Considering a DPMS LR-308. Opinions?

[SOCOM1]

I am seriously considering purchasing a DPMS Panther LR-308 that is for sale locally. I plan to use it as my competition long-range sniper system. I believe this rifle to be one of the best quality systems available. I plan to upgrade the rifle to be comparable (as far as the basic look and silhouette) of Knight's Armament Company's M110 SASS. I really, really like the looks and capabilities of RRA's LAR-8 Advanced Half Quad ( http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fus...category_id=440 ), but I don't know if it will be compatible with the DPMS LR-308. Anyone know if it will work or if there is one similar to it?

[edgecrusher]

the dpms and the rock river are not compatible. my personal feelings are the best complete rifle is a larue, maybe some others, but you may find that you might have to spend some more than on the dpms, which is a good gun, but maybe not the best out of the box. just my .02 cents

[BR-549]

I bought one this summer and love the way it shoots. Sub moa @ 200 yds with  federal  gold match Sierra 168gr BTHP. The only drawback i have is it is really heavy. My rig weighs in at about 13 lbs.

[.308since2001]

I have a 16" DPMS Oracle .308.  Accuracy excellent after 400+ rounds.  Likes 147gr. ball and handloads, and Federal AmEag. 168 gr. OTM.  Barrel is well lapped, and cleans up easily, and is capable of 1.25-1.5" ten shot groups when shooting with EOTech 1X sight.  Possibly could do better with magnified sight.

See complaints below, only one serious (#2).  Have to recommend this rifle for the price.  My USED Armalite AR10A2 20" cost me $200 more than this 11 years ago!  Great availability of PMAGS for circa $20 apiece.  Not a high-end entry, but I am going to use this rifle in 3-gun with a 1-4 tac. scope or an ACOG.

Complaints:

1) Simple physics - carbine has punchy recoil.  Can be eliminated with Smith Ent. muzzle brake; recoils not too much worse than 5.56 now, but LOUD.

2) Gas Block - Small set screws are not ideal.  Rotated when I used it (while clamped in vise) to mildly counter-torque rifle when installing muzzle brake.  Have contacted PRI about options for a larger set screw or clamping-type GB - don't know if  5.56 mm .750 port sizes will work - suspect not.  Will post when I figure this out- any help appreciated.

3)  Pardus Stock - Not bad but replaced with Magpul CTR with enhanced recoil pad - actually useful on .308!

Go .308AR - then your 5.56mm IS your inexpensive .22 training rifle!    :)

[fr3db3ar]

IMO in my limited experience with the AR format, my adjustable gas block solves problems one and two.

[survivalshop]

I have a 16" DPMS Oracle .308.  Accuracy excellent after 400+ rounds.  Likes 147gr. ball and handloads, and Federal AmEag. 168 gr. OTM.  Barrel is well lapped, and cleans up easily, and is capable of 1.25-1.5" ten shot groups when shooting with EOTech 1X sight.  Possibly could do better with magnified sight.

See complaints below, only one serious (#2).  Have to recommend this rifle for the price.  My USED Armalite AR10A2 20" cost me $200 more than this 11 years ago!  Great availability of PMAGS for circa $20 apiece.  Not a high-end entry, but I am going to use this rifle in 3-gun with a 1-4 tac. scope or an ACOG.

Complaints:

1) Simple physics - carbine has punchy recoil.  Can be eliminated with Smith Ent. muzzle brake; recoils not too much worse than 5.56 now, but LOUD.

2) Gas Block - Small set screws are not ideal.  Rotated when I used it (while clamped in vise) to mildly counter-torque rifle when installing muzzle brake.  Have contacted PRI about options for a larger set screw or clamping-type GB - don't know if  5.56 mm .750 port sizes will work - suspect not.  Will post when I figure this out- any help appreciated.

3)  Pardus Stock - Not bad but replaced with Magpul CTR with enhanced recoil pad - actually useful on .308!

Go .308AR - then your 5.56mm IS your inexpensive .22 training rifle!    :)

When installing or removing any muzzle device , the use of barrel blocks , clamped in a vice on the barrel is the only way to remove or install muzzle devices .

The set screws on the GB are not meant to hold with that kind of pressure needed to work on them.

Any properly sized GB (barrel dia.@ gas block attaching point  )will work with the 308 or as said an adj. one.

You can make or change any AR to the specs you want & they do get on the heavy side when you add a HB to them .

[Shaggy]

Have you looked at the DPMS LRT-SASS?  You can pick one up on gunbroker for $1800.

Here's a pic of mine with a few mods.

[Matt.Cross]

I've got an LR-308 for sale right now, if you're thinking of trying one out.