By Max Archer
https://dpms-gii.com
Oddly, I find myself back where I originally started my AR platform adventure—back with a 308 DPMS. However, this DPMS rifle has changed drastically. My first AR-format rifle was not an AR15 but a DPMS 308B with an 18-inch bull barrel. My theory was that I could have my cake and eat it too with a little lighter weight and accuracy of a bull barrel in a defense to large game hunting caliber.
The reality of the 9.75-pound rifle was that loaded with optics and a magazine, it leaned more toward the 11-12-pound range and was no treat to carry any significant distance. It was also pretty large compared even to an 18-inch-barreled AR15 rifle, and the little ergonomic differences from the AR15 made smooth reloads slower. There was also the mile-long charging stroke that nixed the use of cooler aftermarket stocks due to interference. Everything on the old DPMS GI version seemed to be specialized to the format, which made adding cool AR15 accessories occasionally aggravating.
DPMS GI BCG (Top) versus DPMS GII BCG (Bottom).
The saving grace was that the DPMS 308B was extremely accurate. My second rifle was not an AR15 either, it was actually a one-pound-lighter 8.75-pound DPMS AP4 that was awesome to carry, with a simple red dot, perfect for 0-300 yard shots that did not require perfect precision. I found out then and there that I would sacrifice a little accuracy for less weight to haul on a hunt. Since then, DPMS has continued to be the leader in the .308 AR platform space, with more .308 rifle configurations than any other manufacturer from hunting, to sport, to defense. One of my favorites was the newer Recon model, which seemed to me to be the perfect compromise between my old AP4 and 308B, so I was thrilled to pick up one of the first GII Recon DPMS 308s off the line for testing.
The Concept—Why Another .308 AR Format?
Unlike the AR15 format, there is no “standard” or “milspec” for the .308 AR format, and thus we see several variations that are not compatible in many ways with each other. In some cases, forends and other parts are not compatible either, which means the selection of aftermarket parts can be a pain. The DPMS format has become the most popular .308 AR platform, thanks in part to Magpul LR20 .308 magazines. Armalite’s AR10 platform also continues to be popular, but due to rifle and accessory availability and price, the DPMS format continues to reign.
DPMS has chosen to go with Magpul furniture. This bare bones stock is functionally adjustable but offers less real estate for solid cheek welds.
DPMS believed it was time to take a chance on something completely new that could change the AR .308 world forever . . . the DPMS GII .308 platform. Unlike warmed-over versions of the DPMS or AR10 308 formats, the GII is a completely different .308 format from the ground up. In less than six months, the DPMS design team delivered the GII, which is lighter, more dependable, smaller, more ergonomic and has more compatible AR15 accessories than any other 308 AR platform on the market. These are not their words, these are mine.
During SHOT Show 2014, I had a chance to speak with Adam Ballard, who is the Product Manager for the DPMS line. Adam was key in driving the design and development of the GII DPMS format and was the first to ask the question “If the scaled down AR15 design from the original Stoner design works, why do we need to scale back up so much just to have a .308 format.” Obviously the AR10 was Stoner’s first AR platform rifle that was scaled down to the AR15 format. Bur Adam’s question, posed to his design team, was deeper than “Can we build a .308 around an AR15 5.56 Nato sized chassis and why do we need the extra bulk?”. The team scratched the initial DPMS GI design with the exception of DPMS 308 magazine compatibility and started with the AR15 platform as the base that became the GII format.
The standard AR-15 controls look a bit undersized on the DPMS receiver, but they work just as well.
Lighter
By starting with an AR15-dimensioned upper and lower receiver extended only enough to allow clearance for the larger magazine, the team was immediately able to drop weight and deliver a much more compact-feeling format. That design also made the team look at creating an AR15-diameter carrier, which also significantly reduced weight. These smaller chassis dimensions also allowed for a forged 7075 upper and lower receiver which is stronger with less weight.
