I’ve spent years behind the trigger of countless firearms and air rifles, and there’s a common itch many of us have: the desire for realistic, affordable training and the sheer, unadulterated fun of full-auto fire without the immense cost and legal complexities. I remember setting up cans in my backyard, wanting something more engaging than a single-shot plinker. I wanted the weight, the feel, and the action of an AR-style platform to practice handling and target acquisition. That search for an accessible yet thrilling shooting experience is what led me to take a very close look at tactical BB rifles.
- FULL SIZE, REAL FEEL, DUAL ACTION - Durable synthetic design and up to 1400 rounds per minute
- FUELED BY (2) 12-GRAM CO2 CARTRIDGES - Delivers speeds up to 430 fps (CO2 cartridges not included)
What to Consider Before Buying a Full-Auto BB Rifle
Before you dive into the world of tactical CO2 rifles, it’s crucial to understand who they’re for. The ideal user for the DPMS DSBR Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle is someone who prioritizes realistic handling, tactical training, and the pure excitement of a high rate of fire over pinpoint, long-range accuracy or long-term durability. This isn’t your grandfather’s single-shot pest control rifle. It’s a high-octane replica designed for an immersive experience. You should consider the ongoing cost of CO2 cartridges, as full-auto mode consumes them quickly. You should also be prepared to invest in an aftermarket optic, like a red dot sight, as the included sights are often a weak point on rifles in this category. If you’re looking for an incredibly fun, AR-15 style plinker that delivers an unmatched smile-per-minute ratio, then the DPMS SBR is one of the most compelling options available.
While the DPMS DSBR Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The GAMO Swarm Whisper Air Rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration and a longer lifespan than...
- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
First Impressions: Unboxing the DPMS SBR
Pulling the DPMS DSBR Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle out of the box, the first thing that struck me was the weight and balance. This is no lightweight plastic toy. With a magazine inserted, it feels remarkably similar to a real AR-15, a sentiment echoed by many users who own both. The durable synthetic body feels solid in the hands. Key features include a 6-position adjustable stock, which allows for a comfortable and customized fit for any shooter. The quad-rail forearm is ready for any and all accessories you might want to add—lights, lasers, grips—making it a tinkerer’s dream. The 25-round drop-out magazine houses the two 12-gram CO2 cartridges, adding to the rifle’s realism. It’s clear from the start that this rifle was designed to replicate its firearm counterpart in form and function, right down to the charging handle and selector switch.
What We Like
- Incredibly realistic weight, feel, and controls
- Exhilarating full-auto mode fires up to 1400 rounds per minute
- Highly customizable with a quad-rail for accessories
- Surprisingly accurate in semi-auto at close ranges
- Realistic blowback action provides satisfying recoil
What We Didn’t Like
- Concerns over long-term durability due to plastic internal components
- Included pop-up sights are largely ineffective
- Consumes CO2 cartridges very quickly in full-auto mode
- The included speedloader can be finicky and prone to jamming
Performance Under Fire: A Deep Dive into the DPMS SBR
Unboxing is one thing, but performance at the range is what truly matters. We put the DPMS DSBR Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle through its paces, firing hundreds of rounds to test everything from its famous full-auto mode to its semi-auto accuracy and overall reliability.
Realism and Handling
The commitment to realism is this rifle’s greatest strength. The 6-position adjustable stock clicks into place securely, allowing for a perfect length of pull. The pistol grip is comfortable, and the controls—the charging handle, magazine release, and fire selector—are where you’d expect them to be on a true AR platform. This 1:1 scale and functional similarity make it an outstanding tool for practicing firearm handling, safety drills, and muscle memory without the expense of live ammunition. We found the weight, clocking in at around 6.5 pounds, gives it a substantial feel that prevents it from feeling like a toy.
The Full-Auto Experience
Let’s be honest: this is why most people are interested in this rifle. Switching the selector to full-auto is where the magic happens. The rifle unleashes its 25-round magazine in under two seconds with a satisfying “chatter” and a crisp blowback action that makes the gun kick in your shoulder. As one user perfectly described it, this mode “leads to spontaneous giggling from the shooter and spectators alike.” It is pure, unadulterated fun. This feature alone makes the DPMS DSBR Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle a standout for backyard plinking. The sheer rate of fire—up to 1400 rounds per minute—is an absolute blast, perfect for shredding cans and paper targets.
