Thoughts on short barrel .308 AR10 build

[jujubeez]

So I was at the costa mesa gun show yesterday and stopped by the JD Machine. They have this AR-10 .308 build that I felt in love with, at least from the look of it. It consist of a 13.7" .308 barrel 1:10 twist, with a welded 3.28 inch OAL KX3 muscle device making it total length of 16". I am still farely new to this whole AR scence and have been thinking of getting an AR-10. Would it be a waste to have such a short barrel .308? I know most AR-10 are at least 16" inches, I'm guessing there's a reason why. I alreary have a noveske build with 13.7" barrel and KX3 but on .223 so I'm not sure if I would just be wasting my money.

Any insight on pros and cons of a short barrel .308 is greatly appreciate it.

[JagerTroop]

I have a 10.5" barrel AR10(pistol). It runs fine (didn't alter the gas port size).

I know I'm losing a bit in velocity and range, but it serves a different purpose than a standard battle rifle.

I say, "If you like it, do it". You can always build/buy another upper for it with a longer barrel.

ETA- accuracy out to 300rds is respectable... not too much drop. At 100-200, it's not much different than a 16" barreled rifle.

[jujubeez]

Excellent. I was hoping to hear something good regarding short .308 rifle/pistol. Seeing as ill be running a 13.7" I should be ok at 300 yards I hope.

[SFgiants105]

It wouldn't be a waste at all. I saw a thread somewhere where a guy was making 1000 yd shots on a 15" x 15" target with a 16" OBR and handloads. I'm going to be a getting a 16.5" upper for my POF as soon as funds become available; it will a more than sufficient hunting/SHTF/target rifle. I wouldn't take it to any long range competitions, but for that matter, I wouldn't take a semi-auto chambered in 7.62 to competitions in the first place. Need to build a Remington 700 on a A5 stock chambered in 6.5x47 Lapua for that.

[JagerTroop]

Just a note: If you're attaching the KX3 to increase back pressure, it shouldn't be needed (wasn't for me at 10.5"). If it's just for length, there are probably other flash hiders/brakes out there that will give you the necessary length that will actually work better. Maybe the DNTC brake, or a POF style brake, but measure first. Not positive if they are long enough.

[cabinetguy]

I dont think I would go under 16" on a .308, but thats me. You will lose some of the benefits of the .308 by going too short.

[UBFRAGD]

Sounds good to me!

The ideal length of a barrel for the 308 pressure is 30" to 36".......never going to happen......

[strongpoint]

welded 3.28 inch OAL KX3 muscle device