DPMS Panther AP4 vs. Bushmaster Carbine 15

[BBsteel]

I am going to place my order for one or the other next week. I don't have the Bushmaster model handy and can't access their website at work. It's the model comparable to the AP4 with a telescoping stock, A3 top and 16" barrel.

My only hang up is if I want a Chrome lined barrel or not??? I clean my guns after every use and am wondering if it is really worth it.

What are your thoughts on chrome lined barrels vs no chrome lining. I may custom order the DPMS chrome lined.

 

[fmnnc]

Here are a few threads that were helpful to me that some others pointed me to when trying to decide on a barrel. Hope it helps.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=756

and

http://groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/barrelfaq.msnw

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Do a search for Stag Arms. Better than both of the brands you mentioned and closer in price to the DPMS.

 

[RSVP2RIP]

I have the AP4 you are describing with a chrome lined barrel. It shoots 2.5" at 200 yards with an Aimpoint M3 and M855 Lake City mfg. It may rattle when you shake it but it is well finished enough for what it is and very dependable. I run Militec-1 in it and have done 600 rounds in between cleaning with M855 Lake City. The only failure has been a fail to hold the bolt open after the last shot on one 20-round surplus Colt marked mag with an aluminum follower and a rusty-as-hell spring (vietnam era? don't know). IMO Bushmaster, DPMS, S&W, Colt, Stag, Rock River are all very good AR's and you couldn't go wrong with any of them. If you're not looking for a super accurate bull gun get the one you feel comfortable paying for and opt for a 5.56 or wylde chamber and chrome lined barrel. In my experience the chrome vs. plain barrels is silly. We are not going to be shooting PALMA with an M-forgery, chrome lined barrels shoot just as good as plain steel barrels.

 

[zenner22]

I just picked up a new DPMS AP4 carbine a couple weeks ago. Been wanting one for awhile and looked at Rock River, Stag, Bushmaster, S&W. DPMS had the most bang for the buck at $799.

I'd never shot one before and was reading the manual late the night before I took it out to the range. I only fired about 100 rounds through it, but it operated perfectly and I was very surprised at the accuracy since it is a new platform for me and I'm not that experienced in shooting rifles (I'm more of a handgun guy). I left the range that day very very impressed with the DPMS and would definitely reccomend one. The shop was pushing Rock River hard but I just couldn't argue with the price, it was about $100 cheaper than other brands with the same features.

DPMS makes some fine AR's.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

DPMS had the most bang for the buck at $799.

You can get a Stag for about $750-800 and they come with more standard upgrades and more "milspec" parts.

 

[speedball]

Both are good. I do like the chrome lining for my guns. Be warned though, once you get BRD worring about a $100 difference will be nothing in retrospect. Just wait till you start thinking about a piston AR. Get what you like and enjoy

 

[mc223]

Buy the one you want, they will both serve you well.

 

[Rugerdog]

I dont think you can get any better than a bushmaster. A big plus is that they are allready machined for a DIAS if you can afford one. I have 2 colts and 4 bushys and a couple of Shark rifles. They all go bang everytime. Stags are cheap it seems at the shows. I have not heard anything bad about them. I just prefer Colt and Bushy becouse I have had zero problems with the rifles I own.-Art