SPR/DMR matches: What are you running?

[GUNNER10]

I visited St. Augustine to watch a SPR/DMR comp this past weekend.
I saw a lot of high end kit. KAC, Larue, Geissele,.. S&B, Nightforce, Razors,... Lots of cans.
There were a handful of really talented shooters behind some of those rigs too.

I might have felt under-gunned if I competed that day with my "DMR" setup.
My DMR-ish upper is a mutt. Spikes CHF barrel, Colt BCG, BCM HG, Stiener 1-4 in ADM mount, Atlus QD bipods, etc...
View attachment 7419006
Durable and good parts, but it only produces 1.5 minute 5 shot groups with match ammo.
I'm thinking about putting together a CLE Bartlein upper with a NF 2.5-10 or 1-8 before I jump into this style of comp now that I know what's expected of the shooters.

For those of you that compete with or work with dedicated SPR/DMR rifles, what are you running?

While we all like the latest and the greatest gucci gear, I would really not recommend chasing parts before you running a few comps and seeing what you are having issues.

If I was in your boat I would probably grab something like a noveske SPR upper, and pairing it with a 3-18 class optic and call it a day, Dropping a barlien and maybe a longer handguard would be a good option as well.

 

[Bakwa]

Sorry about the cross post. I don’t have Facebook, etc so it’s the only way I get info.

2022 Legion Memorial Run N Gun: Sept 10-11, Spencer, TN

The best place to learn all the details about this year's match is on the Facebook Event Page at https://www.facebook.com/events/2216998515118725 - but I totally get that we have several people who (rightly) hate Facebook, so I'll repost what I think are the important points here for non-FBers...

www.m4carbine.net

2019 (Rock Castle) and 2021 (Deadzero) videos

RIP Rock Castle.

I'm going to miss that place.

 

[FatBoy]

RIP Rock Castle.

I'm going to miss that place.

Never been but I hear it was a nice facility. Where are they doing Mamoth now?

 

[Bakwa]

While we all like the latest and the greatest gucci gear, I would really not recommend chasing parts before you running a few comps and seeing what you are having issues.

If I was in your boat I would probably grab something like a noveske SPR upper, and pairing it with a 3-18 class optic and call it a day, Dropping a barlien and maybe a longer handguard would be a good option as well.

I appreciate the advice and I'm always open to new perspectives. Over the last two years [since the post you quoted] I've now done half a dozen DMR comps and several R'N'G comps which has further helped developed my perspective on gear the lends itself to those tasks.

I sold the gun in that first post to my brother in law, ran two comps with a FN barreled upper & Razor LHT I had, while I slowly built a DMR specific rig to compete with. My DMR rig that I built had a VLTOR upper, 16" CLE Bartein barrel, SLR HG, and NXS 2.5-10.
Here's a pick of that rifle slung on my back at a DMR comp just before a stage.

I've since disassembled that upper and am now rolling with a VLTOR upper, Noveske HG, and Noveske 12.5" 6.5 Grendel barrel. It's super handy and darn precise. I even use it as one of my walk in the woods guns because it's so easy to handle.

 

[Bakwa]

Never been but I hear it was a nice facility. Where are they doing Mamoth now?

This past year and next year it's in GA. I hope they keep it there, as I'd love to compete in it.

 

[FatBoy]

This past year and next year it's in GA. I hope they keep it there, as I'd love to compete in it.

Maybe you won’t get snowed on. Is it at Blakely?

 

[Bakwa]

Maybe you won’t get snowed on. Is it at Blakely?

Fort Gordon, GA.

 

[PorkChop]

What happened to Rock Castle?

 

[Bakwa]

What happened to Rock Castle?

I can't remember exactly, but just before covid it was closed and auctioned off.
The other details are evading me because I heard all this second hand.

All that I know is that we lost a great shooting facility. It was my favorite and I'm all the way down in FL.

