I need some opinions on a DPMS AR-15

Bob The Great · November 25th, 2006, 07:42 PM

I've been wanting to get an AR for a while, and I think this Christmas the time has finally come. I'm not looking for a pimped out super custom rifle. Just something simple that will shoot reliably for a long time.

A local shop has a nice-looking fairly bare-bones DPMS that I'm considering. It has a 16" barrel and multi-position stock, but besides that, it's without frills. The one thing I wish it did have is a removable carry handle, in case I want to mount some optics on it at a later date, but I think this is a small consideration.

They're asking $730 for it, compared to about $850 for a comparable RRA or Bushmaster in town. This sounds like a good deal to me, but I want to make sure I won't regret buying a DPMS.

Everybody says I can't go wrong with a Rock River or Bushmaster, but DPMS is less well known, it seems. I found one actual review of their rifles online, and the guy spoke very highly of them, but I don't want to base my purchase off of one review.

So, bottom line is, what do you guys think of DPMS? Are they worthwhile for an AR noob?

QKShooter · November 25th, 2006, 08:17 PM

You should pay particular attention to the specific barrel cleaning procedure when you first get your rifle.

"To achieve the best results for accuracy you should clean the chamber and bore after every round for the first 25 rounds, then every 10 rounds up to 100 rounds. It usually takes about 200 rounds per barrel for optimum accuracy." .............................

Here is the DPMS Panther Arms Web Site Click Here

Team DPMS
At the core of DPMS Panther Arms is a commitment to precision. To demonstrate that commitment, Team DPMS was formed in 1998. The team is comprised of some of the world's top competition shooters. They've earned global recognition for their absolute precision and consistent success - both of which continue today as they compete and win local, state, national and international shooting competitions with DPMS Panther Arms rifles.

The original Team DPMS was formed with the help of Al Greco of Al's Custom, Inc. and included Greco, world-renowned shooter Jerry Miculek (left the team in 2006), New Jersey police officer Bruce Piatt, and Jim Clark, Jr. Tony Holmes, David Neth, Deb Cheek, Charles "Tate" Moots, James Darst and Wayne Holloway have since joined these original members.

Team DPMS competes in various shooting competitions across the country. Recent competitions include the annual Tri-Gun Challenge, the Annual Shooting Industry Masters, where Team DPMS placed first in 2003, 2004 and 2005, Superstition Mountain Mystery 3-Gun and the Ft. Benning 3-Gun match.

Upcoming events include the Annual Tri-Gun Challenge, the Shooting Industry Masters competition, the USPSA 3-Gun Nationals, the MGM Iron Man, the JP Rocky Mountain 3-Gun Match, Ft. Benning and others.

Bob The Great · November 25th, 2006, 08:43 PM

Good to know, thanks. Anything else I should be aware of?

Bumper · November 25th, 2006, 09:02 PM

The components used in the DPMS is made by Continental Machine & Tool, the same machine shop that makes Colt, S&W and one other make, which I forget right now. Comparing a DPMS to either the Colt or S&W, the only thing you will see different is the gunmaker's mark/logo/serial numbers on it. Much better gun, IMHO, than the Bushmaster....

AutoFan · November 25th, 2006, 09:09 PM

I have had one since the first ban, they are as good as anything out there, mine will shoot as well as any bolt action in the same caliber. Another thing I really like about them is the ability to custom order the features you want or don't want.

rocky · November 25th, 2006, 09:57 PM

nothing wrong with DPMS, however I suggest gettting a flattop version. you can always add a carry handle mount, but mounting optics on a carry handle puts the optic high above the bore .

joker581 · November 25th, 2006, 10:26 PM

DPMS doesn't have the best reputation out there.

www.ar15.com is an excellent source of info on AR series rifles.

QKShooter · November 25th, 2006, 10:50 PM

I really have to sort of disagree with that statement.
DPMS does not have a bad reputation.
Of course some folks that have done their own builds on DPMS receivers have had problems the same as folks building on any other brand receiver.
I don't think the pre~assembled DPMS are bad at all.
I never base the overall quality of a firearm on how well somebody can build one at home.

Bob The Great · November 26th, 2006, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocky

nothing wrong with DPMS, however I suggest gettting a flattop version. you can always add a carry handle mount, but mounting optics on a carry handle puts the optic high above the bore .

This is very true. Unfortunately, the only flat-top AR's I have found are in the $850-900 range, which is a little more than my budget can justify.

and yeah, I know I can build one for $6-700, but for my first, I'd rather buy one assembled and use it as a reference to familiarize myself with the platform and maybe build one later.

kairo · November 26th, 2006, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob The Great

This is very true. Unfortunately, the only flat-top AR's I have found are in the $850-900 range, which is a little more than my budget can justify.

and yeah, I know I can build one for $6-700, but for my first, I'd rather buy one assembled and use it as a reference to familiarize myself with the platform and maybe build one later.

