Bolt or AR style

[mdgroundhogger]

Just wanted to see what everyone thinks of the DPMS 308. I've had my heart set on a new bolt rifle for a while and I narrowed it down to a Savage 14 in 7-08. I currently am an acccuracy nut and I was planning on getting a nice all around carry/hunting rifle for deer, hogs and possibly a few yotes. Here is my problem I have just had a used DPMS 308 w/ aftermarket Timney, Sinclair bipod, Pelican case, Panther tactical pistol grip, two steel mags and a 8-25x50mm Millet tactical (30mm) scope with Burris rings thrown in my direction for $1100. I don't have any experience with any AR style rifles . It seemed like an awesome deal to me. Just the sheer bada** factor has made me rethink my decision ;D. Anybody got any info. The good, bad and the ugly truths are welcome.

[Rifleman]

They are pretty good rifles, I have set up a couple. THe heavy barrel models shoot pretty good, but I would call them an MOA gun, not a sub MOA shooter. The light barrels are about typical of this type 1.5 moa or so. It should be easy to move down the road at that price if you don't like it.

[Al]

I had a DPMS 300SAUM for awhile, here are a couple of targets from it. She had a Jewel trigger and wore a 16x Super Sniper scope, think with a bit more glass I could've tightened things up a little. That gun just loved H4350 and any boat tailed bullet.

The 6 shots with the little black hashes was from my first round, the unmarked were 2hrs later just to see if it was a fluke.

[ricksalisbury01]

They both have thier place. However, as much as I enjoy an AR10 platform (and they are very capable to 1000yards (on 1 foot x 1 foot targets)), the AR10 can get heavy with 20 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, they are very hard on brass. Problem I have always had with the AR's is the amount of ammunition I end up using. I go through 3-5 times the bullets as I do with a bolt. Corrections are faster with the AR, and when you hit, follow-ups are too easy.

[161]

I have AR15s and enjoy shooting them as well as the bolt guns. I don't know exactly what you're out to accomplish but. I've been looking at the calibers you can just drop on top of an AR platform. AKA 6.5 Grendel,6.8 Remington.I think the 6.5 Creedmore will chamber in a standard sized AR upper. I hear you need to be careful some places are using the 7.62X39 bolt. And that's not the best set up although it seems to work. Just some thoughts that might save you some money. I'm open to opinions.
Warren

[rossman40]

Your getting a batch of goodies thrown in for that price. The question is what barrel length? Heavy barrel 16 or 18" is decent for a easier handling rifle but if your wanting a long ranger the HB 24" is the way to go.

Semi-autos can burn up the ammo faster. It is also something to watch for on a AR platform. A good number of the ARs I have seen for sale used have serious throat erosion from guys firing them while overheated.

Plus if you do not like the caliber you can always change the barrel. It seems like everybody and their brother has a wildcat cartridge but even if you stay just in the 308 family their are some great choices. One of the guys I have shot with in the past is trying to build a 338 SAUM. I tried to tell him just to use the 338 Federal like Armalite did but his thinking is the 338 SAUM is a wildcat so it has to be better.

[littlejoe]

I would like to see more .243 offerings with the 24" barrels. What I really would like is a Springfield M1A in .243 just another dream gun I guess. Joe

[Rifleman]

Joe I saw an M1A in 243 many years ago, think it was 1985 or 86 at the North Carolina Long range state championship. Lady was shooting it at the 1000 yd line. She did not do so well, but she was a rookie and that is no reflection on the rifle. Anyway I don't know if they are still available, but her's functioned just fine and I see no reason why an M1A could not be rebarreled for .243. Same parent case so bolt and magazine would work just fine. Possibly a tweak to the gas system would be needed, but I think any experienced National Match M1A gunsmith would find it a relatively easy job to do.

[mdgroundhogger]

Rossman, the barrell length is 24in.

Al, if she shoots that good Ill definitely be happy.

I would like to see an AR based 7-08 just for fun. Ballistically more effective and less recoil with all the attributes of the parent cartridge (from what Ive read anyways). Thanks for all the info

[Al]

that gun was boring to shoot under 200yds.

I have a build going now in 308.............. if I ever get home long enough to put all the pieces together.

[mdgroundhogger]

What do you mean Al?

[Al]

being boring? it was just plain accurate no matter who was behind the trigger. I had a JP brake on it wich worked like a dream.

on the build? Mega Ma-Ten upper/lower, Kreiger barrel, RRA two stage trigger, Magpul PRS stock, wearing a Vortex Viper.

on being home? work has had me out of town

[rossman40]

I had a chance to shoot a Knight SR-25 (civilian version) about 10 years ago. Now that was boring, guy had a 1 MOA circle reticle in the scope. It didn't matter if it was 100 or 600 yards it landed in the circle. Of course for $5K it should have been auto aiming and with a coffee dispenser.

[mdgroundhogger]

Thanks for all the help. Hope my gun is "BORING"!!!!

[mdgroundhogger]

Well I know its taken some time but here she is with a new Magpul stock & VX III LR Leupold. She's pretty accurate too! ;D

[deadon]

That is one fine looking piece and a great shooter Rusty

[jims]

Quite the shooter.

[mdgroundhogger]

Thanks guys. I'm still getting used to the whole AR platform. If it wasn't such a great deal I would have never even considered one and got that Savage bench rifle, probably in 6BR or 308. Right now I'm pretty happy to say the least. Everybody says you get lucky but only so often in life, I think this counts! ;D