D9Firearms

Shown above: D9Firearms customized DPMS Sweet 16 w/16″ SST fluted, threaded bull barrel and Levang Compensator, CMMG Micro gas block, YHM free float 4 rail, Hogue grip, Timney trigger, CAA 6 pos stock, IOR Valdada 2-12×35 w/MP-8 illuminated reticule.

Several months ago we started working on a personal rifle project which was based on the DPMS Sweet 16. Not being satisfied with anything factory standard and wanting to build it myself; I placed an order for the parts. Since I like the looks of fluting and like putting a compensator on everything I ordered a 16” SST bull barrel threaded & fluted.

To go with it I ordered a chrome bolt and carrier, A3 flat top upper receiver and full length YHM free float 4 rail. About the time the parts arrived I received an email from a deputy sheriff in New Mexico who needed a duty rifle (which he is also allowed to use for personal use).

After speaking with him (we don’t want to use his real name or location otherwise armed rapist, murders, crack heads, drug runners & other vermin may choose commit their crimes where officers are not sufficiently armed with a D9Firearms customized Sweet 16) he described the rifle we were building for ourselves.

While speaking with him I asked him about the trigger options. Generally, duty rifles are specified to have all factory standard parts and since we install a lot of JP triggers, which require milling, we didn’t feel comfortable with using this trigger. He stated that they currently didn’t have any guidelines governing what they could carry for duty rifle. However, our concern was that if he did have to use this in the line of duty, and it was then determined the trigger was modified beyond that of the factory (even though the factory instructions specifically state that milling is required) it could comprise him.
Since we had just ordered some Timney drop in single stage triggers we recommended going with those, since they are a factory trigger and don’t require any additional milling. Once we started building the rifle there were a few more changes/additions that we went with, which were changing to a mid length 4 rail, mag trigger guard, and anti-walk pins. (We went with the pins because the trigger has two set screws that must be extended down to the base of the receiver to hold it in place, otherwise the trigger and hammer pins could fall out. I added loctite to prevent them for working out but since this is a duty rifle I didn’t want to take any changes.)

Notice the anti-walk pins with the “C” clamp, mag trigger guard, and Timney trigger. (The trigger is extremely crisp.)

Another feature we went with was the CAA 6 position collapsible stock since it is more robust then the standard 6 pos that comes with an AR. We also used the CMMG micro gas block to fit under the hand rail. And to top off our barrel we went with a Levang compensator. To complete the rifle the deputy chose none other than our favorite IOR Valdada 2-12×35 with illuminated MP-8 dot reticule.

Since this rifle was built from the ground up and was being used as a duty rifle, (I was also a little envious to say the least) we performed a 5 shot range test. We took two shoots to dial the scope in before moving to a second target to determine grouping. (This didn’t go as planned because I was shooting in about 25mph winds, but the test was still successful.) As it goes the first shot I was rocked by what felt a tornadic wind (must have been global warming), and tossed me about 4 inches off when I pulled the trigger. However, I caught a slight lull in the wind and within 10 – 15 seconds squeezed two off for a .574” center to center group.

Looking through the IOR Valdada w/MP-8 reticule

The most impressive thing was the recoil. This was the first time I’ve used the Levang and I can say it was like shooting a 10/22. There was absolutely no recoil and no muzzle lift, hence an immediate follow up shot with a .574” grouping. Also, it didn’t have the typical loud blast like a Miculek compensator has because this comp is ported forward. It is a perfect fit for the bull barrel as well.

Notice the porting on the compensator. All the porting is on the face and not the sides. Excellent recoil reduction without the extra noise.

If you are interested in a DPMS Sweet 16 customized by D9Firearms please contact us. We currently have 4 more on order.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 16th, 2008 at 5:26 pm and is filed under All. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.