Awesome capability
I am an LEO. This product works as advertised. I can carry a full size ar15 in my backpack regardless of where I go. It is reliable, repeatable and it works. I had a gen 1, and while I liked it, I love the lock on the new generation dolos. I have rfiles I won't put this on, but the ar I carry with me all the time is powered by dolos.
works as described, very easy to assemble
I found these very easy to assemble. the handguards are as easy or difficult to clock with the upper receiver as any other free float handguard with a lockring, including the Cry Havoc. the plastic barrel extension and gas tube protector is a must have, I have not bent a gas tube yet. returns to zero every time. if you follow the instructions and recommendations the lock pawl will last basically forever. mine has been assembled/disassembled about a hundred times and the lock pawl does not need to be replaced yet. slimmer and lighter than the Cry Havoc, which wasn't available yet when I started using the Dolos. the ability to swap calibers is a huge bonus. I strongly recommend using physically unique magazines for different calibers.
Not perfect but not bad
While not perfect by any means it is a very well priced system and a worthy option. If you constantly use the ratcheting system like it is designed the locking pawl will wear out, they are replaceable but if when twisting the handguard to lock you pull the locking tab down while twisting thus avoiding the ratchet feature the locking pawl will last a long time. The pawl is designed to be softer so it doesn't wear out the ratchet on the barrel locking piece. So in essence it is quite good if you don't use the ratcheting feature. It seems to hold zero quite well too. Handguard can be a pain to align correctly.
Good idea poorly executed.
Because of the unique design of the retaining nut, they should include a wrench to properly torque it and Brownells doesnt even offer the wrench forcing you to go elsewhere to buy it and pay more shipping. Using a screwdriver and a hammer is an unacceptable way to tighten the nut. The short section of rail on the receiver mount is out of spec so if your optic mount happens to fall on that portion youre going to have issues. The handguard nut/mount doesnt secure the barrel when its unattached, the barrel/gas tube just clank around. Seriously guys? There is a cheap simple solution that would vastly improve the product. Contact me if you want to know more. Its 80%, just a little more and it would be 100%
Good idea. Not well executed
Packaging was fine. Parts were finished ok. Directions were poor. Watched numerous installation videos. I didnt care for the smooth handguards that are shown in most videos, so I checked the handguard compatibility list and went with YHM with a top rail. I learned real quick why most rails are smooth and clean. It was extremely difficult to get the rail to index with the reciever. Even worse after a few times of using the dolos to take down the rifle. I don't think I would trust shoving this into a backpack being as the handguard and barrel gas tube assembly just kind of loosely stay together. I could see damage happening to the gas tube with rough handling/transport. After about 15 cycles of dolos quick change the single ratcheting tension tooth was showing wear. Major flaw! It is a replaceable part. However just seemed too soft for my liking. I gladly returned the system and washed my hands of this mess.
Great concept, failed execution
It is a great concept, but falls short on design. First off, it does not work with low profile free float guards, it only works on full size, as the whole guard must rotate over the gas tube. Second, the release button on the bottom gets jammed, requiring you to either beat on it or get the help of an extra set of hands. Third, the locking ring is not hardened and has significant wear after only a dozen or so breakdowns, causing the rail on the hand guard to be radially off location.
There are better WAY better options!
Don't waste your money! The barrel attachment was solid but the handguard had up to 1/4 inch of movement at the muzzle end. Not even a gunsmith could fix the issue. The only positive thing about the transaction was that Brownells gave me a 100% refund on the DOLOS. I ordered a Cry Havoc Tactical Quick Release Barrel kit and Brownells had that replacement to me right away. The CHT QRB kit was superior in every way!
Poor Wear - Ring is not hardened
If you plan on taking the rifle down quite a bit, steer clear of this one. The ratchet grooves that keep the hand guard from rotating either are not hardened, or they used the wrong metal for them. After less than 20 take downs, my hand guard started slipping agains the tri-lug. I've tried to adjust the depth of the ratchet hasp (height), but it's actually slipping because the grooves have worn down. Not a very tough design. I've tried to email and call the company for help, and even offered to pay for a new hand guard mount/part to give it another shot. I have yet to be responded to after several attempts.
