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
 
Enter to WIN Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle in FREE GUN FRIDAY!

Gun Test: Del-Ton’s Echo 316M Rifle

Fred Mastison by Fred Mastison
September 7, 2016
in Guns, Rifles
0
Del-Ton Echo 316M Rifle test aim

Del-Ton’s Echo 316M may have an entry-level price, but it’ll fight above its class any day.

0
SHARES
788
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Del-Ton Echo 316M Rifle test lead
When it comes to solid, reliable ARs, it’s hard to beat the Del-Ton Echo 316M, which comes ready for duty at only $822. Shown with an Aimpoint CompM4s sight.
Del-Ton Echo 316M Rifle test field
The Del-Ton Echo 316M 5.56mm rifle proved to be an accurate and consistent rifle at the range with various ammunition.
Del-Ton Echo 316M Rifle test lower
The Echo 316M’s lower features standard AR controls, making it easy for users to transition to this 5.56mm.

Del-Ton Echo 316M Rifle test sight
Del-Ton equips the Echo 316M with an A2-style front sight and a rail-mounted flip-up rear sight.
Del-Ton Echo 316M Rifle test solo
The Echo 316M comes with a collapsible stock, a flattop rail for optics and a 16-inch barrel with a 1-in-8-inch twist rate to accomodate a variety of ammo.
Del-Ton Echo 316M Rifle test aim
Del-Ton’s Echo 316M may have an entry-level price, but it’ll fight above its class any day.

As the sea of black rifles seems to grow, so too do their prices. A $2,000 AR-platform rifle was in the minority several years ago, but today they are common. Another growing market is in bargain-basement rifles built simply to be pushed out the door in an attempt to gain access to a big market. There are some companies, however, that have worked to build a rifle at a good price while still maintaining quality. The leader of that group is Del-Ton.

  • RELATED STORY: DTI .308: Del-Ton’s Heavy Hitting Rifle

Based in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, Del-Ton originally supplied quality rifle kits, parts and accessories. Today, the company offers a wide array of American-made rifles that come with a lifetime warranty. Known for quality work, Del-Ton has continued to establish a strong reputation with its innovation and vision.

One of the newest rifles in Del-Ton’s extensive lineup is the Echo 316M rifle. And though it is an affordable rifle, it is still built to Del-Ton’s exacting standards.

Echo Specs

Right off the bat, I should mention that the rifle I received for testing had a great fit and finish. The upper and lower receivers are forged from aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, which offers superb strength while remaining lightweight. The receivers are hardcoat anodized, then dry-film lubed for improved functioning and corrosion resistance. The bolt is made from Carpenter 158 steel before being high-pressure (HP) and magnetic-particle (MP) tested to ensure durability and conformity. The bolt carrier is made of phosphated 8620 steel with a chrome-lined interior, and the gas key is properly staked and sealed.

The upper is equipped with a 16-inch, chrome-moly-vanadium barrel with a 5.56mm NATO chamber, which provides solid accuracy while working well with a variety of 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington bullets. The barrel’s 1-in-8-inch twist rate is enough to stabilize heavier 75-grain rounds, for example, while still allowing shooters to accurately run less expensive 55-grain ball ammunition. The barrel extension also has M4 feed ramps for exceptional feeding and reliability.

Surrounding the barrel and carbine-length gas system is a traditional polymer handguard with a single heat shield. Held in place with a delta ring, this handguard is comfortable and provides a positive grip with no harsh edges or angles.

As you would expect from a mid-level rifle, the gun comes with an F-marked A2-style front sight post that is adjustable for elevation as well as a Samson flip-up rear sight. The flattop upper is ready for optics, but iron sights are always a great idea for backup targeting.

The lower receiver features standard AR controls and furniture, including a service-grade trigger, an A2-style pistol grip and a five-position-collapsible stock, which makes it easy to adjust the rifle to fit a variety of shooters. The rifle also comes with a lock and a 30-round Magpul PMAG.

Now, while some of the nomenclature on rifles can sound like spec sheet from a spaceship, it is important. You might begin to wonder if the quantum flux capacitor in your new rifle is tuned correctly. What you can take from the materials used by Del-Ton in the Echo 316M is that the company is serious about striking a balance between function and cost. Are there “better” materials to build guns from? Well, certainly, but the downside is cost, and you’re still left with the ultimate question of just how much better those materials actually are. For the average shooter looking for an mid-level gun, Del-Ton has chosen these materials wisely. The Echo 316M is designed for a very long service life.

