[ak47nevada]

I finally have enough cash to be able to test the AR15 weapon system once and for all. If it's accurate and reliable I'll be very happy. I like the sights, looks and ergonomics.

A local dealer quoted me $850 for an M4A3 DPMS and said Bushmasters take about two months to get in.

I'm uncertain of DPMS because I've read that their rifles have reliability issues. I was also told that they are the only ones with a Chrome Bolt Carrier and this makes them better? Please enlighten me.

Best Regards. :cool:

[jeff-10]

I am not sure how different it is in Las Vegas compared to Florida but where I am at we have so many Bushmaster M4 copies at the gun shows that it would take you less than 1 hour, not 2 months to pick up one. They generally go for between $700-800 here. Why would it take your gun shop 2 months to get 1?

[ak47nevada]

Well, my particular dealer only gets shipments of DPMS in regularly. He has to special order Bushmasters.

I may be able to find a different M4 in another gun shop around here (I'm actually currently in Boise Idaho for a work contract).

However, I would like to give this man my business because he's one of the staunchest defenders of the Second Amendment I've personally met. But on the other hand, if the DPMS M4A3 isn't up to spec, than I shall not purchase this rifle.

Does anybody know the warranty on DPMS rifles?

[PMDW]

I've heard very unflattering things about DPMS.

The explanation of DPMS being an acronym for "Don't Purcahse My Sh*t" comes to mind. We have one at work, and I can say I'd rather have a Bushmaster.

[ak47nevada]

PMDW, thanks for your post.

[jem375]

DPMS makes very good rifles...don't listen to some of these guys who seem to think they are not....they do not have quality control problems at all....I would rather have a DPMS or a RRA before a Bushmaster anyway.....

[jem375]

Go to ar15.com and look under the Industry section, look under DPMS and see for yourself that there is not much to complain about with the DPMS ar15's or 308's.......

[Stasher1]

I think you'll find that most of the people who talk trash about DPMS have never owned, shot, or even handled one. I've put a bunch of rounds thru my DPMS M4A3 with absolutely no problems.

I shoot with 4 other guys and we're running DPMS rifles, or rifles built with DPMS parts. If the "problems" are as common as some folks claim, I would've seen them by now.

[PMDW]

I think you'll find that most of the people who talk trash about DPMS have never owned, shot, or even handled one. I've put a bunch of rounds thru my DPMS M4A3 with absolutely no problems.

I fired one. It would jam every 10 rounds. The pin holes were oversized. I watched the upper receiver fly open, and the bolt carrier fly out while it was being fired. The finish sucks, too.

[P0832177]

The DPMS uppers I have had have all been accurate. My 24 1 in 9 twist heavy barrel is a very accurate upper! It has gone less then MOA out to 500 yds. I have no complaints. They are local to me, and Randy Luth has done a lot forshooters. He has bought whole shooting range in St. Cloud. Their factory is on the range complex. He sponsors a Three Gun Match!
No complaints from me!

[Stasher1]

I fired one. It would jam every 10 rounds. The pin holes were oversized. I watched the upper receiver fly open, and the bolt carrier fly out while it was being fired. The finish sucks, too.

Sorry, gotta call BULL**** on this one. There's only 2 ways an upper receiver could "fly open", one is a complete failure of the upper receiver and the other is a missing take-down pin retainer. Neither is very likely unless the owner had been screwing around with it.

Where is this rifle now? I'd like to see it first hand and am willing to pay for shipping.

[PMDW]

Sitting on the rack at the gun store I work at. The rear pin walked out.

As for sending the gun, no can do. Post-86 dealer sample.

Feel free to Stop in, though. "One Shot" - Newtown, Ohio. 513-233-0885

[Old NFO]

I've been shooting a DPMS 20" classic for over a year in 3 gun and on the range, I've never had a problem with it... Nor have I heard of any problems from the others at Quantico that shoot a DPMS .223 or .308. I too would love the see the pics of the one where the bolt carrier came out... sounds kinda strange :confused:

[Stasher1]

Hmm, how convenient. :rolleyes: The BULL**** flag is still waving...

