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DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

NoveSPR

NoveSPR

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Full Member
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Feb 6, 2010
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Gov. Blago's Paradise
OK, a friend of mine is buying his first AR and has narrowed it down to DPMS or Rock River. It will be chambered in 6.8SPC and requires a 16" barrel w/ full length rail to mount a laser and optics. He wanted advice as to which way to go and my response was that both seem to be nice units and you could probably go either way. I thought I would put this out there as a question to all of you as more opinions are certainly welcome. I just recently picked up a Barrett REC7 so my opinion is really no good to him in that respect. Please fire away with your opinions.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

Either one is fine, but for similar money he should consider a rifle from AR15Performance. Poke around the 68forums and you'll find gobs of positive reviews for their rifles and possible a few more builders your friend should think about.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Boondocker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Either one is fine, but for similar money he should consider a rifle from AR15Performance. Poke around the 68forums and you'll find gobs of positive reviews for their rifles and possible a few more builders your friend should think about. </div></div>

I'll second what he said, I have one from ARP and couldn't be happier. The price isn't much more than the rra or dpms. My dad ordered one in 5.56 from them also.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

I'll 3rd that. ARP puts out a great product. Of the 2 you mention I do like the barrels on RRAs much better than DMPS.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

I guess while everyone else is chiming in I also have a AR Performance Upper with a Pac-Nor Barrel on it. It shoots awesome and has killed deer. Harrison makes some nice rifles. I would always recommend him to a a friend looking for a 6.8mm. Give him a call he is a great guy and will fill your ear with lots of information on the 6.8mm.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

I agree with the AR Performance sentiments; however, I was very happy with the RRA Coyote Carbine I had in .223. Funny I sold it for a better, more accurate gun (more $$$), and have regretted it since. I've been contemplating a new one in 6.8 for a while...
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

Why 6.8? He should wait a little longer and get a 300BLK!!
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: King of Battle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why 6.8? He should wait a little longer and get a 300BLK!!</div></div>

16 posts in your first hour, not bad...
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lwrkeysfisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: King of Battle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why 6.8? He should wait a little longer and get a 300BLK!!</div></div>

16 posts in your first hour, not bad... </div></div>

Must have something nice for sale!
smile.gif
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

While I certainly agree w you, its not my project, not my dime. His spending ability is in the 1000 to 1300 range.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

I had another thought, call Paul over at WOA. I had one of their uppers in 6.8 and really liked it. Might be the bet bang for buck outside or ARP.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

i got 2 6.8 barrels from ARP, they are great and the finish is really tough..buy with confidence.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

Also have your buddy look into a Spikes Tactical 6.8SPC upper, a Stag Arms rifle or upper, or a Daniel Defense CHF barrel. All great options. Noveske is also a superb company, but you'll pay to play.
Rock River is okay, but nothing special. Your buddy is better off getting a Stag Arms Model 5.
DPMS is terrible and should be avoided at all cost. They have no quality control whatsoever and they make a LOT of mistakes.

One thing I will bring up is the expense of owning and using a 6.8. If it's being used for hunting, that's a different matter. If it's being used for tactical use, you need to consider ammunition and magazine costs and availability. Standard 115gr 6.8 ammo more than 2x the cost of 5.56 ammo. Magazines are not cheap either.
One of my patrol shift partners wants to get a 6.8, but when he saw how much it cost ammo, he switched gears. I think that for now the 6.8 a good round, but by 2012, the .300AAC Blackout will be the big cartridge for short-mid range use. This is especially big when you reload, since you can make .300AAC ammo out of 5.56 brass.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
One of my patrol shift partners wants to get a 6.8, but when he saw how much it cost ammo, he switched gears. I think that for now the 6.8 a good round, but by 2012, the .300AAC Blackout will be the big cartridge for short-mid range use. This is especially big when you reload, since you can make .300AAC ammo out of 5.56 brass. </div></div>

Interesting, if I was in charge of signing-off on what weapons and ammo could be used, I'm not sure I would allow the .300 Blk as it uses the same mag and bolt as a 5.56 and will chamber in one as well. One simple mistake (accidentally swapping mags) during a qual session and your picking metal out of your face, arms, and eyes for month. As I read post's of people buying and making brass with .223/5.56 headstamp, I can't help but think that they are creating a creating a huge safety issue for those that don't know better... Maybe I'm wrong, but only crickets from the gallery so far.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

Ive heard nothing but great things about ARP, I have a wilson upper reciever with an 18" 1:12 specII wilson barrel and other little wilson pieces and I love their stuff. fitment is always tight and consistent (ive used their stuff on other builds including a bunch of 1911s). Somebody correct me if Im wrong but arent dpms and rra built by the same company? and with all the ar builds ive done dpms stuff isnt very consistent as far as sizing and fitment.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

Just check out ARPs website. Their barrels have the best twist rate for 6.8 and has 5r rifling and the treatments is tough, the chamber is an improved upon 6.8spec II chamber and the bolts are better than rra, dpms and stag. H spent a lot of time testing twist rates and chambers. Go over to 68forums and read around. It was an easy decision for me. None of the factory companies(rra, dmps, stag) are as dedicated to the 6.8spc as H at ARP.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

ARP if you are looking for a 6.8. H can build mild or wild. My second choice would be to wait for the cheap 6.8 uppers PSA sold out of to come back in stock. I had a Noveske, while it was a nice piece, I think you are paying for the name. You can get more for the $$ with H.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 500grains</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No offense but both DPMS and Rock River are shit quality rifles. Do not expect them tobe reliable although accuracy will be ok.

</div></div>

Is this based upon experience, research, observation? Limited experience with RRA has been overwhelmingly positive, but my experience is just that, only mine. Have not seen them referred to as "shit quality" before and looking at an agency purchase for several RRA weapons. Would like to hear what formed your opinion. Seriously interested, not looking to stir shit.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

Anything production will be of lesser quality compared to a hand fitted custom rifle. Your statement of the rock river rifles being shitty, is really sinceless and ignorant. Lee
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

I have owned both RRA and DPMS (among others} but only in 5.56 not 6.8. At one time had one of each in my safe but I broke down and bought a "premium" AR and when I did I had to sell one of them. The decision was easy. I sold the DPMS. The RRA was more accurate than the DPMS and seemed to be built more solid. I kept the RRA and use it as my plinker. Again this is for 5.56 not 6.8 but I would make that choice every time. IMO RRA is the better of the two.

As far as either of them being crap. After owning them both I would have to say I would probably not buy another DPMS considering RRA and Stag are roughly the same price and better rifles IMO.

As for or those that say they are both crap rifles, I say it really depends on the person and what your going to do with it. I think for many shooters, especially those new to AR's and shooting, RRA, Stag, Spikes, and similar rifles are just fine. Would I take one to Afghanistan, of course not but the average person won't either. Most casual and semi casual shooters punch holes in paper, plink in the woods and gravel pits, take down an occasional coyote or squirrel and MAYBE run a course from time to time. These rifles will be fine for that type of use.

Certainly a hand made rifle is better than production but there is nothing wrong with getting good value for your $$ if you can't or don't want to spend a ton on a "premium" AR.
 
Re: DPMS vs Rock River in 6.8

I have owned a .243 DPMS and I have to say that I love this thing, no issues and it shoots very good with federal blue box ammo.. I did buy a very expensive ar15 3k to be exact and I find myself shooting the .243 a lot more.
 
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