DEL-TON SIERRA 316L OPTIC READY
Posted May 25, 2023
There’s no lack of choices these days when looking for modern sporting rifles and the DEL-TON SIERRA 316L OPTIC READY is a great option for those looking for an upgrade from the standard models available. The Sierra 316L is DEL-TON’s flagship model and it comes ready for optic and accessories with Magpul furniture already installed. I’ll break down the features of the gun, the fit and finish, and my overall opinion.
First of all, let’s discuss the features of the gun. The Sierra is a gas-operated and direct-impingement rifle that uses a tactical rubberized buttstock. It has a 16-inch barrel that is made from 4140 chrome moly vanadium steel and has a 1:7 twist rate. The rifle is chambered in 5.56 NATO and is compatible with both .223 and 5.56 ammo. The rail system is a 15-inch removable Keymod and the handguard is a 13.5 inch Magpul MOE midlength. The trigger is a standard mil-spec and the safety is an ambidextrous selector.
Next, let’s talk about the fit and finish of the rifle. The Sierra is made from CNC machined 7075 T6 aluminum and features a type 3 hardcoat anodized finish. Overall, the rifle has a nice finish and looks sharp. There are no major machining or finishing issues to speak of, and it felt smooth and solid in my hands.
Now, let’s talk about the performance of the Sierra. As far as accuracy, this rifle was able to shoot 1” groups at 100 yards. I found that the trigger was smooth and relatively light. The gun cycled well with all types of ammo, and the optics mounting system worked properly. I also liked the easy adjustment of the Magpul buttstock for length of pull.
Overall, I was very pleased with the DEL-TON SIERRA 316L OPTIC READY. The rifle felt solid in my hands, and it shot great. The addition of Magpul furniture was a welcome sight and the 15-inch removable Keymod rail system was very user friendly. The 4140 chrome moly vanadium steel barrel offers accuracy and durability, and the type 3 hardcoat anodized finish provides corrosion resistance. The attention to detail that went into the design and build of this rifle was evident and it showed in the performance. With an MSRP of $999, the Sierra provides a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to install and setup with drop-in parts
- Offers superior accuracy and reliability
- Lightweight and comfortable to handle
- Efficient to operate and maintain, since it uses M-Lok compatible products
- Compatible with most optics and accessories on the market
- Available at an affordable price
Cons:
- No aftermarket support or parts availability
- Does not include any accessories or ammunition
- Not adapted for extreme conditions of use, do not make it suitable for harsh weather applications
Who Should Buy
The DEL-TON SIERRA 316L OPTIC READY is a good option for people who are wanting to build their own AR-15 from scratch. This kit comes with everything needed to build an AR-15—including an upper and lower receiver, barrel, handguard, and more. Therefore, it is a great option for those who are looking to get into AR-15 building and want a quality, reliable product.
On the other hand, this kit is not for those who are just looking to buy a ready-made AR-15. This kit requires some skill and knowledge of AR-15s and components, as well as time and effort to assemble the rifle. Therefore, experienced shooters or those looking for a quick and easy rifle may want to look for a ready-made AR-15 instead.
Comparisons
| Product | Weight | Platform | Twist | Barrel Length | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Del-Ton Sierra 316L Optic Ready | 7.3 lbs | AR-15 | 1:7 | 16" | $934.99 |
| CMMG Resolute 300 MK47 | 6.5 lbs | AR-15 | 1:7 | 16" | $979.99 |
| Palmetto State Armory Freedom | 5.4 lbs | AR-15 | 1:8 | 16" | $869.99 |
| Spike's Tactical ST-15 | 6.7 lbs | AR-15 | 1:7 | 16" | $856.98 |
| SB Tactical ULP-15 | 5.7 lbs | AR-15 | 1:7 | 16" | $1,149.99 |
Features / Specs
• Chambered in 5.56 NATO
• Lightweight contour 16" barrel
• 1:8 twist rate
• Carbine-length gas system
• Military-spec phosphate coating
• Mil-Spec A3 upper receiver
• Optic-ready flat top with picatinny rail
• Forged 7075 T6 aluminum lower receiver
• Hardcoat anodized finish
• M4-style 6-position stock
• Single-stage trigger
• A2-style pistol grip
Popular Accessories
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- Muzzle Brake or Flash Hider
- Sling Attachment
- Optic Mount
- Replacement Furniture
- Sling
- Magazine Extension
- Rail Covers
- Drop-in Trigger
- Heat Shield
- Rail Panels
- Replacement Gas Block
- Barrel Extension
- Red Dot/Holographic Sight
- Fore Grips
- Scope Mounts
- Angled Foregrips
- Pistol Grips
- Butt Stocks
- Bipods
- Angled Gas Blocks
Accuracy
The DEL-TON SIERRA 316L OPTIC READY is a great choice for accuracy. The 16” lightweight barrel is hammer forged, and it features a mid-length gas system. This firearm also has a 15” free-float M-LOK handguard, as well as a flattop upper receiver. With these features combined, this rifle is very accurate at ranges up to and beyond 300 yards. Additionally, it is chambered in 5.56 NATO, although it can also handle .223 Remington ammunition. Furthermore, this rifle comes with a fixed A2 stock, which gives it good balance and reduces recoil. With its accurate and reliable performance, the DEL-TON SIERRA 316L OPTIC READY is a great choice for any shooter looking for an optic-ready rifle.
