DSA's STD A2 Carbine:Good, Bad, Or Ugly?

[nero45acp]

I came across this (DSA's STD A2 Carbine w/the carry handle) the other day and said to myself, "Yes, this is what I want in an AR!"

DSA STD A2 Carbine

Anyone have any experience, info, or opinions on DSA's rifles/carbines? How do they're AR's compare with Colt, Bushmaster, ect...?

Also, any problems, or issues with this particular carbine that anyone here is aware of? (I'm not interested in putting any optics on a AR, so I'd prefer the model with the carry handle.) Thanks.


nero

 

[GunGoBoom]

Does it develop bumps and is it contagious?

JK. No personal experience, but DSA is known to make top notch stuff, as I'm sure you know. What does it have specifically that others don't (if anything)?

 

[DMK]

DSA makes good stuff. Their FALs are top shelf. However, they are new to the AR game so there isn't much real world experience with them yet. AR's ae fairly simple machines though so I wouldn't expect that DSA wouldn't make an excellent product.

The only thing is, DSA is kinda pricy. You can get the same rifle from Rock River Arms for cheaper(just make sure you ask for the chrome lined barrel).

http://www.rockriverarms.com/item-d...age=nbrtasc.gif&CFID=3621631&CFTOKEN=12543857

http://www.adcofirearms.com/rockriver/rraffl.cfm?page=rra

 

[nero45acp]

DMK, the Rock River does look nice!

I also like the fact that on the 2nd link you provided, that it's available in green furniture. What is Rock River's reputation for AR's? (I've never owned an AR, and don't have alot of knowledge about them.)

One thing that strikes me as odd is the specifications on the DSA STD A2 Carbine list it as being 31" inches in length. That seems a little short for a 16" barrel, I'm wondering if they didn't list the length that carbine would be with a collapsible stock, rather than the fixed stock. Thanks.


nero

 

[DMK]

Brand loyalty is fierce among AR owners and prices vary wildly. Rock River makes very good quality ARs. They sometimes get bashed by folks due to their lower cost, but the quality is excellent. Do a search here for Rock River or RRA and you'll see.

The length does sound short. I just measured one of my carbines with an A2 stock and an A2 flash suppressor. It was about 35 1/2". You could subtract almost two inches if you went without a flash suppressor and an A1 or Cavalry Arms buttstock.

And yes, the green is cool.

 

[NMshooter]

IIRC LMT makes them for DSA, or maybe it was CMT...

Maybe I am suffering from CRS...

 

[Mulliga]

I'm wondering if they didn't list the length that carbine would be with a collapsible stock, rather than the fixed stock. Thanks.

You're right. Just as DMK siad, an A2 stock is quite long IMHO - overall length is probably more like 34". I prefer collapsible stocks.

RRA makes good stuff. Haven't really seen much "bashing" of them. Their 1911s are definitely nice, too.

 

[middy]

You can get the same rifle from Rock River Arms for cheaper

It's also 1.25 lbs heavier... I don't think an AR carbine should weigh much more than 6 lbs, but maybe that's just me.

 

[nero45acp]

Thanks for all the replies/info. After some more searching/thought I decided that I want an RRA CAR A2 with green furniture, mid-length handguard, chrome-lined 1:9 barrel, and a fixed A2 buttstock. (Any opinions on the regular pistol grip -vs- the Hogue pistol grip?)

RRA CAR A2

I called RRA today to see if I could order from them directly and was told that I needed to order from a dealer. So I'm thinking about ordering one from Adco firearms (thanks to DMK's link). Anyone here have any info/opinions on either RRA's CAR A2 in the configuration I listed, or Adco firearms. Thanks.

Adco Firearms/RRA Complete Rifles




nero

 

[DMK]

As Middy mentioned, the one you are looking at is an HBAR(heavy barrel, actually most ARs are). The midlength is a good choice for the longer sight radius and smoother gas system. That particular rifle doesn't have a chrome lined barrel, which is nice to have but you really don't need it if you maintain it well (Adco has RRA chrome lined midlength barrels though, he might be able to swap one for you). It does have a Wylde chamber which is a plus, allowing you to shoot 5.56 surplus ammo, but still being tighter than a 5.56 chamber. I have that same rifle (the one above), but since that pic, I free floated the barrel. It will do sub MOA with Black Hills match ammo and has shot anywhere from .90" to 1.5" at the same distance with M193 surplus.

If you order that rifle from Adco and want it a little lighter, you can ask Steve to "turn it down" under the hanguards. That will reduce the weight quite a bit(more with the midlength) and make the rifle balance better. It may affect accuracy a little, but not much.

And yes, the Hogue grip is much more comfortable.

 

[ny32182]

As I understand it, DSA AR carbines are LMT guns rebadged to DSA, meaning, they are the very best. But you will pay for it: $1600 plus seems to be the norm for a DSA. FWIW, I bought my LMT badged LMT carbine for a little over $1300 including the enhanced bolt.

RRAs are fine, but know that most are not chrome lined, barrels are 4140 instead of 4150, no M4 feed ramps, etc. In terms of "mil-specness", LMT and Colt LE carbines are the closest, then Bushy, then RRA.

All of the above should perform just fine though.