DPMS Firearms’ new Recon AR rifle bridges the gap between tactical carbines and rifles, to offer excellent accuracy and handling. The Recon is a well-priced rifle with a mid-length stainless steel heavy barrel, Magpul MOE gear and back-up iron sights. DPMS explained, “The Recon was honestly brought about by a few recurring trends we were noticing: popularity of mid-length gas systems and longer rails to accommodate different shooting styles, and the use of precision optics on carbines (ACOGs, EOTechs with magnifiers, low-power scopes, and the like).” And when it comes to these features, the Recon comes through.

Gun Details

The Recon begins with 7075-T6 forged upper and lower receivers with captured cross pins. The upper is a flattop A3 configuration—no surprise there, just straightforward mil-spec. The Recon’s mid-length gas system slows bolt velocities, prolongs the life of the weapon and keeps the weapon running cooler. A 16-inch 416 stainless steel heavy barrel is teamed with the quad-rail free-floating handguard to maximize accuracy. The barrel is button-broached with a 1-in-9-inch twist rate, a 5.56mm chamber and M4 feed ramps. The Recon comes with an AAC Blackout flash suppressor with an ultra-hard SCARmor finish to minimize muzzle flash while maintaining accuracy. The barrel is threaded to accept a suppressor adaptor. Despite its heavy-barrel, the Recon weighs in at a mere 7.65 pounds. DPMS, along with a number of manufacturers, has departed from the traditional chrome-lined barrel: the Recon’s barrel has true bore dimensions, as opposed to the bore being enlarged top account for the thickness of chrome. This gives a slight boost in velocities while delivering accuracy.

The Recon’s bolt is machined from a carpenter 158 forging—the carrier, 8620. Furniture includes a Magpul MOE six-position carbine stock with a rubber buttpad, a Magpul MOE pistol grip, and a Magpul MOE triggerguard with a shallow V-contour, which provides a larger opening for use with gloves. The gun has a standard mil-spec black hardcoat anodized finish. The barrel is left “in the white” —it has a natural bead-blast stainless finish. Magpul’s excellent MBUS flip-up sights are attached. They’re spring-loaded and instantly pop-up and lock into an upright position. A sling mount is attached at the front of the handguards on the 6-o’clock rail, and the Magpul MOE carbine stock is slotted in three locations for a sling.

The DPMS features a Magpul’s MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) buttstock, which is a mil-spec, drop-in unit designed for light, fast action.