REVIEW: Dynamic Arms Research DAR-10 Target Rifle

Dynamic Arms Research Deutschland– Here quality made in Germany is directly reflected in the name. Those who are familiar with the small but very fine weapons manufacturer from Fraureuth know that they offer precise and high-quality AR10 and AR15 variants as well as accessories made in Germany, which are traded at an adequate and very fair price.

In addition to the general AR-10 and -15 variants, there are also some specialized models for hunting and sports in the product portfolio.

This time we had the latest model from DAR, the 10 Target Rifle, for testing; here is our report:

General

The DAR-10 Target Rifle is the "little" sister of the DAR-10 LRS and the relative of the DAR-15 Target Rifle. It is mainly distinguished by the 22" shortened barrel with a 1/12 twist. This results in high flight stability for many heavier .308 Win bullets. (Anyone who wants to calculate this can do so, for example, with the Miller Twist Rule)

When you first open the supplied DAR gun case, two things stand out:

1. Thanks to the massive Lothar Walther Match-Barrel hand-lapped by DAR, the Upper has a very solid feeling; one could also say "Holy sh%t, this thing weighs more than my entire AR15" ... but of course, there is a sensible reason for this, which we will discuss later.
2. When connecting Upper and Lower, everything fits absolutely perfectly. No wobbling, no catching, no play. A true dream!

Our test weapon also had a really beautiful and elaborate Cerakote coating, which is of course available from the factory for an additional charge... and like everything else, it is done in the most careful and precise HANDCRAFT. More on that later as well.

Overall, the gun weighs a hefty 6,120 kg when unloaded, making it anything but lightweight; but as mentioned, there is a reason for this which we will discuss later.

First, some general technical data:

Manufacturer:                                Dynamic Arms Research

Model:                                    DAR-10 TARGET Rifle

Type:                                          Kat.B / semi-automatic rifle

Caliber:    &

Performance:

The DAR 10 Target Rifle implies in its name what it is designed for - target shooting, specifically for precision shooting in a sporting context.

YES, a semi-automatic rifle designed for precise target shooting - and the Target can do just that!

This is essentially supported by 3 design elements:

• The massive upper, especially the match barrel, ensures that the weapon lies extremely still during the shot and does not exhibit the typical .308 recoil behavior. Honestly, it feels like shooting something much smaller.
• The DAR typical forend mounting system ensures a truly free-floating barrel, as the forend is screwed onto the housing and not on the barrel nut. Only the gas tube from the direct gas intake separates the barrel from completely unhindered swing behavior, but this is not a big issue, as the gas tube is freely movable and therefore does not significantly affect the swinging behavior. The big advantage of this type of screw connection is the fact that bipod mounts, slings, or rifle rests ACTUALLY DO NOT influence the barrel's swinging behavior... a real plus for precision.
• The direct gas intake does require a bit more cleaning effort in the housing, but it also has the big advantage that there are no further moving parts in the barrel area and create a counter pressure on the barrel during the shot via the connection of gas intake to piston. This also has a positive effect on barrel vibration and precision.

These three features contribute significantly to a very calm, pleasant, and precise shot, which definitely increases the fun of sport shooting with the Target. The Target 10 can easily keep up with bolt-action rifles; however, it cannot work wonders - hitting the target still depends on the skills attached to the gun. However, shot groups of 1 MOA to 1.5 MOA are easily possible even with factory ammunition.

It is fair to say that the Target 10 is somewhat picky when it comes to ammunition. It happily digests high-quality ammunition and produces very good, reproducible results; however, one should not expect trouble-free function with good results when using a mix of different ammunitions lying around, even though it can also handle "bad" feed as a well-behaved, German workhorse.

Delivery:

When choosing to purchase a DAR 10 Target Rifle, you will receive a meticulously checked, hand-picked complete product made from "local products" in many hours of work, which is worth every penny of the purchase price.

Parts milled from solid blocks, thoughtful design, factory-integrated full ambidextrous operability with individually selectable components, all assembled and installed with attention to detail and the highest expertise and craftsmanship.

Upon request and at an additional cost, the weapon can come with an additional Cerakote finish. Starting from single-color coatings to elaborate, multi-color pattern coatings like Camouflage, Kryptek, or digital Camo; our test rifle had a very special finish, as can be seen in the pictures. In any case, this involves pure craftsmanship and not a simple stencil coating. Especially with pattern coatings, you get an absolute and individual piece and unique item. The additional cost depends on the number of colors and the extent of the finishing work, which can sometimes take up to 2 weeks of daily work.

Otherwise, the Target - like all DAR weapons - comes with a classy, black, and absolutely flawless finish, delivered in the DAR plastic gun case. It also comes with instructions and tools for the adjustable gas block, as well as a Magpul PMAG 10. These, along with the grip and buttstock, are the only imported products, but they complement the DAR system very well in functionality and quality.

CONCLUSION: The DAR-10 Target is an absolute recommendation for those dedicated to precise shooting in the sporting field up to 300m; however, it is also suitable for various applications outside of this comfort zone, particularly when static shooting positions are more required than dynamic ones. The price/performance ratio is, as usual for Dynamic Arms Research, absolutely top-notch, considering that for the same amount of money, other manufacturers sell "mass-produced" goods. Those who want quality at a good price and consider the weapon as a practically usable investment will find both with the DAR-10 Target. Manufacturing quality, processing, and service ensure that you can own a high-quality firearm with value stability, combined with outstanding shooting characteristics.

The DAR-10 Target Rifle as well as optional accessories and replacement parts are available through specialty retailers and the online shop.

DYNAMIC ARMS RESEARCH online