I will note that DPMS cites “30% lighter than the original” on their marketing materials, but in reality, I think they meant to say “The receiver assembly is 30% lighter”. The old DPMS Recon was 8.95 pounds and the new GII DPMS Recon is 8.5 pounds, which is actually only a 5% reduction. However, that is a gloriously substantial .45 pound weight reduction that almost entirely occurs within the receiver assembly. Drop in a carbon fiber forend and Ace Skeleton stock, and I bet you could get that weigh hovering just over eight pounds.
More Dependable
The mag well accepts steel, aluminum, and polymer magazines.
Over the years, I have become somewhat of a DPMS .308 dependability mechanic who has fixed dozens of friend’s AR format 308s. The original DPMS Gen 1 mags created horrible feeding, functioning and jams. If it had not been for DPMS customer service swapping out sets of mags and the uber-dependable Magpul LR20 mags, I fear that first 308B would have been my last. A dealer literally gave me a used DPMS AP4 that was being sold as non-operational due to its chronic jamming problems. Generally the problem was either a worn extractor or too high ejector spring tension, which would throw brass so far that I would have to get in my truck and drive to pick it up (well a good 15-20 feet anyway). That AP4 needed the ejector spring replaced with the newer/less-tensioned version, and I had a perfectly working DPMS 308. Even though later models greatly improved reliability, many, many early first-generation DPMS .308 rifles were sold cheap because of aneurysm-inducing reliability issues.
DPMS wanted to leapfrog many of these issues with the GII models. To slick things up a bit more, DPMS coats the 7075 forged receivers with Teflon to improve reliability, cleaning, speed and smooth functioning.
The Magpul grip is reasonably well textured and has extra storage inside.
The GII features Dual Ejectors, which are lighter sprung than the previous GI models. They are so well tuned that while bench-testing the DPMS Recon GII, I could drop the majority of ejected brass into a five-gallon bucket sitting about three feet from me. At least I do not need to strap on a FitBit and plan to go for a walk to look for brass.
DPMS has made a ton of engineered improvements based on customer feedback that are delivered in the Recon GII and other GII models. I believe less carrier mass equals less parts fatigue and a more pleasant shooting experience. As shown, the difference is sizeable between the old and new carriers. The extractor has been improved to last exponentially longer than the old version while increasing extraction reliability. The extractor spring often went south quickly on the big .308s, so DPMS moved over to an elastomer button to function as the spring. After testing, the company discovered that it performed more consistently than a spring in extreme temperatures even after being subjected to many different solvents. Adam told me that they never were actually able to make the elastomer button fail or fall out of spec even after 100,000 cycles on test equipment, way beyond the life of the barrel and other components.
The flare on the mag well is essential for making rapid mag changes.
The GII Line has a longer ejection port. Previously the small, short ejection port exacerbated ejector or extractor issues to the point that many imitation DPMS .308 format receiver manufacturers offer enlarged the ejection ports. That one tweak to get spent brass out of the gun greatly enhances reliability, and DPMS followed this design tweak on the GII
Surprisingly, DPMS indicated the older DPMS GI models had issues with gas keys coming loose. I never experienced this with over five 308 DPMS format rifles though my hands. DPMS permanently solved the issue by creating a monolithic bolt carrier that unified the carrier and gas key into one part.
Personally I have never had an issue with feed ramp wear, but DPMS perceived there was a problem due to customer feedback at the military level. The solution on the GII was developing steel feed ramps that should assure that even if you are shooting steel core or depleted uranium tipped rounds, you will never see feed ramp wear.
More Ergonomic
The short fore grip may be a disadvantaged for long armed shooter who like to hold thumb-over-bore, but longer forends are available.
A short, more compact and lighter format is generally always less fatiguing on the shooter, and the DPMS GII format delivers just that with a package that feels dimensionally like an AR15. The new GII receiver is just ½” longer than an AR15 spec receiver set and ⅝” shorter than the old GI .308 receivers. It may not sound like a lot, but once in the hands, the Recon GII feels like a AR15 not a .308.
