Thinking of turning my AR-10 carbine into a precision shooter...need advice

[Agent Smith]

Like the title says, I want to turn my Armalite AR-10 Carbine into a long range precision shooter.

The basics of what I want to do are put a 10x scope on it, replace the adjustable butt stock to a Magpul PRS, replace the 16" barrel with a 20" heavy barrel, and put a free float quad rail on it for mounting a bipod.

Everything I want to do, I understand pretty clearly; however, replacing the barrel has me a bit confused. I've never swapped out a barrel - especially to one with a longer length, and I'm not exactly sure what I need to make the conversion. I suppose I could just buy a new upper with the 20" barrel, so it would be easy to convert back to a carbine if I so choose, but the price difference is about $500 more than just buying a barrel.

This is the barrel I'd like to use, but again, I have no idea what parts I'll need to make the swap. Any help would be appreciated.

[RoyJackson]

Try this link:
AR15.com

I'm sure you'll find your answer there...
Those guys are pretty hardcore and there are some serious assholes posting there, so have a thick skin.

[Agent Smith]

Try this link:
AR15.com

I'm sure you'll find your answer there...
Those guys are pretty hardcore and there are some serious assholes posting there, so have a thick skin.

I thought about doing that, but I try to avoid that site at all costs. I'm sure my question has been asked several times and I'd catch some flack for it.

[Stooperzero]

IMHO.. Keep the 16" and just free float it.

[Agent Smith]

IMHO.. Keep the 16" and just free float it.

I suppose I could do that. I don't see myself ever shooting beyond a few hundred yards, so there probably wouldn't be a huge difference between barrels. It would definitely save me a lot of cash scrapping the barrel swap idea.

Also, after doing a rough estimate of what this build would cost, I could go buy a brand new Remington 700P and optics, and probably have a more accurate rifle, and still fall below what I'd be paying to do a complete build on the AR-10.

Decisions decisions...

[Tim Ault]

I suppose I could do that. I don't see myself ever shooting beyond a few hundred yards, so there probably wouldn't be a huge difference between barrels.

Decisions decisions...

You are correct for shorter range(under 300 yds)there will not be alot of difference. Going to a longer barrel does not mean you'll instantly have a more accurate rifle.Free float the one you have and shoot good quality ammo or reloads and you'll be further ahead of the game.


Tim

[Agent Smith]

You are correct for shorter range(under 300 yds)there will not be alot of difference. Going to a longer barrel does not mean you'll instantly have a more accurate rifle.Free float the one you have and shoot good quality ammo or reloads and you'll be further ahead of the game.


Tim

That's probably what I'll do for that then. I'd like to shoot longer distances (500+yds), but around here, I don't know of any ranges that go beyond 200, so I'll probably be better off putting that money into something else.

[Fr0sty]

Is your 16" a heavy barrel? I'm assuming it isn't but I wanted ask first. The reason I ask is because if you get serious about tack driving, your barrel is going to heat a lot faster which could lead to stringing. Try space your shots out to keep your barrel temp down.

Hard to do with a Semi, especially one in 308.


And the other question I had was twist rate? Do you know twist on your 16"?


I to believe as long as the shooter does their part, you can gain tons of accuracy on the reloading bench. So IMO this isn't a bad idea, just details.

[gunfixer199]

If you are not sure how to switch out the barrel you eather need to get some training or go to someone woh is certified with the AR. if you do do it yourself. I suggest you aquire a good tourque wrench. Good luck with the work. If you get stimped or need help I will try and talk you through it. Or you can send it to Me or somone who you know to be good in this area.
Gunfixer199

[-JD-]

You might want to talk to Dave Donley up in Quakertown (215-529-6578) He does a lot of AR work. FYI the have moved around the corner from their old location but have not yet updated their website with the new address.