Press release. And then stand back and watch the fun.
Del-Ton is pleased to announce the introduction of an exciting new rifle designed for the sport shooter and enhancements to two flagship models of its rifle line. The DTI Evolution is an excellent choice for any sporting application including 3-gun competition. “We have included many quality features but were able to keep the weight down,” said Tony Autry, CEO of Del-Ton Incorporated. The DTI Evolution will begin shipping in first quarter, 2013. Key features include . . .
- 16” CMV chrome-lined, mid-length lightweight barrel and gas system; 1X9 twist
- HPT/MPI tested Carpenter 158 bolt
- Samson Evolution 12.37” free float rail
- M4 feed ramps
- Samson Quick Flip Dual Aperture rear sight; Samson folding front sight
- Two-stage, Mil-Spec trigger; Magpul MOE+ grip
- Magpul CTR Mil-Spec buttstock; Mil-Spec buffer tube; H-buffer
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- MSRP: $1300
The [new model variant now known as the] DT Sport OR [above] is now on the shelves. This sporty, lightweight rifle is a great value and offers many features available on more expensive rifles. Key features:
- 16” barrel; 4140 steel; 1X9 twist
- Phosphated under low pro gas block; lightweight profile
- Tested Carpenter 158 bolt
- A3 Flat top with white “T” marks
- Lower receiver is Mil-Spec forged 7075 T6 aluminum; hard coat anodized
- M4, 6-position buttstock
- Weight: 5.6 lbs
- MSRP: $699
The [other new model variant known as the] Echo 316H OR [above] is a solid, mid-priced A3 heavy barreled carbine that will offer years of service and reliability. Key features:
- 16” chrome moly vanadium barrel; 1X9 twist
- Phosphated under single rail gas block; heavy profile; M4 feed ramps
- HPT/MPI tested Carpenter 158 bolt
- M4 feed ramps
- A3 flat top with white “T” marks
- Lower receiver is hard coat anodized, Mil-Spec, forged 7075 T6 aluminum
- M4 6-position buttstock; Mil-Spec buffer tube; H-Buffer
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
- MSRP: $864
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
As far as AR’s go, it was much more fun and interesting for me to buy a stripped lower and go from there. Of course, I’m still waiting on a backordered handguard to finish (damn you, Troy Industries!). But even if I bought a complete AR (which I’ve done before with little success (Bushmaster)), I just couldn’t bring myself to buy a Del-Ton.
What’s wrong with Del-Ton? I bought their $499 kit that came with a complete 16″ chrome lined heavy barrel mid-length upper and all the goodies needed to finish out a stripped lower (Arizona Armory in my case). The fit and finish was excellent. The gas key was very well staked, the trigger is surprisingly good, accuracy is good and reliability has been 100%. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy Del-Ton again.
1:9 twist rate? Have they not been following technological developments since 1987?
Arent they using a 1 in 9 because they have (civilian, non-SBR) carbine length barrels?
Other than that, looks like most of the parts are of a decent quality from the specs given. I think I agree with Scott that you can build your own of equal or better quality for the price. Some dont have the time or patience to build their own, and these appear to be a decent alternative for those not wanting to drop big bucks on an AR15.
The twist rate really has nothing to do with the barrel length and more to do with the bullet weight, or more specifically bullet length. 1:9 works great for 55g and under varmint bullets, but 1:8 and 1:7 are much better for bullets bigger/larger than M193 55gr. For example, common quality loads with Sierra Match King bullets use their 69gr and 77gr bullets.
1/9 still works fine with those.
Depends. I find most 1-9’s won’t shoot 77 worth a darn, but a few will shoot 69’s (none of mine however) ok. My own experience is to stay at 62 or under for 1-9 rifles.
The biggest problem was the old 1:12″ twist rate. Anything past a 55gr. wouldn’t stabilize well.
As others have said, barrel length has nothing to do with twist rate. Heavier bullets need a quicker twist rate to stabilize. What is a little sloppy at 50 yards is a miss at 200 yards.
I had the experience of being in the first infantry company to go thru basic training with the M16A2 and then shoot the M16A1 for advanced marksmenship (the A2s were needed by the next training company). I saw first hand the improvement of heavier bullet and quicker twist rate.
Barrel length helps to a point with fps and accuracy. But the benefit of 20 over 16-18 inch barrels is marginal.
My general comment is that by choosing the slower twist rate for all of the barrels, Del-Ton has limited the applicability of the guns.
I recall, after WW2 and Korea
Nobody tried to train and create a Perfect M-1 Carbine Drill,,,Really Dudes, nobody tried to make money off those wars!
OK, Maybe Audie Murphy,, but that dude actually knew the drill, invented it, proved it, 6 ways from Sunday.
Name one other sad sack that took a Carbine against Nazi snipers, 3 times and won?
I think he knew the drill, it was a one man drill, a TX drill.
There is one man living today that knows as much about the Tiny Texan Typhon as I do,, he’s a TX A&M Proof. Earned his eagles before you folks were borne!
So all you Defensive Carbine experts,,, do some due diligence
All over the map, appreciate the passion but your point escapes me.
Slow. Down.
We’re American citizens using carbines for fun at the range, hunting, competition, or legally justifiable self-defense (ie within 25 yards). If “Nazi Snipers” show up we’ll assume it’s Lon Horiuchi and GTFOD. Context is everything.
Iblis, huh?
Have you considered switching to decaf coffee?
My Del-ton was my second AR, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another. Plus they’re right here in NC, support local etc…
Wow, another civilian variant of the AR15 rifle design. Exciting stuff.
For that matter, how about another polymer pistol in 9mm that looks like a Glock?
That would be about as exciting.
Yawn.
; )
Is that budget AR worth a crap?
Considering that I “crap” bricks of gold, yes.
My Delton Echo 316 1-9 twist shoots more accurately than my Colt 6920 😉
Ho hum! I think there has been several stories here in TTAG about Del Ton products. On the early to mid 2000s they turned out a few lemon products. But things have changed.
Mt first M4 clone was a Spikes LE upper on a Del Ton lower built up on PSA LPK(PSA uses mag pul goodies in their LPK); franken gun runs well and was built for $845.00.
For an entry level AR platform, my only knock on Del Ton is non chrome lined barrels, which like Stag Arms and Rock River, they charge for( at least melonite the barrel for extended life and corrosion resistance like S&W!)
My experience says that you are paying for the name( roll mark) and parts inspection( which I agree is important) on “top tier” manufacturers. True ARs whether big name or entry level( sans crappy ATI/Hesse/Blackthorne and another scummy San Diego ,CA builder whose name I gladly forget) are pretty much interchangeable, as well they should be-the parts are all made by a small number of suppliers.
My newer AR, a BCM mid length on a LMT lower runs with my buddies store bought colt 6940, but cost $1,075.00 vs his colts $1,350.00 !
Del Ton decent parts, the echo 316 can be had from $699 to $899 anywhere( depending in local availability and clearance sales). I have yet to see all the mythos of “it’ll break on you” other AR snobs on the ditto head AR sites claim.Another bud lives AR and has noveske and daniels defense,YET runs hiskit assembled Del Ton at 3 gun competitions along side his bennelli shotgun and kimber custom .45
For plinking, target and varmint shooting, or for home defense, Del Ton works, plain and simple