| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Del-Ton Echo 316L Optic Ready AR-15 | Check Price |
In the world of firearms, finding a balance between affordability and quality is crucial, especially for popular models like the AR-15.
Today, we turn our attention to the Del-Ton Echo 316L Optic Ready AR-15, a model promising a budget-friendly option without compromising performance.
Does it live up to that promise? We delve into this question, considering what Del-Ton brings to the table in the competitive AR-15 market.
The AR-15 is America’s rifle. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, 23.4 percent of all guns produced in 2020 were AR-15s. There are over 20 million of them in the hands of Americans, which is constantly increasing.
AR-15s are functional, versatile, and highly customizable. You can use them for hunting, shooting competitions, or a simple day at the range. Most importantly, you can use them to defend yourself, your family, and your freedom.
One of the best things about AR-15s is that they are available at many price points. Sure, you order a high-end AR in an attempt to have the best that money can buy, but there are plenty of solid options in the mid-tier and budget price ranges.
For many in the firearms community, spending $800 on a quality, mid-tier AR-15 is no big deal. But not everyone can afford that much when considering added costs like a quality red dot, ammunition, and training.
Several companies are endeavoring to meet the needs of those with less financial resources but still want to protect themselves and be part of the firearms community. Del-Ton is one of the companies producing budget-friendly AR-15s.
Does Del-Ton making budget AR-15s mean they are making poor-quality AR-15s? Today, we will look closer at the Del-Ton Echo 316L Optic Ready AR-15 to see if it is a solid choice for the budget-minded shooter.
Del-Ton Echo 316L Optics Ready
Del-Ton Echo 316L For Sale
Specifications
| Caliber | 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 16 inches |
| Overall Length (fully extended) | 36.38 inches |
| Weight | 6.2 pounds |
| Finish | Hard Coat Anodized, Black |
| Barrel | Chrome Moly Vanadium |
| Barrel Finish | Manganese Phosphate |
| Twist | 1:9 |
Pros & Cons
- Affordable price
- Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel
- AR-15 platform (highly customizable)
- Good quality for the price
- M-LOK free float handguard
- 1:9 twist barrel needs bullets under 62 grains for best performance
- Requires spending additional money to achieve the same performance as more expensive rifles
Impressions & Range Report
AR-15 rifles have been part of my life for over two decades. I have shot countless rounds through rifles made by many manufacturers, and in general, all of the rifles are similar enough regardless of price point to make the experience the same.
From a quick inspection, there are areas where the budget aspect of the Del-Ton stands out. The charging handle could benefit from an upgrade, and the trigger is definitely a run-of-the-mill mil-spec trigger.
Overall, though, it is about what you’d expect from a very basic AR-15.
What makes the Del-Ton Echo remarkable is its price. It’s a mil-spec AR-15 that can be had for less than $500 and frequently for less than $400.
I remember back in late 2008 or early 2009, when everyone feared that Barack Obama was going to ban AR-style rifles, I paid $1,400 at a gun show for a mid-tier AR. I was happy to do so simply because I managed to find an AR-15 available to purchase.
Now, in the 2020s, AR-15s are so prevalent that companies are selling them for less than the price of an AK or, even more shocking, the price of a Mosin-Nagant. This is one of the miracles of the free market. Demand is there for quality firearms everyone can afford, and companies like Del-Ton, among others, rose to meet the need.
Now, single mothers, people on fixed incomes, and broke college students can purchase the most effective firearms on the market and still have some left over to upgrade the rifle as they need.
Reliability
My Del-Ton Echo has been entirely reliable. While the number of rounds I put downrange with the rifle is only just over 200, the gun has performed flawlessly during my time with it. I have zero reservations about setting it up as a truck gun or home defense rifle.
Accuracy
I tested it with red dots and shot it while moving and standing still. Shooting at a stationary target from a rest, the results were under 2 MOA. I am not a competition shooter nor play one on TV, so I am happy with the results for an AR-15 in the price range that the Echo falls.
Overall Feel
The overall feel of the Del-Ton Echo was exactly what you would expect from an AR-15 rifle despite being on the budget side. The charging handle was stiff and grainy. However, the trigger is surprisingly better than the trigger on another, more expensive AR I own.
