Ive been wanting to build a 6.5 CM for a few years and Im getting ready to start putting my money where my mind is. I was originally thinking 22 barrel with +2 rifle gas. I am wondering if 20 might be enough for my needs. I will be hunting predators, pigs, deer, as well as stretching out on some steel targets as well. Im thinking about using carbon fiber handgaurd and would really like to go side discharge. Any help on where to look for quality parts is appreciated as well as any advice to help my build. Im considering a barrel from Precision Firearms but open to other suggestions. I dont want to trade my house for a build but want to do it right.
FWIW LaRue 18" and 22" are both rifle +2 gas. They have also added a bunch of new CNC machines and have more coming to catch up on backlog. DIY AR-10 is difficult, if looking for a proven package they are worth looking at.
I ultimately went with an 18" Craddock Precision Criterion with Rifle +1" gas system since I'd only give up around 100FPS on average compared to a 22" barrel. For your purposes, you'd only lose around 50FPS (on average) going from 22" to 20". Depending on your load, you should have an effective hunting range of around 500+ yards or so. For what it's worth, I usually lean towards the shortest barrel that will be effective for my intended use. Good luck!
Call Paul @ Craddock precision. If you can talk to him and he will advise you on the best choice for your needs.If you can afford it,Bartlien is the best. It will run you a little more, but once you start shooting it youll forget about what you paid .And he also has rock creek and criterion.
AR10s are a tricky bitch. Ive built a few and there are things you need to consider.
Depending on barrel length.. weight can be an issue. Adjustable gas block is a must. Personally I wouldnt go with a plus 1 or 2 rifle length. The dwell time and over gassing issues- on top of the possibility of punctured primers and overall being rough on brass. Did I mention cycling issues?
Where you need to spend your money:
Optics-barrel-trigger and glass
My 6.5 CM sports a 22 Criterion Hybrid barrel. Its damn nice but heavy. I like Aero Precision upper/lowers (M5 series). Im using one of their enhanced rails. Larue MBT two stage trigger. Vortex Viper HS 6-25x50. Magpul PRS stock.
Personally wouldnt go longer than 20 inches on the barrel. Also consider what BCG your going to run. It needs to be high pressure- they also offer dual ejectors. Im running a Toolcraft.
Gl
I looked at craddocks web site. That complete upper with Bartlein barrel looks like a pretty good deal. Kinda wanted to use an Aero builders set though. My thoughts were to order a barrel with adj. gas block, gas tube and hp bolt and build from there. I think Im priced out of side discharge and carbon fiber handgaurd which is what I wanted to do originally.
The aero handguards are nice. Ive been real pleased with the Leapers/UTG super slim rails as of late. Really nice quality for the price. Optics planet has them for 130.00 for a 17 rail.
MS
I forgot to add that theres 2 different AR10 platforms..DPMS and Armalite. What your building is most likely DPMS however manufactures produce handguards/upper receivers at different heights. So if youre using a Aero upper its probably a good idea to use their handguard. Otherwise figure out the height, most likely DPMS low profile, and it should match. I hope this makes sense.
Its not just plug and play like the AR15 platform.
