For years, my backyard target practice consisted of single-shot, pump-action air rifles. They were great for honing fundamentals, but the thrill was missing. I was looking for something more—the realistic weight, the satisfying clack of a bolt, the sheer joy of rapid-fire action. I wanted an air rifle that could serve as a safe training tool but, more importantly, would be an absolute blast to shoot. That search for exhilarating, accessible fun is what led me to the CO2-powered world of 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 Tactical BB Air Rifle
Before you dive into the world of tactical air rifles, it’s crucial to know what you’re looking for. The ideal owner of a rifle like this is someone who values realism, customizability, and pure entertainment over pinpoint, long-range accuracy. Key factors include the power source—CO2 cartridges offer convenience and enable features like blowback and full-auto fire. You should also consider the build materials. While a full metal construction is premium, a durable synthetic body can provide a realistic weight without the hefty price tag. Finally, think about the firing modes. A rifle with both semi-automatic and full-automatic capabilities offers the best of both worlds: precision for target practice and exhilarating speed for pure fun. The DPMS Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle checks all these boxes, offering an authentic AR-style experience that’s hard to beat for backyard plinking and tactical drills.
While the DPMS 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
The moment you lift the DPMS Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle from its box, you know it’s not a toy. At 6.21 pounds, it has a substantial, realistic heft that mimics its firearm counterpart. The synthetic frame feels rugged and durable in hand. The controls—the charging handle, the magazine release, and the fire selector—are all where you’d expect them to be, providing an excellent platform for safe handling practice. The 6-position adjustable stock allows you to find the perfect length of pull, making it comfortable for a wide range of shooters. The included Quad rail system immediately screams “customization,” inviting you to add optics, lasers, and flashlights to make it your own. It feels less like a simple BB gun and more like a serious piece of training equipment that just happens to be outrageously fun.
What We Like
- Exhilarating Full-Auto Mode: The 1400 RPM rate of fire is an absolute blast and guaranteed to make you smile.
- Realistic Weight and Controls: Excellent for training and familiarization, it feels like a real AR platform.
- Highly Customizable: The Quad rail system allows for endless mounting of scopes, lasers, and other accessories.
- Impressive Blowback Action: Adds to the realism and provides satisfying tactile feedback with every shot.
What We Didn’t Like
- Questionable Long-Term Durability: Several user reports mention internal parts breaking after extended use.
- Subpar Included Sights: The plastic flip-up sights are inadequate for accurate shooting; a red dot sight is a necessary upgrade.
- Flimsy Magazine Components: The CO2 cartridge cover on the magazine and the included speed loader are made of plastic and feel prone to breaking.
Putting the DPMS Full Auto SBR to the Test
First impressions are one thing, but performance on the range is what truly matters. We put the DPMS Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle through its paces, evaluating everything from its build and handling to its now-famous full-auto capabilities. Here’s our detailed breakdown.
Build Quality and Realism
The realism is, without a doubt, one of this rifle’s strongest selling points. The weight and balance are spot-on. Operating the charging handle, flicking the selector switch from safe to semi to full-auto, and dropping the heavy magazine all feel authentic. This makes it an invaluable tool for teaching new shooters the fundamentals of an AR-style platform in a safe, controlled environment. However, we have to address the elephant in the room: durability. While the synthetic body is tough, several users have reported issues with internal components, like the firing pin or bolt, failing over time. Our testing unit held up perfectly, but it’s clear this rifle is built for fun, not for battlefield ruggedness. Think of it as a high-performance sports car—it’s thrilling to drive, but you need to treat it with care.
The Full-Auto Experience: Pure, Unadulterated Fun
Let’s be honest: this is why you’re considering this rifle. Switching the selector to full-auto and squeezing the trigger is an experience that induces what one user perfectly described as “spontaneous giggling from the shooter and spectators alike.” The rifle unleashes its entire 25-round magazine in less than two seconds with a satisfying roar and a crisp blowback action. The advertised rate of fire is up to 1400 rounds per minute, and while you’ll never shoot for a full minute, that speed translates to an incredible blur of BBs heading downrange. It’s not about precision; it’s about the sheer joy of it. If you’re looking for the most fun you can have with a BB gun in your backyard, the full-auto capability of the DPMS SBR is worth the price of admission alone.
