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 Thinking about swapping barrels on my DPMS .308... 
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Real Name: Jim
So I have the DPMS AP4 in .308. I like that it is relatively light* for what it is, but would like to have a 20" + barrel on it for added velocity, range and accuracy.

Any thoughts on a barrel to go with that won't break the bank?

Thanks in advance.

-Jim


Tue Apr 25, 2017 9:05 am
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I had a DPMS AP4 LR-308 and swapped out barrels.

It was one of the first ones when they came out and needed to be sent back to the factory as it shot ridiculously high with the supplied iron sights, making zeroing next to impossible.
When it came back they had installed an extra long front sight post and their updated height upper receiver and included a letter stated that it was tested and that nothing was wrong with it...
Now I had a gun with the front sight post sticking up way past the front sight bases protective ears, that still shot high.

Sold the upper cheap I did, and set off to build an upper with a slightly longer barrel.
Was looking for an 18"-20" barrel, and didn't want to break the bank trying to find one.
I Had looked into Krieger, Mega and a few others and bought the DPMS barrel over another brand as they were running a pretty good sale at the time on barrels.

Ended up with the newer upper rail height receiver with an 18" DPMS mk-12 1/10twist barrel that shoots ridiculously well with most berger bullets. Might of just got lucky, as I'm sure the Krieger would shoot lights out but I couldn't stomach the cost and wait time Krieger quoted.

If I had to do it over again today I would go with a barrel in 6.5 creedmoore.

Also not sure if you have the tools or not but was quoted a price of $100 for just installing a barrel from a local company.
Being rather Frugal it cost me half that buying the tools and doing it myself.


Tue Apr 25, 2017 12:29 pm
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I have one of those with the non F marked front sight.
Looks stupid with the post sticking up that far.

Looking back I wish I got a different barrel.
After adding a Grip Pod, 4-16X52 scope, it's not as light as it used to be. Hahaha


eiathy wrote:
I had a DPMS AP4 LR-308 and swapped out barrels.

It was one of the first ones when they came out and needed to be sent back to the factory as it shot ridiculously high with the supplied iron sights, making zeroing next to impossible.
When it came back they had installed an extra long front sight post and their updated height upper receiver and included a letter stated that it was tested and that nothing was wrong with it...
Now I had a gun with the front sight post sticking up way past the front sight bases protective ears, that still shot high.


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Tue Apr 25, 2017 12:35 pm
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I already took off that A2 style front sight post & replaced with Odinworks low profile gas block, had a Odinworks 15" rail put on and a fairly nice comp, so it's not quite so light anymore. It currently has an A2 stock which i plan on swapping out. I know I want a longer barrel, but not sure about what size. Isn't 18" supposedly the "sweet spot", but you can still get more velocity and accuracy out of a little longer barrel?


Tue Apr 25, 2017 12:53 pm
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My long distance buddies urged me to buy the 18" or longer heavy barrel.
If I had to do it over again, I'd go 18" threaded with a free float stock, maybe carbon fiber.
I'd suggest buying a new upper and either keeping or selling the AP-4.

I tried making a rifle into what it was not designed for.

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Tue Apr 25, 2017 1:08 pm
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Barfly wrote:
I already took off that A2 style front sight post & replaced with Odinworks low profile gas block, had a Odinworks 15" rail put on and a fairly nice comp, so it's not quite so light anymore. It currently has an A2 stock which i plan on swapping out. I know I want a longer barrel, but not sure about what size. Isn't 18" supposedly the "sweet spot", but you can still get more velocity and accuracy out of a little longer barrel?

The S&W m&p 10 has an 18" barrel, it's quite capable of hitting at 700+ yards.


Tue Apr 25, 2017 1:26 pm
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Have you looked at Ballistic Advantage barrels? I can usually save a few dollars on them, if you find one you like

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Tue Apr 25, 2017 2:10 pm
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Brads Guns can order you one from aero

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Tue Apr 25, 2017 3:53 pm
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Ops wrote:
Brads Guns can order you one from aero


OP can order on from Aero too, correct?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Tue Apr 25, 2017 5:29 pm
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Barfly wrote:
I already took off that A2 style front sight post & replaced with Odinworks low profile gas block, had a Odinworks 15" rail put on and a fairly nice comp, so it's not quite so light anymore. It currently has an A2 stock which i plan on swapping out. I know I want a longer barrel, but not sure about what size. Isn't 18" supposedly the "sweet spot", but you can still get more velocity and accuracy out of a little longer barrel?


18" is not a "sweet spot" for 308 ballistics by any means. It can be a nice compromise between handling and velocity, but higher velocity is achieved with considerably longer barrels, up to at least 24" depending on the load.


Tue Apr 25, 2017 5:44 pm
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Personally I'd just look for an upper with a longer barrel and sell off your current upper to recoup the expenditure.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-pa10 ... 2f%2fpalme

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Tue Apr 25, 2017 5:51 pm
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chevytruckman wrote:
OP can order on from Aero too, correct?


if OP wants to pay retail+ tax yes he can

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Tue Apr 25, 2017 5:59 pm
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Aero has Ballistic advantage make their barrels, so cheaper and easier to order direct or from a dealer. I can usually sell them at 20-30 less than direct from Ballistic Advantage

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Wed Apr 26, 2017 7:50 am
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sinus211 wrote:
Personally I'd just look for an upper with a longer barrel and sell off your current upper to recoup the expenditure.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-pa10 ... 2f%2fpalme



The uppers/lowers won't match up. It'll fit and function, just look odd with the thicker DPMS lower sticking out 1/8" on both sides of a PSA upper.


Wed Apr 26, 2017 5:42 pm
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Aero has a 30%off sale right now.

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