M1A vs DPMS question

R

R-Tex12

Private
Minuteman
Apr 14, 2004
6
0
Texas
#1
Hi, everyone -

I've finally decided to remedy my 308 semi-auto deficit. I was leaning toward one of the DPMS 308s but just read a John Farnam piece saying that he had yet to run across a Stoner system rifle in any caliber other than 223 that ran well over the course of one of his classes (probably 400 to 500 rounds). He said that both the M14/M1A and FAL platforms tend to run just fine as long as not too many bells & whistles have been added.

That has me viewing a Scout version of the M1A more favorably.

The primary purpose of the rifle would be for HD, but it's quite likely it would see a class or two.

Since I have ZERO experience with the semi-auto format in 308,
I thought I would ask for input here.

Any & all comments/info will be appreciated.

Thanks!






 
#2
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

What need will the .308 be meeting?


I've owned a SOCOM and have shot AR10s (and other semi-auto 308's.)

Be advised: most .308 semis are heavy, don't expect an AR15 with a much bigger bullet. And don't plan on stalking game with your new 15+pound weapon system.

AR10s are nice, and yea some might have problems with 400-500 rounds in a short time frame, but I'd guess that has as much to do with shooter (increased recoil) as it does gun.

They are fun, and if needed for punching paper, either should be fine. ARs have, in my experience, been more accurate than all but the best M1As - and the good M1As can be fragile. The workhorse M1s are strong as hell, but ain't what I'd call precision.


What do you need the gun to do well?
 
#3
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

Thanks for responding, Rancid Coolaid.

The primary purpose of the .308 would be HD/SHTF for any scenarios in which a .308 may be preferred to a .223.

I'm aware of the increased weight factor. I have a couple of Garands and M1 carbines & would much prefer to tote the carbine (I'm 66 years old & not particularly large). It was my thought that the M1A or DPMS would be nice to have on hand, rather than using either for running aroung the boonies with.

I have to wonder if I should just stick with the Garands as they weigh only a few ounces more than the M1A bare and are actually a bit over a half-inch shorter (how'd THAT happen?) The fact that I already have them in the safe is certainly a factor in their favor. (Not to mention having a metric butt-load of LC ammo.) The 20-round mag is a big factor in wanting the M1A or the DPMS, however.

My primary requirement for the gun would be that it function reliably when required.

Thanks again for your reply.

Edited to correct my misspelling of RC's name.
 
#6
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

I have a DPMS AP-4 in 308 and I think it is a fine system. It weighs 12 Pounds with scope so it is not all that bad to carry. It has a 16" barrel and I find it decently accurate. I also have a DPMS SASS and it works fine too. Not sure of the issue on the rifles as I have had them on the range and never had any issues with jamming or other wise.

I was zeroing for the upcoming hunting season.



100_0136.jpg
 
#7
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

I cannot speak to a 400 or 500 day rapid firing on the DPMS, I have only put about 100 rounds through mine in one sitting while at the range in a single day. No problems to speak of, no misfires, misfeeds, no issues what so ever. Again I stress that it was at the range shooting static. I have put my M1A SOCOM through its paces in our departments CQB course, and that was a 400 round day in about 6 hours with everything from timed KD from 50 to 200 yards to active shooter and room clearing. The M1A Socom functioned flawlessly, heavy SOB especially when carrying 8 fully loaded 20 round magazines in your kit compared to our standard issue Bushmaster and 556 ammo.

I would also add my DPMS is a LR 308C with a 20" barrel, and the SOCOM is a 16" barrel, so they are really two different monsters.

 
#8
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

I have owned both and I prefer the M1A platform. I had a DPMS AP4 and it was just as accurate as a Scout or Socom. The problems I ran into with the DPMS was FTE on almost all types of ammo except for Wolf which is one ammo they say not to use. I put about 500 rounds through my DPMS and got one magazine to to go through without any problems. My M1As run through magazines all day long without any problems with any type of ammo.
 
#9
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 18Echo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Everyone needs an M1A. </div></div>
18Echo is absolutely right, everyone does need an M1A and if you want handier, get the Scout, four inches makes all the difference handling wise. Ditch the muzzle brake and replace it with a factory flash suppressor or splurge on a Vortex.

If you intend on adding glass later, get the SADLAK Airborne mount, its about as secure a mount as you'll find, sits low enough and has a channel in the center of the Picatinny to allow use of the irons. You can lever low mount a Micro T1, RMR, or the new MRDS if your 66 year old eyes are about like my 59 year old eyes. Lever off the mini red dot and lever mount whatever magnified glass floats your boat if you feel the need to reach out a bit further, but be happy if its a 2 minute rifle...

With all that said, personally I like the FAL better myself. DSA makes a great FAL clone too BTW, especially the 18" barrel versions. Add an ARMS or DSA topcover and use the same lever low mount red dots if your eyes are so inclined
wink.gif
...

BUT, again...Everyone needs an M1A
grin.gif
...
 
#10
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

They are all fine rifles.. The older rifles were never designed with optical sights in mind, like todays rifles are. and there are lots more options and acessories for the AR platform rifles. The AR rifles are far more accurate. The older rifles have more nostalgic appeal.
 
#11
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: R-Tex12</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

That has me viewing a Scout version of the M1A more favorably.

The primary purpose of the rifle would be for HD, but it's quite likely it would see a class or two.

