After testing the SRC-308 in stock configuration, I wanted to continue evaluating it’s reliability by using it at more local matches and the 2014 MGM Ironman 3 Gun Match. The Ironman 3 Gun Match in particular would be a good assessment because of the high round count and fine “moon dust” sand on the range that gets into everything.

(Note – you can find Part I right here.)

To make the SRC-308 ready for a major match though I needed to make some changes:

Match Trigger: I replaced the stock USGI style trigger with a CMC 3.5 pound single stage trigger. Having a predictable lighter pull makes shooting accurately and faster easier. The SRC-308 is compatible with any standard AR15 trigger system. This trigger functioned fine throughout the testing and there were no light primer strikes or any other problems associated with the trigger.

Ambidextrous Safety: As a left handed shooter this simply makes the rifle easier to use. I used a CMMG ambi safety and used blue locktite to secure the screw for the part that attaches on the right side of the receiver. After shooting several local matches with the rifle and the Ironman 3 Gun this vibrated loose under recoil; something I have not encountered with the same safeties in .223 rifles. I degreased the threads thoroughly and resecured it and it did not come loose on its own again.

Compensator: TSD Combat Systems Kompressor to reduce muzzle climb while not buffeting the shooter with a shockwave or being overly loud.

Free Float Tube: Midwest Industries suppled a keymod handguard to install. Free float handguards are an important accessory The SRC-308 handguard is specific to the rifle. Installation required removal of the factory gas block and barrel nut, then installation of a new low profile gas block and barrel nut. If installing yourself you will need a .308 action block. In this case I used a Specialized Dynamics combo unit that can work with .308 uppers or standard AR15 uppers. Installation was straight forward, but of course having the right tools helps. The MI rail was useful for attaching a bipod and sling mount, and gave me more real estate to hold onto than the factory midlength handguard.

Optic: I was able to borrow a Leupold MKIV 1.5-5X with CMR2 reticle in a WARNE Scope mount from fellow competitive shooter Kelly Neal. Kelly had used this optic to win several major matches and it had the battle scars to prove it. In particular the tube at the objective end had a significant dent, but the scope still functioned fine and it was not visible when looking through the optic. This particular scope is calibrated for use with .223 ammunition. Out to 200 yards the trajectories are relatively similar, past 200 yards I started noticing more of a difference and had to use some guestimating after observing impacts through the optic. The CMR2 reticle is much more useful for action shooting sports than the earlier SPR reticle I had in the exact same scope years ago. The Warne scope mount was zombie green I added some more electric/zombie green components to match the theme. Rail Covers and Grip from Ergo Grip, and M4 Stock from Cavalry Manufacturing.

With all these features added I was able to get a 1MOA group at 100 yards with my match ammo. Free floating the barrel and adding the match trigger easily doubled the accuracy of the rifle.