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Posted: 6/10/2006 1:34:56 PM EDT
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OK guys, just got back from the range with my new AP-4. The gun is and isn't what I expected, I realize that this must be heresy here on this website, but I was a little disappointed in the Out-of-Box performance. The gun is VERY tight!. Bolt is tight in bolt carrier, bolt carrier is tight in receiver. Everything is very, very tight: not quite galling, but close. And FORGET south african surplus ammo. Things are SO tight that SA ammo locks up the bolt. With Federal Match Ammo runs ok (no stoppages), but no real test due to barrel break-in procedures. Gun shoots well (better than I do), plenty accurate enough for the patrol rifle application I will put it to. My Springfield M1A worked MUCH better out of the box in terms of parts mating and function. As far as accuracy and functionality is concerned, my old 1943 M1 Garrand runs better, "feels" better, and shoots almost as well (yeah, I know, a little retro for a patrol rifle). So, this is not a completely negative report. Rather, I think the gun needs to be "run in." By then I am hopeful it will smooth out and be my favorite. But, don't EVEN think this gun is ready for prime time right out of the box....maybe after a few hundred rounds.hippie.gif UPDATE: Today I tried some 87 vintage British .308, headstamped with NATO cross and RG 87. It worked just fine. So, things seem to be looking up for my AP-4. Maybe there's just something weird about the SA surp 308, just like DPMS said......go figure! |
I don’t remember whether I submitted a follow-up range report for my DPMS AP4, which I received in March 2006, so just in case, here is an update. The AP4 did not cycle properly as received, and the upper to lower fit was rather loose by DPMS standards, or when compared to my two-year old 24” Panther .308 that is extremely accurate and works well. After a couple of e-mails and one phone conversation with DPMS, I sent the AP4 to DPMS and in a couple of weeks or so, they returned it. As returned, it functioned perfectly, and the fit was tight.I have not yet tested it for ultimate accuracy with my reloads and a scope, as that is not what I intend as its use. Instead, I have just used the BUIS and an Eothech, together with Australian* surplus ammo, for accuracy evaluation at 100 yards.  The results have been great. From a bag with the iron sights and the Aussie ammo, the carbine will hold right around 1 MOA shooting five-round groups. Of course, this begs the question – would it do better if my eyes were better? BTW, this is about the same as my RRA NM .223, and in both cases the limiting factor may well be my eyes. With the Eotech, the group opens a bit, but not much. (For comparison, my 24” Panther will easily hold under 1/2-MOA out to 200 yards with my reloads, a scope, and shooting prone from the Harris bipod.) As far as functionality, it works just fine. I have also shot it from the shoulder at short range targets (25 and 15 yards) as fast as I could bring the red-dot on target, and the AP4 has not missed a beat. Also, when shooting this way, it seems to stay on target very nicely. My wife noticed this after shooting her Bushy M4, and although she did not like the recoil of the .308, she commented how much easier it was to keep it on target.And that’s the rest of this story, until I have more results… Alex * I bought several cases of Portuguese and Australian .308 several years ago when it was plentiful and cheap, and I am so glad I did. I just wish I had bought more! |
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I ended up waiting over 4 months. My dealer ordered it directly from DPMS at the SHOT Show, and it didn't come in until last week. Unless you can find one in stock somewhere and just can't wait, I recommend shopping around and asking all of your local dealers how much it will cost for them to order one for you. I got mine for dealer's cost plus 10%. |
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Try caling Tony at Final Option (www.finaloption.org). Tony has an AP4 308 listed at GA (http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976725598.htm). Price looks reasonable. "Evan" at DPMS vouched for Tony - said he is a stand up guy and a regular at the shop. In full disclosue, I ordered an AP4 308 from Tony a few months ago. Lots of "customization" has added to the delay in receiving the rifle from DPMS. Hope this helps. Wolverine93 |
| dogear ive my ap4 fpr about a month and had a friend sight it in at a hundred yards it did a 1 inch group and by the end of the day he had it shootin an inch group at 300 i cant complain at all about this rifle for the barrel length i put an a2 butstock on didnt like the collapsible one for shootin out far the groups were shot with winchesters and noslers combined tecnology 168 grain silvertips great gun for the money |
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GlockSlap. When exactly did you order your rifle? I've been waiting for a LR308 24" with some upgrades since January from RRArms. I called DPMS and asked about the break in. Aside from the shoot one and clean once formula etc.. he said to just run a bore snake through it. I was surprised! |
| I ordered mine from RGUNS.NET and had it shipped to a local dealer. The whole transaction took one week. The only thing was that the front sight wasn't straight up in line with the top rail. I called RGUNS and they had me send the upper back. I hope to get it back shortly. |
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