Ok, I liked the DPMS G2 immediately after introduction and even after a bit of time there are some things I fell in love with about the new platform. It feels in weight and size like an AR15, the recoil is a bit less than most comparable .308 AR formats. Even the trigger is decent right from the factory and of course DPMS has been famous for its out of the box accuracy. There is definitely a lot to love about this format.
DPMS G2 Recon As Factory Equiped |
Those loves noted, I had some annoyances with the DPMS G2 Recon. The G2 is an awesome format .308 packaged in an AR15 sized format, however I saw room for improvement.
OPTIC CHANGES
You may set up your .308 semi-auto a little different, however I already have several 0-500, and 200-1000+ yard AR .308 configurations, so I changed my mind to push this .308 G2 thumper to a shorter range hunting and defensive engagement firearm.
The original Konus Pro optic was flexible however not as fast as I would have liked when distances were really close under 25 yards. The result is I had slipped on a Bushnell TRS-32 for a while which delivered a great inexpensive optic but lacked the faster circle-dot reticle was was wanting.
Once I saw the new Eotech 518 at SHOT show 2015, I knew that old circle dot AA powered goodness was what I wanted on this build. The new Eotech 518 delivers all the AA powered reliability of the old 512 including the auto off (4 or 8 hours) features, but with a quick release mount and side operation buttons. These two upgrades may seem minor, however they are two upgrades we have all been asking for… and asking for… and asking for.
The quick release option allows users to remove and install a high powered optic as needed without losing zero. So if I did want to clip on my very nice Bushnell first focal plane optic for some precision shots, I could at some point and just swap back quickly as the need dictates.
The side mounted buttons on the Eotech 518 get the buttons out of the way where triplers and back up sights made changing settings challenging on the original 512 rear-button unit. Everything is better with side mounted buttons and a quick release base, however most importantly the famous Eotech Circle-Dot reticle sight is much faster on target for my eyes.
STOCK CHANGES
The Rogers SuperStock is the only stock which offers a perfect fit via a selection of included shims and cam-lock system which tightens down and eliminates all slop between the buffer tube and stock. The Rogers SuperStock also adds two QD mount mounts and a few extra web sling mounts. The shooter gets a rock solid stock platform with no slop or rattle while still delivering a smooth stock length adjustment. Installation is as simple as just slipping off the old stock and slipping on the new Rogers SuperStock. Once you try one of these after having a loose stock, you will never want anything else.
GAS PORT TUNING
I decided to remove the gas block and ever so slightly increase the gas port size on the barrel. This was a simple task of slipping a dowel rod into the bore and using a drill bit which was just marginally larger than the existing hole. Once the gas port hole was opened up, I reassembled and tested. Joy! Even the cheap steel case ammo cycles the G2 just perfectly. DPMS did note this problem to me after the first couple editorial units were shipped and made a tweak, however I would not jump in on this modification with a new gun that has less than 500 rounds through it. In most cases these .308s need a little break in to cycle the softer spec’ed .308 rounds. So is the penalty as a writer sometimes to be the first to get your hands on a rifle too early in the process.
BRAKE/COMP CHANGES
Bottom line is that even with hearing protection, I would not shoot a .308 indoors or inside a blind without a PWS CQB on the end of the gun unless you enjoy repeating “what, I can’t hear you the rest of your life”. The thump is still there, but the BOOM is just redirected away from the shooter. It makes the DPMS G2 more fun to shoot in tight confined areas like blinds and indoors.
HANDGUARD UPDATE
The problem is that this DPMS G2 uses a proprietary barrel nut exclusive to the DPMS G2.
The G2 barrel nut is somewhere dimensionally between a AR15 and a DPMS LR-308 barrel nut so that makes finding a new handguard option challenging. At SHOT show, I saw that Midwest Industries was now offering a few specific DPMS G2 handguard options including their slim SS and Keymod series handguards complete with a compatible barrel nut. I ordered a 15” Free-Float Keymod handguard which comes complete with a GII spec barrel nut. The factory handguard and barrel nut was spun off and replaced with the MI Keymod handguard in about 10 minutes.
The handguard is covered with keymod mounting points as well as a couple QD-sling mounts all in a very slim profile. I did order two extra short rail sections and a Keymod Handstop/Panel kit. The .308’s do heat up quick after emptying a magazine or two, so my hope was that the panel kit would help provide a cooler handguard surface even when things heated up and it does to a point. The Midwest Industries Keymod handguard offers a significantly slimmer profile with a complete de-horned (rounded edges) design which is actually comfortable to hold.
SLING ADDITION
Any good rifle deserves a nice sling and one which I have been playing around with lately is $45 paracord based Beachin Tactical sling. Hey, having a few extra yards of paracord never hurt and these slings are made extremely well by Jacob Beach, a military Airborne Infantryman who was tired of complex sling systems.
He designed a simple but beautiful paracord 2-point sling which adds just the right amount of give with a centered buckle and length adjustment. The Beachin Tactical sling is made from 100% US made components and hand made in the US all backed by a lifetime warranty. Judging from the quality of the sling, I doubt it will ever fail. I added two QD sling mounts and can clip the sling in at various point on the Rogers SuperStock and Midwest Industries Forend.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I love the DPMS GII format rifle design, size and weight, but now it fits how I shoot, is lighter, more comfortable and even quieter for the shooter. For all practical purposes it feels like a marginally heavier AR15 but packing heavyweight .308 punch. That noted, no firearm in my possession ever stays stock simply because I can and do change things around to my liking and this DMPS G2 was no exception.
In the case of my DPMS GII Recon, I wanted lighter, tighter, more comfort and a shorter range focus ready for everything from stalking brush hunting hogs and deer to a format that will tip over steel targets with authority. The best part is every time I slip a full .308 magazine into the G2 and light it up, it makes be feel all happy inside like the first time someone gave me a piece of chocolate double layer birthday cake.
SPECS
Eotech 518 - $499 Street Price
Rogers SuperStock - $79.00 Steet Price
PWS CQB .308 Compensator - $144.00
Midwest Industries Keymod Forend - $229 + $18 Panel Kit + $18 Extra Rail
SOURCES
Check BROWNELLS for the best deals on firearms and accessories
DPMS - http://dpms-gii.com/
Eotech - http://www.eotechinc.com/
Rogers - http://www.rogersshootingschool.com/products/superstoc.php
PWS - http://primaryweapons.com/
Midwest Industries - http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com
Beachin Tactical - https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Beachin%20Tactical
4 comments:
I looks like you upgraded the mags too? Is that a magpul I see?
How heavy is this beast?
How heavy is this beast?
I think it was around 9.5 lbs if I remember correctly.
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