As noted above, DPMS has gone to great lengths to shed unneeded weight; the Recon dropped nearly a half pound. It’s the other little touches on the new GII that really make you fall in love quickly with this new format. These include not having to chase brass as far, a larger-feeling finger space inside the trigger guard, a lighter-feeling rifle, and a beveled and heavily flared magwell to improve reload speeds.
Seeing the size and weight of the new GII carrier versus the old GI carrier size and weight validated my speculation and testing of lightweight competition carriers: the original .308 carrier was far heavier than needed. This also means that with the GII DPMS models there is less reciprocating mass moving back and forth, which softens the recoil impulse and overall felt recoil while increasing follow-up shot times.
The inside of the DPMS lower, a lower that is quickly gaining ground in the new AR shotgun builds, too.
Although I did not tear down the rifle to measure the gas port diameter, I would suspect that DPMS has reduced the gas port diameter to tune and regulate the gas pressure down a bit. Generally .308s are WAY over-gassed. But judging from the soft recoil, I suspect that the gas port diameter has been tightened down a bit.
Compatibility with More Accessories
From the magwell back, the GII can accept all AR15 accessories and parts, with the exception of the buffer and buffer spring. So all your grips, stocks, receiver pins, triggers, and selectors can all be AR15 spec parts. The receiver is AR15-spec height, which means AR15 spec handguards can fit on this rifle, but it will require a special new GII format barrel nut so not all manufacturer handguards will work.
DPMS GII/G2 Recon .308 Review
With that background on the features and expansive redesign of the new DPMS GII lineup, let’s chat a bit about the DPMS 16” barreled GII/G2 Recon. As noted, the new GII version of the Recon drops .45 pounds, which feels pretty substantial considering all that weight was lost forward of the grip. With a shorter and dimensionally smaller receiver set, the 8.5-pound Recon GII is also more manageable. It weighs less and is now more dependable, far easier to handle and way faster to shoot near the speed of an AR15. In short, I like it a lot… I really like it.
The barrel has a flat matte finish that holds oil well and won’t reflect light.
The Recon was originally intended as an all-purpose battle rifle that could serve perfectly from defense to large-bore 3 Gun to North American large-game hunting all in one package. I slipped on a new Konus Pro M30 1.5x6x44mm illuminated scope and have everything possibly needed for hunting, sport and defense work. It features a standard plex reticle, which with a 300-yard zero can provide accurate 400-yard shots with practice and an understanding of holdovers. The Konus Pro M30 1.5-5×44 packs a lot of features into a $250 street-priced optic with excellent clarity, a wide useable magnification range, etched recoil-proof reticle, large light-gathering 30mm tube and blue reticle dot illumination.
DPMS RECON GII/G2 Features
Beyond the base GII features shared by entire line, the Recon features a 16” 426 stainless barrel with a mid-length gas system to soften recoil with a DPMS Hunter low-profile gas block. The Recon’s heavy H-Bar-style barrel sits in between a bull barrel and lightweight M4 profile. Enough weight to deliver surprisingly great accuracy while being light enough to actually carry on a hunt.
The shell deflector on the DPMS upper is less obtrusive than most AR-15 deflectors.
Though I am not a huge quad-rail fan, it fits with the defensive capabilities of the rifle and the free-float DPMS quad-rail offers plenty of rail space to hang your tactical lights, lasers and picatinny-mountable cappuccino machines from. It is durable and well made.
The same features we all loved on the do-it-all Recon carry forward, such as the Magpul MOE pistol grip and six-position adjustable stock, Advanced Armament 51T Blackout Silencer Adapter and Magpul flip up sights. Of special note is the excellent two-stage DPMS trigger, which is one of the best from the factory AR15 triggers I have used. Sure, DPMS did offer OEM aftermarket triggers originally in their old lineup, but I personally like this version a bit better.
