling by Fischer Arms was purchased from Amazon

Custom touches include a Badger Ordnance Tactical Latch

I could have showed you the process of putting an AR rifle together, but there are a hundred or more videos and articles on the web with that, so I'll just show you the finished product