 

[j-dubya]

For the guys talking about the void, particularly in the Southeast... where are you guys located here in the SE? Perhaps there’s enough of us to pool resources and begin to fill that void...? I am in the northwest Atlanta area, and have the ability to clear land and move earth...

 

[FatBoy]

Ellis run great matches as well I’m told. I think this is a composition of multiple MDs matches. I am not associated with any except that I am acquainted with Matt and Ellis, and I may be spelling Ellis’s name wrong

Event List

Here are some other Run and Gun races. If you are a match director, please send us a link for your match. Texas:Texas Run and Gun (Lone Star Armory, WTF, & Sons of the Desert)Impact Run n GunPecos Run and Gun WesTex Run N Gun Oklahoma: Pawnee Run and GunOklahoma Multi-Gun Twilight RnGMan Day...

thegunrun.us

 

[PBWalsh]

For the guys talking about the void, particularly in the Southeast... where are you guys located here in the SE? Perhaps there’s enough of us to pool resources and begin to fill that void...? I am in the northwest Atlanta area, and have the ability to clear land and move earth...

St. Clair, Alabama (Centralish, Northish)

 

[Bakwa]

For the guys talking about the void, particularly in the Southeast... where are you guys located here in the SE? Perhaps there’s enough of us to pool resources and begin to fill that void...? I am in the northwest Atlanta area, and have the ability to clear land and move earth...

North Central FL.
To be practical for me, a match needs to be south of I-16 unless it's a big deal kind of match.

 

[Bakwa]

Since this is where this thread is going, I want to throw out that the 17 South Sweat N Bullets run n gun is coming up in August and there are still spots open.

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There are some legit competitors (athletes) that show up to this one and the stages are pretty well thought out.
If you've never done an event like this, I highly recommend you try one out.
Definitely focus on showing up hydrated and remaining hydrated for this one.

Cheers

 

[redneckbmxer24]

@PBWalsh

I have been tempted to try the Razor GEN3 1-10, but it seems like the sweet spot for that optic is at x8 and that using it at x10 isn’t realistic.

Those were my thoughts too after I ran one on someone else’s rifle in a tall ass 1.93 mount and a stock with a shitty cheek piece. Since buying one and shooting it in a proper 1.5” height mount and a stock with a decent cheek piece (Magpul ACS) I have changed my tune, it is plenty forgiving when you actually have a cheek weld.

 

[blbennett1288]

Switched to the AEM5

 

[white_rushin]

I know this thread is about 2 years old, but there’s a lot of valuable conversation in it.

My question is, has anyone’s configuration changed substantially in the last 2 years? It appears that the real breakthrough is the Ridgeline LPR. Optics choices still look the same with the NF ATACR 4-16x F1 still being the gold standard

 

[Trigger Monkey]

I wouldn't say I've made significant changes only a few incremental ones.

Circa the time this thread started, my SPR/DMR set was as such:

Within the past year or so the BCM rail was replaced with a MI Nightfighter rail to go MLOK, used a 16" WOA barrel vs 18" WOA, and added a Sig Romeo5 on top of the ATACR.

I can't leave anything alone so I may continue to make small changes but if I make any "substantial" change it will be to 6 ARC.

 

[blbennett1288]

From an optics standpoint my setup has changed considerably. Most of the team matches we compete in have a 223/308 and x10 optic limitation for the secondary shooter, so to keep my options open, my setup has since shifted towards those requirements. I will say our SPR / DMR matches a 16/18/20 power optic would be nice, but to date hasn’t been the limiting factor.

I went from a 4-16 ATACR with Aimpoint H2 to a 1-10 G3 Razor to a 2-10 Credo.

 

[white_rushin]

From an optics standpoint my setup has changed considerably. Most of the team matches we compete in have a 223/308 and x10 optic limitation for the secondary shooter, so to keep my options open, my setup has since shifted towards those requirements. I will say our SPR / DMR matches a 16/18/20 power optic would be nice, but to date hasn’t been the limiting factor.