Accuracy and Sights
In semi-auto mode, we were pleasantly surprised by the accuracy. At 30 feet, we could produce tight groupings, easily keeping all shots within a 2-inch circle. This finding was confirmed by users who achieved similar results. However, this accuracy is achieved in spite of, not because of, the included sights. The removable pop-up plastic sights are, to put it bluntly, not very useful. This is one of the most common complaints, and our testing confirmed it. We strongly recommend treating this rifle as “optics-ready” and immediately installing a simple red dot sight. Doing so transforms it from a fun toy into a genuinely accurate short-range plinker.
Build Quality and Durability Concerns
Here is where we must temper expectations. While the external build feels robust, the user feedback and our inspection reveal a mixed bag regarding long-term durability. Many users report years of flawless fun, while a significant number have experienced part failures, sometimes within weeks. Common points of failure include the firing pin, the magazine’s CO2 piercing needle, and the plastic speedloader. It appears that while the rifle is immensely fun, it’s constructed with materials that may not stand up to thousands upon thousands of rounds, especially if handled roughly. Our advice is to be gentle with it, particularly the magazine and loader, and lubricate it regularly to prolong its life.
Magazine and Power
The drop-out magazine is hefty and well-designed, cleverly housing both the 25 BBs and the two 12g CO2 cartridges that power the rifle. We consistently got about 4-5 magazines (100-125 shots) per set of CO2 cartridges before the velocity dropped off, which is reasonable given the blowback action and full-auto capability. The included speedloader is a point of contention. Some users find it works perfectly if you don’t overfill it and are gentle, while others discard it immediately. We found it functional but delicate; loading BBs by hand with a funnel is a more reliable, albeit slower, method.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general consensus on the DPMS DSBR Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle is one of cautious enthusiasm. Overwhelmingly, owners describe it as one of the most fun BB guns they have ever shot. One user noted, “I cannot emphasize how fun this thing was while it lasted.” This perfectly encapsulates the common experience: the rifle provides an incredible amount of joy, but its longevity can be a gamble. Another reviewer mentioned they’ve had “zero issues with the gun itself” after nearly four years, suggesting that proper care can lead to a long life. The most consistent complaints revolve around the flimsy plastic sights and concerns about the durability of internal components and accessories.
Alternatives to the DPMS DSBR Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle
While the DPMS SBR excels at full-auto fun, it may not be the right tool for every job. Here are three excellent alternatives with different strengths.
1. Hatsan Mod 95 Spring Combo
- Mod 95 Spring Combo
- Mod 95 Spring Combo
If you need raw power and single-shot accuracy for pest control or small game hunting, the Hatsan Mod 95 is a superior choice. This is a traditional spring-piston break-barrel rifle that fires pellets, not BBs. It offers significantly higher velocity and impact energy than the DPMS SBR but lacks the semi/full-auto capabilities and tactical feel. It’s a workhorse built for precision, not rapid-fire plinking.
2. Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Rifle Kit
- Powered by one (1) 88-gram CO2 cartridge (NOT included. To ensure a proper seal and for best performance, Umarex-brand CO2 is recommended.)
- One CO2 cartridge (NOT included) delivers up to 27 effective shots per fill; Shoots up to 300 fps with up to 35 fpe kinetic energy
For a truly unique shooting experience focused on small to medium game hunting, the Umarex AirJavelin is in a class of its own. It uses CO2 to fire small arrows at high velocity, offering incredible power and penetration. It completely diverges from the tactical plinking role of the DPMS SBR, providing a specialized tool for hunters looking for a quiet and effective alternative to traditional archery or firearms.
3. Gamo Silent Cat .177 Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle with 4×32 Scope
- VELOCITY: .Shoots .177 Caliber pellets up to 1200 FPS (1000 FPS Lead)
- PROPULSION: Breakbarrel Spring Piston Single Shot
The Gamo Silent Cat is an ideal choice for backyard plinkers and pest controllers who prioritize quiet operation. Its integrated sound dampener makes it significantly quieter than the loud, CO2-powered DPMS SBR. Like the Hatsan, it’s a single-shot pellet rifle, focusing on accuracy over volume of fire. It comes bundled with a scope, making it a great all-in-one package for target practice where noise is a concern.
Final Verdict: Is the DPMS SBR Worth It?
The DPMS DSBR Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle is an absolute adrenaline rush. For shooters looking to replicate the feel and function of an AR-15 for training or simply for the sheer joy of blasting targets in full-auto, there are few products that deliver this level of fun at this price point. It excels as a backyard plinker and a tactical training tool. However, it’s essential to purchase it with the right expectations. It is a high-performance replica that may require careful handling to ensure its longevity. If you prioritize the experience over lifetime durability and are prepared to add a red dot sight, you will not be disappointed.
If you’ve decided the DPMS DSBR Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API