DPMS LR model decision time.

[jwsnydes]

Gentlemen,

I have dedicated an $1800 budget and I've spent a good amount of time narrowing down the choices for my first 308 or 7.62NATO semi auto setup.

This will be a muti-purpose rifle for ranges above what my SCAR-16S is used for. Accurate enough for target shooting at longer ranges out to 600 yards and past. Secondly, maneuverable enough to use in practical situations similar to the needs of a DMR role.

Could owners or people with trigger time on the <span style="font-weight: bold">DPMS LR-308B 18" bull barrel</span> and the <span style="font-weight: bold">DPMS AP-4 16" M4 contour barrel</span> please give me some guidance on the differences between the two for the longer ranges of the 308 cartridge and the accuracy out there. (I would be open to fluting the 308B barrel)

I'm completely sold on the SWFA SS 3-9 FFP mil/mil as an optic to top either either.

I ask here, because I value the quality of knowledge here above all other resources I have available to me. Thank you.

 

[dlxcupid]

Re: DPMS LR model decision time.

get the SASS here:

http://www.nelsontactical.com/products/dpms-762-lrtsass-p-380.html?zenid=7b3sn84b498lo47dc6juu2d456

Great guys!

 

[bunsen27]

Re: DPMS LR model decision time.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dlxcupid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">get the SASS here:

http://www.nelsontactical.com/products/dpms-762-lrtsass-p-380.html?zenid=7b3sn84b498lo47dc6juu2d456

Great guys! </div></div>

I have to agree. It's at the top end of you budget, but you won't be disappointed with it. I have the LR308 with a 24" barrel upgraded with the JP trigger and Magpul PRS stock (like the SASS) and I am quite pleased with it's accuracy. There is no debating that the LR308 is on the hefty side and with the 24" barrel lacks the maneuverability of the LR308B with 18" barrel. One point to consider is that the LR308B (and AP4) are equipped with a carbine length gas system. IIRC the shorter the gas system the larger the recoil impulse. The SASS and LR308 come equipped with a mid length and full length gas system. Theoretically they should should have a smaller recoil impulse and allow faster follow up shots. Just something to consider.

 

[jwsnydes]

Re: DPMS LR model decision time.

Thanks guys for the suggestions. The gas system was something i didn't think about.

Unfortunately, my $1800 budget is going to need to include the $600 SS scope. Any thoughts between the ap4, lr-308b or any other similarly priced LR model at those longer ranges?

 

[RuLins05]

Re: DPMS LR model decision time.

The DPMS 7.62 MK 12 is another good option, less than the SASS but will still put you over your budget with the $600 glass. They can be found for $1500. They have an 18" barrel, standard gas system, two stage trigger and weigh 2lbs less than the SASS.

 

[toadbrown]

Re: DPMS LR model decision time.

*1 lr308 24 inch barrel!

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Re: DPMS LR model decision time.

JW,

if you have a budget of $1800 and $600 is spoken for, that leaves you with $1200 for the rifle.

Since you are looking for something light and handy, forget the SASS and the LR308. Both of these rifles weigh too much (11+lbs) and the LR 308 is too long for what you describe with its 24" barrel.

You are therefore left with two choices in the DPMS lineup; the LR 308L and the LR308C. Of the two i would get the LR308L.

The LR 308L comes with an lightweight profile barrel (.750") a nice two stage trigger, and a muzzle brake. Its tricked out from the factory, is accurate as hell, and weighs under 8lbs! You can't ask for a better package. It costs about $1,150 to $1,250 depending on where you look.

Your other choice would be the LR 308C. One can be had for $950. There is an error with the weight DPMS provides for this rifle. DPMS provides a weight of 11.15lbs, but i call BS on that. My 20" upper weighs 9.5lbs with the same barrel and upper reciver as the LR 308C, except with the carbon fiber handguards rather than the glacier handguards.

I think this rifle actually weighs same as mine, under 10lbs...but that is about 1.5lbs heavier than the LR 308L, and it doesn't come with a muzzle brake or a nice trigger.

You can pick up an LR 308C for $950, and still have some coin left to upgrade the trigger or send the upper off to ADCO to reprofile the barrel to shave about a pound off the weight of the barrel. Then you'll have a rifle long enough for 1,000yds reliably, and light enough to go hunting with.

I dont like the AP4 or the LR308B for the simple reason that they each use a carbine legth gas system...I believe the Rifle length is the way to go.

Dont let this thread die...let us know what you decide and post up a range report as soon as you pick one up.

P.S. You can also add the Remington R-25 to your list...its a rebadged DPMS, but with ugly camo.

Regards,

Tx_Flyboy

 

[pe5b]

Re: DPMS LR model decision time.

I bought a DPMS oracle only because of the great price I got it for and was very pleasently surprised by it.I have a 20" POF and got this for a light weight 308. A 16" should be plenty for 600 yards.Total weight is now 10.6 lbs. I added a magpul stock and hand gaurd,ergo grip and a PWS brake.It now has a NF 2.5-10x24 in a ADM mount.I shot a couple sub moa groups when I had a PST 1-4 in a burris mount on it.It has been flawless so far, but it only has about 100 rounds through it and I haven't shot it with the NF yet.

Total cost as it sits with the NF is right at $2,000

stock

With PST

With NF

 

[fmsniper]

Re: DPMS LR model decision time.

I have one for sale here
18 inch MK 12 barrel

 

[jwsnydes]

Re: DPMS LR model decision time.


I've written off the AP4 entirely, and honestly looking away from the 308B in favor of the LR-308C.

TX_Flyboy & Hossier, thanks for all the fantastic info. I think that a 20 inch heavy instead of an 18 inch bull might be a push in the weight dept. The price point will leave me some extra room in the optic dept. I could go from the SWFA SS 3-9 FFP mil/mil to a slightly more powerful Vortex PST 4-16 FFP mil/mil. I'm assuming that the 308C would be accurate enough to make use of some extra magnification.

Or throw on a lighter slimmer handguard, maybe a Troy TRX-308?

 

[bunsen27]

Re: DPMS LR model decision time.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JW Snydes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I've written off the AP4 entirely, and honestly looking away from the 308B in favor of the LR-308C.

TX_Flyboy & Hossier, thanks for all the fantastic info. I think that a 20 inch heavy instead of an 18 inch bull might be a push in the weight dept. The price point will leave me some extra room in the optic dept. I could go from the SWFA SS 3-9 FFP mil/mil to a slightly more powerful Vortex PST 4-16 FFP mil/mil. I'm assuming that the 308C would be accurate enough to make use of some extra magnification.

Or throw on a lighter slimmer handguard, maybe a Troy TRX-308? </div></div>

Just FYI that front sight gas block is probably pinned on and would need to be removed if you wanted to upgrade the handguard. Also dependent on the height of your scope rings and the magnification setting of the scope you might see the front site post in the scope.

You may not be aware but you can custom order directly through DPMS and get exactly or as near as possible the rifle you want. I did that with my LR-308 upgrading the stock (Magpul PRS), trigger(JP), handguard(VTac), gas block(JP), barrel brake(JP), ect. You are not strictly locked into the "standard" configurations. Talk with your local DPMS dealer or call/email DPMS directly for a quote.

Upgrading to the Vortex PST 4-16x is an excellent choice BTW.