XD Talk

Thor Odinson · 01-17-2011, 12:14 AM

As a new guy here with a recently aquired AR 10 in .308 what does it take to upgrade to a .338 Federal? This AR10 has the fixed handle (Mod no.?), no pickininny rails, and triangular front sight with tapered front hand guard.

It seemed easier to get what I want by getting an entire upper but I don't have a gold mine in the back yard. Armalite will sell me the barrel but their entire upper costs as much as I paid for my entire Armalite rifle.

So if I want a scope to fit on pickininny (sp), keep the front sight from blocking the scope view and maybe change over to a collapsible stock and removable handle, the upper assembly seemed the way to go.

Have a problem with correct designation of various parts. For instance my forearm grips are different than the long round ones I see on AR10's in stores. I like the taper or if I can get the pickininny forearms I can put up with that as a trade off for being able to mount a scope plus other stuffs.

I see discounted prices in other posts. How do I take advantage of these. Hunting season is over for 2010 so it seems a good time to find what I'd really like to have for next year. Ideas? Thanks! Thor

Mr. YACYAS · 01-17-2011, 12:20 AM

Unless your a gunsmith I would save and buy a complete upper. Piecing the parts together and then you'll need a gunsmith to assemble it all. It'll end up costing you more in the end plus in order to use you 308 you'll have to restart the process. One thin you could do is sell the 308 upper if you don't want the caliber at all to help pay for the 338.

Cuda66 · 01-17-2011, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. YACYAS

Unless your a gunsmith I would save and buy a complete upper. Piecing the parts together and then you'll need a gunsmith to assemble it all. It'll end up costing you more in the end plus in order to use you 308 you'll have to restart the process. One thin you could do is sell the 308 upper if you don't want the caliber at all to help pay for the 338.

It's pretty darn easy to rebarrel an AR; one definitely does NOT need a gunsmith to do it. I've built AR's from nothing but parts, and it's pretty darn easy.

To the OP:

Go to AR15.com and look in the "Build it yourself" forum...they'll have step by step instructions on how to do it.

You will need to buy a couple of specialized tools, but those will usually run you less than $100, total. Check Brownells.

Personally, I'd buy some headspace guages and headspace it, for my own peace of mind.

Mr. YACYAS · 01-17-2011, 08:44 PM

To original OP let me reiterate for Cuda cause he just wants to be an ass. He is right in the fact that it is possible to do it yourself and if you feel like you confident in doing it. Then you should, it'll be a great project and you should have fun doing it. But at the same time the risk is on you and honestly cost after tools and parts doesn't seem much different (minus if a smith does it cause of labor). If you buy a complete or have a gunsmith do it you know its done right and its on the Smith/Manufacturer who put it together.

Patriot_0311 · 01-18-2011, 07:53 AM

I agree with Cuda. Do it yourself; you may only break-even on the first one with having to buy a couple tools vs paying a gunsmith, but you can keep the tools for any future work you do for yourself or for your friends. Plus, you will learn more about your rifle and learn some basic skills in the process.

Do it, in the long run its cheaper and it ain't that hard.

Jake

Thor Odinson · 01-27-2011, 08:02 PM

I was going to go to gunsmithing school after finishing watch (now retired cop) so spent life around firearms--just no AR's (M1 & M14 Army guy) Where could I find a reasonable .338 Federal upper? It would be easier (but more expensive) and I would like a version of the pickinney (sp). I hit a lot of gunshops out of habit and some have parts for sale (but no AR stuff). There has to be someplace online that has this stuff--I like my tapered handguard instead of that long round version I see on most AR10's. Spent last weekend in bookstore looking for a definitive AR book--no luck. Suppose I could check the library.
I have a pile of tools and could make others (welder, fabricator too--the skills never stop!) Thanks for all the info--keep it up. Thor
Edit--Hey, anybody know how I can change a password?

**Ajcrash** · 01-27-2011, 08:20 PM

You don't really need a book if you have an internet connection. If you are already willing to read a book on the subject, check out some AR websites. AR15.com, m4carbine.net, **************.com, etc.

The tools you'll need aren't that pricey; and like most, you will probably need them again for another build. It is called black rifle disease for a reason.

Welcome to the site.

BTW, it's Picatinny.

Thor Odinson · 01-27-2011, 09:39 PM

Picatinny, picatinny, picatinny, picatinny, picatinny, picatinny--Ok got it.
Now if I can just figure out how to change my password, password, password. Thor