DPMS LR-308 Review: Modern AR Basics

In this post, we’ll review the DPMS LR-308. Let’s dive in.

These days, MSR can be found not only in law enforcement or military settings (in their select-fire versions). Many civilians now seek a semi-automatic rifle with at least MOA accuracy and versatility across different calibers. The DPMS LR-308 stands out in this category.

Introduced in 2010, the DPMS LR-308 is an AR-15-style rifle that has become one of the most popular semi-automatic rifles in the U.S., enjoyed by both shooters and hunters.

DPMS, short for DPMS Panther Arms/ Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services, produces this AR-15-style rifle. The DPMS LR-308 is a frequent choice for competition shooting and is growing in popularity among avid shooters.

Advantages of the MSR

Initially, I wasn’t a fan of the MSR. My views shifted after I owned one. I was not in the military, so I don’t have experience with the M16/M4 and its variants that many others do, I had to discover its benefits myself.

I have a Del-Ton 5.56 rifle on which I leave iron sights for quick access. I discovered a few things after owning and shooting my rifle for a fair amount of time.

Caliber Interchangeability

Changing calibers on the AR platform is actually quite simple. The lower receiver typically stays the same, and you only need to switch out the upper. This change gives you the bolt/bolt face, barrel, and chamber for the second cartridge.

A great example would be — I plan to get an upper in .350 Legend and attach it to my existing lower. With a new magazine, I’d be ready for deer hunting in my state.

The only items I need to buy are the upper, magazine (usually included with the upper), and optic. This modular system makes experimenting with different calibers easy.

Mounting Accessories Is Easy

It’s easy to add accessories like a red dot to your MSR. Most models have a rail section at the 12-o’clock (top) position. You can get the mount that is compatible with your rifle’s rail system and then attach the optic.

Red dots, scopes, and other sighting aids also work well with this setup. Backup iron sights usually mount straight to the rail.

Another benefit of having a long rail on top of your upper is the ability to position the sight precisely where you need it on the rifle. My eyesight changes with age, leading me to place sights a notch or two closer to my eyes than in previous years. This adjustment is made easier with my upper and its rail.

Utilitarian Stock And Ergonomics

The MSR excels in stock fit functionality. Most models feature a collapsible rear stock that allows you to push it all the way in. Incredibly useful when you need to transport a short rifle, for example.

It extends completely for a full-length rifle stock ideal for bench shooting and similar activities.

Another standout feature of the MSR is its pistol grip. Even though some states ban long guns with pistol grips, this feature plays a crucial role in enhancing the rifle’s ergonomic appeal. It allows you to carry the gun higher on your shoulder.

This positions your eye closer to the line of sight of your optic and enables you to pull in the gun to your shoulder very tightly.

Put a one-point sling on the rifle, and you have a very-quick-into-action weapon at your disposal. The stock, pistol grip, and handguard are designed for quick aiming in military settings, which is also useful for hunting.

Wear and Tear

Another advantage worth mentioning about the MSR is its resilience against wear and tear. Owning a costly rifle or shotgun can make one hesitant to take it out in the field for fear of scratches or worse.

With matte black, FDE, or other finish on your MSR, you usually don’t have to worry as much about the wear in outdoor settings. To begin with, it would be difficult to make a noticeable dent in it. For another, a touch-up would be easy.

I’ve noticed an increasing number of these rifles in use lately. More guys realize that the MSR is a good match for the woods or wherever they hunt.

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Downsides of the MSR

Having covered the strengths of the MSR, let’s now examine its weaknesses. Here are the disadvantages of this rifle:

Low Butt Stock

One minor drawback of the minimal stock commonly found on MSRs is that it may position the optic too low for comfortable sighting. You can solve this by using a raised comb. This will put your eye closer to the same plane as whatever sight you’re using.

Unconventional Look and Materials

A potential downside for some individuals is the subjective aspect of “feel.” For traditionalists, rifles should feature a smooth, checkered walnut stock paired with a brightly polished blued receiver and barrel.

Achieving this traditional look with an MSR is nearly impossible since MSRs were never intended to be walnut-and-blued steel.

Everyone is different, and the guy at the club who loves older Weatherbys probably won’t be interested in your LR-308. This simply shows his taste for wood-and-metal firearms, while you enjoy plastic-and-metal rifles. There’s no right answer here.

If he comments that the first M16s had stocks made by Mattel, it’s unlikely that any argument will change his opinion, even MSRs are found in all rifle shooting events nowadays. Some individuals just favor certain gun types, and that’s okay.

Reviews of Other AR-Pattern Rifles

If you’re interested in learning more about the AR platform, check out my other reviews on this site. I have written a few reviews of other MSRs — one of the most complete was my Buyer’s Guide to the AR-15-style rifle.

I went into considerable detail about the different operating systems (direct-impingement vs. piston rod), the rifle’s history, how it works, and other good stuff. It has a lot of background information in it that you might find interesting.

Another AR-15 variant I reviewed was the Rock River Arms LAR-15 which has some great information. If you’re interested in an AR format in 9mm, take a look at my review of the Troy Arms Other Firearm review. These reviews might help you better understand the platform or learn something new.

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DPMS Panther Arms LR-308 Review

I was given the chance to review a DPMS LR-308 by a good friend. As soon as he placed the rifle in my hands, I was eager to start shooting. The LR-308 is a basic AR-style rifle featuring standard, minimal controls. Its sturdy construction ensures durability, even with its simple design.