Function and Accuracy
Generally, each of the five DPMS 308s I have owned required a bit of break-in time to deliver reliable operation. In the case of the GII/G2, that break-in process ended with the first round when using quality in-spec ammo.
The wide variety of excellent .308 ammo means a rifle like this is even more versatile.
Reliability improvements were obvious after I sent the first 50 rounds downrange without a hiccup or bobble, even with the factory steel DPMS mags. Testing Magpul LR20 magazines delivered the same flawless reliability. Ejected brass was not being thrown 20 feet away, but just a few feet from the port with such reliability that most dropped into a positioned five-gallon bucket I use to pick up range brass. Thank you DPMS.
As expected, the 16” barrel with prong flash hider is loud as hell, but I am sure we could make that even louder with a muzzle brake. The recoil impulse was considerably less than my old AP4 and other DPMS 308 format rifles before I upgraded to adjustable gas blocks.
I will note that the super-cheap steel-cased Cabelas Herter’s .308 ammo gave me some problems. I have had this problem before with most other DPMS Gen 1 .308s, and it is my opinion this ammo was just a hint below SAMI spec and contributes to cycling issues. This inexpensive steel-case Herter’s ammo consistently failed to lock the bolt back and occasionally didn’t fully cycle. I mentioned this issue to my FFL dealer, who is the quintessential hunter, and it aggravated him to no end. “Why would you take a great gun, one that is not cheap, run the cheapest ammo through it, and then bitch about reliability?”, said Mel. “Because I am a writer and someone will say I am full of it when they test it with cheapo ammo and have issues, so I am quoting this conversation for the article – ME. So duly noted, you may have issues with cheap steel-cased ammo, but I had no issues what-so-ever with quality factory brass-cased and mil-spec 7.62×51 NATO rounds. Even less expensive Winchester White box and Wolf steel case delivered perfect functioning. Just stay clear of the Herter’s.
The BCG on the DPMS before firing. After you’ve worked through a couple of hundred rounds, it won’t look quite as clean.
Slipping on my Nikon 8-32x Monarch Optic for accuracy testing delivered consistent 1″ 100- yard groups. With my premium Federal Gold Match, Winchester and Hornady ammo, I could push 100-yard groups between the .75″-1″ range consistently. Plenty accurate for a 16″ barreled 308 Semi-Auto rifle with a 20-round capacity.
Final Thoughts
I applaud DPMS for the design innovations. Time will tell how the design will be adapted across the industry, but based on what I have seen so far, it should be well received. The rifle delivers superior ergonomics, less weight and a smaller, less bulky size, while retaining DPMS’s magazine compatibility and excellent accuracy standards.
This is one rifle you will be seeing in a lot of future upgrade articles. Love it!!
DPMS GII RECON Specifications
MSRP $1759
The feed ramps pin in place and work well with FMJs and soft points.
Model RFLR-G2REC
CALIBER: 308 / 7.62 Nato
LENGTH: 38”
WEIGHT: 8.5lbs
BARREL: 16″ 416 Stainless, Bead Blasted – Mid length Gas
UPPER RECEIVER: Forged 7075 T6 lvl 3 Anodized, Teflon coated, A3 type
LOWER RECEIVER: Forged 7075 T6 lvl Anodized, Teflon coated
TWIST: 1×10
STOCK: MagPul® MOE 6 Position Collapsible Stock
FIRE CONTROL: DPMS 2 Stage
PISTOL GRIP: MagPul® MOE
FRONT / REAR SIGHT: MagPul® Front and Rear BUIS
The backside of the DPMS’s extractor.
FLASH HIDER: None – Advanced Armament 51T Blackout Silencer Adapter
HANDGUARD: DPMS 4 Rail Free Float Tube
Disassembling the bolt is easy to do, and allows for easy inspection of some important moving parts.