You could do what I did. Find a local FFL and have him "build" it for you. I sat and talked to the guy for a couple hours and we went over what I wanted / needed. He showed me 5 or 6 of his AR-15's, then helped me pick out the parts I should have. He's going to assemble the rifle and show me how to do it, then I pay him and it's mine.

If this guy pulls all this off as friendly as he's been, he'll have a customer for life. My budget was $800 or less. He built my gun for around 6 with quality parts.

November 25th, 2006, 07:42 PM	#1
Bob The Great Distinguished Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Slidell, LA Posts: 1,452	I need some opinions on a DPMS AR-15 I've been wanting to get an AR for a while, and I think this Christmas the time has finally come. I'm not looking for a pimped out super custom rifle. Just something simple that will shoot reliably for a long time. A local shop has a nice-looking fairly bare-bones DPMS that I'm considering. It has a 16" barrel and multi-position stock, but besides that, it's without frills. The one thing I wish it did have is a removable carry handle, in case I want to mount some optics on it at a later date, but I think this is a small consideration. They're asking $730 for it, compared to about $850 for a comparable RRA or Bushmaster in town. This sounds like a good deal to me, but I want to make sure I won't regret buying a DPMS. Everybody says I can't go wrong with a Rock River or Bushmaster, but DPMS is less well known, it seems. I found one actual review of their rifles online, and the guy spoke very highly of them, but I don't want to base my purchase off of one review. So, bottom line is, what do you guys think of DPMS? Are they worthwhile for an AR noob?

November 25th, 2006, 08:17 PM	#2
QKShooter Assistant Administrator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Off Of The X Posts: 20,001	They Are Good Rifles You should pay particular attention to the specific barrel cleaning procedure when you first get your rifle. "To achieve the best results for accuracy you should clean the chamber and bore after every round for the first 25 rounds, then every 10 rounds up to 100 rounds. It usually takes about 200 rounds per barrel for optimum accuracy." ............................. *Here is the DPMS Panther Arms Web Site Click Here* Team DPMS At the core of DPMS Panther Arms is a commitment to precision. To demonstrate that commitment, Team DPMS was formed in 1998. The team is comprised of some of the world's top competition shooters. They've earned global recognition for their absolute precision and consistent success - both of which continue today as they compete and win local, state, national and international shooting competitions with DPMS Panther Arms rifles. The original Team DPMS was formed with the help of Al Greco of Al's Custom, Inc. and included Greco, world-renowned shooter Jerry Miculek (left the team in 2006), New Jersey police officer Bruce Piatt, and Jim Clark, Jr. Tony Holmes, David Neth, Deb Cheek, Charles "Tate" Moots, James Darst and Wayne Holloway have since joined these original members. Team DPMS competes in various shooting competitions across the country. Recent competitions include the annual Tri-Gun Challenge, the Annual Shooting Industry Masters, where Team DPMS placed first in 2003, 2004 and 2005, Superstition Mountain Mystery 3-Gun and the Ft. Benning 3-Gun match. Upcoming events include the Annual Tri-Gun Challenge, the Shooting Industry Masters competition, the USPSA 3-Gun Nationals, the MGM Iron Man, the JP Rocky Mountain 3-Gun Match, Ft. Benning and others.

November 25th, 2006, 09:02 PM	#4
Bumper Administrator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 14,252	The components used in the DPMS is made by Continental Machine & Tool, the same machine shop that makes Colt, S&W and one other make, which I forget right now. Comparing a DPMS to either the Colt or S&W, the only thing you will see different is the gunmaker's mark/logo/serial numbers on it. Much better gun, IMHO, than the Bushmaster.... __________________ Bumper Administrator DefensiveCarry.com Forum Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde; Beware the anger of a patient man.

November 25th, 2006, 09:57 PM	#6
rocky Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MI Posts: 11,767	nothing wrong with DPMS, however I suggest gettting a flattop version. you can always add a carry handle mount, but mounting optics on a carry handle puts the optic high above the bore . __________________ "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson Nemo Me Impune Lacesset Link to my kydex builds:http://rocknloadkydex.blogspot.com/

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November 25th, 2006, 08:43 PM	#3
Bob The Great Distinguished Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Slidell, LA Posts: 1,452	Good to know, thanks. Anything else I should be aware of?

November 25th, 2006, 09:09 PM	#5
AutoFan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The Sunshine State Posts: 945	I have had one since the first ban, they are as good as anything out there, mine will shoot as well as any bolt action in the same caliber. Another thing I really like about them is the ability to custom order the features you want or don't want.

November 25th, 2006, 10:26 PM	#7
joker581 Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Albany, GA Posts: 46	DPMS doesn't have the best reputation out there. www.ar15.com is an excellent source of info on AR series rifles.

November 25th, 2006, 10:50 PM	#8
QKShooter Assistant Administrator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Off Of The X Posts: 20,001	I really have to sort of disagree with that statement. DPMS does not have a bad reputation. Of course some folks that have done their own builds on DPMS receivers have had problems the same as folks building on any other brand receiver. I don't think the pre~assembled DPMS are bad at all. I never base the overall quality of a firearm on how well somebody can build one at home.