D9 Range Test (DPMS PD-SASS)
We recently built up some DPMS LR-308B rifles and before we had a chance to test one out for a review 3 of the 4 were out the door. The fourth was almost out the door, when DPMS came through and delivered us a LR-308 24” w/SS, fluted, threaded bull barrel for one incredible patient and understanding client of ours. So I decided to build this one out with everything that would make this the ultimate PD-SASS (Prairie Dog – Semi-Automatic Sniper System).
I basically striped it down to the receivers and installed all tactical latches (carrier release, bolt release, magazine release, and safety), I put in a JP adjustable with speed hammer, 4 rail free float hand guard (carbine length), Miculek compensator, Command Arms SRS adjustable stock, Harris non-swivel bipod, mounted an IOR Valdada 10×42 w/MP-8 reticule using Warne QD 30mm rings, and packed it in a Bulldog aluminum double rifle case. (Rifle package as shown $3000) Also, shown is a Bushnell 15×45 spotting scope. ($280)
Unfortunately, it sat on my bench for about 2 weeks before I got caught up on all the other things my wife had planned for me. Finally, I had enough and told my wife to get in the kitchen cook me dinner, get the laundry done, mow the lawn, scrub the floors, and be ready for me when I get back from the range. Well, it didn’t all go quite like that but I still got a couple of hours of range time.
I loaded up my PD-SASS in a new Bulldog case and brought out my new Blackwater drag bag. Typically when getting a rifle with optics that we mount, align, and bore sight, which we have to ship we will use one of these cases for extra protection and to complete the rifle package. The case has 2 key locks and two combination locks, has an aluminum shell and lined with eggshell foam. This case is rated for airline travel and will protect your rifle. (A good case like this will run about $85.)
I also brought out my new Blackwater drag bag, which is way cool. You can latch your rifle in position, has compartments for ammo, accessories, and more ammo. You can strap it to your back like a backpack, and once you get into position and setup, it folds out into a shooting mat for you prone shooters. (There are several variants on drag bags and can range from about $90 - $180 for a decent bag. This one we bought at a local store for $90.)
Photo looking down range at Mill Creek Rifle Range at the 100yd, 200yd, & 300yd. This is an excellent range.
Upon grasping the rifle by the four rail free float tube, which is made from T6 aluminum, has a totally industrial rated look and feel. It adds a little wait to rifle, but you know when you grab its solid. (These are not necessary and add about $170 cost to the rifle, but if you plan to put a light or laser, or just want the in your face attitude type of rife they are nice.)
I decided to setup first on the bench just to site the rifle in after having only bore sighted it. I had a guy I work with develop some D9Firearms targets for me which are laid out for a sight in large center target and then 4 smaller accuracy targets. We then printed it out on a 17×27 white target which makes easy for seeing bullet holes. We hope to start offering these in the next month. We are also developed these for 300 yd and on the center dot we put a 1” solid black line and then had ¼” wide lines spaced a ¼” apart until they reached 3” so you could see the bullet hole breakup on the lines.
The first shot was completely astounding. I’ve only shot the DPMS LR-308AP4 w/Miculek and was impressed, but this was totally awesome. The Miculek takes the recoil and muzzle lift down to that of a 223. Compared to my DPMS LR-308 24” SS bull, I would guess it removes 70% of the recoil and lift. I could probably have my 5-year-old daughter behind the trigger on this rifle.
Close up of a Miculek compensator.
After about 5 rounds of sighting in, I decided to try my Blackwater drag bag/mat out. It took a few minutes to get setup and into position. Here is where I can say some of the options I installed on the rifle became apparent as to why they were developed.
The whole effort took about 10 minutes to get the rifle positioned and the bipod and monopod set. Now that the stock is setup, I estimate it will take half that time to get into position. One issue that I feel is important is the bipod adjustment. I don’t use a swivel and each leg can be adjusted in any increment. (As a note, I will be adding a level to optic next.) This allows you to tweak each leg without locking into set increments and having to dig out some rock or dirt.
Notice each leg can be adjusted to any position.