A really good post, very thankful…DPMS-Oracle-308 helps to improve your shooting experience with its tight fit and ability to provide a comfortable grip. DPMS is one of great product.
Just watched your 1000 round burn off in a c308 I’m thinking of purchasing. Kick Ass. My brother has a DPMS Panther A10 .308 and I wanted a comparison. I want the heftier caliber to use in field as a pig slayer and not have to put a .223 in the ear canal. I have fun with his .308. If I want to cheaply plink I have .22’s. Thoughts??
I hear a lot of complaining however, I think DPMS`s goals and intentions were to produce a AR-10 rifle that had extreme reliability and durability built in from the jump , if you get my drift. I don`t think they intended for the rifle to ever break. Finally, an AR-10 rifle that’s actually reliable. Handguards will be no problem given the outer dimensions of the barrel nut is exactly the same as the AR-15 rifle. From what I understand , only the barrel threading is proprietary between the two models on the barrel nut. Imagine that, it took DPMS to think of this small but ingenious little feature that will allow fitment of a myriad handguards between the two platforms. If you ask me I think DPMS has a winner here. I think the problem is Within the company confines in areas of management and production. This could cause this rifle from ever really taking off and being very successful.
Who puts their rifle on rocks?
Bought a G2 Recon after reading the “Gun Whore ” articles: and calling DPMS to inquire about spare parts and accessories. I was told parts would be available in fall of 2014—still waiting ! Six parts listed —WOW. No one seems interested in making accessories for the G2— Made a mistake buying this rifle : I paid too much attention to the “OLD ” DPMS quality ,which apparently no longer exists. Won’t buy another DPMS , Won’t advise anyone else to buy one.
They do the same thing with their excellent .22 (no parts available). DPMS has some great products, but management seems to have their head up their butt.
While I was anxious to shoot my new Gen2 hunter as a left handed shooter the shaved down shell deflector has now changed the angle in which the shell is thrown away from the gun. What was once about a 90 degree angle is now more like a 260 degree which to a right handed shooter would be annoying but to a left handed shooter hits your right cheek every time. After talking to DPMS customer support they said they were aware of this issue but could not provide any really answers other than the change was made to reduce weight (even thou this could’ve been done without changing the angle of the deflector?). After discussing this with the Sporting goods store I purchased it from (which is also located in the same town as the manufacturer). I was told to bring it back & that DPMS was going to “fix” it. But they did not know what they were going to do or how long it would take??? Buyer beware!!!!
I shoot a DPMS Lite hunter left handed. I added a TC brass deflector and have shot over 200 rounds with no problems with feedinf or brass hiting my face. I mounted a weaver grand slam scope and it hase become one of my faveriot rifles.
Wish I’d seen this earlier. I, too, am a lefty and my GII ejected onto my right cheek. An Odin Works adjustable gas block cured it for a lifetime.
FWIW, I am wandering eye dominant. I can blink and my eye dominance will shift although I will say as I’ve gotten older my left seems to like to rule more. I decided to shoot right years ago as most everything then was biased right. At any rate, a couple of comments; I’m very pleased with my GII Hunter in .308 so far after several hundred rounds. It has broken in well and is a solid MOA rifle. No issues, FTF, extract, or otherwise. I did experience the issue with the Magpul Gen3 Pmags not latching the bolt open on empty. I’m using nothing but the Lancer mags now. I too would like the option of an extended latch charging handle due to scope mount clearance, but since I bought it to hunt and not as a tactical it’s not a big deal.
I’ m in the same boat as far as needing a charging handle with an extended latch. Imagine my frustration when I received the BCM Gunfighter mod 3 charging handle, only to find out it was 1/2 inch too long. Contacted DPMS and was told that there wasn’t a charging handle with extended latch that would fit the Gll Hunter. Knowing that Hunters would be drawn to buying this model for “hunting.” The Hunter being a .308 would attract hunters that may want to hunt long range thus needing a scope that obviously would extend on or in my case over the charging handle in order to get the proper eye relief . I was told by DPMS to put a carrring handle on the rifle then the mount and scope on top to raise the scope high enough to give me access to the charging handle. What the heck? I hope that someone at DPMS or some aftermarket producer will address this problem. And soon.
