I have a couple .308 AR-10s with 18” barrels and I was thinking about a shorter 16” or less upper. My question to those of you that may have some experience with these shorter lengths, do you have any cycling issues? What buffer weights are you using? Any other helpful tips I need to be aware of?
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I have a 12.5” which is IMO a great 308 length. Biggest thing is having an adjustable gas block. I use a 308 heavy buffer (the short one) in a carbine tube. I have been using this gun for years and once I had it set up to cycle I have not made a single change.
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This is good info. Thank you, you alwasy seem to come through with the info I need.
I was thinking about going as short as 12.5” but a few of my friends thought I was crazy - “too loud”, “it’s going to be a flamethrower”. My only real hesitation was since I was putting it together myself and not buying one complete, getting the rifle to cycle might be a headache of trial and error attempts to find the magic set up and I didn’t know if I had the patience for that (as I look over to a receiver that needs a barrel for a rifle I hate and bought on impulse).
12.5” for me is such a sweet spot in terms of in close work and going out a little bit in distance. Have a couple AR-15 SBRs in that length and the weight and maneuverability are ideal for me.
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It’s not loud with a can which is the only way I shoot mine.
If you build it yourself you will need to by an upper and lower (and possibly a rail) from the same manufacturer to guarantee fit as there is no standard with 308s.
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Copy that. Absolutely would use this as a suppressor host.
Yeah I have been down the rabbit hole on the AR-10 and the learning curve for the receiver types. Why do you think I have a couple AR-10s when I only wanted one? Reading descriptions of parts is not always my strong point lol.
? I didn’t think you did. Just offering some help.
Bob Ross used to call them happy accidents - lol
It was a learning experience for sure, told the missus there was a great sale I couldn’t pass up.
Building AR-10s has a bit of a leanring curve compared to AR-15s but once you get a feel for the things to look out for, it’s not difficult. A bit pricier then an AR-15 build, but not harder.
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ah, i see we are brothers. 
i have a 12.5 as well. im still in the middle of tuning it, as i do not get to shoot much as i would like.
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