Airsoft New Releases: Ares AR-308 Series - Ready to play Airsoft DMR!
The ARES AR-308 series has us all very impressed, combining superb build quality with top notch performance and the elegant yet deadly look of a 21st-century DMR platform.
The AR-308S is the short-barreled version, ideally suited to whatever role you place it in with its ferocious trigger response and compact front end optimised for clearing corners in close confines.
The AR-308M is the mid-length offering, with a mid length barrel to make it the perfect multi-role AEG, with the big boy looks of 7.62x51mm magazines!
Lastly, we have the AR-308L Deluxe Version DMR Set, which is the longest of the three rifles and comes electronically locked to semi-auto from the factory shooting at a spicy 365 FPS average. Join us as we take a closer look at these promising new DMR Airsoft rifles from Ares and discuss what we like, and what we don't like. Long story short, we love them 😍
The Externals - Absolutely Breathtaking!
The first thing to notice about the AR-308 series is their incredible external build quality and precise details in every aspect. A cursory glance tells us all we need to know about the AR-308s skirmish practicality, but the closer we look at these bad boys the more beautiful they look!
The AR-308L Deluxe Version DMR Set (pictured above) is the flagship of the AR-308 AEG line and comes with a gorgeous QD suppressor, the advanced DMR variant of the Ares Amoeba Pro Stock, and the top-notch 1-6x24 Illuminated rifle scope with a "G" style dual ring mount. All of the AR-308 rifles, including the AR-308L are supplied in an olive green high density polymer hard case, complete with metal lift clasps and a cracked surface finish.
Each AR-308 rifle comes with a steel muzzle brake with quick detach functionality when paired with the Ares QD suppressor, with the additional strength of steel construction being a bonus for a part which will see significant use and mechanical strain. The AR-308L Deluxe Version DMR Set comes with the suppressor included, but if you prefer to build your own DMR from one of the shorter variants you can purchase the suppressor separately.
Surrounding the barrel the AR-308 series boasts a highly detailed mock short-stroke gas piston system and gas block, which is a high-end feature we love to see. Details like this set higher quality Airsoft replicas apart from run-of-the-mill AEGs, and make the rifle look considerably more realistic to those with an eye for detail. The mock gas system includes all the parts you would find on a real piston-driven AR platform, including the gas plug, operating rod and spring.
The AR-308's M-LOK handguard is a unique Ares design with angled weight-reducing vent ports cut at 45-degree angles to the M-LOK slots, which are available at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. The upper surface sports a good old 20mm Picatinny rail which is perfect for adding accessories such as a Runcam or PEQ laser immediately, with no need to buy adapters or other parts. At the front, we have another built-in 20mm Picatinny rail which is perfectly positioned to mount a bipod to support this beastly DMR-styled rifle, or a tactical flashlight to disorient the enemy if you prefer close-quarters combat.
The receiver of the AR-308 is one of the nicest we have ever seen and has perfectly machined manufacturer markings on either side of the magazine well which both look professional and realistic. The profile of the receiver has been reshaped to provide a modern look to match the M-LOK handguard, and all of the controls which are essential to operating the AR-308 are mirrored on either side of the receiver.
This means the rifle handles identically whether you are left or right-handed, and is especially convenient for those of us who like to make the best use of cover with a shoulder-to-shoulder transition. The average M4/AR15 platform requires some workarounds to operate from the left shoulder in most cases, but the AR-308 is ready for some wrong-handed action immediately!
The stock setup provided on the AR-308 series is a unique Ares design, known as the Pro Stock. Each rifle in the series gets its own version of this modern, modular stock system. The stock base itself offers a fixed cheek weld, and a sizeable battery compartment, to name just a few of its strengths. The "S" model comes with a CQB suitable pistol stabilising brace, which allows you to wield this aggressively styled rifle with one hand, but won't help you keep a straight face whilst doing it!
The "M" variant comes with the Carbine version of the Pro Stock, which is the multi-mission offering in the Pro Stock series. This stock is intended to work well for both close distance engagements and long range shooting and is equipped with a low profile adjustment lever to minimise snags and allow you to move swiftly in-game. At the toe of the stock, we are treated to a sling swivel which can be used with a front sling point to set the AR-308M up on a two or three-point sling.
The AR-308L, as the fully fledged DMR rifle of the series, comes with the DMR variant of the Pro Stock. This version of the Pro Stock is slightly longer than the others and provides an adjustable cheek piece and a minimalist adjustment lever which is optimised for strength over speed of adjustment. The cheek piece can be raised and lowered to provide perfect sight alignment with any optical sight you choose to use, and also offers both a sling slot and sling loop to allow you to set this long boy up with a sling for times when you need your hands free.
