Bushmaster vs. DPMS

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Phantom Warrior

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Within the next year I'd like to buy my first AR15. Here are the specifications I'm looking for (so far):

16" barrel
Fixed/A2/non-folding stock
Removable A3 carry handle (not essential)

I'm planning to use it for plinking, target shooting, and maybe some small game hunting. Once I have my own house it'll probably be tasked for home-defense as well. I was originally looking at a Bushmaster. One of my friends at the local gun shop suggested DPMS. He said they are just as good quality, would be a little cheaper, and they are made right here in Minnesota.

I'm soliciting opinions on Bushmaster, DPMS, and Bushmaster vs. DPMS. If anyone else can suggest a good quality, reasonably priced AR15 I'd be interested in that as well. Thanks
 
You get what you pay for in both cases. I like DPMS because they are cheaper but the Bushmaster is a bit more refined. Decide how much you want to spend and make your decision based on that one. Me, I own an Armalite, two Bushmaster lowers and a DPMS. One of my Bushmaster lowers has a DPMS upper and the other has a Rock River Arms upper.

I'd look beyond the DPMS and Bushmaster realm at quality companies like Armalite, Rock River Arms, and Olympic Arms. Good luck.
 
What exactly do you mean by "more refined"? They drink tea with their little finger curled? :D If you could elaborate that would be great. What, how does it affect shooting, will it matter for not serious shooting...
 
Either one will do the trick as well as Armalite, RRA.....these are all quality rifles.....just pick the one you like and buy it.......My son and I have DPMS..........At the gun shows I am always picking up something from them here in Minnesota........
 
Don't be afraid to try building your own, it's very simple. The folks @ ar15.com are very helpful.

If you're determined to buy, most of them recommend the ABC's as first tier buys (that's Armalite, Bushmaster, and Colt).

Michael
 
Stay AWAY FROM COLT. Colt has so watered down their guns that you do not want to sadle yourself with one.

By more refined, I mean that they are more consistant in their tolerances, quality control, and finish. They are also a mil-spec builder. This means that they follow the technical specs and tolerances of the US government on all parts. That's not to say that DPMS doesn't. In my experience, it's fit and finish that separate the two.
 
Fit and finish on DPMS rifles is very good. This past November I bought a new Classic Sixteen, great rifle. The upper and lower receivers mate up nice and tight. My brother has a Bushy, another nice rifle. He was however, very impressed with my DPMS.
 
Phantom Warrior......I guess if I had to choose between the two, I would pick the DPMS, having been out to their plant in Becker, Mn. twice...........also at the gun shows you can pick up all the parts you will ever need from the DPMS booth.......Dustin and Sully are very helpful ...........
 
I own a Bushmaster...

So if I were going to choose between a Bushy and a DPMS, I'd choose...



Rock River :D



I have 2 buddies with RRA rifles. They paid less than what a Bushy costs around here, their finish is nicer, their fit is at least as good, and their accuracy is just as good.

I have no experience with DPMS other than the ones I've handled (only a couple mind you) had more of a GREY finish and furniture rather than FLAT BLACK like Bushy and especially Rock River.
 
I'd go for a Bushmaster for a first. They have an outstanding track record and great service. Chrome lining is also standard.

Resale values are also great for Bushmasters. They don't last as long on the used rifle market.

Good Shooting
Red
 
I own a Bushmaster (my only one so far), and I'm glad I made it my first. Its sub-MOA accurate, and has never jammed after almost 3000 rounds through it.

However, I've inspected the DPMS and RRA rifles, and think I'd like to build one of them for my next AR. The fit and finish seems just as good, and the price is a little lower.

However, I don't know of any company, besides Kel-Tec, that has customer service equal to Bushmaster. So that should be a consideration as well.
 
I went through the same process myself, and in the end the Armalite M15 A4 came out on top.

I truly love the rifle, and the fit & finish seemed a little better than the Bushmaster and DPMS rifles I held

If you buy the Armalite, you will not be disappointed.
 
Bushmaster vs. DPMS = Lexus vs. Mercedes

Both great products, yet neither is a Ferrari (a John Holliger built AR) or a Kia (Hesse)...

You will be happy with either, go with your local manuf if for no other reason....

Good shooting!!!!
 
Bushmaster IS a 'quality company', as in HIGH QUALITY.

Someone mentioned checking into the AR15.com and Maryland AR15 Shooters sites.
That is a great idea.

http://www.ar15.com/

http://groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/theseriousar.msnw?pgmarket=en-us



I just spoke with a guy I work with who is, among other things, an ex-Air Force armorer; ex-cop; ex-gun dealer and currently works part-time in a pawnshop that does a lot of firearm business.
He said to avoid DPMS. Stick with Bushmaster.
His credentials suggest he knows what he's talking about.
(...edited for: I think the comments he made had something to do with bringbacks to the shop for problems. I'm not slamming DPMS or any other brand of AR15, only reporting what I heard from a reputable source...)
 
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I looked at Bushmaster's V-Match. Liked it, but ended up w/ Armalite A4 w/ chrome bbl. I decided I was in it for just what you described, not for formal competition. I just wanted to shoot mostly surplus, with occasional use of match grade.

Armalite was also cheaper by almost $150. No exp. w/ DPMS, so I can't say.

Definitely have a look at Eagle Arms - Armalite's "budget" division. The only thing different is the price and the name on the side. Finish ain't perfect, but they shoot just as nice, from what I hear.

I DO know, Armalite's cust. svc. is TOP NOTCH.
 
given that there is an economy in scale,
what corners are cut by manufacturers to meet the price point set by Bushmaster?

AR 15 TYPE RIFLES MANUFACTURED - YEAR 2000
# of Rifles Manufacturer
39,932 BUSHMASTER FIREARMS, INC.
29,950 COLT'S MANUFACTURING CO.
8,475 ARMALITE, INC.
5,869 DPMS ARMS, INC.
3,910 OLYMPIC ARMS, INC.
2,964 PWA, INC.
2,614 PROFESSIONAL ORDNANCE, INC.
967 HESSE, LTD.
191 ROCK RIVER ARMS, INC.
6 ALLAN P. ZITTA
 
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