Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
No Result
View All Result
 
New Year, New FREE GUN FRIDAY! Enter to WIN the Smith & Wesson and Black Hills package.

M762: DRD Tactical’s Stow-N-Go Rifle In 6.5 Creedmoor

Dave Bahde by Dave Bahde
December 16, 2016
in Guns, Rifles
0
DRD Tactical M762 rifle

DRD Tactical is known for producing hard-hitting rifles that can easily be broken down into their major components and stored in discreet cases. The new M762 in 6.5 Creedmoor carries on that tradition while offering sub-MOA precision and AR-style ergonomics.

0
SHARES
350
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
DRD Tactical M762 rifle
DRD Tactical is known for producing hard-hitting rifles that can easily be broken down into their major components and stored in discreet cases. The new M762 in 6.5 Creedmoor carries on that tradition while offering sub-MOA precision and AR-style ergonomics.
DRD Tactical M762 barrel
The barrel, gas block and gas tube can be removed as one piece.
DRD Tactical M762 stock
The collapsible EXOS Defense Ti-7 stock features battery storage compartments that provide a solid cheekweld.

DRD Tactical M762 takedown
Despite its unique takedown capability, the M762 is still a direct-impingement rifle.
DRD Tactical M762 handguard
To remove the handguard, simply lift the large latch near the front of the lower receiver.
DRD Tactical M762 lower receiver
The lower has safety markings on both sides and a ledge for resting your trigger finger.

DRD Tactical M762 gun test
The M762 proved itself from a number of positions. The target shows the best five-shot, 100-yard group made with Hornady’s 143-grain ammo.
DRD Tactical M762 rail
The well-ventilated handguard is drilled and tapped along the sides for adding rails.
DRD Tactical M762 grip
The lower receiver sports a comfortable Ergo pistol grip with subtle texturing and finger grooves.

DRD Tactical M762 suppressor
The author added a SilencerCo ASR flash suppressor/adapter to the 18-inch barrel.
DRD Tactical M762 rifles
DRD Tactical will apply its “Battle Worn” boron-carbine finish to the upper and lower receivers, adding a touch of class and durability to the rifle, for an extra $250.

It has been my pleasure to test a few DRD Tactical rifles over the past few years. It’s a great company to work with, as the owner, Skip Patel, prides himself on timely delivery of proven products, not just promises. Even during the last AR shortage, he was able to get one to me a DRD rifle in a few days.

Of course, building everything in-house makes that a lot easier, and DRD Tactical makes most of its own rifle components. The receivers and handguards are created on the company’s state-of-the-art CNC machines. Outsourced parts are stocked in large enough numbers to satisfy demand. Made one at a time to the buyer’s specifications, each DRD Tactical rifle uses the company’s proprietary quick-change barrel system, which allows the weapon to quickly break down and fit into a small hard case or pack. Even the Kivaari in .338 Lapua Magnum is a takedown design. Despite that, every DRD Tactical rifle runs via the simple direct-impingement system. I’ve tested most of the company’s rifles, and they’ve always been a pleasure to shoot. But I wanted to try something a little different.

DRD Tactical M762 barrel
The barrel, gas block and gas tube can be removed as one piece.

Since retiring as a police marksman, I’ve slowly replaced most of the .308/7.62mm rifles in my inventory with 6.5mms, either in 6.5 Creedmoor or .260 Rem. Losing the ball and chain of department policy has allowed me to move forward, and years of testing has showed me that the 6.5 Creedmoor can do everything a .308 can do but with less recoil and smoother operation in an AR. Even with barrels as short as 18 inches, the 6.5 Creedmoor holds its own at typical engagement distances and reaches out farther. It’s an excellent option for competition, hunting or virtually anything requiring pinpoint accuracy. You can get factory-loaded match ammunition for about the same price as .308 ammunition, too. When Skip told me he had started using 6.5 Creedmoor barrels in the DRD Tactical M762, I couldn’t help but ask to give one a try.

  • RELATED STORY: Stealthy Sharpshooter – DRD Tactical’s CDR-15 Rifle

The M762’s receivers are machined in-house from a billet of 6061-T6 aluminum. The upper is designed with threads to accept a proprietary barrel nut to accommodate the quick-change barrel assembly, which includes the barrel, gas tube and low-profile gas block. The barrel can be changed in seconds in the field for different lengths or calibers. My test rifle came with an 18-inch, hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel with a 1-in-8-inch twist rate and an A2-style flash suppressor. The upper also includes a forward assist and dust cover.

DRD Tactical M762 handguard
To remove the handguard, simply lift the large latch near the front of the lower receiver.

Surrounding the barrel and rifle-length gas system is a free-floating handguard with a long top rail that mates with the upper’s as well as a short bottom rail and sides that are drilled and tapped for adding more accessory rails. The handguard is designed to easily slide over the barrel assembly, and it locks into a notch at the top of the receiver.