Re: G2 Ejection for Lefthanders
My left eye is dominate so I shoot some firearms lefthanded. But not any of my AR15s or other semiauto rifles or shotguns. There’s a reason why the military teaches left handed people to shoot right handed and I think some of the above individuals descovered why. Its a bad idea but if you insist I would strongly recommend eye protection and maybe an old style hockey mask.
Yep , Stephan. Same problem here. Tried heavy buffer, adjustable gas block, no joy. Finally put my SASS upper on a receiver with a carbine stock and buffer. Seems the rifle was under gassed, not over gassed. Wilson combat makes an adjustable gas block for heavy barrels.
But, in sum, after owning (unfortunately) a DPMS 308 G2 for a year and a half, I, and another G2 owner, have come to the conclusion that this platform may just be the latest Etronix type platform, destined to die.
All the gun whores talked about how parts for a regular AR will work. B.S. Midwest Industries makes a handguard. I believe one other company makes one as well.
Few, if any, factory or aftermarket parts are available. No charging handles, no spare parts except for extractors, and a 62 dollar barrel nut from DPMS.
If you have a DPMS AP4, don’t sell it. The G2 is similar configuration is only slightly lighter, and so far, not nearly as accurate in the two platforms I’ve tried. Besides, you can’t shoot the G2 much – what if you break a part? Good luck getting a new one. Oh yeah – the brass deflector is a joke. Even right handers who practice off the left shoulder need to be aware that some G2’s eject right into the face on the port side. It’s a little difficult to set up the rifle for accuracy when you come away from the session cut, bruised, burned and even bleeding.
There are aftermarket brass deflectors available: http://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/range-gear/shell-catchers-deflectors/brass-deflector-prod18554.aspx
To me, this is a band aid for a problem that shouldn’t exist. Hope you get yours working.
I’m going to sell mine – probably take a beating, and get a rifle platform in which parts are available. Two years – no parts? I’ll be real surprised if this turkey lasts. Otherwise, we may see them for half price at CDNN like we did the remainder of the Remington Etronix rifles.
Before buying an G2, do a quick search for factory and aftermarket parts. It looks like DPMS makes more spare parts for 1911’s than they do for the 308 G2 platform.
And outside manufacturers don’t appear interested in making aftermarket parts, even after the platform has been on the market for two years.
My G2 upper to lower fit is the sloppiest I’ve ever seen. DPMS had fallen a long way.
Is this rifle a gas piston or direct impingement platform?
I am left handed shooter. I just bought a G2 Moe .308 in March, I immediately sent it back to the company after finding right contacts who said they would correct the issue. I just got my rifle back yesterday, Aug 7. The brass deflector looks pretty much exactly the same. I am going to shoot it again soon to see if the problem of brass to the face is solved. I hope so or its for sale and no more DPMS for me. They should warn buyers on the box that it is unsafe for leftys.
Wondering what sites work well with the DPMS ar 308 platform witness the stainless barrel? I put magpul ones on but do not have enough adjustment as the front rail sites lower than the rear. Any help much appreciated.
Thanks for the comments on lefty’s, I was thinking about getting a DPMS Gll, will keep looking!
Just got off the phone with DPMS and ask them if the were having problems with left handed shooters with Gen 2 guns.
They told me that they know about the problem and the are working on a fix for the problem customers are have with their product. I will purchase gen 2 from them and if there is problem the will be happy to fix at no charge to customer.
