Converting AR10 to side-charger?

[reidnez]

Hey guys, I have a DPMS SASS and am very happy with it. The only problem is that with the scope mounted where I like it for optimum eye relief, it's a little tricky to reach the charging handle.

Does anyone know of a smith who would be able to convert my upper to a side-charger? Preferably someone located in Southern California, but I'm willing to ship as well. This is obviously a rather radical and irreversible surgery, so I want someone who will do it right.

If anyone has done this and could post pics, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

[Lucky7]

You will probaley need to just buy a new sidecharging upper receiver and bolt carrier group to replace your current ones.

[reidnez]

That's another option I thought of, but I wonder if I could just buy a stripped upper and swap all my existing parts (other than the carrier) into it. I'm not sure about compatibility, I think the SASS parts are pretty much proprietary though.

[Lucky7]

Here is one option, it seems pretty pricey though...

http://www.americanspiritarms.com/products/ASA_AR_15_M4_Side_Charger_Upper_Receiver-38-12.html

[elsolo]

That's another option I thought of, but I wonder if I could just buy a stripped upper and swap all my existing parts (other than the carrier) into it. I'm not sure about compatibility, I think the SASS parts are pretty much proprietary though.

I don't think the SASS version has any more proprietary parts than other lr-308's.

Look at how Fulton does a side charging upper, just mill a slot in the upper and tap the carrier for a handle. The forward assist on your upper is in the way, so a slick-side upper looks like it would be in order.

Or just sell your upper and buy a JP, if you like the left side non-reciprocating op handle.

[Rekrab]

I believe Fulton is the only one that makes a stand alone, DPMS-platform, side-charging upper and it's reciprocating. JP, to the best of my knowledge, does not sell their side-charge upper receivers.

[L4D]

Get the left side milled.

http://www.largrizzly.com/web/guest/ops-4-uppers

[ohsmily]

[Jpach]

^^^^ That ish will break. Either go with the BCM Gunfighter CH

Or you can do what Im doing, send in your upper and have it converted to a forward-style charging handle by Kaiser Defense

[slomofo]

Grizzly OPS-4 uppers as listed above do not come in .308. If you have a DPMS slickside/sportical upper, the conversion is easy, if you have a dustcover and forward assist, it's a bit harder, but can still be done. Also, most of the tactical charging handles suggested also don't fit the .308. 308 charging handles are longer and the carriers are much bigger.

Contact White Oak and they can cut your upper receiver for sidecharging as well as drilling the bolt carrier for you to install a cocking handle, I think the cost is $130.

[xr650r]

BCM gunfighter works great and it's on the cheap.

[five.five-six]

taging this threat

[Full Clip]

For the amount of money you'd spend converting to a side-charger setup, you could buy 50 good-quality tac-latch-type charging handles. I use one as my scope blocks easy access to the handle as well... Try one, you may find it solves your problem before spending $$$$.