[PMDW]

I'll get you a picture the next time I go in. Or, if you can't wait, you can call on Tuesday, ask for Chris, and have him tell you the story.


Please though, tell me why I would make this up.

[Kaylee]

The DPMS rifles I've handled... enh. I wouldn't buy one if I had other options. And at $850, you have lots of other options.

I don't know what prices are like around here, but for 850 you're in RRA and Bushie territory. Heck, there's a short-barrelled M4-pattern Bushy AR with a shorty ACE stock, tac-welded flash suppressor, and ergo grip in the shop here for about 700 last I cheked.

I'd pass on the DPMS in your shoes.

[Bullet]

You might check these out.

http://www.rbprecision.com/rock_river_arms_ar15_rifles.htm

[js2013]

I never thought much of DPMS until I tried one. No complaints. For an M4A3 or any other model for that matter I wouldn't hesitate to purchase from DPMS.

[Master Blaster]

I fired one. It would jam every 10 rounds. The pin holes were oversized. I watched the upper receiver fly open, and the bolt carrier fly out while it was being fired. The finish sucks, too.

So the person this happened to lost how many of his teeth and what part of his face??? surely he sued DPMS for his injuries right? So why didnt the gun get sent back to DPMS for a repair of replacement if no lawsuit was filed????

Its just real hard for me to imagine that this could have happened, as an owner of 3 ar-15 rifles familiar with their anatomy. No if the cam pin had been left out or broke......

:what:

[ak47nevada]

Thanks for all your posts. The only way I'm going to find out is if I give it a try.

With the new gas piston uppers comming out I'm uncertain if I should just get a lower and go with one of them.

Err, all the choices. :banghead:

[Stasher1]

I assume from your screen name that you're located in AZ? Go to the Arizona section of the Hometown forum on AR15.com and ask if anybody has a DPMS rifle they'll let you try. It's worth a shot...no pun intended. ;)

Arizona section of AR15.com (http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=8&f=13)

If you're around here (B'ham, AL area) I'll gladly let you shoot mine.

[ak47nevada]

Stasher1,

Thanks for the advice! I'll be back in SoNevada in May, currently in Boise. I'm going to ask my dealer if he can let me take one out (I think he has one in his private collection) and give it a go before I purchase.

[WalkerTexasRanger]

I have several DPMS rifles and all have functioned perfectly. Fit and finish was better than the Bushy or Colts I have owned.

The main difference between them all is the barrel, DMPS are not chromed lined as standard, but neither are RRA or Armalite. Bushy and Colt are. This turns many people away. For a combat rifle, chrome lining is clearly the way to go. For a plinker, not a necessity.

I have an AP4 (DPMS M4) and it is a nice rifle, no complaints, but I will say that $850 is a bit steep, at least for this market. Might be standard where you are, but here $750-$800 for either DPMS, RRA, or Bushy - just take your pick...

Good shooting!!!

[Stasher1]

The main difference between them all is the barrel, DMPS are not chromed lined as standard, but neither are RRA or Armalite. Bushy and Colt are. This turns many people away. For a combat rifle, chrome lining is clearly the way to go. For a plinker, not a necessity.

You're right, they're not chrome lined as standard...but it is an option for $20 over the "standard" catalog price.

[PMDW]

So the person this happened to lost how many of his teeth and what part of his face??? surely he sued DPMS for his injuries right?

At the point that the bolt carrier flew out, the receiver was tilted up because of the weight of the barrel, and the receiver pin that had walked out. When the carrier left the upper receiver, it went over his head.

So why didnt the gun get sent back to DPMS for a repair of replacement if no lawsuit was filed????

Couldn't tell you, it's not my rifle. Being a second hand gun, and having an auto conversion performed probably had something to do with it, though.

It happened. I saw it. If you don't want to believe me, fine. At least provide me with a reason as to why I would make it all up, though.