DPMS Panther Lite: First Firing and Mag Problems

[Drakejake]

Despite the rain or threat of rain in the Nashville area, I couldn't wait to take my first AR-15 type rifle out to the range. Two aluminum NHMTG mags came with the rifle and today I got five no-name steel mags from CDNN. I fired a total of 60 rounds from the NHMTG mags with no problems. With the first steel mag I had a semi-stovepipe. But the second steel mag became non-functional because the follower got stuck down in the mag body and may have separated from the spring. I plan to return these mags to CDNN. I have ten D&H mags on the way from 44mag.com.

After the rifle arrived yesterday, I spent some hours reading the manual and handling and operating the rifle. I really like this 5.7 lb rifle. The two pins which hold the front and rear together (top and botton?) move out easily, without the use of tools. The finish is very good. I like the adjustable stock: it makes it easy to get a good eye relief with a scope. The trigger is single stage (no take-up), short pull, but heavy. Is there a simple way to lighten the trigger pull?

DPMS recommends a very elaborate break-in process for the barrel. Before taking the rifle out to the range, I lubed it and cleaned the bore. While shooting today, I put a brass brush down the barrel several times, although I am not convinced that this did any good.

Drakejake

 

[mec]

The break in process recommended by Bushmaster is ritualistic enough to satisfy most people but not as arduous as the one recommended by DPMS. One may be better than the other -or may not. Probably , nobody will ever figure it out.

 

[Onmilo]

My barrel break in is probably the simplest that it can get but seems to be as effective as any.
Fire one shot and clean with a Hoppe BoreSnake wetted with M-Pro 7 cleaner.
Fire two shots and clean again.
Fire three shots and clean again.
Fire four shots and clean again.
Fire five shots and clean again.
Fire six shots and clean again.
21 total rounds in first stage.

Next fire five series of twenty shots cleaning at every twentieth shot including the chamber for a total of 100 rounds fired.

The barrel will be as settled as it is going to get.

I have had very good results with Brownells AR magazines with chrome silicone magazine springs.
The versions with stainless steel springs are just as good.
$12.50 each they are affordable and excellent.