The Ares E.F.C.S - Advanced AEG Control System
Inside the AR-308 series, we are treated to the Ares E.F.C.S control system which allows the trigger sensitivity to be adjusted, the fire modes to be programmed for burst mode, and different battery types to be used. These functions can be accessed through the Ares Programmer (available separately) which plugs into the AEG between the battery and the gun and allows you to set the AR-308 up for your specific needs.
Even without the programmer, the E.F.C.S offers many perks for the AR-308 system. Active braking is built into the system to ensure the piston completes a full cycle with each trigger pull and that no additional stress is placed upon the internals by leaving the piston "half-cocked" in storage. The E.F.C.S helps regulate the current draw of the gearbox and prevents the battery or circuitry from becoming damaged when semi-auto is used excessively. The improvements in electrical efficiency provided by the E.F.C.S combines perfectly with the Ares high torque motor the AR-308 is equipped with for a near-instantaneous trigger response and a ferocious rate of fire in the full auto capable "S" and "M" variants.
The Ares Pro Stock - Modular Stock System
The Ares Pro Stock is a unique Ares design which intends to provide equal if not greater functionality than the standard M4/AR15 buffer tube when it comes to skirmishing whilst allowing for a larger battery compartment with much easier access than a buffer tube battery compartment. The stock base is common to all models of the Pro Stock, and should the stocks become available as separate parts you will be able to swap and change to suit the mission at hand.
The Pro Stock has what is known as a "fixed cheek weld", meaning the part of the stock on which you rest your cheek does not move as you retract or extend the stock. This means you have a comfortable and consistent cheek weld every time you raise the rifle, and this will translate into better accuracy on target if you do your part. On a standard M4/AR15 stock the cheek position will alter depending on how far out the stock is extended, making it far harder to be consistent with your head position behind the sights.
The battery compartment inside the Pro Stock is accessed by unthreading the well-sealed plug at the rear of the stock base. Inside, you will find a far larger battery compartment than we are used to in a standard buffer tube, meaning chonkier batteries are a real possibility for the AR-308 series. The available space in the buffer tube fits the vast majority of stick batteries of less than 2x2x16cm approximate dimensions, which opens up greater possibilities for all-day or weekend Milsim games with fewer battery changes and more chances to get kills!
The Pro Stock is available in three variants, the compact Pistol Stabilising Brace, the ultra-flexible Carbine Stock and the comfortable and functional DMR stock:
Pistol Stabilising Brace
The AR-308S comes with a pistol stabilising brace mounted to the receiver extension of the Pro Stock which allows for use either as a stock or bound to your wrist in "pistol brace" style. The brace has a rubberised "claw" which comfortably grips your wrist and can also double as a butt plate, with ample grip to ensure the brace doesn't slide around if you wear a plate carrier or other bulky tactical vest in-game.
The brace is equipped with a QD sling socket just ahead of the adjustment lever which allows for effective CQB use with a single-point bungee sling. The brace can be adjusted to any of the 5 positions available on the receiver extension, making it suitable for any body type. The adjustment lever is low profile to minimise snags and can be adjusted quickly on the fly if needed.
Carbine Stock
The stock found on the AR-308M is the "Carbine" variant of the Ares Pro Stock which is a slimline design with a low profile adjustment lever to prevent snags and allow you to move unhindered in-game. The Carbine stock offers 5 positions of length adjustment and can be adjusted in seconds to suit the situation you find yourself in, be it compressed close quarters shooting or laying down a wall of BBs to halt the enemy's advance outdoors.
The Carbine stock includes a sling loop at the toe of the stock to allow for 2 or 3-point rifle slings and has a serrated rubber butt pad to keep the stock locked securely into your shoulder for a consistent shooting position every time and positive grip in any weather condition.
DMR Stock w/cheek riser
Ares Pro Stock in its DMR stock form offers 5 positions of adjustment in length to suit any body type or loadout. The adjustment lever is a very discrete design which is optimised for strength rather than fast adjustment and is slightly longer than a standard M4/AR15 stock when fully collapsed. To adjust the length of pull of the stock you will need to pull the circular steel tabs on either side and with them held down you can extend the stock to your choice of length.
At the toe of the stock, we have a sling slot and sling loop for setting the rifle up on a 2 or 3-point sling. The Ares Pro DMR stock also includes an adjustable cheek riser which allows you to align your eye with the scope perfectly and have a comfortable and effective cheek weld with any optical sight you choose to mount. The riser can be adjusted quickly using the throw lever mounted on the side of the stock and is rock solid when deployed.
The AR-308L Deluxe Version DMR Set
The longest version of the Ares AR-308 platform is the AR-308L, which comes as a full DMR set including the excellent Ares 1-6x24 Illuminated Rifle Scope, the Ares QD suppressor and two magazines, all sorted safely in the superb quality Ares Polymer hard case. The AR-308L also comes programmed for semi-automatic fire only from the factory and boasts a stronger spring providing an average of 365 FPS out of the box.
