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Where are all the 18-24" 308 DPMS?

nuclear_shooter

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 28, 2013
619
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I am looking to buy either an DPMS LR-308 (that's the 24" SS barrel model) or the LR-308B (that's the 18" model). All I can find are the 16" DPMS around on the internet (and tons of em). Do you guys know if DPMS has been mainly producing the 16" 308's since the demand has increased or are these guns just not common on the online gun stores?

Edit: there are a bunch of the 18" SASS guns, but I'm not interested in dropping 2 grand on a DPMS.
 
The SASS is a real shooter and has some nice parts on it. 2k is not that bad for an AR 308 that is capable of .5 moa. Dont get caught up on a name. The rifle is solid.
 
I'm sure its a good rifle but I'm looking for something very basic that I can upgrade as time goes on. I'm looking at a budget of about $1,200 for the rifle itself. I'm thinking about grabbing whatever is available and putting an FA barrel on it at a later date.
 
Depending on what your ultimate goal is with any large-frame AR, spending more on the front-end can be of great benefit. The DPMS SASS is one of the best bangs for the buck for an off-the-shelf rifle...even at ~$2k. Similarly, the Armalite AR-10T is another phenomenal value for the money with sub-MOA performance right out of the box for only ~$1600 or so. Your biggest problem is that $1200 just doesn't go very far in terms of getting much more than an operable rifle that you'll be able to piece something better together on the receivers as your time and wallet permit. With that budget...unless you just want/need something to go "bang" right now, you may be better served to get a high quality matched receiver set and building from the ground up.

With that said...as to your LR-308 desires...they are available on GunBroker (but you'll likely be out more than $1200 at least by a slight margin as the market isn't supporting LR-308 rifles of any configuration that you are looking for at that cheap a price nowadays).

Here is one example I found with just 2 min of searching GB for a 24" SS Model for $1220+S&H, transferring FFL fees, etc.:

DPMS RFLR-308 .308 308 Win 24" SS Bull Barrel NEW! : Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com

That's likely as good as she'll get.
 
The BIN price is only about $30 more than I payed for my LR308 around July 2011. It is a real shooter, but is heavy.

Depending on what your ultimate goal is with any large-frame AR, spending more on the front-end can be of great benefit. The DPMS SASS is one of the best bangs for the buck for an off-the-shelf rifle...even at ~$2k. Similarly, the Armalite AR-10T is another phenomenal value for the money with sub-MOA performance right out of the box for only ~$1600 or so. Your biggest problem is that $1200 just doesn't go very far in terms of getting much more than an operable rifle that you'll be able to piece something better together on the receivers as your time and wallet permit. With that budget...unless you just want/need something to go "bang" right now, you may be better served to get a high quality matched receiver set and building from the ground up.

With that said...as to your LR-308 desires...they are available on GunBroker (but you'll likely be out more than $1200 at least by a slight margin as the market isn't supporting LR-308 rifles of any configuration that you are looking for at that cheap a price nowadays).

Here is one example I found with just 2 min of searching GB for a 24" SS Model for $1220+S&H, transferring FFL fees, etc.:

DPMS RFLR-308 .308 308 Win 24" SS Bull Barrel NEW! : Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com

That's likely as good as she'll get.

Am I the only one that sees the irony in a seller from "Thief River Falls" selling on GunBroker?
 
Am I the only one that sees the irony in a seller from "Thief River Falls" selling on GunBroker?

I noticed that before I posted the link and wondered the same thing. With nearing 5k in feedback with only 5 negatives (and 1 neutral)...I think the "thief" part is probably a non-issue though in this seller's case. ;)
 
I am looking to buy either an DPMS LR-308 (that's the 24" SS barrel model) or the LR-308B (that's the 18" model). All I can find are the 16" DPMS around on the internet (and tons of em). Do you guys know if DPMS has been mainly producing the 16" 308's since the demand has increased or are these guns just not common on the online gun stores?

Edit: there are a bunch of the 18" SASS guns, but I'm not interested in dropping 2 grand on a DPMS.
Within the past two weeks, I have seen two DPMS 24" LR shooters sell here on the Hide for around that $1200 number you mentioned. In fact just this week someone sold one here for $1050 that included a scope and other goodies! A real bargain that I was only able to resist because I already own a DPMS LR308 24". Keep your eyes open and maybe you'll hit one at the right time.
 
Oh, nice. There is definitely stretching room in that budget... just a rough figure. I really like the Armalite offerings but I sort of decided against that unless they start offering more in their AR-10A line.

I took a second look at the SASS since several people recommended it here, and for ~$600 more, it does seem like a good deal (the stock, trigger and mbus are basically that cost). I would not be opposed to waiting longer and upgrading to this one. I'll have a look around whats available when I'm ready to buy but this is good information! Its also why I start researching guns before I have the money... I might just buy the first rifle I see in stock! I'm actually a pretty terrible shot with a rifle (I've been shooting pistols for awhile and am just starting to get into rifle shooting), so as long as its around 1 MOA its good by me.

Edit: Would there be a rifle in the same price range as the DPMS SASS that you would recommend over the SASS?
 
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I think any gun I would recommend over the SASS would be significantly higher in price and probably still would only be able to just match the accuracy.
 
