Source .308 AR Barrel w/ Front Sight Post, DPMS High Pattern?

[pratchett]

I want to build another large-frame AR in .308, and I want to duplicate an exact copy of this upper that I already have (link to BCM).

Of course, my concern isn't just in finding a high-quality barrel but additionally making sure that the front sight post will work with a DPMS pattern high profile, as Aero uppers are DPMS high pattern.

Preferably the barrel would be "match" grade.

Thanks in advance.

[ar15barrels]

You don't see many 308 AR type barrels with pinned front sight bases because barrels with front sight bases are usually setup with a standard barrel nut, delta ring and handguard cap for use with snap-in handguards.
308's of the AR-10 pattern do have the ability to run standard snap-in handguards with a barrel nut, delta ring and handguard retainer.
308's of the LR-308 pattern can NOT work with snap-in handguards for a couple reasons.
First, the gas port location is not correct on the barrel to accept a handguard cap and have handguards fit on the handguard with a barrel nut which has a delta ring.
This is because the LR-308 uses AR-15 length gas tubes while AR-10's use an extended gas tube and gas port location on the barrel specifically so that there is room for the special larger delta ring.
Second, there are no standard barrel nuts in LR-30 pattern because LR-308 pattern barrels won't accept AR-15 handguards.
Third, the sight height is different on 308's than on AR-15's but there are no extra tall front sight bases made specific to match the height of an AR-10 or LR-308 receiver with a standard AR-15 rear sight.
There is a special 308 specific folding rear sight from Midwest that will work on tall profile 308 AR receivers with an AR-15 front sight base on the barrel.

These problems leave such a dramatic lack of demand for pinned front sight 308 barrels that nobody makes them.

I can pin a front sight base on an LR-308 barrel and it will work with an LR-308 handguard that's short enough to stay behind the front sight base, but you still have the problem of the rear sight that will work with it.

[pratchett]

I can pin a front sight base on an LR-308 barrel and it will work with an LR-308 handguard that's short enough to stay behind the front sight base, but you still have the problem of the rear sight that will work with it.

The man himself! Alright, well, it was worth a try and I'm glad to have your thinking on it. Have a good one.

[Silence Dogood]

You don't see many 308 AR type barrels with pinned front sight bases because barrels with front sight bases are usually setup with a standard barrel nut, delta ring and handguard cap for use with snap-in handguards.
308's of the AR-10 pattern do have the ability to run standard snap-in handguards with a barrel nut, delta ring and handguard retainer.
308's of the LR-308 pattern can NOT work with snap-in handguards for a couple reasons.
First, the gas port location is not correct on the barrel to accept a handguard cap and have handguards fit on the handguard with a barrel nut which has a delta ring.
This is because the LR-308 uses AR-15 length gas tubes while AR-10's use an extended gas tube and gas port location on the barrel specifically so that there is room for the special larger delta ring.
Second, there are no standard barrel nuts in LR-30 pattern because LR-308 pattern barrels won't accept AR-15 handguards.
Third, the sight height is different on 308's than on AR-15's but there are no extra tall front sight bases made specific to match the height of an AR-10 or LR-308 receiver with a standard AR-15 rear sight.
There is a special 308 specific folding rear sight from Midwest that will work on tall profile 308 AR receivers with an AR-15 front sight base on the barrel.

These problems leave such a dramatic lack of demand for pinned front sight 308 barrels that nobody makes them.

I can pin a front sight base on an LR-308 barrel and it will work with an LR-308 handguard that's short enough to stay behind the front sight base, but you still have the problem of the rear sight that will work with it.

Randall-
Someone who I trust has less experience than you do told me that the PSA large-frame ARs are largely incompatible with both AR-10 and LR308 styles. Have enough come across your bench that you know how they fit into this discussion?

[Oldmandan]

Brownells used to make a BRN-10 carbine that was similar to what you’re looking for. You might be able to hunt one down on Gunbroker

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/upper-receivers/ar-308-m5-upper-receiver-20-barrels-w-front-sight-base-prod130539.aspx

[pratchett]

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...rod130539.aspx

Thank you kindly for the tip. I appreciate it.

[ar15barrels]

Randall-
Someone who I trust has less experience than you do told me that the PSA large-frame ARs are largely incompatible with both AR-10 and LR308 styles. Have enough come across your bench that you know how they fit into this discussion?

I don't think I have seen a single one yet.