I have a brand new CMMG Mk3 stripped lower 38CA1C3 from my deceased son. He was going to build an AR10.

I just started looking at what is needed and want to make sure I don't screw this up. My other son also asked if it can be made as a switch caliber between 7.62 and perhaps a Creedmore. I have no idea.

First thing I spotted was a Mk3 lower parts kit 38CA61A from PSA.

Recommendations as to additional parts and manufacturers would be most welcome.

With .308 you'll need to keep the receivers the same.
No mix and matching like an AR15 as there is no "standard".

Get a CMMG upper in .308; 16", 20" and 24" barrels.
Or the 6.5 CM upper.
Better get on the list though as like everything else they are on backorder.

Get a lower parts kit and decide if you want an A2 stock or telescoping one.
I like the A2 action over the carbine for .308

Yikes... they're not only backordered, they're $1249 and up for an upper.

There isn't a less expensive option that will work with the CMMG Mk3 lower?

Does CMMG follow the DPMS pattern? So would something like Bear Creek Arsenal work? Again I'm completely uneducated here and just started doing some searches online.

Not too bad if you just get the right parts.

Be sure your upper is DPMS/LR308 (or SR25) pattern and not Armalite pattern. You don't have to use a CMMG upper. There are plenty of folks making DPMS pattern uppers.

Here's an Aero barreled upper for $550: AIM surplus link . Will need a bolt and bolt carrier and a charging handle (both specific to AR10s). AIM Surplus also offers a number of complete BCG groups for under $250, so you'll be all in for maybe $850 on the upper.

If you want to build an upper, you've gotta be a bit more selective, since not only are the receivers (DPMS vs. Armalite) different, but so are the barrel extensions.

For simplicity's sake, just look for Magpul magazines.

It would be best to keep them the same.
Another may work but may not fit right.

Get on the list for just an upper for $325.
Plenty of other places to get a good barrel and other stuff to flesh it out.
The barrel threads should be like most everything else, DPMS pattern.

I waited too long to get an upper for my Ruger SR762.
Matrix made the upper and lower and had uppers for $99 pre-covid.
They went from back ordered to no longer available now.
Shame, I wanted to do an 18" DI upper for it.

That Aero upper looks to be a solid deal.
The back end looks to have the same profile as the CMMG.

quote:

Originally posted by powermad:
It would be best to keep them the same.
Another may work but may not fit right.

Get on the list for just an upper for $325.

What list?

The backorder list.

quote:

Originally posted by powermad:
The backorder list.

I'm frustrated here. CMMG site doesn't show any such list. Where are you talking about?
A link PLEASE!

https://cmmg.com/upper-receiver-assembly-mk3-308win

Click backorder now, pay and get on the wait list.
Most likely won't bill till shipped.

From the description it's a DPMS Gen 1 high pattern.
I believe the Aero upper is the same.

cmmg.com/upper-receivers

I thought it was pretty easy to find.

quote:

Originally posted by Oat_Action_Man:

Be sure your upper is DPMS/LR308 (or SR25) pattern and not Armalite pattern. You don't have to use a CMMG upper. There are plenty of folks making DPMS pattern uppers.

I agree.

However, I always prefer the same upper receiver by the same mfg but it is not required.

It just looks and fits better, IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by powermad:
https://cmmg.com/upper-receiver-assembly-mk3-308win

Click backorder now, pay and get on the wait list.
Most likely won't bill till shipped.

From the description it's a DPMS Gen 1 high pattern.
I believe the Aero upper is the same.

quote:

Originally posted by fritz:
cmmg.com/upper-receivers

I thought it was pretty easy to find.

Okay, thanks but not what I was looking for which is why I didn't find this. I don't want to build an upper. I want a complete barreled upper assembly.

I also didn't understand that the backorder list meant ordering. I rather thought some notification of stock availability would be what you were referring to. Again a novice here in black rifle build matters.

Oat_Action_Man keyed on this in his post. And, as an aside, the Bear Creek Arsenal I alluded to includes the bolt carrier group in its upper packages which is even more complete although it is compatible with 1st gen DPMS low profile lowers and not high profile 1st Gen like my CMMG Mk3.

The Aero would be the easy way out.
It is a DPMS high profile so "should" work.

.308 stuff isn't cheap and these days it's worse than usual.
I went back and re-priced some stuff I had been looking at and it's nearly $750 for a barrel, gas block, tube and BCG.

Okay, here's what I've come up with to build with the CMMG Mk3 stripped lower 38CA1C3 DPMS LR308 gen1 high-pattern design.
Critiques invited:

-- CMMG Mk3 lower parts kit 38CA61A $49.99
https://palmettostatearmory.co...kit-mk3-38ca61a.html
-- AERO Precision 18" barreled upper DPMS Gen 1 High profile compatible $548.24
https://aimsurplus.com/aero-pr...-in-r-one-handguard/
-- Bolt Carrier Group - PSA $149.99
https://palmettostatearmory.co...group-516446490.html
-- Buffer tube/spring kit $59.49
https://www.aeroprecisionusa.c...8-carbine-buffer-kit
-- Hiperfire EDC trigger $94.95
https://www.joeboboutfitters.c...Triggers-s/19085.htm
(installed this in the Noveske N4)
-- AR10 Charging handle $47.95
https://www.joeboboutfitters.c...p/si-arch-308-bk.htm
(upgraded the Noveske N4 with one of these)
-- pistol grip and stock $108.40
https://www.joeboboutfitters.c...-Grip-p/mag-532.htm[ $22.95
https://palmettostatearmory.co...mil-spec-mag370.html $85.45
-- Magpul AR-10 magazines
https://palmettostatearmory.co...zine-mag291-blk.html $21.99 ea
-- STI 2 point sling $25.90 (installed on Noveske N4) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JK1XW4G/
-- Braudel 1.25" QD sling swivels $7.99 (installed on Noveske N4) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MXYWFE4/
-- Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24 w/mount $370
https://palmettostatearmory.co...-mount-2-offset.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bald1,

That looks like it'll sling some lead.

While that stock is nice I found that the A2 rifle action was much smoother and not as harsh.
I did find a use for the .308 carbine tube, I used it for an A5 action on my last 5.56 assembly.
You can usually get the A2 stock, tube, buffer and spring for around $70 as a kit.

quote:

Originally posted by powermad:
That looks like it'll sling some lead.

While that stock is nice I found that the A2 rifle action was much smoother and not as harsh.
I did find a use for the .308 carbine tube, I used it for an A5 action on my last 5.56 assembly.
You can usually get the A2 stock, tube, buffer and spring for around $70 as a kit.

Since my son and I have significantly different LOP needs, a stock such as I listed is the only way for us to go.

Talked to my son tonight about this and we're both mulling over whether to proceed or not given the costs of the build.

If you want a Lantac Dragon muzzle brake (I know the Aero upper already has a birdcage on there) for the AR10, let me know. I've got one that I've replaced with another muzzle device, so I'd be happy to send you the muzzle brake for free, if it'd be of use to you.

quote:

Originally posted by Oat_Action_Man:
If you want a Lantac Dragon muzzle brake (I know the Aero upper already has a birdcage on there) for the AR10, let me know. I've got one that I've replaced with another muzzle device, so I'd be happy to send you the muzzle brake for free, if it'd be of use to you.

Just got through ordering everything and speaking to my son about it. Saw this and he too says that would be great more effective option to reduce recoil and "jump." Really appreciate the generosity.

Your profile doesn't have an email address but mine does. Email me and I'll send you my address info. Again my thanks!