DPMS, 22LR (Bull Barrel) Upper, and Nikon P22 NIKOPLEX 2-7x32 Scope Review

[TXCOONDOG]

With the cost of fuel, ammo, etc going up I needed to save money while working on my freehand shooting, etc and decided to turn to a 22LR in an AR platform since the AR is my preferred stalking outfit.


This is the beginning stages of a long and lengthy review of a dedicated AR style 22lr upper by DPMS and the Nikon P22 scope which is designed for the AR 22LR platform.

Note: In order to be fair to the upper and scope, this review may take a while (add to it when time allows) and will have several updates, afterthoughts, pictures, etc.

Disclaimer:

This is my personal views and thoughts and I’m in no way affiliated with these two manufactures or any for that matter. I’m not out to help and/or hurt either of these manufactures in anyway, shape or form. I’m not a professional gunsmith, professional hunter, technical expert, etc, Just an average Joe that likes to hunt.


Your results may vary so If you decide to buy or not to buy without trying it, you are on your own!!!

The reason for picking the DPMS over the other manufactures is because I wanted an upper that I can use with my current lowers that looked and feel like (function, weight, etc) a normal upper.

Technical data from DPMS website:

Part Number: BA-22-16

Manufacture price: $399.00

16 inch Bull Barrel 4140 Chrome-Moly steel.
Dedicated 1x16 twist barrel Chambered in 22 Long Rifle.
DPMS A3 Picatinny Rail Upper Receiver for 22 only.
Forged Mil-Spec 7075 T6 Upper Receiver, With Functional Dust Cover.
Uses Standard Size Carbine Free Float Tube (Yes The Hand Guards On These 22
Uppers Can Be Changed To What Ever After Market AR Style Free Float Tube That You Want).
All New Melonite Coated Stainless Bolt Group, With Blowback Operation
Fits Right On To Your Existing AR Small Frame Style Lower Receiver, Will Not Work on 308's Large Frame Lowers.
Ships With One 10 Round Black Dog Magazine.
No Upgrades Available.

Note:

This is not a match grade upper, nor is it priced like one, but is what I would refer to as a professional grade, because of fit, and finish, etc of a true all aluminum upper (my thought anyway).

Technical Data from Nikon website:

Part Number: 8498

I did not find a manufacture list price (Nikon Hunting website), but the going street rate for this scope is around: $179.00

Nikoplex Reticle with Rapid Action Turrets:

(Includes 2 Sets of Tactical Style Elevation Turrets—Std Velocity & Hyper Velocity)--For shooters who prefer to “dial-in” their shots at a known distance, Nikon’s Rapid Action Turret system allow you to hold "dead-on" and simply adjust the elevation turret to the proper range.

Fully Multicoated Optical System:
Provides maximum light transmission and maximum brightness from
dawn to dusk.
50-yard Parallax Setting:
Eliminates parallax for precise shooting.
Generous, Consistent Eye Relief:
Allows maximum precision when changing magnifications.
Precise, 1/4 inch @ 50 yd. Tactical Style Hand-turn Adjustments:
Positive click reticle adjustments get you zeroed in quicker and maintain your setting—even with heavy recoil.
Zero-Reset Turret Feature:
To simplify field adjustments, Nikon has integrated this feature into all new riflescopes. Just sight-in as usual, then lift the spring-loaded adjustment knob, rotate to your “zero”, and re-engage. Field adjustments are now as simple as dialing-in your subsequent ranges.

Tube Diameter: 1"
Adjustment Click Value: 1/2 MOA
Adjustment Type: Click
Exposed Turrets: Yes
Finger Adjustable Turrets: Yes
Turrets Resettable to Zero: Yes
Zero Stop: No
Turret Height: High
Fast Focus Eyepiece: Yes
Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
Warranty: Full Lifetime
Rings Included: No
Sunshade Included: No
Sunshade Length: N/A
Lens Covers Included: No
Power Variability: Variable
Min power: 2x
Max power: 7x
Reticle Construction: Glass Etched
Reticle: NikoPlex
Illuminated Reticle: No
Battery Type: N/A
Holdover reticle: No
Reticle Focal Plane Location: 2nd
Parallax Adjustment: Fixed (50 yd)
Finish: Matte
Water/Fogproof: Yes
Shockproof: Yes
Objective Bell Diameter: 42.3mm
Ocular Bell Diameter: 44.0mm
Eye Relief: 3.8"
Max Internal Adjustment:
Windage: 80 MOA
Elevation: 80 MOA
Exit Pupil Diameter: 16-4.6mm
Weight: 13.9 oz.
Field of View at 100 Yards:
33.4' @ 2x
9.5' @ 7x

Note:
After ordering this scope, and starting this write up is when I noticed the narrow field of view for this scope @ 2X (compared to a Vortex Diamndback 2-7, close to double) which may not be ideal for staying on a running tree rat.

