I know there are many things that factor into accuracy, barrel, trigger, etc. My question pertains to the “special” features the OBR has that are supposed to make it one of the most accurate 308 ARs around. The Mega MKM MATEN matched receiver set seems to have similar features or does the same thing as the LaRue OBR receivers. Also when matched with a good barrel and trigger it seems a MKM MATEN build should do what the OBR can do for about $1k less. Here are some of the OBR features and how the MKM MATEN matches up.
The OBR rails connect to the receiver and not barrel nut allowing for true free floating. The MKM rail does not touch the barrel nut either and attaches to the receiver
The OBR has matching machined upper and lower to allow best fitment. The Mega matched set seems to be machined to very tight tolerances and has as good fitment as the OBR.
The OBR has a great barrel, and this could be replicated in a Mega build with a Noveske, Krieger, Lilja, etc. Also the Geissele trigger in the OBR can be easily had.
The only other thing I can think of that may have effect on the OBR accuracy is the LaRue bolt. Is there something proprietary or special to the OBR bolt that would not be easily replicated?
Last I know the OBR has a built in 20 MOA cant and a switchblock device, but these do not affect accuracy.
So do you think a Mega MKM MATEN build should have similar features to the OBR, and be able to achieve the sub-MOA, and often .5 MOA, accuracy of the OBR? Is there a factor to the OBR that I am not thinking about that the Mega wouldn’t have an answer to; the assembly procedure maybe? Does anyone have experience with a MEGA MATEN precision build (regular, MKM, monolithic)? The biggest plus I see to the OBR is the accuracy guarantee and not having to do tweaking, neither of these to me are worth $1k. Last I am not worried about availability of parts or how long it would take to assemble the build, because the OBR wait is over a year.
P.S. I know that this is more academic than practical, because both should be plenty accurate for any practical long range needs.
There’s hardly anyone around who has recently built their own 308 AR’s let alone using MEGA receivers. I know, I searched. Maybe some lurkers will chime in, but there are very few.
A 308AR custom build thread would be a nice sticky to have in this thread (hint hint hint).
I have a Mega MaTen Upper/Lower (not the key mod) on the way to my local FFL now, but it’s going to be about a month before I can build on it.
Quality receivers don’t have much to do with accuracy. Make sure barrel is free floating and torqued correctly. The rest is on the barrel and who did the work on the barrel. Trigger and shooting style/technique will also play a role. I have Geissele SDE and DMR triggers on all mine.
I have 3 Mega Arms Monolithic builds and a JP 07 308AR. They’re as follows, in regards to barrels;
Mega, Bartlein Barrel chambered by GA Precision 308, smallest group @ 300m 1 5/8"
Mega, Krieger barrel chambered by APA 6.5 CM, smallest group @ 300m 1 3/8"
Is being built by SAC in 6.5 CM
JP-07 308, smallest group @ 600m 3 3/4"
I like how Larue and JP Rifles designed all the parts of their respective rifles.
JP-07 is probably the smoothest and fun to shoot rifle I have. The side charging feature is unreal!
I’ve shot an OBR once, and it was nice, but I don’t have much time behind it to give any information/recommendation.
Although, not the most accurate (but still very accurate), the Mega build using the GA Precision barrel is more consistant, for me. It stays in around 1/2moa up to 800ish.
I use the same screen name on Snipershide, I posted groups of two of the rifles last year.
Green,
So GAP will sell just barrels, and will they do it in other calibers than 308? I have been eyeballing 6.5CM. The only two things that may be detracting me is lack of Lapua brass and barrel life, especially in an auto. Your two builds are making me really think about doing one and put the $1k I would save over the OBR in glass
Last I heard from GAP, they’re focusing their attention on their rifles and not really offering barrel-only services, I would call/email them. They offer 260, 6.5CM, 6CM, or 308. The big bombshell right now is the 6CM.
It’s not only GAP that’s building semi-auto tack drivers; American Precision Arms and Short Action Customs build AR barrels all the time. Plus, Spartan Precision is also getting in the game.
Make sure you get a quality barrel (ie Bartlein, Krieger, Broughton) and have a reputable gunsmith spin you one up.
