Small Frame AR 10 build or buy. Which One?

[Turpentine]

Guys I have had a DPMS GII for about 10 years now and I really like the rifle. It has a 20” hunter profile barrel and is 7.62 x 51 chambered. Once I found the right load for it it’s been very accurate. I made some additions to it like a Geissele Nat. Match trigger and a Magpul PRS stock. I put a short pic rail
It’s as accurate as most bolt actions and had very little recoil.
A friend asked me about building one for him for deer depredation work. I suggested we look at one of the smaller framed models like Adams Arms, POF, or ZEV but honestly don’t know a lot about them. I can build him an Aero M5 platform rifle but the last on I built was very heavy.
I like the look of the Adams Arms. It will be in 6.5 Creedmore so I will need the smaller diameter firing pin and high pressure bolt. I prefer a 20” barrel but could be persuaded to go to 22. I do not want an 18 as I’m not crazy about the velocity difference of the 18” gun.
I was just wondering what some of you guys thoughts might be?

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Hey there.

There are many options to choose from.

I would recommend a quality large frame 308AR such as LMT, Daniel Defense or Larue. Geiselle also has a new large frame AR per shot show photos.

The large frame ARs are much better supported in the market, and most accessories are in the DPMS/SR-25 pattern.

If you are set on smaller frame ARs, the new Rugar SFAR or POF Rougue are your only options. Supposedly, PSA is restarting manufacture of the DPMS G2 small frame, so that may be yet another option.

 

[Twdmar]

John Scandale did a write-up several years ago about the dpms g2 and making it in something like a 6xc or creedmoor. His conclusion was that there was not enough metal in the bolt and barrel extension to make him comfortable.
You can take that for what it's worth but perhaps it may help with your decision.
Are the new small frame ones built a bit different? Rather than build one, if it were me, I would buy something ready built to reduce the potential headaches. At least then someone tried it out a bit before you. It will probably be more expensive but in the long run might be easier.
One of my large frame ar10s has a JP light bolt carrier and I put an 18" lightweight barrel on it. It's pretty light but I don't have an exact weight. That may be a good route and I went 308 over the creedmoor just for fewer gremlins.

 

[6fatrat]

You can take John's opinion to the bank, don't do it!
Steve Bair