I was excited to test the new Windham Weaponry WW-308 (MSRP $1,708, but K-Var’s price is under $1,250). I have shot 223/5.56 AR-15s ever since I was 13 years old, but had never really had a chance to try out the AR-15s big brother (often referred to as the AR-10). The real treat was trying this rifle platform out with Windham Weaponry, a company rich in AR-15 history.
Many newer shooters may not know, or fully respect, Windham Weaponry. To some, it is just one of the many AR makers/assemblers who came on the scene in the mid 2000s. However, in the 1970s Richard Dyke started a little company in Maine that became known as Bushmaster. For years Richard and his team at Bushmaster helped young gun builders, such as myself, build their very own AR-15 rifles when there were few companies providing this service. My friends and I still have our 1990s Bushmasters.
In 2006, Dyke sold Bushmaster to the Freedom Group (a firm who owns: DPMS, Remington, Marlin, PARA, and others). In 2011, and after Richard’s non-compete was up, it also coincided with Freedom Group moving operations from Maine to the South. Richard decided he’d reassemble his old Bushmaster team and began making firearms once again, but now under the name of Windham Weaponry. In my opinion, Richard Dyke really is the grandfather of the Civilian AR.
The History of the .308
A quick history on the .308, the 7.62×51 is the military version, loaded at higher pressures. The .308 was the military’s answer, to scale down the beastly .30-06, in the middle of the 20th century. It wanted to save a little brass/powder and reduce the overall weight a GI would carry into combat, but still have the knockdown power of a .30 caliber bullet.
The .308 saw action by the military in the Korean War in the form of the M-14 and other platforms. The .308 lived on in Vietnam being used in the M-60 (the Rambo movies for you 80s kids) as well as many other platforms, including use by our snipers. The .308 round remains in use today, both in the military and hunting rifles around the world.
So, what did I think about the Windham Weaponry’s .308? Being able to push 25 rounds of .308, as fast as you can pull the trigger, is quite a rush. When it’s in your hands, it feels like a heavy AR-15. However, when it goes off, you’re reminded it’s not a 223. If you’ve read my reviews, you know I really don’t get into wasting my time to see what type of bullet gets the best grouping at 100 yards with 10mph wind on a Tuesday at 1:38 p.m.
It’s a 308. Unless you suck, even an ok shooter should be able to hit a human-size target at 200 yards with iron sights. Overall, I really enjoyed shooting Windham’s .308. This gun has some amazing power. Wyndam’s proprietary trigger is also very smooth vs. a MIL-SPEC (.223) trigger. However, there are some much-needed upgrades I would do as soon as I pulled this gun out of the case.
First, lose the cheap M-4 stock and upgrade to a Magpul (or similar) stock. It provides a little recoil reduction and feels more comfortable on the cheek. I understand Windham’s stance on shooters have their preference on stocks, but if I’m paying $1,708 on a gun, give me the accessories I’d expect on a $1,708+ gun.
Second, lose the A2 flash suppressor. I’m not in combat, I don’t care if you see my muzzle flash. I want to reduce muzzle flip to keep my follow up shots on target with a .308. The best way to do this is to utilize a compensator that has two/three ports on the left and right side of the brake. This will greatly reduce muzzle-rise. My last recommendation would be for Windham to nitride the barrel at the factory versus utilizing the old technology of phosphate coating. Nitride holds up better to harsh weather and increases barrel longevity (inside and outside).
Conclusion
This is a great firearm made by an iconic master of the AR. With a few quick upgrades this will be one of your favorite guns to shoot at the range or in the field. It’s a gun you will pass down to your kids—assuming ARs, and their like, remain legal to own.
Are you a fan of the harder hitting .308 on an AR-platform? What advantages or disadvantages do you see in the Windham Weaponry .308 SRC over a .223? Share your answers in the comment section.
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Great review. The background and history gave me a better understanding of the weapon. I can’t wait for a chance to shoot one!
Love the 308/7.62×51 platform. Though not a Windham, I do own one. It came bare so you need to pick out good “furniture” that is as light as you can afford. First thing that went was the generic pull stock..on went a Luth-AR MBA-3… next a forearm..choose pic, m-loc, key-mod.. floating.. your choice. Then, figure your sights.. scope, red dot, open. Keep in mind weight and cost. I am older ( rifle out-shoots my eyes) so even though I put on open sights, I also use scope and red dot. Just remember..the more furniture and GeeGaws… the more it will weigh and cost. I even threw in a set of Barris Bi-pods… good for bench. And… it would go well with your ability to reload your own ammo.
I was trained, in the Army, to use the M-14 and loved the round…even when in Nam. They had to actually come take my M-14 away from me and hand me the M-16-A1. Now I love both but cut my teeth on the 7.62×51. Before that I only used a 303 BE, 25-20 and a 30-30 in center fire.
Basically, they are a great firearm and fun to shoot… enjoy
Dear Mr.AGS
“The 308 saw action by the military in the Korean war in the form of the M-14 and other platforms”
Korean war 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953.
7.62x51mm entered service in 1954.
The M60 machine gun entered service in 1957.
The M-14 entered service in July 1959.
M1 Garands in 7.62x51mm(T35,T36,T37, )all came in Sept 1953 and later.
The T44(Garands) T48 (Fn Fal) Started testing in Dec of 1953.
The US Navy Converted M1 Garands to 7.62 in 1964 (M1E14) once converted they are no longer M1, but MK2-MOD o Converted with a chamber adapter or MK2 MOD 1 with 7.62x51mm barrels.
The USMC converted some M1Ds to the MC52 by putting the 4XD Stith-Kollmorgen scope on the rifle in 1952. Some of these got converted to the 7.62x51mm cartridge in 1963/64 but saw very limited use.
Sir I have to ask have I missed something ? I can not find any weapon in 7.62x51mm experimental or otherwise ever being tested or used in the Korean war. Any feed back would be great.
US Army 1981-1994 45B small arms repair.
Team Armorer & Team member for the Combat Rifle,Black gun (M16) and Long range rifle team (M14) So this is a subject near and dear to me.
Kind of a noob now as I’m getting back into shooting after nearly 30 years away from the sport. Grew up shooting in Southern Utah growing up, then got even better at it in the Army in the early 80s. Would prefer to start again using what I was best at, something like an AR15-style carbine that I can mod\customize to my needs & specs as I re-develop my shooting style again. This one looks ideal and would LOVE to have one!
Thank you for the great info on this! I am officially drooling now…
Thanks for including the history of the .308 round. It is something I think everyone should read so that they can understand why the US military is looking for a new rifle.
Less than eight pounds in a 308? This looks like a competitor for the M&P-10 which has pretty much been the standard for this class.
Beautiful gun.
thanks for the review…Windham has always been quality..and always gets better.
Looking forward to winning this and shooting it.
Just finished reading the review and I’m now entering your drawing to own one! I hope I win!
Nice review. Great rifle.
I bought one of these a few years back and it has a chrome lined barrel. It was a standard feature back then and I was curious if they still offer that.
It is a great little rifle that never fails to impress everyone at the range. The reviewer hit it on the head with the modifications he suggested. Magpul CTR with a Limbsaver pad, Landtac Dragon muzzle device and a 1-6 Leupold set mine up nicely. I did install an Elftman adjustable trigger and a freefloat hand guard and have a very nice piece of gear. Ringing a 12″ steel plate at 600 yds is quite satisfying.
If you are on the fence just get it as it is a first class rifle just waiting for your finishing touches.