AR-10 for F Class, I'm open to suggestions from the long distance guys

[Solidsnake87]

I've always wanted to build a highly accurate AR-10 for fun in F class. I'm in the process of doing it and already have most of the parts. Here is what I'm stuck on though:

1.) I'm trying to decide if I want to have a gas system on the gun or not. If I'm doing F class stuff, I'll be single shooting rounds that are loaded very long. I'll also get a little more accuracy this way

On the other hand, if I make it a semi auto, I can use it for some of the rapid fire matches and maybe even the tactical stuff........even though the gun will be very heavy.

2.) I really want a LaRue rail for my floated handguard. I have them on some other guns and they are VERY nice. The problem is that they are 13" long for the AR-10 rather than 12" long. They look like they are meant for a low profile gas block, which is a problem should I choose to have a gas system. On thick barrels there is not enough room for a low profile gas block to clear the rail. Besides, there is no such thing as a low profile gas block for thick barrels on an AR-10 (At least I've never seen one). Do they make longer gas tubes so that the gas block can be set further forward?

I could go with a Daniel Defense 12.0 AR-10 rail, and a traditional gas block set-up, but I'd like to use the LaRue if I can.

[Fjold]

I'd go with a long barrel (24-28") to hold the velocity up. This may make it clumsy for any other competitions though.

White Oak Armament makes longer gas tubes for their longer AR15 barrels.

[Pthfndr]

Use an adjustable gas block http://www.jprifles.com/buy.php?item=JPGS-3 and choose a hand guard that will work with it. Turn off the gas for F class and on for everything else.

However, that would probably dictate working up multiple loads.

[phish]

I find it awkward to multi-task my rifles, although it can be done. I originally slated my M70 to do double duty as an F/TR-tac rig, but my current stock just doesn't ride the rear bag well. The Stoner platform can be made pretty comfortable and effective as an F-Class setup, but the aforementioned multiple load development just makes things that much more complicated. Palma and F/TR already eliminate some of the variables such as caliber selection, but you can wrap yourself around the axle really quick when it comes down to narrowing what works for you.

But in any case, O'Connell likes seeing new faces show up to the matches, so come on out irregardless of what you wind up going with.

[stormy_clothing]

at that distance I wouldn't recommend 308 ar 10 personally - I'd be looking into a 6.5mm and a smooth hand gaurd as they are easier to use imo - then again I wouldnt recommend an ar in class dominated by bolt actions for a pretty good reason IMO - but you said you wanted to have fun so I'd say 6.5mm at that range.

[Pthfndr]

at that distance I wouldn't recommend 308 ar 10 personally - I'd be looking into a 6.5mm and a smooth hand gaurd as they are easier to use imo - then again I wouldnt recommend an ar in class dominated by bolt actions for a pretty good reason IMO - but you said you wanted to have fun so I'd say 6.5mm at that range.

I imagine he's planning on .308 and using it in F-T/R class. No way would it be competitive in F Open.

[dawson8r]

I have a friend that shoots National Match and he has been encouraging me to come out and shoot F-class with my AR10. I have an ArmaLite 20" upper free floated with an ARMS rails forend. Scope is a 3-9x40 Trijicon AccuPoint. Specifically, I will shoot in the 3x600 prone competition. For those of you that don't know what that is, its 3 strings of 20 rounds at 600 yards. You have a total of 22 minutes; 2 minutes to sight in though I'm told you can take longer but once you are sighted in the target is swapped out and you got whatever time remaining so fire 20 round for scoring.

My only hesitation is that I have never shot this gun at 600 and don't know how far to come up to get on paper. I've used ballistic charts for the round I shoot (168grn bthp) and have shot out to 450 with only minor adjustments to what the chart says.

I think I'll shoot the next match in about a month. Worst thing that can happen is that I might actually learn something! I started shooting 3-gun this year too and get my ash wiped but always have a great time and learn something new about shooting, tactical situations, etc. I figure when I get good enough to where my choice of .308 is an issue I'll probably be ready to get a 6.5 or other caliber upper.

Have fun!

[stormy_clothing]

at 600 yards with a 308 you should be fine - at 1000 yards I would say 6.5 so it depends on the class. Since he said for fun and not for win it could be any of the two I guess.

[Retzius]

I believe GA Precision sells their Precision AR-10 with a 3/4 MOA (at the very least) guarantee ootb.

[Marxman]

Midwest Industries?

If you end up getting a longer barrel and gas system from WOA you might consider the MI T-15 rail system (http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/...ategory_id=373) or the MI SS-15 (http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/...ategory_id=288). The latter may be easier to work in conjunction with a JP adjustable gas block or may offer enough spacing to allow use of a regular gas block, both are free floating and measure out to 15" which may give better stability with a bipod or from bags. Just figured I'd throw those two out there because they're the longest freefloat rails I know of and with a longer heavier barrel it may help out.

[ar15barrels]

I believe GA Precision sells their Precision AR-10 with a 3/4 MOA (at the very least) guarantee ootb.

That guarantee only applies to the gun, not to the shooter.

[ar15barrels]

I really want a LaRue rail for my floated handguard. The problem is that they are 13" long for the AR-10 rather than 12" long.
They look like they are meant for a low profile gas block, which is a problem should I choose to have a gas system. On thick barrels there is not enough room for a low profile gas block to clear the rail.
Besides, there is no such thing as a low profile gas block for thick barrels on an AR-10

You are incorrect on all three counts.

LaRue makes a 12.0 AND a 13.2 for the AR-10.
They also make a proper 0.875" low profile gas block that fits on the armalite AR-10T barrels.
That gas block will fit under their 13.2 rail.

[Solidsnake87]

I would be using this for F/TR class in .308. Krieger won't build be the match barrel in the length I desire so I'm going with a 30" match bbl from kaiser.

I was not aware that LaRue made a 12.0" AR-10 rail. I know they make a 12" AR-15 rail, but I've never seen that option of their web page for the AR-10. I guess i'll have to call them about it.

I'm ok with working multiple loads. I've just always wanted to use an AR-10 for F/TR but also have it double as a semi on occasion.

[ar15barrels]

I was not aware that LaRue made a 12.0" AR-10 rail.

I installed one on an upper just last week, but I don't have a picture of it...

[Solidsnake87]

I'll have to call them about it. Only an 11" and 13" model are available on their web page.