DPMS or Olympic AR15?

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Pigspitter

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I can get 1 AR15 for christmas this year and I was wondering which one I should get.
1. Olympic Arms KB4
2. DPMS Classic LITE
3. DPMS Classic
All three guns are the same configuration with the a2 buttstock and the 20" barrel with bayonete lugs and flash hiders, but the DPMSLITE is a $100 cheaper than the Oly and DPMS Classic. I haven't shot an ar15 before and don't know very much about the differences between companies and I'm not sure the major differences between the rifles. Second, I can get a flattop for the Oly but I was wondering if you could see the front sight in your scope like that. I also want to know if I could shoot steel cased ammo out of those guns without damaging the chamber.
 
Oddly enough, besides Vulcan/Hesse which everybody says to avoid, you're choosing between the two AR makers about whom I see the most complaints.

I can't speak to DPMS stuff as I've never used any. My Oly stuff is OK, but they're a kind of odd company with which to deal.
 
Neither Oly or DPMS will win any brownie points for quality or customer service.

DPMS is hit or miss on quality and uniformity of parts and tolerances. Some run good, some don't.

Oly is junk. Stay away.

Try Del-ton if you need a quality low end AR.

When buying an AR it is best to spend as much as you can afford and get the best stuff/gun/parts you can. Otherwise you'll be replacing stuff later.

This is my opinion. Your opinion may vary

ZM
 
DPMS Lite 16'

I just purchased a DPMS Lite 16" and it ain't here as yet but will look like this.
 

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what are some of the problems with the dpms? and what other ar15's can i get for less then 1k
 
My olympic is great, stupid accurate--I have no idea how their customer service is, never needed it. However, the mag well is extremely tight and many magazines (USGI) won't fit. I also have an upper that'll fit on other lowers, but not the Oly.

Of the two, I'd go DPMS.
 
MudPuppy, are you saying that you have an other maker upper that won't fit your Oly lower?

Just curious - I have an Oly upper that works on a CMMG lower but won't fit any other lowers (Can't get the rear takedown pin in place).



ETA - While this shouldn't affect the OP's choices, despite the gripes I've heard about Oly apparently the custom builders like their barrels.
 
Buy a stripped lower and build your own to the specs you want. It isn't hard and for the same money you'll end up with a far better rifle than a low end Olympic or DPMS.
 
My "junk" Oly has never had a problem, never had a misfire, never had any issues at all. Hardly junk in my book.

Springmom
 
Get armalite or Bushmaster. Armalite made the first design gotta figure they know what thier doing. Bushmaster is also a great name either of those brands.
 
I purchased the DPMS for a knock around gun that will spend most of the time in the truck. I had a Bushmaster that was a great rifle and my two Colts are really great.
 

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The fit and finish on my DPMS AR's is top quality! DPMS has never been considered junk. Don't buy that for a moment!
 
Armalite did not make the first design. Armalite (the current company) just purchased the name, and has nothing to do with the Armalite division of the Fairchild Aircraft Corporation, where Stoner, Sullivan and Freemont built the first AR-16/M16s.

I have a number of AR type rifles. By far, the best receivers are Mega Machine. I have a couple of Olys, one an original SGW that has at least 25,000 rounds through it with zero issues. I'm on my second upper and third barrel. I came with triangular handguards, and the flat top was achieve bu machining off the carrying handle and pinning on a rail. For those who remember, Oly was the first manufacturer to offer a flat top.

magpul_oly.jpg


Avoid the cast receiver guns and you should be fine. Everyone has their own favorite manufacturer, but if it's build to milspec, it's basically the same gun anyway. Oly does have interesting customer service.
 
Ditto^^I've had pretty good luck with DPMS-I've heard nothing but complaints from 2 friends that have OLYs
 
I have a 308 DPMS, and I consider it to be of outstanding quality.

My only quip at all with the 'quality' of the gun is the bolt itself looks to have some rough machine marks on the inside circular cavity. I won't complain about that, unless it causes the bolt to crack in the future, which it may, but I doubt it. Anyway, it doesn't seem to have any affect on the function or appearance of the gun.
 
MudPuppy, are you saying that you have an other maker upper that won't fit your Oly lower?
Click to expand...

Exactly. It fits fine on a dpms lower, but not on the Oly. That and the problem with the magwell tolerance being "unique" is enough to raise red flags for me.

But, like others posting, it runs fine and is extremely accurate.
 
and what other ar15's can i get for less then 1k
Click to expand...
rock river arms
bushmaster
stag

there is a good place to start all the above can be had well varients and certain models for under 1k for sure.

i have owned 2 bushmasters and they are absolutly awesome, good shooters reliable and i have had zero issues with em.

stag is about the best buy going right now.
 
A friend of mine is a big ammo seller, he goes to all the gunshows round here.
when he gets guys coming back and b)(&)tching about his ammo ahd how it is no good, he says the most complaints he gets are dudes with , dpms, armalite, or Oly, usually in that order.
 
No disrespect rangerruck but that second hand information regarding complaining customers has what bearing on said AR's quality and how are you quantifying adding your 2 cents here with it? What are their issues?
 
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