You’ll notice a large latch on the bottom of the handguard, just in front of the receiver. To switch barrels or remove the barrel/handguard for easy packing, open this large latch, slide the handguard off of the rifle, loosen the barrel nut and remove the barrel assembly from the receiver. Reassembly is in the reverse order.

The matching lower has a unique ledge just above the triggerguard. It’s positioned perfectly to hold your trigger finger when it’s outside of the triggerguard, and it’s grooved for touch memory. This ledge also guides your finger right into the magazine release. The magazine well is flared and curved for easy insertion. The safety is a standard AR unit with markings on both sides of the receiver, and the rifle comes with a two-stage Geissele trigger.

DRD Tactical M762 stock
The collapsible EXOS Defense Ti-7 stock features battery storage compartments that provide a solid cheekweld.

As for furniture, the M762 comes with an Ergo pistol grip, and the DPMS-length buffer tube is fitted with an EXOS Defense Ti-7 collapsible stock. Rounded at the bottom, it fits nicely in the shoulder pocket. It also has quick-detach (QD) sling cups on both sides as well as battery storage compartments that have the added benefit of providing a solid cheekweld.

  • RELATED STORY: Semi-Auto Sniper – DRD Tactical’s Kivaari

Each rifle is supplied with two 20-round PMAGs in a hard case that will accommodate the rifle and has plenty of extra space for scopes and suppressors. With practice, you can assemble the M762 in less than a minute. Finally, my test rifle came coated in DRD Tactical’s “Battle Worn” boron-carbide finish. Expertly applied, this finish blends well with urban surroundings while remaining pretty subdued, and it provides another layer of protection.

Range Ready

DRD Tactical M762 suppressor
The author added a SilencerCo ASR flash suppressor/adapter to the 18-inch barrel.

Given the shorter barrel length, I couldn’t help but run the M762 with a suppressor. So I added my SilencerCo Omega, the shortest .30-caliber suppressor in my inventory, which made the M762 about as long as a typical 22-inch-barreled 6.5 Creedmoor AR. Using a SilencerCo ASR mount added some length but made it easy to quickly detach the suppressor. I also used the supplied gas block initially, then switched to an adjustable gas block to use a dedicated thread-on suppressor.

For optics, I used an Alamo Four Star mount to add Bushnell’s 3.5-31x50mm Elite Tactical HDMR scope with a Horus TReMoR 2 reticle. This scope has ample magnification for the 6.5 Creedmoor. This glass is excellent; the knobs are large, easy to read and easy to set. The final additions were an AXTS Raptor charging handle and an Atlas bipod with Tactical Supply talons that dig into dirt nicely and still work on stable structures. Now it was finally time to hit the range.

DRD Tactical M762 gun test
The M762 proved itself from a number of positions. The target shows the best five-shot, 100-yard group made with Hornady’s 143-grain ammo.

Every DRD Tactical rifle I’ve tested has been accurate, even the .338 Lapua Kivaari, and the 6.5 Creedmoor M762 was no exception. My best five-shot group at 100 yards, produced with Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter ammunition, was 0.61 inches wide. Hornady’s 140-grain ELD Match ammunition came in second place with a 0.7-inch group. Everything else was around 0.75 inches. Adding the Omega suppressor did not affect the rifle’s accuracy, but it was softer to shoot and, well, quiet. Tuning the gas down when suppressed reduced recoil and provided consistent brass ejection between 3 and 4 o’clock. The chamber started out a little tight, but after about 10 rounds, the M762 purred along with no failures to eject or feed using either gas block.

  • RELATED STORY: Gun Review – DRD Tactical’s Paratus Gen 2

Previous work with an 18-inch-barreled bolt action yielded 140-grain A-MAX velocities in the 2,600-fps range, and this rifle performed similarly. With temperatures over 100 degrees and humidity under 10 percent, the rounds were a bit faster this time, but I didn’t notice any pressure signs with any of the test ammunition. Out to 500 yards, the difference was less than 0.5 mils compared to my 22-inch-barreled AR. It grew to about a 1-mil difference at 825 yards and stretched from there. In practice, the rifle was just as accurate out to 869 yards with about the same wind hold. At 869 yards, my hold was 1.4 mils for a full-value 10-mph wind.

Engaging 12-inch steel targets at 300, 500, 650 and 869 yards was just a matter of changing my hold. It was that easy to get on target. Of course, getting hits at 869 yards took a bit more concentration on my part, but that could just as easily be me, not the rifle.

Parting Shots

DRD Tactical M762 rifles
DRD Tactical will apply its “Battle Worn” boron-carbine finish to the upper and lower receivers, adding a touch of class and durability to the rifle, for an extra $250.