[image AR-308L in box]
If your local site has special rules in place for DMR rifles this set would be perfect for you. The AR-308L fits the requirements of the vast majority of Airsoft sites in the country for DMR rifles, including the more exacting sites which require the DMR rifle to be a replica of a real-world DMR rifle. The AR-308 platform is styled after the real steel AR-10 platform and takes inspiration from the real steel SR25 marksman rifle. Even for Milsim events, this DMR rifle will fit the bill, and comes ready to play with everything you will need, other than a battery, eye protection and BBs!
The Scope and Mount - Ares 1-6x24 Illuminated Rifle Scope with "G" Style Dual Ring Mount
The Ares 1-6x24 scope is finished in a low-vis metallic bronze, matching perfectly with the finish on the metal parts of the Ares AR-308. The scope has a 30mm monotube, allowing for a wide field of vision and compatibility with any 30mm scope rings on the market, though a lovely "G" style dual ring mount is included in the set.
Also included is a throw lever ring for the magnification dial, allowing for rapid magnification changes on the fly, a set of flip-up lens covers to protect the delicate lenses from damage during transport and a kill-flash device mounts to the threading at the front of the objective lens, and helps prevent glare from giving your position away when sunlight catches the lens. Surrounding the objective lens the scope is marked with "HD 1-6x24" in discrete black lettering.
The Suppressor - Ares AR-308 Quick Detachable Suppressor
The Ares Quick Detachable Suppressor is constructed from aluminium with a matt black finish applied and includes laser engraved markings to give a realistic appearance worthy of mounting to the impressive AR-308 rifle series. The suppressor mounts to the muzzle brake of the AR-308 using its quick-detach apparatus and can be installed and removed in seconds, matching real steel QD suppressor functionality.
The suppressor is mounted by aligning it with the muzzle brake of the Ares AR-308, and requires pulling to the rear and turning 90 degrees clockwise with the muzzle facing away. This will lock the suppressor to the muzzle brake with zero wobble and a tight fit. Reversing the process will release the suppressor again, meaning you can quickly add and remove the suppressor when the mood or mission suits. The Quick Detachable Suppressor is provided as part of the DMR Set but it is also available as a separate item if you want to mount one to your AR-308S or AR-308M for some sneaky action and the "SF" look.
The Magazines - Ares AR-308 130rnd Medium Capacity Magazine
The AR-308 series take Ares spec 7.62x51 style magazines which are constructed from high density polymer with a grippy textured external finish, just like the popular real steel 20LR mag the design is based on. Each magazine holds 130BBs and is a spring-fed mid-cap, meaning no battle rattle to contend with when you are trying to be sneaky, and easy and vast reloading via a standard speed loader.
On the outside, each magazine sports a "waffle" style rib pattern for additional grip when drawing the magazines from a pouch and extra control during reloads in bad weather or with sweaty hands. Just above the baseplate, the magazines include what is known as a "Dot Matrix" on either side allowing for each magazine to be marked numerically using paint pens so you can keep track of which magazine is which in the heat of a firefight. This is very "in vogue" in the real steel world at the moment, and has the added benefit that if one of your magazines gives you trouble it won't keep working its way back into your kit and will be identified as the trouble maker it is.
The magazines are larger than an M4/AR15 5.56 STANAG style mag, but this allows more ammo to be crammed into a shorter overall length, allowing for a lower prone position to be taken with the AR-308 for better use of cover and greater chances of surviving the engagement. The magazine style also makes the AR-308 a Milsim appropriate DMR rifle, and even for the more picky sites which demand your DMR is a replica of a real steel DMR rifle (i.e 7.62, certain overall length, looks etc.) the AR-308 fit even the most exacting definition of an Airsoft DMR.
Final thoughts
The Ares AR-308 series are some of the finest Airsoft rifles we have seen on the market so far, and come with an impressive feature set with a smooth running gearbox and absolutely no compromise when it comes to external quality.
As high-end rifle replicas, the AR-308 series is priced higher than many similar-looking Airsoft guns, but this article should give you a good insight as to why. Stunning external quality with superb internals comes at a price, and often cheaper AEGs have to compromise somewhere in order to keep the price low. Ares is the kind of brand that doesn't do things by half, and the AR-308, like their other high-end offerings, will please both Milsimmers and die-hard, performance oriented skirmishers with its perfect meshing of external realism and internal performance.
The "S" and "M" variants of the AR-308 are a great starting point for building your own Airsoft DMR rifle, but if you are all about the shooting and not as interested in the process of building the rifle, the AR-308L was designed with you in mind. The "L" variant is an out-of-the-box ready DMR AEG, locked to semi-automatic and sold with an awesome optical sight and QD suppressor combination, so if you want to plug and play DMR style, the AR-308L is your best bet!