It’s also interesting to note (as noted in the above-linked review) that the AR-15 did not start as the AR-15 but was, in fact, the AR-10 — in 7.62×51, or .308.

The original Eugene Stoner model was in .308, but the military wanted a smaller caliber so those who carried the rifle could carry more ammo. Another plus at that time was that the 5.56 recoiled much less than the 7.62.

Here is a cartridge comparison. The .308 is on the right.

Now, let’s look at the rifle. Here are the specs of the rifle I shot.

As noted above, the weight is specified as 8.3 pounds. When you lift this rifle, you’ll notice every ounce of that weight. It’s not lightweight, but the heft contributes to its stability when firing, especially considering its caliber.

DPMS LR-308 Photos

Please take note of the forward assist and dust cover, which some manufacturers are omitting to cut costs. This rifle features a one-piece trigger guard and a standard magazine release.

Another intriguing detail is that the forward-assist notches on the bolt are concealed above the exposed area. I don’t see this very often.

Notice the absence of markings.

Note finger-grooved release to lengthen or shorten the stock. Also included is a sling mount (below).

The magazine, above and below.

DPMS LR-308: Shooting Performance

Winter had arrived in my part of the country. The forecast had called for a winter weather advisory for that day and the following one, so I made sure to shoot this before any wet weather. I went to my backyard range and fired a few rounds.

It had been a bit cold that day, so I didn’t try many different types or brands of ammo. (I hear all younger supermen out there — what can I say? I was old, and the cold tended to bother me more than it used to.)

Also, truth be told, I haven’t spent much time shooting larger-caliber rifles. I began my shooting hobby with handguns and, with a few exceptions, have stuck with that type of firearm over the years.

Do I own rifles? Yes. I’m not used to shooting calibers much above 5.56/.243 regularly. I had a blast (literally) shooting my friend Marty’s AR-50 in .50 BMG. Surprisingly, that .50-caliber rifle recoiled less than this .308.

I also find I’m getting more recoil-sensitive the older I get. I don’t have anything to prove anymore, not that I ever did.

So, to sum up, I shot one type of ammo through the LR-308. It was enough to learn a thing or two.

Here’s the target (or at least the best one). Look at the single ragged hole. This rifle is remarkably accurate. Remember, it doesn’t come with sights, so consider that if you decide to purchase one.

Set aside a few hundred more dollars to invest in a good scope, red dot, or similar sight. The rifle displays qualities that indicate it could excel as a long-range shooter.

This says a great deal about the PMC ammo I used. For more information on PMC ammo, check this site out, and to order what I shot, go here.

DPMS LR-308: Shooting Impressions

I like this firearm. Does it kick? Absolutely. Shooting a 150-grain bullet at 2820 fps adds up to about 18.6 ft/lbs of recoil energy.

Here’s where the minimalist AR stock lacks: handling recoil. Considering my synthetic-stocked Savage .243 only kicks with about 9 ft/lbs of recoil energy, you can see why I’m cautious about recoil.

Recoil is usually manageable. How we handle it determines its impact on our shooting. I’m confident this rifle doesn’t have more recoil than others in its class. It’s just that I’ve always been more inclined toward handguns since I was young.

DPMS LR-308: About the DPMS Company

Founded by Randy Luth in 1985, Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services (DPMS) started in Minnesota manufacturing parts for military contract firearms. They later expanded into producing complete AR-15-pattern rifles and relocated to St. Cloud in 2004.

It operated efficiently and achieved significant success, doubling its revenue from 2004 to 2007 and employing 65 people by 2008. DPMS was acquired by the Freedom Group in 2007, alongside Marlin, with Remington as its immediate parent company.

I found out that DPMS rifles have won awards: Shooting Illustrated’s 2005 “Golden Bullseye” winner (as mentioned at the top of this review) for the LR-308, and American Rifleman’s 2006 “Golden Bullseye” winner with their Panther LR-308AP4 rifle.

Remington has been consolidating firearm production, shifting newly acquired factory operations to its Huntsville, Alabama site. DPMS’s St. Cloud facility was included in this consolidation, resulting in DPMS production now being based in Alabama. The company continues to manufacture a wide range of AR-pattern rifles and related parts.

DPMS LR-308 Review Wrap-Up: Is It Worth It?

If you are looking for a .308 rifle to use for hunting, competition, or recreational shooting, you might want to give the DPMS LR-308 a look.

It is an award-winning gun, and is impressively crafted. I had no issues with it in the short time I had to shoot it. It’s accurate, easy to handle, and fun to shoot.

Most experienced deer hunters and rifle enthusiasts would likely describe their favorite .308 as a bolt-action from a reputable brand. A semi-auto in that caliber might not even cross their minds.

I’m here to say that the AR-pattern MSR is a viable alternative to the traditional bolt-action rifle. Modern black rifles can be less-than-MOA-accurate and prove highly effective in hunting scenarios. More hunters are opting for these rifles in the deer woods.

Capacity matters to many shooters — in my state, you’re legal with ten or fewer cartridges. This means a single 10-round magazine is legal. Bolt guns usually accommodate three or four rounds in the magazine, giving the MSR an edge.

Whether you hunt or not, take a look at the LR-308. You might find it pleasantly surprising if you’re considering a quality .308 in an AR-style setup. Feel free to share your experiences below if you’ve used one. As always, shoot straight and stay safe.

You might also like:

• 4 Best AR-15 Red Dot Sights
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• All our AR-10 and AR-15s Expert Reviews and Guides