LR-308 vs. Remington R-25?

[Outpost37]

I'm considering buying a tactical rifle that can also be used for big game hunting in a SHTF scenario. The AR-10 platform in .308 Win seems to be most suitable for what I have in mind, but I don't have any direct experience with the AR style rifle, so I thought I'd ask the "old salts" here for opinions/ experiences. The Remington R-25 has the advantage of looking more like a hunting gun and less like an EBR, which would make it easier to slide past my wife's (slightly distorted) sensiblities, but it's gotten mixed reviews. It's reputed to be essentially the same rifle as the DPMS LR-308, but "essentially the same" and "identical" aren't the same thing.

Do any of you here have any advice?

[ronaldrwl]

I'm not an old salt but hunting rifles are much lighter and easier to carrier than the 308 AR's I've held. Which means a lot if you really want to go hunting.

[SU405]

I'm not an old salt but hunting rifles are much lighter and easier to carrier than the 308 AR's I've held. Which means a lot if you really want to go hunting.

Really? I thought my DPMS LR 308 didn't feel any heavier than my Rem 700 in 30-06.

[ronaldrwl]

Really? I thought my DPMS LR 308 didn't feel any heavier than my Rem 700 in 30-06.

Hunting rifle is about 6 lbs?

[SU405]

Hunting rifle is about 6 lbs?

With Redfield 3x9 8 lbs.

[Outpost37]

Remington claims the R-25 with 20" barrel is 7.75 lbs (I presume that's w/o mag, they don't specify); DPMS calls the LR-308L 7.9 lbs w/ 18" barrel, the LR-308B 9.65 w/ 18" bull barrel. Lots of variations are available on the LR-308, the R-25 not so much.

Which brings up another question for you AR guys- how important is the forward assist and the dust cover, which the Remington has and some of the DPMS models have and some don't? And, BTW- I think I understand the forward assist - it helps push the bolt home if the round doesn't fully chamber, right? - but what's a dust cover?

[SU405]

I would say the dust cover is usefull. But the FA I wonder how often they really are used outside of full on battle? The slicksides from DPMS are pretty nice. I believe they are called the "Sportical" or something like that. I was going to get one but thought it really just didn't look like an AR without the FA and dust cover/shield. Sorry didn't see the last question.

The dust cover is a spring loaded door that covers the ejection port when not in use.

[w748]

The FA is usefull when you want to quietly chamber a round.

[spencerhenry]

6 pound hunting rifle? only if you pay alot extra can you find one that light. winchester featherweights are 7.25 pounds.

[ronaldrwl]

Remington Seven with the shorter barrel 20-inch, and overall weight of under 6 1/2 lbs. I don't know all the weights but my sons DPMS 308 feels like twice my Rem Ultra-Mag.

[MarkCO]

Having actually hunted with just about everything over the years...its depends. I shot 2 deer with my 18" barreled AR-10 (Which is specifically an Armalite) and scoped it was just at 9 pounds. My .338-06 scoped is a Weatherby Ultralight and is 6 1/2 pounds...there is a LOT of difference. I would not hesitate the go with the Remington if that is the one you like, they have excellent customer service.

Forward assist is COMPLETELY useless on a hunting rifle. The dust cover is not a big deal, but could keep snow and dirt out of the upper. It can be closed with a round chamnbered and flips open when the gun is fired or manually unloaded.

[Outpost37]

Forward assist is COMPLETELY useless on a hunting rifle. The dust cover is not a big deal, but could keep snow and dirt out of the upper.

Thanks, that's the kind of info I'm looking for. So far , haven't heard any strong opinions pro or con about the Remington so I'm leaning pretty far in that direction. Gonna decide in the next couple of weeks, probably.

[Marine24]

Outpost37,

No practical experience with the Remington, but I've had a couple of LR-308. One with a 24" barrel that is only suited for hauling from your truck directly to a bench and one with a 16" barrel. With a 3-9x36 compact scope and a full 19 round magazine, the 16" LR-308 comes in at 11lbs 7 oz. Since you are limited to a five round magazine for hunting, the weight will be less but not sure by how much.

Whether a rifle that heavy is a practical weapon to be used for hunting depends on the style of hunting. If you are in a stand, blind or similar fixed position, I think it is very appropriate. If you are spotting and stalking with the rifle at the ready/high port, it will be tough particularly at altitude.

Agree with MarkCO on the utility of the forward assist. Has its place on the battlefield, but not necessary in a hunting application.

Dust cover is a good feature if you use it. Most folks forget to close it (me included), so it doesn't serve the purpose it was designed for but I'm a traditionalist and wouldn't by an AR without one.

Bottom line is neither are must haves.

[BigBear]

Bottom line: Get both! <--- Can't believe that hasn't been said yet! lol

[Marine24]

Now there is some valuable wisdom

[OgenRwot]

If you're looking to get a good 308 in the AR platform you're gonna need to spend some serious coin. Look into Armalite. From what I've seen and heard from friends that have had DPMS 308s is that they are jam-o-matics.