However, that is my fault and since I’m basically going to use the upper for training, and range fun with the family (battleship targets), it should be fine.

Pictures added later after some chores are completed.

 

[TXCOONDOG]

First impressions:

Scope:

The finish and glass clarity (sharp and clear) is what I expected from Nikon, excellent for the money.

I used a Laserlyter laser bore sighter which projects a horizontal line on wall and the scope seemed to track fine.

Large eyebox- the eye relief seems to be consistent (@ 3.8”)between magnification adjustments and the fast focused worked as advertised. The power selector ring is stiff but smooth.

Came with a set of plastic bikini covers.

2 Sets of (aluminum) Tactical Style Elevation Turrets (Std Velocity 1200-1300 fps & Hyper Velocity 1500-1640 fps). Laser etched white lettering with U/D direction arrow, ¼” adjustment @ 50yds with the FPS on each turret. The manual states that a hex key should have been included for change out of the turrets but wasn’t (no big deal).

Turret clicks are distinct, audible and smooth.

However, the real test for the glass, tracking, and overall use of the scope will be in the field under different natural conditions.

Using my kitchen food scale, the scope weighed 15.9 oz and not the advertised 13.9 oz.

Note: I did not purchase the P 22 mounts because I opted to use a DNZ Freedom Reaper mount that I already own (weight 5.2 oz).

Upper:

Nothing Loose, no scratches, dings, and the overall paint finish appears excellent.

Bolt function is similar to a Ruger 10/22, removable like a standard bolt carrier group and you chamber a round by pulling the charge handle.

Aluminum construction (even the charge handle).

Functioning dust cover.

Non-functioning forward assist (for aesthetics only).

Free float tube with a sling stud.

10 RD Black Dog (polycarbonate) clip and I also purchased a 25 RD Black Dog (glass filled nylon).

The upper weighs 4lbs 12 oz

I mated it to a PlumCrazy (polymer) lower and a standard aluminum mil spec lower w/ a RRA 2 stage trigger. It fit both lowers very well with no slop whatsoever.

Note: Both lowers will be tested with the upper


The complete upper/lower (mil spec) with mount, optics, and empty 10 rd Black Dog clip weighs 8lbs 2oz. Weighs 8 oz less with the PlumCrazy lower.


DPMS Operation and Maintenance Manuel:

http://dpmsinc.3dcartstores.com/assets/images/pdf/owners.pdf

I always trying to follow the manufactures recommendations, even if I don’t believe in them (barrel break-in). Why should I ? Mainly because of warranty reasons, maybe technology has changed, etc.

Regardless; Manufactures spend tons of money on research on design, development, etc and you owe it to yourself to get the most life out of your weapon so read, follow, etc manufactures recommendations provided in the manual.

Barrel Information Pg 37 (break-in procedures):

To achieve the best results for accuracy you should clean the chamber and bore after every round for the first 25 rounds and then every 10 rounds up to 100 rounds. It usually takes about 200 rounds per barrel for optimum accuracy. Please keep in mind that our barrels are production barrels not custom barrels. Accuracy is dependent upon many factors such as bullet weight, powder load, rifling twist, rifling lands, operator technique, etc. Our production barrels have achieved anywhere from 1/8” to 1 1/2” M.O.A. Obviously, we would hope that every production barrel would shoot 1/8” M.O.A., but with all of the above factors, we cannot guarantee a specific group size.

I guess I know what I’ll be doing for the first 200 rounds, and I would like to add that I always clean a new barrel or previously owned (used) gun/barrel before firing to remove any lubricates, fouling, debris, etc

Miscellaneous Pictures:

 

[RJM Acres]

Now get out and shoot it and let us know how it performs and
functions.

 

[OldTurtle]

I'll be really interested in your observations as well...

