Question on DPMS SASS gas block

D

db_17_85

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 14, 2010
254
0
40
NW North Dakota
#1
All,

I'm looking at picking one of these rifles up but would like to change out the block with an adjustable one. I keep reading that there's something special about these that makes installing a new block a no-go. Why is this? I found a JP adjustable with the same bore size but is it a matter of gas port size or what? Any help would be great guys.

Thanks,

db
 
#5
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

I have heard that if you use a standard gas block the gas tube will not clear the taper of the barrel. I believe one person milled his barrel to make clearance for the gas tube. I wouldn't recommend milling any barrel as it might be more problems than its worth...

I have also heard the SASS barrel is dimpled under the gas block and the DPMS is the only gas block with the correct spacing for the set screws.
 
#7
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

its also a carbine position isnt it? makes getting to an adjustable one kinda hard. i ended up getting an 18" with rifle gas made since everything else was a carbine position. you will have a hard time finding a gas block that works with the sass profile and then finding one thats adjustable will be harder.
 
#8
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

You would be better of building something yourself or buying a different rifle. DPMS SASS is a good rifle but the barrel profile and the gas block are both unusual.

As far as "quick adjust" goes keep in mind the DPMS SASS is mid length with full length handguards so I don't know how youd reach in there to adjust it by hand.
 
#9
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

The DPMS REPR was reported to have an adjustable gas block when it was 1st released although there's no mention of it on their web site. It's essentially the same rifle. Give them a call.
 
#10
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JBomb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have heard that if you use a standard gas block the gas tube will not clear the taper of the barrel. I believe one person milled his barrel to make clearance for the gas tube. I wouldn't recommend milling any barrel as it might be more problems than its worth...

I have also heard the SASS barrel is dimpled under the gas block and the DPMS is the only gas block with the correct spacing for the set screws. </div></div>

Yes, I own one and the barrel taper is huge on the reciver side of the gas block. Its quite a step up and pretty. Much fills the entire handguard.
 
#11
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

I'll have to contact them on monday. Does anyone know how the REPR's barrel contour compares to the SASS? The reason for my wanting a adjustable gas system is 2 part. First, I've noticed most DPMS's I've seen as being over gassed and I'm a sucker for efficiency. Secondly, I'd like to run suppressed eventually and an adjustable block would make that a world better. Also, I have no problem modifying the handguard to allow manipulation of the block. Whether it be a simple hole to allow access of an allen wrench (not preferred for quick adjustment) or an open slot for turning a knob. I would love to get a different brand, but cost is definitely a prohibitive factor for me.
 
#12
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

The REPR's barrel is noticably different. The SASS uses the heavy fluted stainless barrel. The REPR was purpose built to run suppressed and uses the ACC flash hider/adaptor for that reason.

Don't worry about overgassing. That term is overused. They are <span style="font-style: italic">precisely </span>gassed for optimal performance. I have a SASS and it's a tack driving machine BUT I'd have waited for the REPR had I known it was coming, simply for its suppression capabilities. Yes its more expensive but is likely still a bargain.

Based solely on performance the SASS is a steal for the price but suppressing it will eliminate the cost savings.
 
#13
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

Understood. Is the REPR a significantly lighter contour? Also, other than the AAC hider, what else on it is supressor tuned? It doesn't mention a gas buster handle or anything else. If there's features not listed on the site, I'm in the dark and really want to know before I make a decision on the platform to get.
 
#14
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: db_17_85</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Understood. Is the REPR a significantly lighter contour? Also, other than the AAC hider, what else on it is supressor tuned? It doesn't mention a gas buster handle or anything else. If there's features not listed on the site, I'm in the dark and really want to know before I make a decision on the platform to get. </div></div>
The majority of the info on the REPR was from a DPMS catalogue. There is very little on their web site. They did in fact state in the catalogue that the gas block was adjustable for suppression. Based solely on pics I've seen, the barrel is lighter and the rails apprear lighter (more skeletonized).

