Can you put a DPMS .243 upper on a DPMS .308 lower? - The Firearms Forum

bluesea112 · 07-20-2008, 03:30 AM

I have a DPMS .308 Panther, and I have an opportunity to trade some tractor work for a DPMS .243 upper assembly. My question is this: Since a .243 is a necked down .308, can I just attach a .243 upper to my .308 lower? If yes, is that all I need to do? Can I load .243 catridges into my .308 magazine once I have the .243 upper attached?
This possibility seems too good to be true, and that automatically makes me leary.

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

- Bluesea112

TRAP55 · 07-20-2008, 05:01 PM

pkcgbifaid · 07-21-2008, 12:18 PM

Just be careful if you are swapping uppers around. I know of an agency that received one of the .243 rifles in to test fire, but the receiver was only marked 7.62. The .243 marking was on the barrel under the handguard and they didn't see it.

They loaded the magazine with .308's, which chambered and fired. Needless to say, the rifle was quite a mess after that.

Crpdeth · 07-21-2008, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkcgbifaid

Just be careful if you are swapping uppers around. I know of an agency that received one of the .243 rifles in to test fire, but the receiver was only marked 7.62. The .243 marking was on the barrel under the handguard and they didn't see it.

They loaded the magazine with .308's, which chambered and fired. Needless to say, the rifle was quite a mess after that.

OMG...

Good information to keep in the back (or front!) of your mind....

Crpdeth

bluesea112 · 07-23-2008, 10:42 AM

Thank you for the information.

Wow, I can imagine what a mess that rifle was.
"Important Safety Precaution" #1: Use adequate lighting when switching uppers.

Thanks again for the replies guys.

- Bluesea112

07-20-2008, 05:01 PM	#2
TRAP55 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Occupied Territory Of Kalifornia Posts: 1,834	Re: Can you put a DPMS .243 upper on a DPMS .308 lower? Yep __________________ Aim small...Miss small www.mausercentral.com/forum

07-21-2008, 12:18 PM	#3
pkcgbifaid V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Charleston, WV Contributor Posts: 490	Re: Can you put a DPMS .243 upper on a DPMS .308 lower? Just be careful if you are swapping uppers around. I know of an agency that received one of the .243 rifles in to test fire, but the receiver was only marked 7.62. The .243 marking was on the barrel under the handguard and they didn't see it. They loaded the magazine with .308's, which chambered and fired. Needless to say, the rifle was quite a mess after that. __________________ "...As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body, and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks." Thomas Jefferson

07-23-2008, 10:42 AM	#5
bluesea112 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: West, TX Contributor Posts: 1,257	Re: Can you put a DPMS .243 upper on a DPMS .308 lower? Thank you for the information. Wow, I can imagine what a mess that rifle was. "Important Safety Precaution" #1: Use adequate lighting when switching uppers. Thanks again for the replies guys. - Bluesea112

07-20-2008, 03:30 AM	#1
bluesea112 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: West, TX Contributor Posts: 1,257	Can you put a DPMS .243 upper on a DPMS .308 lower? I have a DPMS .308 Panther, and I have an opportunity to trade some tractor work for a DPMS .243 upper assembly. My question is this: Since a .243 is a necked down .308, can I just attach a .243 upper to my .308 lower? If yes, is that all I need to do? Can I load .243 catridges into my .308 magazine once I have the .243 upper attached? This possibility seems too good to be true, and that automatically makes me leary. Thanks, in advance, for your help. - Bluesea112 --> Last edited by bluesea112; 07-20-2008 at 06:29 AM..