The rifle points well, functions well, and feels like a well-built and solid AR.
Features
Handguard
The M-LOK handguard provides ample space for mounting optics, grips, lights, lasers, or anything else you want to add to your rifle.
The Echo also comes in several different models with different handguards, so if this longer M-LOK style isn’t what you are looking for, you should still be able to find the one you prefer.
Trigger, Furniture, General Aesthetics
The stock configuration is what you would expect from any other AR-15 in terms of unspectacular but functional mil-spec parts. You won’t find any ambidextrous controls or upgraded furniture.
But that also means the world is your oyster in terms of customization. I have had at least three different red dots on the rifle so far, and it took just seconds to swap each one.
Price
Price is the main selling point for this rifle. The Del-Ton Echo is an affordable rifle and a great entry point for someone wanting an AR-15 but unable or ready to spend more on a more expensive rifle.
How We Tested
I shot the rifle at my local range, Trinity Armory. I utilized some shooting drills that I thought would test the Echo better than simply stationary bench shooting and felt the rifle did well.
I’ll be trying plenty of other drills soon and will try to update the article if anything negative to note should arise.
Ammo Used
I primarily used 75-grain Hornady Black and 55-grain Hornady Zombie Max but also shot several other ammunition types I had sitting around already loaded in magazines.
Del-Ton Echo 316L Video Review
Score Card
Reliability (10/10)
The Echo went bang every time I pulled the trigger. Zero failures to feed and zero failures to eject. 100% reliable.
Ergonomics (9/10)
It’s an AR-15. You either like it, or you don’t.
Customization (10/10)
We are talking about an AR-15. The world is your oyster. You can customize everything.
Appearance (7/10)
The Del-Ton Echo is a vanilla black rifle.
Value (10/10)
The price is hard to beat. So is the value.
Accessories
Sig Romeo5
The Sig ROMEO5 features a 2 MOA red dot reticle that provides quick and precise target acquisition, even in low-light conditions.
The ROMEO5 is constructed from high-quality materials and is shock, water, and fogproof, making it well-suited for use in a wide range of shooting environments.
Check out our Romeo5 review for more info!
Swampfox Raider
If you want to spend a few extra dollars on an upgraded optic for your Echo, the Swampfox Raider is a 1x prism sight that is an excellent choice.
The Raider has two dot options. One is a 6 MOA dot, and the other, which I suggest, is the Bullet Rise Compensation (BRC) reticle. The BRC is very clear and easy to use.
In addition, the Shake N’ Wake auto on/off feature works well and ensures your rifle is ready immediately.
STNGR AXIOM II
The STNGR AXIOM II is a very affordable and functional 2 MOA red dot. It features 11 illumination levels, excellent battery life, quality construction, and even comes with two mounts.
Upgrading Your AR-15
Check out our guides to help you get the most bang for your buck when customizing your AR-15 rifle.
Ammo For Your AR-15
For those looking to purchase ammo for their Del-Ton Echo, exploring our best AR-15 ammo guide is recommended.
Our guide on the best AR-15 ammo emphasizes the significance of selecting ammo that aligns with your rifle’s preferences and characteristics.
We advise experimenting with various ammo types, considering factors like grain weight and bullet type, and balancing cost with performance. Our top recommendations include Hornady Black 62 Grain for general use, PMC X-Tac 55 Grain M193 for value, and Black Hills SMK 77 Grain for precision shooting.
We also highlight .223 Remington as a cost-effective training and self-defense option. For those with a Del-Ton Echo, we recommend exploring these options in our guide for the best fit.
Alternatives
We at Gun Made have reviewed a number of AR-15 rifles over the years. If the Del-Ton Echo isn’t exactly what you are looking for, or you want to see what else is available, check out a few of these other reviews to help find the right rifle for your needs.
Last Words
The Del-Ton Echo 316L is a solid rifle at a budget price. Nobody will mistake the 316L for a high-end AR15, but nobody needs to.
It’s a rifle you can rely on to protect your family, provide a good experience at the range, and even be used for hunting varmint and other small game. If you are in the market for an AR-15, check out the Del-Ton 316L and have confidence that it will serve you well.