Test Drive

The only thing more enjoyable than getting a new rifle is taking it out to the range for a test drive. The Del-Ton Echo 316M is a little extra exciting because of the nature of the gun and what it means for new shooters. There is a definite turning of the tide in gun ownership in the United States, and the availability of an affordable, reliable rifle is a plus for every proponent of the Second Amendment. So, we loaded our magazines, packed our kits and headed to the range.

  • RELATED STORY: Gun Review: Del-Ton’s Evolution Rifle in 5.56mm

We decided to stick with the theme of the rifle and run it with iron sights. Contrary to what some may believe, iron sights can be exceptionally accurate in the right hands. While they seem to be morphing into an anachronism, iron sights should be a staple on any rifle. Good optics are a definite improvement, but they always have the potential to fail due to a dead battery or technical issues.

My first impression of the rifle was that it is a lightweight and easy-to-handle shooter. Weighing less than 6.6 pounds unloaded, it would make long days on the range or in training more enjoy-able. This, com-bined with its compact size of just over 32 inches collapsed, made it a very comfortable carry rifle. An inspection of the rifle showed great build quality, with virtually no play between the upper and lower receiver. This was especially pleasing, as a well-fitted upper and lower are critical for accuracy and reliability. I have come across guns at twice the price that did not manage such a good fit. In fact, the entire gun was assembled very well.

After zeroing the rifle at 100 yards, we fired five-round groups. To make it as scientific as possible, we would wait approximately 15 minutes between groups to allow the barrel to cool down and in turn give us a more consistent comparison. One other specific thing we did was to use general off-the-shelf ammunition. While match-grade ammunition would have probably given us better groups, this rifle was design-ed with budgets in mind. The average shooter will not be searching the Internet for the latest in match-grade 5.56mm ammunition, but rather what is on sale.

The rifle ran flawlessly as we sent our groups downrange. We used a rear bag and a sand sock for stability to get every last bit of accuracy out of the rifle. A few things experienced during the group shooting are worth mentioning. The trigger on the Echo 316M is a standard mil-spec unit—no flair or special modifications. Even with that, it broke at a consistent 7 pounds with a clean feel and reset. Overall, the rifle performed very well in the group category, and I am certain it would do even better with optics and match ammo. The lightweight nature of the gun also proved to have no negative effects on our ability to shoot groups. The gun offered standard 5.56mm recoil with minimal muzzle movement.

As gun technology has evolved over the years, so has the nature of training. Courses that have students moving and shooting are much more common, so it was time to put the Echo 316M though its paces in a class. The timing was perfect, as I received the rifle just before teaching a one-day carbine refresher course.

To make sure the results were controlled, I would use the rifle as my demo gun. I ran the rifle though every drill that I asked students to run with the expectation that my accuracy and speed would be good. From shooting behind barricades to tackling multiple targets, the rifle ran very well. Its lightweight and small profile made for quick and easy maneuvering. Getting from Point A to Point B was noticeably faster with the lightweight rifle.

While not a true test of ultimate reliability, the 500 rounds I ran through the rifle that day did so without an issue or hiccup. Fed from Magpul magazines, the gun never stopped running, even with a variety of ammo run through it. At the end of a long and dusty day, the Echo 316M was filthy but unfazed by my attempts to test its limits.

  • RELATED STORY: Del-Ton Defenders: 6 Field-Ready 5.56mm Rifles

Del-Ton has succeeded in building a great rifle at a great price. In fact, the company has outdone itself in the performance this bargain gun provides. The Echo 316M has a great feel, is well balanced and runs well. Throw respectable accuracy into the mix and you have a great rifle on your hands. Whether this is your first or 50th rifle, you will not be disappointed in what you get for your money in this gem.

For more information, visit del-ton.com or call 910-645-2172.

Specifications

  • Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
  • Barrel: 16 inches
  • OA Length: 32.63-36.38 inches
  • Weight: 6.6 pounds (empty)
  • Stock: Collapsible
  • Finish: Matte black
  • Sights: A2 front, flip-up rear
  • Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
  • Capacity: 30+1
  • MSRP: $822

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

RELATED POSTS

The MDC “Trench Art” Classic AK-47 Rifle.

Get Your History On: Own a Limited MDC “Trench Art” Classic AK-47

The Final Edition of the Walther P99 pistol.

UPDATED: Final Edition Walther P99 Closes Out Model Run

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

Load More

TACTICAL-LIFE NIGHT SHOOTER SEASON 2

FEATURED POST

The MDC “Trench Art” Classic AK-47 Rifle.

Get Your History On: Own a Limited MDC “Trench Art” Classic AK-47

Straight from the pages of history, MDC (Meridian Defense Corp) offers the chance to own a "Trench Art” classic AK-47....

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.