I went from a 4-16 ATACR with Aimpoint H2 to a 1-10 G3 Razor to a 2-10 Credo.

View attachment 8559332

What made you shift away from the 4-16 ATACR? And is the Credo your ideal longterm choice?

 

[white_rushin]

I wouldn't say I've made significant changes only a few incremental ones.

Circa the time this thread started, my SPR/DMR set was as such:
View attachment 8559289

Within the past year or so the BCM rail was replaced with a MI Nightfighter rail to go MLOK, used a 16" WOA barrel vs 18" WOA, and added a Sig Romeo5 on top of the ATACR.

View attachment 8559300

I can't leave anything alone so I may continue to make small changes but if I make any "substantial" change it will be to 6 ARC.

Very cool to see the Was/Is since the thread started. I hadn’t thought about caliber change but I could see how that might be the case in the future.

I’m accurizing one of my setups and was deciding between a 16” and 18” WOA SPR. I think the 16” will be a nice choice in the long run

 

[RUTGERS95]

For sure! Unless work gets in the way, I'll be competing in the Dec match over there. The hit count isn't that high, so it's not toooo much of a commitment [even with match ammo].
After watching a good bit of the last match, the only thing I noticed is that you need to be a bit more accurate than you'd think for DMR rig hits. So long as you have a decently accurate setup, and you actually train from positions besides the bench, you will do well at this match.
Hope to see you there.

where and when in the match? I'm in Palm Coast in a week

 

[blbennett1288]

What made you shift away from the 4-16 ATACR? And is the Credo your ideal longterm choice?

I really only found myself shooting the 4-16 ATACR from 8-10. The comps we shoot have a max magnification of 10 power for secondary shooter. The 1-10 LPVO’s are really only 1-6/7/8. The upper end is really less than usable. The credo reticle is awesome and 10 power is very usable. 2 power on the low end is good enough for close stuff.

 

[Bakwa]

where and when in the match? I'm in Palm Coast in a week

That post was 4 years ago. lol
They still run the match quarterly though. It's put on by FDCC. Check them out on FB. Florida Defensive Carbine Club.
Initially it was at the Ancient City Shooting Range, then they moved to Shadd Farms, and now they operating it out of Bradford Sportsman Farm.
It's still a decent match, though they have to get creative with just staying on the 850yd range out there.
Cool sponsors show up and compete. Apex Training Solutions, a rep from Swaro, dudes from Quantified Performance, etc..

 

[TheBigCountry]

That post was 4 years ago. lol
They still run the match quarterly though. It's put on by FDCC. Check them out on FB. Florida Defensive Carbine Club.
Initially it was at the Ancient City Shooting Range, then they moved to Shadd Farms, and now they operating it out of Bradford Sportsman Farm.
It's still a decent match, though they have to get creative with just staying on the 850yd range out there.
Cool sponsors show up and compete. Apex Training Solutions, a rep from Swaro, dudes from Quantified Performance, etc..

Huh. No wonder why I’ve seen so many dudes out there with them 6mm ARC assault rifles

 

[Bakwa]

Huh. No wonder why I’ve seen so many dudes out there with them 6mm ARC assault rifles

Half the drop, twice the man bun.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Half the drop, twice the man bun.

Me thinks I need to see what all the dang fuss is about

 

[blbennett1288]

From what I have seen the 6 ARC is pretty nice when it is running, but...the mags are finicky, it is a booger to get to feed reliably, and is very dirty.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Has anyone checked out these 3D printed back riders that are available for various stocks? I'm tempted to pick one up for my CTR and BCM Gunfighter stock.

https://subrevtech.com/product-category/stock-accessories/

 

[stanley_white]

Has anyone checked out these 3D printed back riders that are available for various stocks? I'm tempted to pick one up for my CTR and BCM Gunfighter stock.

https://subrevtech.com/product-category/stock-accessories/

All of my CTRs have this:

MAGPUL CTR BAG RIDER

Precision Rifle Shooting Accessories

theurbanriflemanstore.com

-Stan

 

[TheBigCountry]

From what I have seen the 6 ARC is pretty nice when it is running, but...the mags are finicky, it is a booger to get to feed reliably, and is very dirty.

