DPMS .308 AR-10 clone

[MTmud]

Anyone try these out yet? How do they compare to the Armalite/Eagle AR-10's? Are any parts interchangable (uppers)? SteveM mentioned having one, but there's no email addy on his post. Hopefully he sees this.

 

[SteveM]

MT,
I have a DPMS .308 and it is head and heels above any ArmaLite I have ever shot. The one I have is as good as any SR-25 I have shot and this is with an 8-lb trigger pull. If you want a good trigger, get the JP trigger option. However, you have to find a load it likes. This one likes Federal 168 Match, Hornady 110gr TAP, and Corbon's 125gr HP's. These models are not considered Match rifles. Uppers matching with someone elses, I don't know. Would not want to use anyone elses.

 

[DaisyCutter]

Does the DPMS take the standard AR-10 mags?

 

[FALFire]

No DPMS uses their own mags, AR10 mags will not fit.

 

[MTmud]

Thanks SteveM, that's exactly the encouragement I needed!!!
I've been considering an FAL instead, but I'm hooked on the AR-10 look. I've had a lot of experience with DPMS AR-15 parts, uppers, & rifles, & ALWAYS been impressed. I can't wait to try the .308 version!

 

[DaisyCutter]

Keep considering the FAL. I built my FAL and the 10 20rd magazines I bought for it cost less than 2 10rd DPMS plastic mags.

IMO doubling the ammo capacity (20 vs. 10) easily offsets the ~.5" tighter groups you'll get with the DPMS.

 

[SteveM]

MT, I can't speak for every rifle but the DPMS one that I have is a real shooter.

I have fired many FAL's over the years and they are good battle rifles and I love to shoot them. However, I have never seen one that would shoot with this rifle including HB match versions. Granted that it does not shoot every factory load well as with most rifles but with the one it likes, pretty impressive. I am not real please with the mag design but they work. Would not see any reason for needing more than 10 unless in a military conflict.

 

[SteveM]

DC, what kind of 10-shot group averages do you get with your FAL? Sounds like you have a good one.

 

[MTmud]

Anyone examine the DPMS mag design very closely? I'd like to think they modified/copied someone else's mag design instead of engineering something completely new.
I wish I could check out one of these rifles in person, but I can't find a dealer anywhere close that has one! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[DaisyCutter]

Originally posted by SteveM:
[qb]DC, what kind of 10-shot group averages do you get with your FAL? Sounds like you have a good one.[/qb]

Thanks.

I've only accuracy tested 5 shot groups, and even then only a few times. I've put a total of ~400 rounds through this rifle and most have been directed at milk jugs, metal gongs, old spray paint cans, etc.

Typically I shoot between 1.25"-2.25" at 100 yards, using surplus S. African or Portugese ammo. I shoot these groups in 30 seconds and usually I get 1 flier (I think it's the first round) that opens up the group. I've sometimes shot 4 round groups at under 1". All from a bench.

I used a new chrome lined barrel for my build and I shoot open sights. I am no marksman and I usually consider paper a "waste" for a 7.62 nato bullet. I believe an experienced precision shooter could do better than me with my rifle.

My best comparison for my rifle is my father's "actual 1964" Model 70 Featherweight .270 with an old fixed 4X scope. In my hands both rifles shoot identical groups. I know my pop used to frequently shoot better than 1.25" with his rifle.

Surely my FAL isn't as accurate as an AR-10 or Model 70, but I don't shoot well enough to tell the difference. Plus I prefer the 20 round mags when somebody is attacking me with a lawnmower. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[MTmud]

I've known a mower or two that needed that!