There's almost a 2-lb weight difference between the SASS and REPR, SASS being heavier. Given that the upper/lower is identical, the difference could only come from one place...the barrel and rails. If you call them I think you'll find that the REPR is likely what you're looking for.

They've been horrible about keeping their site updated.
 
#15
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

Yeah, I own an sass and I've played with a repr a decent amount and I can definately say most of that weight if saved by barrel alone. You can tell the sass was never really ment to be a patrol rifle. The second you pick it up you can tell the barrel weighs a ton. Its great for firing of a bipod, that weight there makes it feel nice and stable. If you want to play supressed and ever plan on firing off hand the repr is definately the better choice of the 2.
 
#16
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

An update...kinda. I spoke with DPMS and the salesman I spoke with was less than informed. I knew more about both of these rifles than he did...and that's just what's on the DPMS site. I should be getting a call back tomorrow from one of their smiths to see what actually made it onto the REPR. I found a lot of stuff from the prototype days using google, but nothing since production. So, holding pattern it is.
 
#17
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

I spoke with DPMS again today. There really isn't anything special about the gas system. It's a non-adjustable block and the gas vents on the upper were removed for production. Kind of a let down really. The canted rails and AAC hider are cool, but not cool enough to justify the price increase to me. Guess I'll be pricing out a SASS. Now, with all that said, the folks I talked to may just be dumb. If someone gets to handle one, please correct me where wrong. Thanks to everyone for their input!
 
#18
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

You could always build one. Don't have to be a genius pretty easy to do. Need a vice, action block/holder, torque wrench, and a barrel nut tool. That is what I have done in the past. Build it to the way you want it from the ground up. plenty of how to videos. Just throwing another option to you.
 
#19
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

you could order your choice of length, contour, gas port location, gas block, fore end. its the only way i could see to get just what i wanted.
 
#20
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

I just built a 308 upper with the DPMS SASS barrel using a Paladin Machine adjustable gas block.

http://secure.adpay.com/clicknbuy.aspx?p...mp;pcatid=500MS

I had to remove some metal from the bottom of the gas tube extension to get it to fit over the barrel. I discussed with Paladin before modifying. I also used a carbine length PRI forearm to expose the adjuster. There are two set screws in the bottom of the block. Just align the rear-most set screw with the rear-most dimple in the barrel and everything is good. I literally just finished it two days ago, but haven't tried it yet. I hope this helps.

 
#21
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

The problems i have had with it are dimples are spaced differently than usual and finding a .936 block that clears under a handguard is a problem. I have a dpms sass barrel with rifle length handguard and ended up going with a clamp on block (to eliminate dimple issue) but had to grind and polish it to fit under my handguard... it was advertised as a "low profile" one that would fit under guard but certainly didnt and .936 blocks were nearly impossible to find at time... esp under $100
 
#22
Re: Question on DPMS SASS gas block

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nly205</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah, I own an sass and I've played with a repr a decent amount and I can definately say most of that weight if saved by barrel alone. You can tell the sass was never really ment to be a patrol rifle. The second you pick it up you can tell the barrel weighs a ton. Its great for firing of a bipod, that weight there makes it feel nice and stable. If you want to play supressed and ever plan on firing off hand the repr is definately the better choice of the 2. </div></div>

as previously mentioned i built mine off sass barrel but used an a1 stock with shot in the trap door. This made the rifle considerably heavier, which may not be best for patrol, but shooting off hand is effortless because of the balance of the rifle... you can put your hand under magazine and it pretty much balances itself. I too feel sass is leaned more toward precision shooting than as a patrol/cqb and my understanding is that the shorter barrel offers additional cqb capability for entering/exiting a hide and is easier to conceal in an urban environment and within a squad the designated marksman is harder to identify... id think the mk12 bridges the patrol/sniper gap a little better. Def agree repr with suppressed as well.
 
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