That’s unfortunate

 

[blbennett1288]

That’s unfortunate

I mean it’s doable. You just have to invest the time into it. It’s just not plug and play.

 

[FatBoy]

I mean it’s doable. You just have to invest the time into it. It’s just not plug and play.

I generally build, buy I wonder if the new Noveske build run solid.

 

[powdahound76]

Has anyone checked out these 3D printed back riders that are available for various stocks? I'm tempted to pick one up for my CTR and BCM Gunfighter stock.

https://subrevtech.com/product-category/stock-accessories/

I grabbed the DT PR from magpul.
I decided to try it vs the bag rider

Limited use thus far and very nice from what I have.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

The DT PR is catching my eye but I'm not making the same mistake as I did with the PRS Lite, I want to see this one out in the wild a bit before I jump in, I have enough stocks sitting around as it is.

 

[RUTGERS95]

That post was 4 years ago. lol
They still run the match quarterly though. It's put on by FDCC. Check them out on FB. Florida Defensive Carbine Club.
Initially it was at the Ancient City Shooting Range, then they moved to Shadd Farms, and now they operating it out of Bradford Sportsman Farm.
It's still a decent match, though they have to get creative with just staying on the 850yd range out there.
Cool sponsors show up and compete. Apex Training Solutions, a rep from Swaro, dudes from Quantified Performance, etc..

ha, didn't even realize

 

[LJT88]

@Trigger Monkey

Why’d you switch from that 18in barrel to the current 16in? Are you happy with that swap or do you miss the extra 2in?

 

[white_rushin]

@Trigger Monkey

Why’d you switch from that 18in barrel to the current 16in? Are you happy with that swap or do you miss the extra 2in?

I went 16” over the 18” since it doesn’t seem like there’s much of a velocity difference with 77grs and I’m hoping it’s more balanced weight wise

 

[Trigger Monkey]

@Trigger Monkey

Why’d you switch from that 18in barrel to the current 16in? Are you happy with that swap or do you miss the extra 2in?

I had a 16" and 18" rifle set up that were so similar the only differences were the optic and barrel length. It seemed redundant so I broke them down and reassembled choice parts into an "optimized" 16" rifle I christened a SPRecce. I don't regret it, I'd shot a 16" scoped carbine for years before I put together an 18" barreled rifle so I knew that performance wise there's a negligible difference. I put an 18" gun together because at the time I wanted something "different"....

By the numbers these are the differences between two rifles that I pictured above:

Description	18" DMR	16" SPRecce
Weight	10.6 lbs (no bipod)	10.3 lbs (no bipod)
IMI 77 gr OTM MV	2750 fps	2690 fps
Elevation @ 600 yds	4.7 mils	4.9 mils
10 mph FV wind @ 600 yds	2.1 mils	2.2 mils

The Atlas CAL adds 14.5 oz. Accuracy wise, they're basically the same also according to the data books.

 

[sparky702]

I have certainly changed things up since this thread started . I swapped out the barrel on my 20 inch to an 18 inch Daniel defense dmr profile installed a new drop in trigger that I cant recall for the life of me and added a pst gen 2 3x15 , I later went back to the 20 inch 5.56 with a 3x18 strike fire optic and added a griffin Optimus micro suppressor and really enjoyed until last year , I run across an armalite 6.5 creedmoor 22 inch barrel and installed my 3.5x21x50 dmr 2 . It was like a whole new world , that thing is a hammer I am running 140 grain hornady bthp match at around 2740fps . My scores improved I still have plenty to improve on but it felt good for a change .