I really like my LR308b. It shoots around 1/2 moa with my loads. The only drawback with the b model is the upper receiver being an odd height, so finding a monolithic rail is pretty much impossible, if that's what you like. I put the PRS stock and JP 15.5" rail on it. I'm happy with it.
 

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I really like my LR308b. It shoots around 1/2 moa with my loads. The only drawback with the b model is the upper receiver being an odd height, so finding a monolithic rail is pretty much impossible, if that's what you like. I put the PRS stock and JP 15.5" rail on it. I'm happy with it.

Looking real nice with that rail and SWFA SS (I think). Whats the total weight?
 
Mine weighs in at 15 lbs without ammo. This is not a carry or 3-gun sporting rifle, but it shoots great and is a great entry into the LR game in my totally biased and inexperienced opinion. I have yet to qualify or participate in a match, but I am freeing up time and plan to do so.

View attachment Copy of Finally 2.bmp

Actually, the rings and mount style are different now, but apparently I need to upload a few pictures from the phone.
 
I picked up the 24" LR308 at the end of January at the local Cabela's. It was a case of right place right time. They only had the 308 AP4 and the LR308 left after an AR shipment arrived earlier. I picked up the LR308 and then have set about slowly changing out parts as I see fit. Mine with Nikon scope, harris bipod, sniper stock, and unloaded mag is 15 lbs as well. Thanks to a forum post here I was able to pick up 4 of the 308 Pmags @ Cabela's for it. The next planned upgrade is going to be a Geissele SSA-E trigger since that stock is really bad.

9363015328_5090d3fc88_h.jpg
 
Looking real nice with that rail and SWFA SS (I think). Whats the total weight?

To be honest I have had the gun for a few years and never weighed it. I'm gonna guess ~15 lbs but I'm not sure. I put a rock river two stage trigger in it and have had good luck with it. Some people have had light primer strikes using them but I've not had one yet, but I don't shoot surplus ammo with hard primers, just handloads.
 
I ordered my lr308 through dpms with an a3 upper. Made a big difference matching a scope, forearm and such up. Basically ended up with a 24" sass. Buy a sass. You will get the same performance (sub 1 MOA) and it has the goodies you will add anyways.
 
In re: to the OP's question.... at Walmart...?

The Walmart near me never has anything black, or if they do they fly off the shelves at rocket speed. Maybe if I show up on the days they get gun shipments (Tuseday?) I would be able to get something, but I'm not ready to buy so I havn't checked yet. I generally try to avoid LGS because most of the guys there are horrible people.
 
The Walmart near me never has anything black, or if they do they fly off the shelves at rocket speed. Maybe if I show up on the days they get gun shipments (Tuseday?) I would be able to get something, but I'm not ready to buy so I havn't checked yet. I generally try to avoid LGS because most of the guys there are horrible people.

Weird, my local store has been regularly carrying the DPMS .308, Colt LE6920, and a couple other off names.
 
I sold my old LR-308 24" to a friend She was a heavy thing but it was a laser and with P-Mags never had a issue. I told him when he dies I want it back lol.
 
I sold my old LR-308 24" to a friend She was a heavy thing but it was a laser and with P-Mags never had a issue. I told him when he dies I want it back lol.

Thats why I'm looking for something more in the 18"-20" area. If I got the 24" I would probably get the barrel cut to 20", or put a shorter barrel on.
 
Not sure if this is the style you like. I have the DPMS .308L which is the hunter version. 18" barrel, lightweight receiver, and carbon fiber handguard. Weighs 11.6 lbs with a loaded 20rd mag. and 10.13 unloaded. Shoots under at 1" with Winchester Softpoint 150gr and easily under 1" with Federal Fusion 165gr. It's my target/hunting rifle.
 
Very nice mjbmxz. Did it come with that break or did you add that? I like everything, but I might put a fixed stock on there (not sure if thats stock or added by yourself).
 
My wife's cousin has this same rifle, what a tack driver! I was able to bust clay pigeons at 600 (ranged) with it and TAP ammo. I was extremely impressed. Wish i had one, maybe some day.
 
Nice. How much did that run you? Do you find the brake loud?

Edit: I don't see that one on DPMS site. Did they replace it with their compact hunter?
 
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eh I just sold a 308B cuz i didnt want the ban model, sold it for 880 or something, wish I woulda know sorry!

No worries, I don't think I'll have the cash till January. I'm on a pretty tight budget (I'm a graduate student on a GRA). By all rights I shouldn't be able to afford this hobby at all but my living costs are very low and I don't need a car!
 
Nice. How much did that run you? Do you find the brake loud?

Edit: I don't see that one on DPMS site. Did they replace it with their compact hunter?

I picked it up for $1,250 If I recall right. The brake is loud for hunting! I'm pulling it off this season for hunting and putting a cap or flash hider on instead, but works good for at the range.
They did replace it with the compact hunter. I liked the fixed stock when shooting, but once hunting season came up, my short arms and hunting clothes made it hard to put up to my shoulder, hence why I put the CTR on it.
 
Yeah, in my mind a 308 doesn't generally need a brake. Especially with the weights these guns are at.
 
I'm back on here hunting solely looking for a DPMS SASS.. My buddy has one and I love it. Only downfall is it's fairly heavy.