Accuracy and Sighting
In semi-auto mode, we were pleasantly surprised by the accuracy. At 30 feet, we could consistently produce tight groupings on a soda can. This confirms reports from other users who found it to be a capable target shooter. However, achieving that accuracy is impossible with the included sights. The plastic, flip-up sights are flimsy and difficult to use effectively. We consider them placeholders at best. To unlock this rifle’s true potential, you must install an aftermarket optic. We mounted a simple red dot sight, and it transformed the experience, making target acquisition fast and intuitive. We strongly recommend factoring the cost of a basic red dot sight into your purchase budget.
Magazine, CO2, and Reloading
The drop-out magazine houses both the 25 BBs and the two 12-gram CO2 cartridges that power the rifle. This design is clever, as a gas-out situation is solved with a simple magazine swap, just like the real thing. We consistently got about four full magazines (100 rounds) per pair of CO2 cartridges, which is quite respectable given the powerful blowback and full-auto function. The main drawbacks we found, echoed in many user reviews, lie with the accessories. The CO2 compartment cover on the magazine can feel loose, and the included speed loader is notoriously finicky. While some users have success with it by being gentle, we found it often jammed. It’s often faster to load the BBs manually.
What Other Users Are Saying
The consensus online aligns perfectly with our findings. The fun factor is off the charts. One owner, after four years of use, reported his rifle still “shoots smooth as butter” and sounds “crisp and just satisfying.” Another enthusiastically stated, “It’s seriously so sick. It’s like having a full auto AR in your back yard.”
However, the praise is often tempered with caution about longevity. A more critical review noted, “i had alot of fun with it until it broke after like a week… this thing is made of cheap materials.” This highlights the key takeaway: the DPMS SBR is an amazing experience while it lasts, but its lifespan can be unpredictable depending on usage and luck.
How Does It Compare? DPMS SBR vs. The Competition
The DPMS Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle occupies a unique niche focused on tactical realism and full-auto fun. But how does it stack up against other popular air rifles with different purposes?
1. Umarex NXG APX Multi-Pump Air Rifle
- Redefines the standard of airguns designed for younger and small-framed shooters with a multitude of modern-day features that includes an automatic safety
- Dual BB/Pellet ammunition: Shoots either .177 caliber pellets or steel BBs; Progressive stock design is ergonomic, modern and impact resistant
The Umarex NXG APX is a completely different beast. It’s a multi-pump pneumatic rifle designed for beginners and youth shooters. It shoots both BBs and .177 caliber pellets, focusing on teaching the fundamentals of marksmanship with its single-shot action. If your priority is a safe, simple, and affordable introduction to shooting for a younger person, the APX is the superior choice. The DPMS SBR is for those who have graduated from the basics and are seeking a more thrilling and realistic shooting experience.
2. Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle .177 Cal
- .177 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel, 1300 fps with PBA Platinum
- The IGT (Inert Gas Technology) is a gas piston that replaces the spring delivering more terminal velocity (1300 fps), less vibration, more consistent power...
The Gamo Raptor Whisper is a serious tool for pest control and quiet target shooting. As a break-barrel, gas-piston pellet rifle, it delivers significantly higher velocity and accuracy than the DPMS SBR. Its main features are power and sound suppression. Choose the Gamo if you need to dispatch small pests or practice precision shooting at longer distances. The DPMS is for loud, close-range fun and is not suitable for hunting.
3. Umarex Strikepoint .177 Pellet Airgun
- Single-shot, multi-pump pneumatic bolt action pellet air gun; Works with as few as 3 pumps or as many as 10
- The 5-chamber SilencAir sound dampener is permanently affixed to the air pistol to reduce down range noise and maximize stealth
The Umarex Strikepoint offers a multi-pump system in a pistol form factor. It is designed for shooting .177 caliber pellets and offers variable power based on the number of pumps. This makes it a versatile option for backyard plinking where you might want to control the power level. It’s a handgun, not a rifle, and lacks the realism, blowback, and full-auto features of the DPMS SBR. It’s a choice for those who prefer the pistol format and the methodical nature of pump-action pellet shooting.
The Final Verdict: Is the DPMS Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle Worth It?
After extensive testing and review, our verdict is a resounding yes—with a few important caveats. If you are looking for a precision instrument for competitions or a rugged tool for pest control, look elsewhere. But if your goal is to experience the most fun you can possibly have with an air rifle, to feel the satisfying kick of blowback, and to hear the glorious burst of full-auto fire in your own backyard, then the DPMS Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle is in a class of its own. It’s an experience machine. Be prepared to buy a red dot sight and handle it with care, and it will reward you with countless hours of pure, adrenaline-fueled enjoyment.
If you’ve decided the DPMS Full Auto SBR BB Air Rifle is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API