Description
The Windham Weaponry .308 Hunter SA 18″ Barrel, Nutmeg Laminate Wood Stock, 5rd is a modern sporting rifle built for the hunter. It combines the reliable, direct-impingement AR-10 platform with a handsome, durable laminate wood stock and an 18-inch barrel chambered in .308 Winchester/7.62x51mm NATO, making it a purpose-built tool for big game. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of Federal Premium through mine, and it’s a rifle that bridges the gap between classic aesthetics and modern performance without fuss.
Key Features
- Nutmeg Laminate Wood Stock: Provides a classic, stable platform that’s far more resistant to weather and warping than traditional walnut.
- 18″ Chrome Moly Vanadium Barrel: A sweet spot for .308—maneuverable in a blind or thick timber while still delivering excellent velocity.
- Direct Impingement Gas System: Windham’s proven, mil-spec reliable system. It’s simple, effective, and parts are everywhere.
- 5-Round Magazine: Hunt-legal in most states and keeps the profile sleek when you’re on the move.
- Railed Receiver: Allows for easy mounting of your preferred optic—no gunsmithing required to get it range-ready.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 18 inches |
| Stock | Nutmeg Laminate Wood |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds (Includes 1) |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement |
| Receiver | Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum, Hardcoat Anodized |
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a bare-bones build. The fit and finish are what you’d expect from Windham, a company built by the original Bushmaster team. The laminate wood is precisely inletted, and the barrel is button-rifled and phosphate treated under the handguard. At a price of $1372.39, it sits in a competitive space, but you’re paying for that specific blend of materials and proven construction. The total weight, unloaded and without an optic, comes in right around 8.5 pounds, which feels balanced and solid, not cumbersome.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the hunter who appreciates the AR-10’s ergonomics and reliability but wants a rifle that looks and feels at home in the deer woods or elk camp. It’s also a great choice for a shooter who wants a versatile, powerful semi-auto platform for medium to long-range target work without the tactical black rifle appearance. If you’ve been eyeing a modern hunting rifle but want the customization potential of the AR platform, this is a compelling answer.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The laminate stock is a standout—beautiful, tough, and it provides a fantastic cheek weld. The 18-inch barrel length is genuinely practical for hunting. Windham’s reputation for quality and customer service is top-tier. And because it uses a standard DPMS-pattern AR-10 platform, finding aftermarket parts, like triggers or handguards from brands like Magpul or LaRue, is straightforward.
Cons: The direct impingement system will run dirtier than a piston gun, but it’s a trade-off for simplicity and weight. The included 5-round mag is perfect for hunting, but you’ll likely want to pick up a few more for the range. Some might find the price point a step above entry-level, but the materials justify it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a muzzle device?
A: Yes, the 18-inch barrel comes with a standard 5/8×24 thread pattern, so you can add a muzzle brake, compensator, or suppressor mount. It ships with a standard A2 flash hider installed.
Q: What type of magazines does it use?
A: It uses standard DPMS-pattern .308/7.62 NATO magazines. The rifle includes one 5-round metal magazine, but it is fully compatible with many aftermarket brands like Magpul PMAG .308 M3 for higher capacities where legal.
Q: Is the handguard free-floated?
A: No, it uses a standard two-piece, drop-in style handguard. This is plenty accurate for hunting applications and contributes to the rifle’s classic, solid feel. For extreme precision work, a free-float rail could be installed later.
Look, if you want a hunting rifle that doesn’t sacrifice modern functionality for tradition, the Windham Weaponry .308 Hunter deserves a close look. It’s a rifle built by people who know the platform inside and out, and it shows in the details. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.