I then setup the stock to get the right eye alignment and adjusted the pull and the butt plate. These are super cool features. One issue on the collapsible portion of the stock adjustment I didn’t like was a lock down torx setscrew, this should be on a thumb screw. If you were always needing this position, that’s good, but it’s a collapsible stock. However, it still works fine and there is no noticeable movement without it locked down.
I was a little skeptical at first of the monopod, but compared to using your fist, or a sock with sand, or media, it was very beneficial. It has two separate adjustments to get you out to about 6” or 9” and then you just tweak it by twisting either direction. This was very nice and was very solid and had no noticeable flexing on the stock.
At this point, I had the rifle already charged, but as you can see from the picture, the tactical carrier release makes charging the rifle considerably faster since you can charge it without reaching over the stock and getting around your optic. (This is a $20 adder and is well worth it on all of these rifles regardless if you’re using an optic or not.) I had also added the tactical bolt and magazine release are nice features for fat fingering and not having to look at your rifle to drop the bolt or magazine. (These both cost $20 and are nice but not as important as the carrier release when it comes to operation.)
Next was the Panther tactical grip, not only does it look cool, but the swollen grip fits nicely in your hand and the floor rest allows you to rest your hand in place. Next the tactical safety switch, (we can also install an ambi as well) with its oversized lever was very easy to reach with the thumb and didn’t have to look at my rifle and take my eyes off the target to get me into the firing position.
The first couple of shots were to get acclimated and setup in the prone position. I had to adjust the bipod and monopod before getting it where I wanted it. Next time, I will have a better idea of the comfort height for the prone position. I then decided to go for an accuracy test on the rifle.
I picked the upper accuracy target and went for a 3 shot grouping. The ammo I was using was our hand-loaded bullets using 168grn SM HPBT. We’ve written about the ammo before, but it has now been tested in several manufacturer’s rifles and with the exception of the Springfield Armory M1-A it delivered anywhere from .3” to .7” @100yd. (I’ve tested it out to 300yd in my Tikka Varmint and was 1.5” with on flyer out of 5 rounds.)
In roughly a minute time frame for 3 rounds I had two overlapping and one flyer that put me at about .5”. I decided to finish off the last 4 rounds in a speed test which lasted about 20 seconds. What is totally impressive about the rifle is the follow up shot capability (although I’m a former Marine “One shot One kill” this is very beneficial when a platoon of crazed prairie dogs are coming right for you.) The compensator does an excellent job of keeping the muzzle lift and recoil to a minimum and didn’t have a significant compression feel, like a 50BMG has. As I recall the 16’ seemed a little more aggressive but I was standing up and directly under the canopy.
Overall, and I’m not saying this because I built it and want to sell lot’s of these guns, which I do, but when I compare the cost of a high end bolt action that I can get .25 to .5” accuracy and the cost is twice or more as my DPMS I’m hard pressed not to recommend this rifle. I’m not disparaging the bolt guns and some may say I can get as many off in the same amount of time, but for a guy who doesn’t use it for business purposes; it almost makes you feel like one of the guys who do. It just seems at some point the diminishing returns on accuracy. However, to juxtapose this, another friend of ours brought over his GA Precision rifle and I can say he did get what he paid for.
As a supporting comment to this, I was speaking with Earl from Reno, one of our friends (most of our clients seem to become our friends and we like that) who purchased one of the first of these rifles, made the comment to me on the phone the other night that “I would trust my DPMS with my life.” I agree.
The two photo’s above were provided by our friend Earl, who obviously puts the author’s skills to shame.
These two photos are of a DPMS LR-260 24″ fluted & threaded SS bull barrel with Miculek. We also added the JP trigger and speed hammer, tactical carrier release, Harris bipod, Panther tactical grip, and Burris 6.5×25 w/ballistic plex packed in a Bulldog case.
If you’re interested in a DPMS rifle and would like it factory standard or delivered with options we would be glad to provide it for you. If we have the rifle and options in stock, we can generally turn it around in a week to 10 days. Thanks for interest.
D9.