I called DPMS in the fall of 2015 about the left hand problem and they assured me they were working on a fix and would have me send in the rifle to get it repaired. “We’ll notify you.” they said. Fast forward to February 16th 2016 and DPMS is no longer in St. Cloud, MN and the nice guy in the south—Alabama I think—said that Remington bought them out and moved them. He said Mr. Ballard is their boss and he didn’t think they were even working on a fix and they had never really had any problems reported! He would not give me a phone number for Mr. Ballard. I will likely have to revert to making a polymer addition to the deflector to solve the problem. Not happy with DPMS and likely not recommending purchases by others.
I bought G2 last week same problem with brass busting my face !!!! DPMS told me they have had no problems and to buy me a deflector and good luck !!!!! i am probably gonna post utube video to show how sorry they are!!!!
Warnings to anyone shooting from the port side with a G2:
Rifle ejects spent brass directly into face. If you practice using both shoulders, be sure to wear eye protection that covers the complete eye. This is an issue for 3 left hand shooters I know of at this point. DPMS has, so far, not contacted me with a proposed solution to this defect. The brass deflector is too small for left handers.
DPMS don’t care – buyer beware.
Two left handed shooters here. Brass hits the face. Cuts deep. The two Gen II’s we have also do not open the ejection port door
when the charging handle is pulled. Called DPMS. They do not care. They want to put lighter ejector springs in. Stay Clear..
I just bought the DPMS Gen11 and I am a left handed shooter as well. I am right handed but left eye dominate. I have problems with spent brass hitting me in the face as well. It seems like the brass is not even hitting the shell deflector as no marks are seen on the deflector. I have the marks on my face.
Ejection port cover not opening seems inherent in design. Does not affect function, but not “right”. Only fix would appear to be to make the detent ball housing “thicker” to engage bolt a bit more. Wonder if receiver is thicker here than .223 guns for bit more strength, thus the issue. Nothing can be done with bolt since the engagement surface is OD of the bolt carrier itself…can’t make that any closer to the port cover without thinning the receiver.
Not a lefty, but did notice brass does not seem to hit the deflector much, if at all. Note that ammunition will have bearing on how/where brass is ejected, can only suggest letting a righty shoot it with some different ammo. Would be nice if this were not the case, but even with a 1911, if I don’t use ammo the gun likes, some of it comes right back in the face.
I’m a lefty and had the same problem with shell casings hitting me on the right cheek. I called DPMS about the problem and they ask if I was shooting the recommended ammo which is American made 308/7.62 168grain. My response not all the time.
I started keeping record of grain of bullet shot. When I shot 168 grain ammo no extraction problems. All other grain bullets hit me in the cheek 6 out of 10 times.
If you are a lefty it is important to shoot the recommended ammo or prepare for a hot shell casing to the cheek. Ouch.
Where can I get some neat rocks like those pictured?
I just purchased a much heavier DPMS RFLR308 with a 24 inch SS Bull. It is a little fat in front, but I am planning using counter weights for balance. It is my first AR and I like it. Can hardly wait to send a round down range.
I think you will like your LR .308. Have had one for five years and it is as accurate and reliable as my Springfield M1A Loaded, which cost considerably more than my DPMS. I personally don’t care about the weight as 99% of my shooting is with a bi-pod off the bench,
I own the GII SASS Model and am very impressed with it. In your review it appears that you used 165 Grain ammunition. I would have thought that with the 1:10 18″ barrel that I would get better long distance accuracy with something in the 175 Gr. – 180 Gr, range. Did you do any testing with a heavier grain bullet and if so, what were the results?
I own the GII SASS Model and am very impressed with it. In your review it appears that you used 165 Grain ammunition. I would have thought that with the 1:10 18″ barrel that I would get better long distance accuracy with something in the 175 Gr. – 180 Gr, range. Did you do any testing with a heavier grain bullet and if so, what were the results?
Looks like you have a couple extra case deflectors there, I’ve had problems with eye relief on fixed stocks and reversed a cantilever but not with an adjustable stock. Good article, maybe your just in the habit of mounting reversed for that reason?
