Description
The DPMS Recon Rifle .223/5.56 16 Barrel, AAC Blackout Flash Hider 10 Rd Mag is a ready-to-deploy, carbine-length AR-15 platform rifle. It’s built for reliability with a direct impingement system, a 16-inch chrome-moly barrel for velocity and handling, and comes equipped with a purpose-driven AAC Blackout flash hider. This rifle is a solid foundation for home defense, tactical training, or as a dependable ranch rifle, requiring no gunsmithing required to get started.
Key Features
- 16″ Chrome-Moly Barrel: Provides an optimal balance of ballistic performance and maneuverability in tight spaces.
- AAC Blackout 51T Flash Hider: Reduces muzzle flash signature and is threaded for suppressor attachment, offering a clear upgrade path.
- Mil-Spec Compatibility: Built to standard AR-15 specifications, ensuring wide aftermarket support for stocks, grips, and optics.
- 10-Round Magazine: Ships with a compliant magazine, ideal for states with capacity restrictions or for bench-rest shooting discipline.
- Carbine-Length Gas System: A proven, reliable operating system that cycles a wide range of 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 16 Inches |
| Overall Length (Stock Extended) | Approx. 34.5 Inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approx. 6.8 lbs |
| Muzzle Device | AAC Blackout 51T Flash Hider |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds (Included) |
Weighing in at roughly 6.8 pounds unloaded, the Recon Rifle handles predictably. The 16-inch barrel length is the legal minimum for a rifle without NFA paperwork, giving you a full-length gas system for reliability while keeping the overall package compact. When it comes to home defense, that 34.5-inch overall length is a tangible advantage for clearing hallways or maneuvering in vehicles compared to longer-barreled alternatives. The rifle’s MSRP is set at $1127.06, positioning it as a serious tool in the mid-range AR market.
Who This Rifle Is For
This DPMS Recon is for the shooter who values a no-nonsense, out-of-the-box reliable rifle. It’s for the Missouri landowner who needs a varmint and predator control tool that can also stand guard at the bedside. It’s for the tactical shooter seeking a dependable training platform that’s compatible with a vast array of AR-15 parts from brands like Magpul, B5 Systems, and Vortex optics. It’s also a prudent choice for the new owner in a compliant state who wants a capable rifle without immediately investing in a stack of standard-capacity magazines.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The carbine-length system is supremely reliable with most ammo. The AAC flash hider is a professional-grade feature not always found at this price, offering immediate flash reduction and future suppressor compatibility. Its mil-spec design means upgrades are straightforward—swap the handguard, stock, or trigger with confidence. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Cons: The included 10-round magazine may feel limiting for some users, though it accepts all standard AR-15 mags. At this price point, some may expect a full free-float handguard, but the standard delta ring assembly is classic and functional. The rifle is optics-ready, so you’ll need to budget for sights—but that’s true of most base-model ARs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the AAC Blackout Flash Hider just for looks, or does it have a real function?
A: It has a critical function. The Blackout significantly reduces the visible muzzle flash, especially in low-light conditions. This preserves your night vision and makes it harder for an observer to pinpoint your location. The 51T threading also allows direct attachment of AAC brand suppressors.
Q: Can I use standard 30-round AR-15 magazines with this rifle?
A: Absolutely. The rifle is designed to work with standard AR-15 lowers and will function flawlessly with any mil-spec STANAG magazine, from 10 to 30 rounds, where state law permits. The included 10-rounder is for compliance shipping.
Q: What’s the real-world difference between firing .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO in this rifle?
A: The DPMS Recon Rifle’s chamber is rated for both, but here’s the thing—5.56 NATO rounds generate higher pressure. You can safely fire .223 in a 5.56 chamber, but it’s not recommended to fire 5.56 in a .223-only chamber. This rifle handles both, giving you flexibility at the ammo counter. Always remember, an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases is a federal step we handle seamlessly.
Ready to add this capable, versatile AR platform to your safe? See current availability and order for direct shipping to your local FFL.



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