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Posted: 6/23/2008 4:27:25 PM EDT
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Alright I've decided to invest in an AR platform for my auto-precision rifle. .223/5.56 vs. .308/7.62 I understand the argument of the caliber wars and no doubt the 7.62 is king for taking out bad guys at distance. But I've decided on .223/5.56 for reasons of commonality across my SHTF guns. I have a country pile of GI AR mags and a nice stash of HK416 mags, as well as almost 2,000 rounds of XM193 and M855 ammo. I want to keep the spare parts collection common as well, so the decision to stay with the .223/5.56 AR. I really like the Mini SASS and it appears to be well made with just about everything one could want in a production rifle for 300+ yard shooting. The gun has a 1/8 twist in an 18 inch barrel, will this require any special weight ammo or will my collection of XM193 and M855 work fine out of this twist rate? How would some of the Federal TAP or Blackhills Match Ammo fare in this gun? Optics wise I'm looking at either a nice Lupy Mark 4, US Optics 1.8 to 10 or maybe an IOR Tactical Scope, all illuminated of course. Any opinions for this gun/setup? After this project is completed I'll then look into buying a really nice bolt gun in a grand daddy caliber for long range work. |
| How ironic is it that I find someone on this forum that is looking at the exact same rifle as I am... and the bonus is it is a Tennessee boy! Have you done any research into where you are purchasing it? No one locally seems to have one in stock. It appears that an online purchase is going to be the way. Your findings? |
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Looking at this chart COMPARISON CHART It would seem that DPMS is of lower quality, but the model used is DPMS AP4-C. Looking at the parts list for the Mini SASS it seems that it is of higher quality, can anyone comment on the difference? DPMS Mini SASS I don't want to spend $1500 on a rifle that will require a steady diet of replacement and upgrade parts. |
| I agree 100%... but when you factor in the flip-up iron sights ($200 from Midway), the Harris bi-pod ($65), the Mag-Pul sniper stock ($275), the adjustable trigger ($??), the fluted barrel ($35 extra), etc. it brings the price of the weapon without the goodies down to under $1000. I personally do not think that is bad. And it saves a lot of research and decision making for me. The only down side is the chunk of change on the front end...$$$$. |
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Well, I've yet to read anything particularly negative about this specific rifle. It seems that DPMS built it to compete for the Military SASS rifle contract. I would assume it would be an above average semi-auto platform. I know too that DPMS has several "cheaper" entry level carbines for well under $1,000 but they seem of questionable quality when compared to such lines as the Colt. Guess I just don't want to part with $1500 only find out that I need to replace and or upgrade another $500 or so in parts. Looking at another $1,000 for a nice illuminated Mk4 Lupy scope and now we are at $2500 before tax and necessary accessories, such as scope rings, case, cleaning kit, mags and of course match ammo. Probable a $3,000 plus rifle. 
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| Ditto on your previous quote. On the last varmint rifle I built, I used a Millett TRS-1 and was VERY impressed by it and it's performance. I fully understand that the glass will make or break a rifle, but I also have a hard time paying almost as much for some optics as I paid for the rifle. I would probably have to take another route other than the Leupold. |
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I assembled my own Mk12 Mod1 AR using a DPMS assembled upper and a RRA lower. It's a nice combo and very accurate. I bought the upper off a guy called "AR-15 Deals" on GB. I would recommend that upper to you also. It is very similar to the SASS except for the barrel not being fluted and the gas block is also a folding site (YHM). He has a SASS upper for sale right now: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=103656055  Here is the same Mk12 upper I bought off him: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=103659591  He's a stand up guy and ships fast and packages the uppers beautifully. I would recommend him to anyone. |
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If irony is the word for 2 TN boys researching a Mini SASS, what is the word for 3? Group discount, maybe? I have been trying to decide whether to go with a DPMS mini SASS for the last 3 weeks. I have ruled out the .308 in favor of the .223 for the time being. I've also contacted DPMS customer service and talked to Shane about some of the bad press I read on a sticky. He claims that most of these are old news and he has not had any broken bolt returns, etc. Not that you would expect him to say anything different. Let me know if you find someone who has 3 and wants to sell, I'm in for one! Jim |
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