DPMS 308T or PTR-91KF experience with them?

[Glock_10mm]

I know they are different formats, but they fit my budget, follow common formats I am comfortable with (AR/HK), and are what I would like some advice on.

Specifically I am looking at the DPMS 308T and PTR-91KF as a short battle rifle for target/sport. I figure the DPMS will be more refined for the long shot, and have a finer trigger which at my skill level probably wont make that much of a difference (ie fun shot at/below 100yards).

In terms of quality of build, longterm reliability, maintenece requirements: which would you suggest, or are they on a common playing field for those attributes?

I'm also looking for quirks about those specific weapons that only an owner would know (ie poor mag release design, cheap fixtures, poor finish, etc) .

Please target all answers specifically to your experience with either (or both) of these models. I'm not looking for answers such as "look for VEPR or FAL", or "I've never shot one but" .

Your experience is appreciated in helping me choose. Right now I'm leaning towards the PTR.

 

[anymanusa]

don't expect a refined trigger with the dpms, although it's prolly better than the *****ty trigger I've handled on a PTR (never pulled trigger though, it was locked out). There are several threads on here and ar15.com that have rave reviews of the panther rifles. I have one myself. It is dead nuts accurate, even with wolf ammo.

 

[S&WKING]

Dpms

 

[C-grunt]

I shot the DPMS 308 carbine model, I dont know if thats the one your looking into. It was a nice rifle and I couldnt find a single thing bad about it. We didnt shoot for accuracy as my bro in law rented it at an indoor shooting range and the max distance was around 25 yards.

 

[stubbicatt]

Probably the DPMS would be a better platform. However, the PTR91 series has a lot going for it. I confess that I am well down the road from a stock rifle now, and spent probably 2x as much as the rifle was new on custom parts and accessories. However, with the $50 Bill Springfield trigger job, a 4x scope and claw mount, and a few other goodies, mine is quite acceptably accurate. Best of all, magazines are less than $2 apiece these days.

I suspect that accuracy on these rifles differs as much from example to example as it does across product lines: i.e. you could get an extremely accurate piece from either PTR or DPMS. My PTR shoots right at a minute of angle when I do my part.



I like the platform just fine. It seems to fit me well. However, finding your brass in the tall grass for reloading is not an easy task. It might not be for the DPMS either. Somehow I suspect that the "vigorous extraction" of the PTR demands greater sacrifices of brass to the range gods (i.e. you can't find 'em) than does the DPMS.

 

[tepin]

VERY SEXY

 

[TexasRifleman]

I just picked up a new PTR91KF last week. I have only run about 40 rounds through because I didn't have much time this weekend but I am very pleased with the fit and finish. It's a quality rifle and I think I am going to enjoy shooting it.

It is an HK design though so if you have never handled one it might take a bit to get used to the ergonomics. It's not exactly an AR.

On the upside magazines are absolutely dirt cheap. I bought a pack of 10 for like 6 bucks each in real nice condition.

If you reload make you need to know that the HKs have a fluted chamber which may play hell with your brass.

CDNN had quite a sale on them last week, might see if they have any left

 

[cmidkiff]

I have the PTR91kf, in stock condition. It's 100% reliable, fun to shoot, more accurate than I am, mags are cheap and plentiful... The trigger on mine is acceptable, it's at least as good as the trigger on my stock bushmaster AR.

I don't own an AR10 type rifle, but I will one day. Hard to go wrong with either of your choices!

 

[Father Knows Best]

I have an older PTR-91. I like it but, like Stubbicat, I have significantly modified mine from its original form. I had Bill Springfield do the trigger, and I added a Magpul PRS stock, Tac-Latch paddle mag release, G3 wide forearm with bipod, and a Hensoldt Fero 4x scope (total of about $800 in accessories and upgrades there). In fact, mine is almost exactly like Stubbicat's except that mine has a plain muzzle (no flash hider). Mine also has one of the original polygonal rifled barrels, and I understand that PTR is now building them with cut rifled barrels.

I can't compare it to the DPMS, because I've never shot one. I will say that I like my PTR-91 a lot. This is heresy to the FAL fans around here, but I even like it better than my DSA SA58 (FAL clone). It does appear to be somewhat more accurate than my SA58. I won't claim 1 MOA, but I have seen nice 2 MOA groups with it, and it may be capable of 1 MOA with some load development and a better rifleman than me behind the trigger. It is rugged, supremely reliable, and fun.

 

[Glock_10mm]

Thank you for all the helpful information. Seems like I'm about where I started but given what I've heard about both, I really can't go wrong either way. Thanks you all again for the input.

 

[shuter]

I have the PTR91 KPF pictured above. These things are works of art, as far as the HK91 platform is concerned. I think they're far better-made that any true HK ever stamped out. The machined aluminum handguard is a thing of beauty. I would call it reasonably accurate, with a truly horrendous trigger. They're not (especially in the slider collapsible stock version) supposed to be target guns, however. What they are is way up there on the cool meter!

Having said that, the better real-world choice BY FAR is the DPMS. These things are superbly accurate, very solidly built, have excellent (and familiar to most of us) ergonomics, and easily-fixable triggers.

I own a DPMS .308 B (18" heavy barrel), .308 AP4 (16" M4 on steroids), and the big .308 LR 24" heavy stainless barrel. The latter has a steel upper receiver (DPMS makes them every now and then), and is a brute that shoots like a fine bolt gun.

I also have a second stripped steel DPMS upper that will be a .260 Rem with Kreiger barrel very soon.

As if you couldn't tell, I love DPMS's. Don't have the .308T (yet), however. You won't be sorry you got one. Totally different type of platform than the PTR.

Heck, get both!

Good luck