The rifle was very handy for a 7.62mm-based AR. The 18-inch barrel made it very easy to work around cars, in the field or in closer quarters without a suppressor. Even with the Omega suppressor installed, the M762 is still a ton easier to maneuver with than a 24-inch-barreled bolt action.

DRD Tactical’s rifles have always been reliable in testing and so was this one, especially with the Magpul PMAGs. It did not always want to lock my LaRue Tactical magazines in place, but that’s not uncommon, as all of these machined lowers are just a bit different and most are designed around polymer magazines these days.

I also took the rifle down and reassembled it to see how well it would hold its zero with a scope remaining on the receiver, and the point-of-impact shift was less than half an inch, which is plenty close for practical uses at any reasonable range. If you are removing the scope each time you take the rifle down, get a mount that returns as close to zero as possible.

I had been wanting to test an 18-inch-barreled AR in 6.5 Creedmoor for quite some time, and this setup worked out well. It’s a solid choice for most applications with less recoil than a similar .308/7.62mm rifle. Being able to take the rifle down and fit it into a discreet case only adds to its versatility. If you are looking for an accurate, long-range AR that can easily be taken down, make sure you check out the M762 from DRD Tactical, a great company made up of great people with great products to match.

For more information, visit drdtactical.com or call 678-398-9059.

This article was originally published in the October/November 2016 issue of ‘Guns & Weapons For Law Enforcement’. For information on how to subscribe, please email subscriptions@outdoorgroupmags.com or call 1-800-284-5668.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

RELATED POSTS

Important Safety Recall Notice Issued for CZ-USA 600 Bolt-Action Rifles.

CZ-USA Issues Important Safety Recall Notice for All 600 Bolt-Action Rifles

Some of the top guns and gear released at SHOT Show 2023.

30 of the Best Guns & Gear Launched at SHOT Show 2023

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR.

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR is Optics Ready and Dialed in For Competition

The cover of the new Heritage Journal 2023.

Athlon Outdoors & Heritage Firearms Release HERITAGE JOURNAL 2023

Load More

TACTICAL-LIFE NIGHT SHOOTER SEASON 2

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

ATF Pistol Stabilizing Brace guidance, fallout

Congressional Review Act to Target ATF Pistol Stabilizing Brace Rule

UPDATED: The ATF is about to learn who makes the rules in this country. Spoiler alert: it isn’t them. Fortunately...

Read more

TRENDING

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

...

5 new pistols launched at NASGW.

5 New Pistols Launching for 2023

...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: The Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

...

The new Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 pistol packs 22+1.

Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 Packs 22+1 Rounds of Firepower!

...

PICK A CATEGORY

TACTICS & TRAINING SPOTLIGHT

Tactical Reload Semi-Auto Pistol Step 8

5 Strategies For Effectively Completing a Tactical Reload

If you’re reading this publication, you’re most likely familiar with the “speed reload,” sometimes called the “combat reload” or “emergency...

TACTICS & TRAINING SHOWCASE

Fact vs. Fiction 5 Myths Gunfight Survival lead

5 Common Myths on How to Survive a Gunfight

Standing Your Ground Castle Doctrine lead

Understanding Stand Your Ground Laws and Castle Doctrine

long distance shooting tips

Long-Distance Shooting: 5 Must-Know Tips For Spotters & Shooters

IMPACT Experience Events.

IMPACT Experience Events Redefine Your Long-Range Shooting Limits

Enhance your shooting precision skills in a course with Modern Day Sniper.

Sniper Skills: Taking Your Shooting Precision to the Next Level

Once you find a carry gun that works for you, get another for a spare. These “hammerless” S&W J-frame lightweights are M340 M&P with Hogue Bantam grips, top, and a M442 Airweight with Crimson Trace Lasergrips, below.

10 Commandments of Concealed Carry

self-defense myths can be dangerous

Self-Defense Myths that Could Get you Killed

Mossberg 590 Shockwave review for home defense myths

4 Home Defense Myths You Need to Stop Repeating

The Dicken Drill is named for Eli Dicken who saved many lives in the Greenwood Mall

The Elisjsha Dicken Drill

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

Remington Ammunition Issues Recall Notice on 12-Gauge Premier Accutip Ammo.

Remington Ammunition Issues a 12-Gauge Premier AccuTip Ammo Recall

Remington Ammunition has recently discovered an issue related to its 12-Gauge Premier Accutip ammo and issued a recall notice. This...

site logo
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun news, gun reviews and gun magazines for gun enthusiasts, military and law enforcement

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • BallisticMag.com

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
  • Knives
  • Gear
    • Holsters
    • Optics & Sights
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Suppressors
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Videos
  • Contact Us

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.