The lightest standard versions are 7.25 pounds each and I doubt you get them more than a ounce or two lighter
http://dpms-gii.com/full.html
How do work the charging handle with the scope mounted that far to the rear? Hard to take you serious when you have no idea how the platform is supposed to be set up. The cheek weld issues you mention may be due to the fact that you mounted the scope wrong which in turn caused the need for the stock to fully extended.
WOW!
Or possibly he wanted to mount the scope further back? while against “normal” mount set up I dont see how this creates a major issue. Different yes? uncomfortable to some? yes but completely wrong no. His scope is still mounted solid and as long as he is able to maintain a consistent cheek weld with proper view point and eye relief whats the issue? Saying he has no idea how to set up the platform is an ignorant statement. The three gun style thumb over C clamp style forearm hold is not correct either but it seems to work and has a decent following even though it goes against the book.
Looks like a nice rifle & innovative. I’ve never tried a DPMS product. It’s pretty hard to beat an Armalite for quality & reliability the first time, every time.
I have 3 DPMS AR’s and love them. They are tight, they shoot great-better than I can shoot with anything else and I have never had a problem of any kind with them. I am planning to add this to the collection. The Sig 716 Patrol also appears to be a very nice rifle but it adds another $300 to the bottom line and I am pushing it at $1400 for the Recon. Hoping the price comes down a little and FDE is added for 2015.
I bought SIG 716 PATROL and it was a junker out of the box. Sig’s Customer Service was worse than the high dollar junk rifle. Failure to Feed and Jamming just short of battery were a regular occurrence with all types of ammo tested. Also the bullet point hit outside of the barrel chamber during the feed process. Sig dropped all of the Sig 716 line except the DMR. There are several YouTube Videos about the Sig 716 Patrol. Here is a video showing one of the faults my Sig 716 Patrol had. Link to video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJC2HIp3ew4 . The rifle was returned to Sig 2 times and they thought the junk rifle was fine and bragged on the 4 MOA pattern from their test fire. I understand some of the Sig 516s also are not what you would expect for the price Sig asks. I demonstrated to the dealer what the Sig 716 Patrol was doing and they allowed me to trade for a DPMS G2 Recon. Buyer Beware of Sig AR Platform Rifles!!! The new DPMS are great rifles for less money. What’s not to like about the new DPMS.
I have heard of 7.7 pound ar 308s. I am still waiting for the 6 0r 6.5 pound 308. where are you?
How did you get down to 7.7 lbs?
I have a 7 lb 2 oz MEGA MEGALITHIC MATEN 308 with a 14.5 pinned barrel. I have figured it out with an ACE Stock, JP Low Mass BCG, and lightweight buffer I can get to 6 Lbs 7 oz.
This is pretty cool. I’ve always liked DPMS stuff.
I think around 10 pounds including optic for a more compact handling battle/hunting platform in.308 is a real improvement over what i was used to in warfare when a heavier caliber was preferable, but unless you can figure out a way to get a .308 down to a lightened up AR-15 in 6.8 like my 7 pounder carbine, with carbon furniture and fluted barrel which can do just about anything any .308 AR can do out to any normal ‘reasonable’ range one would be pragmatically shooting at, and which i can actually shoot one handed if i had to with amazing control…
…then this rifle is, well, catering to the ammo, instead of the other way around.
But there are some new barrel technologies coming down to lighten them up considerably, and new space age polymers supposedly heat resistant and stronger than steel along with magnesium cast receivers/parts, and I’m sure someone will eventually get a six pound .308 platform going, just because…they can?
Wow. 1/2 a pound. This was worth a write up? Just another .30 cal ar. ho hum
Your scope rings appear to be mounted backwards! Really should be nuts to the left side, cantilever forward.
Yep. Nuts on the right just in case you wish to mount a ‘peeper’ or laser or how about a posterboard for a Adriana Lima 100% spread PosterGirl ‘thingie?’ ‘Force RECON’ is about the only ones that would pick up on that one I think…