</div></div>

The Scout is an excellent choice, an old Bush with some USGI parts may be even better.
Mounting optics is not a big problem, especially if you plan to use a red dot.
The M8 hand guard from UltiMAK and a Comp ML3 from Aimpoint in a low factory ring is tough to beat.

Rather expensive modern stocks with pistol grips are available from TROY and SAGE.
These stock give you more mounting options for optics and AR type accessories including grips and butt stocks.

Everyone needs a Bush, Scout or MK14.

EBRs020407%20004.jpg


IMG_0503.jpg
 
#12
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

There are other options.. A writeup last year in <span style="font-style: italic">Gun Tests</span> newsletter reported that Remington has finally fixed the bugs, and that there are (I looked, I don't know where) reportedly ten round magazines available for it. It weighs less, at $850-$900 list it has a cost advantage, and Gun tests considered it to be a good shooter for hunting purposes.

I humped an M14 around everywhere in 'Nam, and although one gets used to the heft, it's no lightweight. I owned an M1A, the only AR I'm fam with is the AR15, and it's also a bit more hefty that it might look at first glance. I no longer have those two, but my Garand will be with me for the duration. For SHTF, it'd do fine; but for hunting, I think the 750 could be far preferable.
 
#14
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wolf22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any AMU armorer's around ? or veteran builders/gunsmiths for the m1a? </div></div>

Ted Brown, Smith Enterprise, Phil Arrington, go here: M14 Forums and lurk around. Plenty of builders out there.
 
#15
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

if looking to scope the rifle and looking for maximum accuracy... go AR-10/clone. eye relief and cheek wield can be a pain in the ass on the m1a/m14.

if looking for the one 'do' everything rifle, m1a/m14 clone is probably the way to go. the FAL is right up there in this category too.

for what its worth, boston t party (of boston's gun bible fame) rated the m14 the 'best' shtf rifle and the best rifle if you could only 'pick one' to cover the most bases. there is entire chapters related to the reasoning and it makes sense.

reliable design, fairly accurate, best caliber, cheap mags compared to ar10, (but not as cheap as FAL mags) etc.

i have a m1a that has been swapped out with all USGI parts. one day if i'd like to get a smith/lrb receiver gun. but i'd rather put that money into another bolt gun and glass.

 
#16
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

For a true SHTF rifle, AR series would be low on the list. The possible exception would be the piston driven variants.

There are many other options too. You are basically looking for a Main Battle Rifle (M1A, FAL, HK91, etc.).

If you are looking for a low rate of fire precision rig, AR10's are a good option. You can get the others listed as accurate (within reason) but it is expencive as hell.
 
#17
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: brutus1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if looking to scope the rifle and looking for maximum accuracy... go AR-10/clone. eye relief and cheek wield can be a pain in the ass on the m1a/m14.
</div></div>

It's been my experience that the more money I invest... the easier it is to scope my M14s.
Eye relief and cheek weld are no longer a problem.

Additional scope mounting options and information can be found on The M14HDW Forum.

LT-608c.jpg
 
#18
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gugubica</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For a true SHTF rifle, AR series would be low on the list. The possible exception would be the piston driven variants.

There are many other options too. You are basically looking for a Main Battle Rifle (M1A, FAL, HK91, etc.).

If you are looking for a low rate of fire precision rig, AR10's are a good option. You can get the others listed as accurate (within reason) but it is expencive as hell. </div></div>


I don't fully agree with that. If the SHFT scenario ever plays out, there will be no resupply; .223 ammo doesn't hit with as much authority, but I can carry a buttload of .223. And a round in the right place...


R-Tex, I have no doubt this will draw fire, but consider another option: a 6.8 upper for your current AR15 lower. It isn't as powerful as a .308, but is considerably more than a .223. Be advised that ammo isn't as plentiful (which makes it not ideal for SHTF), but they can be accurate, not incredibly heavy, recoil is easy, and 115-grains at 3,000 FPS is definitely gonna make a point.
 
#19
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

Rancid, I was talking about the AR10 and variants, sorry for the confussion.

An AR10 is a great rifle, I own one, but I would not want it to be the only rifle I had in SHTF if it were forced to run lots of ammo and not get cleaned.
 
#21
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gugubica</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rancid, I was talking about the AR10 and variants, sorry for the confussion.

An AR10 is a great rifle, I own one, but I would not want it to be the only rifle I had in SHTF if it were forced to run lots of ammo and not get cleaned. </div></div>

For a .308, I agree completely. I read it as "all AR's" and, as much as I hate M16s - and the damn armorers who wanted them inspection clean for no damn reason - it is a good tool to have at your disposal. It does some thing very poorly but a few things very, very well.

Carry on.
 
#23
Re: M1A vs DPMS question

In my opinion the M1A/M14 is dead nuts reliable. I carried one in Iraq and Never EVER had a malfunction with it. The one I just finished building has been running like a champ too. I'm not a fan of the Gas Chameber/Stoner design, what M4s and AR15's usually have. However if get one with the piston design I'd say that would be more reliable. The problem is the powder residue and buildup in the tube. When I went through basic I had a single shot M16 till the last 2 weeks of AIT. The gas tube had been clogged and ruptured. Never really liked to trust them after that shit. Here's my M1A. and the one I carried in Iraq.
100_5280.jpg

Iraq142.jpg
 
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