Description
You’re looking for a .308 AR-platform rifle that doesn’t weigh a ton or cost a fortune. You want the power for hunting or distance work, but you need the handling of a lighter carbine. The search often leads to heavy, expensive builds—until you find the DPMS GII AP4. Here’s the thing—it solves the weight and budget problem without giving up the essential punch.
The DPMS GII AP4 Lightweight Carbine .308/7.62mm 16 Barrel Magul BUIS 6-Position Stock 20rd Mag is a budget-friendly, scaled-down AR-10 platform rifle chambered in .308 Winchester/7.62x51mm NATO. It features a 16-inch barrel for a compact, maneuverable profile, comes equipped with Magpul MBUS flip-up sights and a 6-position adjustable stock, and includes a 20-round magazine. Designed to be lighter than traditional .308 ARs, it offers a practical balance of power, portability, and price.
Let’s talk about the core value. At $1192.29, this rifle sits in a sweet spot. It’s not the cheapest .308 you can find, but it’s far from the most expensive. For that price, you get a complete, functional system right out of the box. The included Magpul MBUS sights are a legitimate upgrade over basic plastic sights, saving you $80-$100 right off the bat. The 20-round PMAG is another $20 value. When you start subtracting those, the actual rifle cost gets even more attractive. This is a bang-for-buck calculation that serious budget shooters appreciate.
The “GII” designation is key. DPMS re-engineered the AR-10 platform to be more compact and lighter. The receiver set is smaller, and the bolt carrier group is more efficient. The result? A .308 that handles more like an AR-15. With a 16-inch barrel, the overall length is a manageable 35.5 inches, making it viable for use in a truck or in dense Missouri timber. The weight is a major selling point—coming in around 7.5 to 8 pounds unloaded, it shaves pounds off many competing models. That makes a real difference after a long day afield or on the range.
Practicality is built-in. The 6-position collapsible stock isn’t just for looks; it lets you adjust length of pull for different clothing layers or shooting positions. The rifle is mil-spec compatible where it counts, meaning a huge aftermarket exists for parts like triggers, grips, and handguards if you want to personalize it later. It’s drop-in ready for a standard AR-10/M110 pattern muzzle device if you decide to add a compensator or brake. The rifle ships with one 20-round Magpul PMAG, a proven and reliable magazine that’s compatible with many other .308 AR platforms.
| Caliber | .308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 16 Inches |
| Overall Length | 35.5 Inches (Extended) |
| Stock | 6-Position Adjustable |
| Sights | Magpul MBUS Flip-Up (Front & Rear) |
| Magazine | 1x 20-Round Magpul PMAG |
Pros: Exceptional value for a complete .308 package. Significantly lighter than many comparable rifles. Includes quality Magpul accessories from the factory. The shorter 16-inch barrel enhances maneuverability. Built on DPMS’s modernized GII platform for better balance.
Cons: As a budget-oriented model, the trigger is a basic mil-spec unit that some may want to upgrade. The handguard is a standard carbine-length design, limiting rail space for accessories. Ballistic performance with a 16-inch barrel sacrifices some velocity compared to longer barrels.
So who is this rifle for? It’s perfect for the Missouri hunter who wants a versatile, powerful rifle for deer or hog without a backbreaking weight penalty. It’s for the practical shooter who wants a .308 for medium-range target work or a dependable defensive rifle, but needs to watch the bottom line. It’s also an ideal candidate for a “first” .308 AR build—a solid, no-fuss foundation you can shoot as-is or upgrade over time. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this rifle compatible with all AR-10 parts and magazines?
A: No, it uses the specific DPMS GII / Gen II pattern. This includes its own magazine pattern (though it comes with a Magpul PMAG .308 M3) and a proprietary bolt carrier group and receiver dimensions. Always verify GII/Gen II compatibility for parts. The good news is the aftermarket for this pattern is well-established.
Q: How does the lightweight design affect recoil?
A: The lighter weight will make perceived recoil slightly sharper than a heavier, full-sized .308 rifle. However, the .308 cartridge in a gas-operated AR platform is already more manageable than a bolt-action of similar weight. Many shooters find it very controllable, and adding a muzzle brake is a straightforward upgrade if needed.
Q: Is it ready to shoot right away?
A: Yes. The rifle comes with flip-up iron sights installed and includes one magazine. You supply the ammunition, and after completing the required FFL transfer for firearm purchases, you can take it to the range. No gunsmithing is required to begin shooting.
If you’ve been weighing the need for .308 power against the desire for a practical, affordable rifle, the DPMS GII AP4 makes a compelling case. See the full details on our product page.
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