[Sniper03]

Scott,

I like the 458 SOCOM over the 450. But as far as the 308s I prefer the Rock River although I like the DPMS also. The reason is that the Rock River 308 is a 1 MOA Rifle at 100 even with the 16" Barrel like I have. But the good thing is it also does not have dedicated magazines that you must buy from the manufacturer exclusively. It takes either FAL Inch or Metric Magazines. You can find both Mil-Spec Mags at the Gun Shows on occasion and they are not an arm and a leg. It also has the 2 Stage National Match Trigger, Ambi Bolt Catch, Ambi Mag Release.
The 450 SOCOM is a great round if you are hunting deer at 100-150. 200 is about the max. But it will wreck a wild boars day pronto!
Good luck on your project and selection.

03

[diggsbakes]

If this is your first AR and are looking to hunt with it, you might consider some of the newer 6mm cartridges. There is a list of them and although they might be more expensive than the .308, they are somewhat less expensive than the .45 cal options and arguably more accurate at longer ranges than the .308. In addition, you can use the lower for other purposes and have multiple rifles out of one lower

With the AR-15 lower, you can buy or build an upper in .223 (5.56 x 45 nato) with endless configurations, to train and practice with, or even hunt a variety of game.

Good Luck!

[easterner123]

The .308 is also called the NATO 7.62x51mm. You can definitely get your hands on some surplus, or cheap target ammo without breaking the bank. The rifle is another story.

DPMS and Armalite both make .308 AR style platforms. Give Remington's website a once over, they have a line of AR style varmint rifles now, might be able to snag a .308 there.

However, you said your looking for a cheap hunting/target gun. If you want cheap and .308, try looking for a lightly used gun.

Good luck with your search, and make sure you do your homework. As the guys on here said, theres an AR for literally everything, from .410 shotguns to .50 Beowulf. I just haven't found an elephant gun yet, but I'm sure theres one lurking out there somewhere

[FiveF]

I'll tell you one thing wherever you order your parts or rifle from do NOT use Del-Ton. They are liars, I ordered from them they told me it would be 4 week wait and its been 9 weeks going on 10. I HATE DEL TON!!!

[diggsbakes]

Les Baer also has a .308 that guarantees a 1/2 MOA 10 shot group @ 100 yds w/ match ammo. They do charge for this though. . .

Del-Ton has done me right! I just shot their new 20" barrel assembly on "Scrapy", my budget AR and was VERY impressed.