 

[3DHUSKER]

I guess we Ozarkers are the only ones intrested.

 

[frankr]

Nope. I am very interested as well, just can't make up my mind whether do go with something like this or wait for Taccom3g to get threaded Ultra Light Weight barrel and a CMMG. I think the DPMS bolt is better but the lure of a lightweight barrel is very tempting.


In for Range report!

 

[kman5]

I'm very interested too. Thanks for doing this.
I followed the other review that someone recently did. Sounds good.

 

[223Pete]

I'm interested too. Very nice write up! That is one of many reasons why I love this site. Post the range report when you get to it. Nice job.

 

[3DHUSKER]

I knew there had to be more

 

[yoteguts]

Mine likes to be shot dirty and likes CCI mini mag hollow points. Function was flawless.

 

[TXCOONDOG]

Range Day and Factory Recommended Break-In Procedure

Clear Skies, 75 degrees w/5mph wind @ 8am


One shot & clean for 25rds (25 cleanings) and then 10 shots & clean for 100 rds (10 cleanings), and finally 25 shots & clean (3 cleanings). Cleaning was a breeze, just like any standard mil spec upper.

Cleaning Equipment: Tipton carbon fiber rod & nickel plated jag, Hoppe’s Elite bore cleaner and patches (two per cleaning).

Distance to target: 50yds.

Ammo: Federal, Copper Plated HP, 36gr, FPS 1260, Value pack of 550 rds

Scope: [/size]

I had no problems seeing out of the scope (count holes in target) and my eyes had no signs of being fatigued.

I did accidentally bump the elevation turret a couple times and noticed that it turned with ease so it is definitely something to watch out for while hunting, shooting, and/or transporting the weapon.


Pictured below is the first group of 25rds and this was with the initial bore sighting at the house.

Note: My cheek weld was being broke per cleaning and since I would fire once and clean each time the barrel stayed cool to the touch.

I only adjusted the scope once for windage and elevation.


Pictured is the final 25rds after break-in. Keep in mind that the bore was warm (higher outside temp /no break between shots) and the grouping got tighter (14 rounds closest to bull) as the bore became fouled. Since majority of my rifles shot more consistent after being fouled, I’ve decided to leave the bore fouled to see if the grouping starts out tighter at my next range sessions using the same bulk ammo.

By the end of the session: Clear skies, 95 degrees w/10 mph wind @ 12:18 pm

Upper, Lowers and Clips:

The upper performed well with no signs of excessive wear or anything that might be of concern.

I shot as close to equally as I could with both lowers (mil spec alum and plumcrazy) and there were no feed issues with either of the 10 or 25 round Black Dog clips. The clips locked the bolt open after the last fired round and you could also lock the bolt open with the lowers bolt release.

There was only one misfire with over 200 rds fired which was with the plumcrazy lower. When I looked at the round it had a nice dent (rim) from a hard strike. To be honest, this has been the most consistent 22lr bulk ammo that I’ve bought yet, and I’m surprised that I didn’t have more misfires (duds).


What’s next ?

Not sure when I’ll make it to the range again, but I plan on seeing if the fouled bore will hold a tighter group (actually try for a 5 shot group) using the same ammo.

Possibly use the chronograph and see what fps I’m actually getting out of the Federal bulk ammo, and I may see if the P 22 rapid elevation turret (1200-1300 fps) works at the 75, 100, 125 and 150yd ranges as advertised.

Who knows after that; try to find that ammo she likes to eat (standard and/or hyper velocity) for tighter groups, work on my freehand, or just have fun with it ????

 

[Evil_Lurker]

Stop cleaning it, you're hurting your potential group size.

22LR likes to have a layer of bullet lube in the barrel, and there's no copper build up to reduce accuracy.

Every (rare) time I clean my 22 barrels, the groups open up for 10-15 rounds, then shrink back down.

That also usually happens when I switch ammo types, so try and shoot a fairly long string between switching types.

22LR is weird like that.

Very interesting write-up, thanks.

 

[Steve K.]

I agree with Evil, clean when new, then shoot,shoot,shoot! There's no copper build-up to worry about, and 22's shoot best dirty! Only clean after a few hundred rounds if the accuracy goes away!

