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Rail system on DPMS Panther LR-308

BIG SARGE 1986

Private
Minuteman
Dec 5, 2011
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0
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I have just purchased a DPMS Panther LR-308 and i'm looking to add my own modifications. The only thing that I am still unsure of is what rail system to get. I want to get some type of tactical rail system, what are your recommendations?
 
Re: Rail system on DPMS Panther LR-308

I like the VTAC system. Lets you customize the rails as you need them and leaves a nice clean and comfortable round FF tube to hold on to. Rail systems are things that have little to no value to anyone other then an operator that requires a lot of specialized shit on their rifle. For most shooter rails are simple an uncomfortable and unnecessary tacticool accessory.
 
Re: Rail system on DPMS Panther LR-308

Being a DPMS LR-308 you only have a few options that will line up with the receiver height (if you have the A3 style, otherwise almost nothing will line up). Assuming you do have the A3 receiver Troy makes the MRF and TRX rails that line up. JP Rails, PRI, Apex, and DPMS rails line up as well or at least have a piece of rail made to line up. Samson was supposed to come out with a rail that would line up but not yet.

If you have the slick side upper with the extra high rail or you want have the DPMS A3 and want to use different rails than mentioned above you could always switch out your receiver to an IRA, Fulton Armory, JD Machine, or SI-Defense. If you have one of these receivers than any rail made to fit the DPMS/KAC barrel nut would not only work but line up properly, i.e. KAC, SWS, Daniel Defense, Troy, Apex, Samson Mfg, SI-Defense, JD Machine, PRI, Fulton etc.

Third and last option, if you have the extra high rail height slick side receiver DPMS does make a quad-rail that lines up with those as well.

With all that being said, I think the best rail out there is the SWS E1 rails either rifle or 15" These rails are used in Noveske builds (in other words they must be pretty good), they're very light weight but yet are simple enough not to fail during heavy use. Their price is higher than others so if that doesn't fit you needs/budget then perhaps the TROY TRX rail or the JP tube. Both of these offer customization concerning rail placement, are light, skinny (some 308 rails are huge) and affordable. Some of the DPMS rails are crazy heavy but their newer SASS rail isn't too bad either and using coupon codes can be purchased at MidwayUSA for under $200. Not a true quad rail but has enough rail to do whatever you need. Hope that helps and if you would like some pics of the mentioned rails ask away.
 
Re: Rail system on DPMS Panther LR-308

I got to handle the TROY TRX and MFR side by side a while back and chose the TRX for my rifle, cousin took the MRF. Both are a great choice and if you want something with removable rails, the MRF feels excellent in your hands.
 
Re: Rail system on DPMS Panther LR-308

With a DPMS LR308 A3 upper you will need to be careful. DPMS made changes a year and half or so ago to their A3 heights. The new height will not be flush on top with most aftermarket rails. Go to Troy's website as they have an easy explanation of the height difference. Good luck
 
Re: Rail system on DPMS Panther LR-308

I recently swapped out my DPMS 308 quad rail for a troy trx

Pluses:

Lighter than anything else I've seen
Removable rails
Feels good in your hands
Not very large in diameter
205$ with barrel nut, I got mine on sale for 163 shipped.

Minuses:

Doesn't have the sturdy feel that the PRI carbon fiber or Daniel Defense quad rails have.
Removable rail system is a bitch and a half to use, at least it was for me.

What handguard system do you have now? I think their float tubes and quad rails use the same barrel nut, I'll make you a deal on my DPMS quad rail
smile.gif
 
Re: Rail system on DPMS Panther LR-308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">DPMS made changes a year and half or so ago to their A3 heights.</div></div>

New height is 1/8" thick for the little piece above the charging handle. Old height was 3/16" thick.
 
Re: Rail system on DPMS Panther LR-308

I am having a new upper built, I am using the Daniel def quad rail, I bought a new upper that has the forward asst, are you guys telling me they won't line up?
 
Re: Rail system on DPMS Panther LR-308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sch2046</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am having a new upper built, I am using the Daniel def quad rail, I bought a new upper that has the forward asst, are you guys telling me they won't line up?

</div></div>

Depends. Which version of the DPMS upper do you have? If you don't know, you will need to measure.


How to tell what type of DPMS LR-308 receiver you have:
IMPORTANT: DPMS has two different height upper receivers. Please download PDF to determine which receiver you have: http://troyind.com/manuals/DPMS_RECEIVERS_COMPARE.pdf (Right Click to “save as”)
The new “Low Profile” upper receiver has a 1/8&#8243; wide top portion where the charging handle is installed.
The older “High Profile” upper receiver has a 3/16&#8243; wide top portion where the charging handle is installed.