Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting Thoughts on this rifle.

[Stranger]

I'm thinking about getting one of these.



Because I can.



http://www.dpmsinc.com/AP4-CARBINE_ep_102-1.html



Any thoughts, ideas, experience?



Thanks in advance.

 

[BILLUA]

DPMS has been known to use cheaper internal parts (read Chinese).

For that kind of money, I would suggest seeking out a Colt or Windham.

Have fun!

 

[Stranger]

If I ripped one apart at "X" dealer, would there be a stamp, "Made in China"?
Being from MN, you'd think...

 

[BILLUA]

No. there wouldn't be.

 

[JR]

Didn't DPMS start out as an in house machinist making military spec parts? I assumed they made their own internals since thats how they got started out...

I don't own anything DPMS but my uncle has an Oracle in a 308 and an MK 12, and is happy with both. I've always thought his knowledge of guns is better than average, his collection rivals the value of most peoples homes

 

[AMink]

I have a DPMS LR308 Oracle. I don't have a lot of rounds through it but it seems to be a good rifle. I wouldn't worry about DPMS being a bad choice.

 

[The patriot]

DPMS is an OK hobby gun choice. I'm a DPMS dealer, I havent heard of chinese parts.
Having said that, I wouldnt pay $959 for it.

For that much I'd get an S&W AR. Or better yet, go a little more and get a Colt, BCM or Centurion arms.
JM. 02

BTW, I'm a centurion dealer too.

 

[The patriot]

For about $1100 you can get this upper:
https://www.centurionarms.net/index...details&flypage=upperassy16.tpl&product_id=77

And this lower:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...-magpul-moe-edition-od-green-no-magazine.html

if you dont mind the lower being a "blem".
I've purchased some of these guys blem items, most people cant even tell the difference.

Edit:
I forgot, you need a rear sight.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Well, for the average shooter, going out on weekends, and hunting hogs occasionally through the winter, the DPMS is an excellent choice, IMO. I've got some with thousands of rounds through them, and even though they have failures from time to time, and the barrels aren't exactly the best, they still deliver the rounds downrange, and sometimes, pretty accurately. $959 is wayyyy too much, yes. $650 seems high, but in these times, I've seen them go for more. I saw some the other day for $549 at a local farming supply shop that deals ammo and rifles..... It looked the same rifle, and was DPMS. I didn't note much but the price and basic configuration.

The biggest failure I see in the DPMS in short time is the bolt or gas rings. The bolt carrier bore is not lapped or even concentric, so the gas rings work overtime flexing, and if they get hot, that's the end of 'em. Then, there's the accuracy problem, as it's a crap shoot as to what you get in the hammer forged barrels... . Seems Remington has taken over some of their manufacturing processes.....

All in all, if you're not going to shoot 1,000 rounds a year through it, it's not a bad rifle for the money, IMO. Someone called it a good "starter" rifle... . That may be a good description. If you like it, shoot it, and really want to upgrade, then there's always the room for the other rifles, later. I just hate to see someone go and drop $1500 on a rifle they may or may not shoot. I don't think they'll go down in value, but if you aren't going to use it, where's the fun?!?

 

[BIGNASTY]

Your in NV order the parts you WANT! and NOT the ones given to you when you purchase a ready built rifle, AND BUILD A BETTER ONE!!!!!!!!! probably for around the same price as the one you pictured!

 

[AMink]

There are several AR's right now at the Walmart on 7th and McCarran in Reno. They start at around $600 for a DPMS Sporticle and go up to about $1400 for a fairly loaded Colt. Just know what you're going to do with it. If you're hunting you probably don't need 10' of rail. A traditional handguard will do you fine. Do you want optics? A flat top is a better choice than the handle top, though some of those are detachable.

 

[The patriot]

Your in NV order the parts you WANT! and NOT the ones given to you when you purchase a ready built rifle, AND BUILD A BETTER ONE!!!!!!!!! probably for around the same price as the one you pictured!

That's what I've been doing.

 

[BIGNASTY]

That's what I've been doing.

I have 2 AR's one factory Colt, and one I put together little short stubby collapsible stock, flat top with scope sure makes a mess out of yotes in a hurry

 

[Sticks]

For about $1100 you can get this upper:
https://www.centurionarms.net/index...details&flypage=upperassy16.tpl&product_id=77

And this lower:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...-magpul-moe-edition-od-green-no-magazine.html

if you dont mind the lower being a "blem".
I've purchased some of these guys blem items, most people cant even tell the difference.

Edit:
I forgot, you need a rear sight.

Amen brother.

Almost a match to my first ground up assembly, except my final dollar for the complete (optic, sling, BUIS, BCG, A5 Stock, Magazines, light, etc. ) landed north of $2500. 8k down the pipe and no malfunctions. I'm overdue for a replacement recoil spring, and should probably rebuild the BCG. The joys of maintenance. Not complaining with a 3/4 MOA though shooting my M193 reloads.

 

[The patriot]

Clean your BCG and leave it extended on a table with the boltface on the table. Vertical.
If it closes (goes into battery position) you need gas rings, and should just rebuild with new springs and even an extractor in the bolt assy.

I use the Tubb flat wire spring in the buttstock.

 

[JTMATTEL05]

I would reccmoend a Stag Arms they might be $100 more expensive but are very reliable.

 

[Sticks]

Clean your BCG and leave it extended on a table with the boltface on the table. Vertical.
If it closes (goes into battery position) you need gas rings, and should just rebuild with new springs and even an extractor in the bolt assy.

I use the Tubb flat wire spring in the buttstock.

I should have clarified - just a spring R&R in the BCG. The gas rings are fine, the extractor may be a little worn but not causing any issues. After I replace the springs and see what the ejection pattern is (compared to what it was) I'll make that decision. I know ejection pattern on an AR means squat, but you can use it to gauge the wear as it changes given all the ammo that I fire is match grade and has not varied in powder charge, bullet, crimp, COL, etc. Gas port erosion is another issue, but can be managed. Both have Centurion barrels, so I am not too concerned with lower grade steel being used with a chance of premature or excessive erosion.

 

[The patriot]

.

The biggest failure I see in the DPMS in short time is the bolt or gas rings. The bolt carrier bore is not lapped or even concentric, so the gas rings work overtime flexing, and if they get hot, that's the end of 'em. Then, there's the accuracy problem, as it's a crap shoot as to what you get in the hammer forged barrels... . Seems Remington has taken over some of their manufacturing processes.....

.

I'm suprised. The BCG's are/were made for DPMS by toolcraft in Nc. They have/had a very good reputation for putting out quality stuff.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I'm suprised. The BCG's are/were made for DPMS by toolcraft in Nc. They have/had a very good reputation for putting out quality stuff.

Are they still? I used to never see any problems with them, but I've seen probably 4-5 that have all had rings burned or gone..... The bores were scored pretty bad, too. Of course, who knows if they're the original BCGs? These rifles were from a circle of friends... . You know how that goes. One says chicken fat makes a good bore cleaner, so they all try it... . Then lap it with some sand... .