Steve

 

[DLJ6]

He is just following dpms suggested cleaning procedure for this barrel.
Thanks for taking the time to do this write up. I have been wanting to put together a similer tree rat & plinking rig.
I have read elsewhere that the nikon turrets are much too easy to inadvertently turn.
Looking forward to your further work with this rig.

 

[TXCOONDOG]

Yep, Just following the manufactures cleaning/break-in directions, even went one step further & kept cleaning up to 200 rds and after that is when I shot the last 25rd group. After 11 rounds is when I noticed the group was shrinking so I left her dirty.

After my chores were completed today I planned to see how she shot fouled, but it started raining so I started digging around and found:

75 rds of CCI, Mini-Mag, Round Nose, 40 gr, 1235 fps
90 rds of Remington, Yellow Jacket HP, 33gr, Hyper velocity, 1500 fps


I went to Academy and picked up:

100 rds of of Remington, Viper, Truncated Cone, 36 gr, Hyper Velocity, 1410 fps
50 rds of Winchester, WildCat, 40 gr, Round Nose, 1255 fps
100 rds of Winchester, Super Speed RN, Round Nose, 40gr, 1300 fps
50 rds of Remington, Golden Bullet, Round Nose, 40 gr, 1256 fps
50 rds of Federal, Champion, Round Nose, 40 gr, 1240 fps

I would like to point out that I'm trying out different loads that I can pick up locally to see how they perform for plinking, small varmits, etc at a reasonable price point.



I had someone ask how I like the upper; The upper is very well made (I’m pleased with the quality), balanced/ feels good in my hands, very easy to take apart & clean, and it has functioned flawlessly so far.

Until I have more trigger time with it, I have no other comments (performance).

 

[TXCOONDOG]

I just came from outside (3/4 moon) and I compared the new Prostaff 2-7x32 to the old 3-9x40 Prostaff with both set on 3x, the newer Prostaff was brighter & clearer.

I also compared it to the Old Monarch 3-9x40 and it took a little bit, but the Monarch looked a bit brighter.

This was under moonlight with no other light source.

 

[BBsteel]

Great review thus far. Can't wait to read about the ammo report when you get around to having time and cooperative weather to do so.

 

[TXCOONDOG]

Range Day Report

Cloudy, 73 degrees w/02 mph wind, 96% Humidity @ 7am

Even though it’s been raining for the past 7 days or so (10-12 inches of rain) , the weather broke long enough for me to get some trigger time.

Myself, the gun/scope/10 rd clip (functioned flawlessly), and ammo seem to be fairly consistent after shooting multiple five (5) shot groups that I decided to post some results:

Note: Shot with the fouled barrel, Using the Plumbcrazy lower and using the same zero.
Being cloudy and possible chance of rain, I wasn’t able to chronograph the ammo to see if I was getting the factory fps rating out of my barrel.

Target 1& 2- Federal, Value Pack, HP, 36 gr, 1260 fps

Target 3 - CCI, Mini-Mag, Round Nose, 40 gr, 1235 fps

Target 4- Winchester, Super Speed, Round Nose, 40gr, 1300 fps

Target 5- Winchester, WildCat, 40 gr, Round Nose, 1255 fps

Target 6- Remington, Golden Bullet, Round Nose, 40 gr, 1256 fps

Target 7- Federal, Champion, Round Nose, 40 gr, 1240 fps

Target 8 - Remington, Yellow Jacket HP, 33gr, Hyper velocity, 1500 fps

Target 9- Remington, Viper, Truncated Cone, 36 gr, Hyper Velocity, 1410 fps

For my next range trip; I’m going to make up multiple numbered targets (same as above) for testing of the P-22 scope at 50, 75, 100, 125 & 150yds using the same lots of ammo, fouled barrel and zero.

 

[TXCOONDOG]

I know that some are anxious for me to finish my review.

I’m currently overseeing (Project Manager/ Engineer) a 110,000 sqft , 4 story building being built, and we are behind schedule because of the recent rainy days (12-14”) over the last 2-3 weeks so we have been putting lots of time (10-12hrs a day) in trying to get back on schedule.

Of coarse, when I’m off there are lots of things to do around the house including spending time with my family.

I want to be fair and accurate with my review so it may take some time before I finish.

Thanks for your interest and support!

 

[mulespurs]

Just for fun you may want to try CCI stingers. They can shoot really well in some guns.