AR-10s are for big cartridges, like .308, and AR-15s are for small cartridges, like 5.56, right? Big cartridges need big heavy guns.
But Dark Storm Industries has turned this idea on its head with their small-frame .308 rifle. They’ve overcome some challenges, but the resulting .308-shooting gun weighs just 6.7lbs.
Small frame, big bang
AR-10s are larger in almost all dimensions than AR-15s. But this DS-25 is just about the same size as an AR-15. It’s got a larger mag well because it takes AR-10 mags. And the Bolt Carrier Group is very different from an AR-15, and the bolt does not interchange with your other rifles.
Still, you’ll find that most of your other furniture from ARs will fit on this .308. What’s more, they say it’s not picky about what ammo you feed it and will cycle just about everything.
Early on, they had issues with extractors breaking, but over the last several years they have refined this gun so it works reliably.
What’s more, they have configurations on their website that are legal in all 50 states. There’s even a non-NFA option.
.308 in a light gun? Sounds miserable…
Why do you want to shoot .308 in a lightweight gun? Isn’t the recoil going to make it a miserable experience? Normally, it would. But as part of the refinement, they’ve managed to reduce the felt recoil so that it’s quite similar to a 5.56 rifle. That’s remarkable. Check out the video.
Dark Storm Industries’ DS-25 in .308 is available now for $1,495.
Specs
- DS-25 7075 Billet Aluminum Receiver Set
- Black Type III Hard Coat Anodize
- DSI Chinook Ambidextrous Charging Handle
- DSI Billet Ambidextrous 90 Degree Safety Selector
- DSI DS-25 Proprietary Bolt Carrier Group
- DSI Typhoon M-Lok 13″ Hand Guard
- DSI Steel Micro Gas Block
- Mid-Length Gas System
- DSI 16″ .308 Winchester Threaded 1:10 Nitrite Barrel
- DSI Firestorm Compensator
- Magpul PMAG 20
- Hogue Adjustible Stock Black
- QD Sling Plate
- Hogue Pistol Grip Black
- Optic Ready (sights not included)
- Cable Lock
- Weight 6.7 lbs