DPMS Panther Arms AP4 Carbine versus BM M4?

Mass-Diver · March 16th, 2007, 06:23 PM

So, I sold a couple of my pistols and I'm ready to buy my first AR-15. I'm looking for a fun rifle to shoot at the range that can double as a home defense/SHTF weapon. I have an .308 HK91 close, so I'm looking for just the opposite here, light and small. I'm pretty busy these days, so I'm not really looking for a project, just a fun rifle.

Here in communist MA my choices are pretty limited (we still have a AWB of sorts - but certain ARs are MA legal). Basically, I need to choose between the DPMS AP4 or the BM M4 - price is the same. From what I've read, they both seem like nice rifles, anyone have a strong preference of one of the other?

Thanks!

Bob The Great · March 16th, 2007, 06:34 PM

From the research that I did, both DPMS or Bushmaster make good rifles. Bushmaster seems to have the edge in AR-snobbery, but other than that, if they're the same price, you probably can't go wrong either way.

For me, the decision would probably come down to a chrome-lined barrel, number of mags shipped with it, or something small like that.

My DPMS AR has been a ton of fun. Just don't run Wolf ammo or other steel-case/laquer coated ammo through it - you will void your warranty.

foreveryoung001 · March 17th, 2007, 12:53 AM

DPMS was the one I went with a few weeks ago and have deen very happy with it. I've shot a Bushy at the range a time or two, and thought they wee great too. Sounds like a win/win to me. Have fun deciding

retsupt99 · March 17th, 2007, 01:09 AM

I bought the BushMaster 'flat top' and added an EO Tech Holographic sight...sweet...

Have fun choosin'...

ret

srfl · March 17th, 2007, 01:22 AM

At this stage, I think either will serve you well.

JT · March 17th, 2007, 02:05 PM

Bushmaster

Mass-Diver · March 17th, 2007, 05:56 PM

Thanks guys, I'm looking to make a move soon - so I'll update this thread with some pics (hopefully in the next week or two).

AutoFan · March 20th, 2007, 12:27 PM

I have a DPMS, but Bushys are supposed to be just as good.

MD_Willington · March 20th, 2007, 12:44 PM

Considering getting a plain DPMS lower and going the "big kids mechano set route"... that way I can get a couple of uppers for when I feel like shooting iron or with a scope.

TC_FLA · March 21st, 2007, 09:45 AM

I got a DPMS AP4 M4 about a month ago. Comes with 2 30rd mags, sling and hard case. Go to DPMS on-line and you can get the Black Teflon 30 rd mags for $12.00 ea. Sweet shooting rifle. I think you will like it. But like "Bob the Great says "Just don't run Wolf ammo or other steel-case/laquer coated ammo through it - you will void your warranty".

March 16th, 2007, 06:23 PM	#1
Mass-Diver Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: MA Posts: 205	DPMS Panther Arms AP4 Carbine versus BM M4? So, I sold a couple of my pistols and I'm ready to buy my first AR-15. I'm looking for a fun rifle to shoot at the range that can double as a home defense/SHTF weapon. I have an .308 HK91 close, so I'm looking for just the opposite here, light and small. I'm pretty busy these days, so I'm not really looking for a project, just a fun rifle. Here in communist MA my choices are pretty limited (we still have a AWB of sorts - but certain ARs are MA legal). Basically, I need to choose between the DPMS AP4 or the BM M4 - price is the same. From what I've read, they both seem like nice rifles, anyone have a strong preference of one of the other? Thanks!

March 17th, 2007, 12:53 AM	#3
foreveryoung001 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 473	DPMS was the one I went with a few weeks ago and have deen very happy with it. I've shot a Bushy at the range a time or two, and thought they wee great too. Sounds like a win/win to me. Have fun deciding __________________ When the messenger arrives and says 'Don't shoot the messenger,' it's a good idea to be prepared to shoot the messenger, just in case.

March 17th, 2007, 01:09 AM	#4
retsupt99 VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 15,607	I bought the BushMaster 'flat top' and added an EO Tech Holographic sight...sweet... Have fun choosin'... ret __________________ "That I cannot do." "Give this to, uh, Clemenza. I want reliable people, people who aren't going to be carried away. After all we're not murderers in spite of what this undertaker thinks." *********************************** NRA Life Member

March 17th, 2007, 01:22 AM	#5
srfl Senior Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: FL Posts: 6,662	At this stage, I think either will serve you well. __________________ USAF: Loving Our Obscene Amenities Since 1947

March 17th, 2007, 02:05 PM	#6
JT Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 1,099	Bushmaster __________________ Blessed be the Lord my rock who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle. Psalm 144:1 Si vis pacem, para bellum

March 16th, 2007, 06:34 PM	#2
Bob The Great Distinguished Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Slidell, LA Posts: 1,468	From the research that I did, both DPMS or Bushmaster make good rifles. Bushmaster seems to have the edge in AR-snobbery, but other than that, if they're the same price, you probably can't go wrong either way. For me, the decision would probably come down to a chrome-lined barrel, number of mags shipped with it, or something small like that. My DPMS AR has been a ton of fun. Just don't run Wolf ammo or other steel-case/laquer coated ammo through it - you will void your warranty.

March 17th, 2007, 05:56 PM	#7
Mass-Diver Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: MA Posts: 205	Thanks guys, I'm looking to make a move soon - so I'll update this thread with some pics (hopefully in the next week or two).

March 20th, 2007, 12:27 PM	#8
AutoFan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The Sunshine State Posts: 954	I have a DPMS, but Bushys are supposed to be just as good.

March 20th, 2007, 12:44 PM	#9
MD_Willington Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SE WA State Posts: 482	Considering getting a plain DPMS lower and going the "big kids mechano set route"... that way I can get a couple of uppers for when I feel like shooting iron or with a scope.

March 21st, 2007, 09:45 AM	#10
TC_FLA Ex Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: P.C.B., Florida Posts: 93	I got a DPMS AP4 M4 about a month ago. Comes with 2 30rd mags, sling and hard case. Go to DPMS on-line and you can get the Black Teflon 30 rd mags for $12.00 ea. Sweet shooting rifle. I think you will like it. But like "Bob the Great says "Just don't run Wolf ammo or other steel-case/laquer coated ammo through it - you will void your warranty".

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