Now that 8.6blk ammo is becoming available, Im ready to build out a 12" 8.6 Blackout in the AR-10 platform. I know it's just a barrel swap from a .308, but I'm also short of knowledge of what to look for.

I'll be mounting an existing IRay Bolt TH50c and a Hybrid 46, and SBR it. I plan to replace my Grendel as my pig blaster for <200yrds at subsonic.

All else is whatever I can piece together for under $3k. Otherwise I'll just go with something like a Q or Gorilla (though I still want a Semiautomatic):

https://www.gorillaammo.com/product/gf-10-8-6-blackout-carbine/

Can you help me spec it out? Thanks!

Pic for attention (not a 12" nor an IRay Bolt but a nice 8.6 Gorilla 16")

If you can, order the upper and lower from the same company. Fit and finish will match.

SMM48 said:

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If you can, order the upper and lower from the same company. Fit and finish will match.

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I'm reading where an AR-10 is not standardized like the AR-15 in terms of parts being interchangeable across brands?

That's correct, there's AR10 and DPMS (hi or lo profile). Buy a complete "builders set" with the upper/lower and handguard. The rest is pretty much interchangeable.

I was on 8.6 from the day of release and I can offer up a few things I ran into. I wanted an very lightweight setup so I got the lower and upper from same company and paid alot for that. You are going to need a shorter handguard and like others have stated, know which pattern your upper is so they match. Not all manufacturers even make the same pattererns the same to mix and match. In my case, I short lightweight guard wasn't avail from receiver manufacturer. Receiver set was a dpms high and so was guard but they are slightly off. Doesn't matter to me since I ceracoted it a desert camo and it's hard to tell. Barrel...at the time, Faxon was only barrel avail. There are now a few more companies making them. Faxon barrel came with a 1.5xM18 thread. Be prepared to get an adapter or have the barrel re-threaded somewhere or you'll have issues with can. Going with a different barrel company will get you what you need but you'll have to wait so they can make it. As for ammo...gorilla is releasing more however they have a 2 box limit. If you have Facebook, there's a group for 8.6 there. Join it. There are some folks with leads for the things you want to know. If you shoot alot, handliading is your best bet. Ammo is tough to get with demand and so are projectiles. I love my setup and if you have a questions, let me know. Oh ya...your spring...buffer...will vary based on how you plan to use it so be prepared for trial and error. I went full stupid 2A Armament adjustable titanium bcg so thats an option too. If not, plan on getting an adjustable gas block. Make sure to get the right gas tube. The short length can put that tube in a bind cuz of the height of the ar10 fitment. If memory serves me right, that's an issue for the 8in...not the 12in setup but research that. Faxon started making tubes after the barrel release because of reported fitment issues. I bought that tube just to be safe. I think that covers it... sorry for the long reply

Good info and thanks. I am on the 8.6 Blackout FB group and there's a bit of help there. Gorilla rolled out a new batch of ammo yesterday and sold out quickly.

With what you describe, it might be worth avoiding the headache and ordering a complete 12" build from Gorilla.

On paper, the 8.6 Blackout looks amazing for hogs.

I know sometimes we just need a new toy, but seems a subsonic 450BM or 458 socom would still be superior without dealing with the weight, cost, and potential issues of the AR10?

Weight and issues can be easily avoided if cost isn't the issue. The ballistics, performance and use scenario is far greater that the cartridges you mentioned. To each their own...a toy for one might be a better tool for another.

CS78 said:

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I know sometimes we just need a new toy, but seems a subsonic 450BM or 458 socom would still be superior without dealing with the weight, cost, and potential issues of the AR10?

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I've been trying my best for years to make use of a high quality 450 BM (ar15) of mine.

First, the recoil of the 450BM is twice that of the 8.6BLK. Not only is lesser recoil good for follow ups, but most thermal and NV scopes are not rated for the recoil of a 450 BM (max out at a .308).

Even though I run it suppressed, the subsonic 450 BM still quite loud (hence the nickname "thumper"). It's nearly twice the weight of bullet.

The carriage cost is only about $0.25 difference and will likely get better.

The weight of a 12" 8.6 should be less than my 18" 450BM.

I believe a great deal of the appeal of the 8.6 is made by the fast 1:3 twist that delivers quite a smack, with negligible spin drift since it is geared towards 100-200 yards. I know it sounds like the latest fad and the flavor of the month, but it really does seem like the 8.6 is a good answer to hogs.

Q Fix. Off the charts cool factor!

Thaddeus Beauregard said:

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Q Fix. Off the charts cool factor!

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My 12" Fix and can are in jail for another 6 months probably. In the meantime, I'm gathering ammo.

I have a build list for an AR10 I put together. It would be a great 8.6 build. Also included a few build lists on my AR15 on there.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17WEatS9LnJsI_mW3rq_T6VFouhgpdK_wwnUBRcwFGV4/edit#gid=0

BSD said:

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Thaddeus Beauregard said:

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Q Fix. Off the charts cool factor!

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My 12" Fix and can are in jail for another 6 months probably. In the meantime, I'm gathering ammo.

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I notice you bought the 16" variant of the Gorilla ammo but are running the 12". They have (or "had" as of last night) loads for 12". Was it because you couldn't get the 12" variant loads at the time?

PS - here's some R&D hunts of the 8.6 blk (Kevin Brittingham)

Let me know when Ruger offers it in a Ranch Rifle for under $400….

mhnatt said:

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I notice you bought the 16" variant of the Gorilla ammo but are running the 12". They have (or "had" as of last night) loads for 12". Was it because you couldn't get the 12" variant loads at the time?

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Good eye. I actually have a 16" 8.6 Fix barrel (current .308 Fix owner). I am waiting on the can before I use it. I have a CGS Hekate but no adapter for the Fix barrel. Just 5 of the boxes are 16". The rest are supers and 8-12" subs.