Stupid question I know but I have to ask

[grubbylabs]

What is the difference In the DPMS and the AR style rifles, can they both be had in the same calibers. I am wanting a "hunting" rifle in 308 and a DPMS or AR style rifle in 308 so that I only have to worry about one type of brass and what not for reloading.

Some body please educate me

 

[mljdeckard]

DPMS makes AR-15 and AR-10 rifles and parts.

The AR-15 shoots a variety of smaller cartridges, primarily the .223/5.56 mm.

The AR-10 shoots larger cartridges like .308 and .243. The AR-10 setup is somewhat more expensive.

 

[MrCleanOK]

Why not just hunt with a .308 AR? Two birds with one stone.

 

[grubbylabs]

I don't have the money to buy the AR right now. However when my lab has pups, I can justify taking the profets from one pup to buy a rifle and I can by something like the marlin xs7 for less that I sell a pup for. Plus a 4X12 Leupold scope would look funny on an AR.

 

[mljdeckard]

We don't understand what distinction you are asking about. You can get a .308 a LOT cheaper than an AR-10.

 

[grubbylabs]

That's what I mean I can buy a marlin for less than 400 I cant buy an AR for less than 800. I have just seen a lot of what look like AR style rifles on the forum and others like this one and did not know the difference in them. I would like to have one of each in 308. (hunting rifle and AR )

I will have to check the regs since with I only archery hunt big game right now but I think the AR style is illegal to big game hunt with here in Idaho because it can take more than the 3 or 4 shell limit. Unless they make a 3 or 4 shell magazine for them.

 

[mljdeckard]

I've never heard of a magazine limit less than five, they do make 5 round mags for them. (No limit in Utah.)

 

[IdahoLT1]

Grubbylabs-

Check page 65 of the big game booklet or download it to a PDF file on the F&G website.

There are 5 or 6 restrictions on big game hunting with rifles or shotguns. Keep in mind that this is for general rifle/handgun season. Draws or certain units might have seperate regulations but the main restrictions regarding rifle hunting are:

1. The rifle, with a scope, sling or any attachments can't weigh more than 16lbs.

2. You can't hunt with a full auto firearm.

3. You can't use a rimfire rifle, rimfire pistol or muzzle loading pistol on big game except mountain lion. There's no minimum caliber requirement i.e. a .223 is technically legal to harvest elk. There is no barrel length or caliber requirement for handguns, just has to be centerfire.

That's basically it. One rule is a minimum requirement on gauge of buckshot. Another is about the use of electronic optics or lasers(battery powered reticles are legal). Then there's one saying the hunter shall use firearms that are appropriate for hunting. There are some things, like allowing the use of FMJ bullets, that might not be spelled out in the reg. book, but it might fall under the rules that state the hunter shall use ethical means of harvesting game.

There is no requirement on ammo capacity with the exception of waterfowl hunting. Whoever told you the use of a semi auto AR style rifle was illegal is flat out lying or has never opened a F&G reg. book.

 

[lloveless]

Well darn #1 knocks out the use of artillery.
ll

 

[grubbylabs]

No one said any thing about the AR style rifle, I thought that I was told or read some where that there was a capacity limit. But as you pointed out last night when I looked at the regs there was no indication of such a requirement. But at any rate I would rather not hunt with an AR style rifle. If I ever rifle hunt again it is likely it will involve a horse and I have yet to see a scabbard that an AR would fit (not saying they arn't out there) I think I would just rather have a traditional style hunting rifle for hunting. And the AR for having fun and wasting rounds. Not that I wouldn't shoot it to be accurate but lets face it, it is fun to send as many rounds down range as possible some times. Besides who doesn't want more guns?

 

[MCgunner]

As I understand it, and admittedly not very well as I've never been that interested in ARs, some of the large caliber ones are gas operated now, as in they have gas pistons, not direct impingement. Someone else will have to educate us both on that, just seen some ads in American Rifleman that have led me to believe this.

 

[IdahoLT1]

There are advantages of using an AR15 or AR10 for hunting. Reduced recoil is a big plus IMO. You can also change out the upper receivers to different calibers, some of which aren't offered in many bolt action rifles.

If you just want a plinking gun, id get an AR15. .223 ammo is a lot cheaper than .308. As far as reloading, I started out with .308 and 9mm. I figured that's all wanted to reload for. 5 years later and I have dies for 5 pistol calibers and 4 rifle calibers.

As far as gas piston vs. Direct impingement, I'm more of a fan of DI rifles. Although gas piston AR's can be "abused" more or are "less likely" to jam, they are substantially more expensive and from numerous magazine reviews they seem to be less accurate.

 

[dougw47]

Rem. R-25 in 308

The Rem ar-10 is $1,400 at Dick's...I want one.

 

[mljdeckard]

I hear all kinds of incorrect information at the shows, stores, etc. MANY people in Utah (cops, salesmen,) believe that there is a 5-rd limit, but I can't find anything about it in the last several big game proclaimations.

 

[glock36]

Lab pups ?

Just where do you live where a Lab pup puts that kind of cash in your pocket?
Heck around here you can't give them away

 

[grubbylabs]

South east Idaho, I sell mine for about 3-500. They go pretty quick around here. My last litter did not make 8weeks before I had them sold. But I have good paper work and health checks on them and the parents. You want one?

 

[Tirod]

Sounds like you have a good bloodline and a great market for pups. Here, it's puppy ranch overload, the local (and very new) Humane Society can eventually get you your choice of breed.

No argument, an AR of either style isn't a common scabbard rifle. With the budget described, a bolt .308 or big Marlin lever would do. But that's not to ignore a future decision.

AR's in different calibers are quickly catching up as the most sold. 6.8 SPC is the front runner, and offers a whitetail or hog a one shot stop - from a 16" barrel. The large .458 or .500 is also good for tougher game out to 200 yards.

What the AR offers is a low recoil, high speed round with great accuracy, durabililty, and lots of options to kit out how it needs to be used. AR's are great hunting rifles and the biggest selling category these days, with most AR makers, including Remington, offering a version.

Just like all military rifles of the past, it's becoming a popular tool for good reasons. It may not fit the image of horsepacking hunters, but I imagine to the old boys still using flintlocks in the 1890's, a lever was as out of place, too.

It's just a matter of perspective.

 

[grubbylabs]

I would have to agree with you 100% Tirod. They seem to work very well for long range service scenarios (police, military, and so on) but I think the average person has a hard time accepting new technology like that when in fact it would perform well for the intended role. But for right now I can get a Marlin in 308 for less than 400 or I can get a AR 10 variant for 800+ so the budget is the heaviest factor right now.