DPMS vs. Bushmaster?

[Frog48]

I'm in the market for an AR-15... I'm looking for a model with collapsable stock, 16" barrel, and removable carry handle. I've narrowed it down to similar models by Bushmaster and DPMS. The DPMS is $750, whereas the Bushmaster is $880.

I've heard alot of good things about both brands. Is the Bushmaster worth the extra $130 over the DPMS?

Hopefully some of yall AR-15 afficionados can help point me in the right direction. Thanks guys!

 

[AK-74me]

Tons of threads on Ar's this month, try doing a search, you'll find all your answers plus more. For what it is worth I'd take the DPMS and save the money over the Bushy, I'd take a Stag over the DPMS though so.... As has been said before here CMT/STAG makes AR parts for almost every brand out there.

 

[rangerruck]

one thing we can say about bushy; they test their bbls, like no other company does. and if they don't meet spec, they dont fix, they melt back down.
yeah i like stag too, more, as i am lefty.

 

[jem375]

I buy nothing but DPMS ar15's, but if they quit making rifles I would get a RRA instead of the Bushy and Stag is out period...

 

[DogBonz]

I have owned both

And I feel that reliability and accuarcy was about even, but fit and finish was better on the DPMS. The DPMS came with 2 30 rd mags a case and a cleaning kit. The Bushy came with a case and 1 10 rd mag. I feel that DPMS is constantly innovating and improving the AR platform and Bushy is resting on its laurals. Don't get me wrong, I liked my bushy and had lots of fun with it, and I think that they put out a good quality product, but I feel that the DPMS is slightly higher quality, for less cash, not to mention the extra mag and cleaning kit. Go with the DPMS, and spend the extra cash on ammo, or put it towards a scope, or something.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[mcooper]

If the DPMS doesn't have a chrome lined barrel get the Bushy.

 

[Frog48]

Here are the two AR's I'm looking at.

DPMS: www.dpmsinc.com/firearms/5.56x45mm/ap4_carbine.aspx

Bushmaster: www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/bcwa3f16m4.asp

At the moment, I'm up in the air, I cant make up my mind.

 

[possum]

i have owned only bushmasters, but i would have been more than happy to buy a dpms but none of the dealers around me sold them while i was in the market. but now i have great experiences with bushmaster, so i think i will continue to be loal to them, but heck if i can find another brand at a great deal then i would be more than happy to give them a try.

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

Bushmaster has 4150 steel, chrome lined, 5.56 barrels. I'd go with Bushmaster. It is also more recognized as a "high end" AR by the masses of casual gun owners. So resale is easier and better.

Overall though, there isn't much difference between the two.

 

[casio02478]

Some DPMS have problems with the cheap steel ammo. Somebody correct me if I am wrong, but I seem to recall that using steel in DPMS voids the factory warranty.

 

[fugi]

I own a DPMS ar15m4 and it's very accurate for me, considering I'm using wolf. Fit and finish isn't nearly as good as an armalite and a little below a bushmaster in my opinion. Neither effect accuracy or reliability that I've noticed. If I buy another ar15 I'd like an armalite.

In regards to steel ammo in it, the DPMS has a tight chamber and the lacquer or polymer coating slightly increases the size in some cases to a point where it can get stuck. There are also the chances of the coating melting to the chamber when it's too hot. I had that happen with mine after bump-firing it at some insolent cans of cheap cola. It's also very dirty as evidenced by pulling the bullet and burning it on a clean surface and comparing it to US surplus.

 

[vanfunk]

I don't feel that there is a qualitative difference between these two brands.

Bushmaster chrome lines all of their non-target/varmint barrels and uses 4150 barrel steel, as has already been mentioned. Some people prefer the teflon coat of the DPMS receiver over the plain anodizing of the Bushmaster. Compare them feature for feature, and buy the one that has the features you're after, at the best price you can find. Either would be fine for a range rifle; both brands have many components I'd want to upgrade if I were to use it for defence.

they test their bbls, like no other company does

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Bushmaster barrels are marked as though they are all proofed and magnafluxed, but in reality only a small fraction of each lot is tested. Neither Bushmaster nor DPMS does much in the way of parts and assembly testing - they leave that up to the consumer. That's where the savings comes from.

HTH,
vanfunk