DPMS Uppers???

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Archangel14

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Looking at several of the less expensive DPMS Panther uppers for an AR15. They are now readily available and priced very nicely. The reviews I read about them appear mostly very positive. But I must have the opinions of the experts on this forum. I'm looking to do a light, less expensive build, and am looking at a complete DPMS upper with a "pencil" profile barrel for about $425-$450.

Your thoughts????
 
Pass, get a PSA upper for the same price, but with far better quality.
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Why do you say PSA has "far" better quality? Not questioning your conclusion, but I'm interested in knowing the basis of your opinion. Thanks.
 
Built from better/stronger/higher quality materials and parts for same same price, hard to beat.
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Yes, PSA seems to have a really good reputation. In terms of my knowledge of the "what" is various manufacturers uppers, I'm pretty ill informed. So what does PSA do/make that DPMS not do/make? Thanks......
 
Midway has the Del-Ton 16" lightweight bbl, mid-length gas system, flat top upper in stock for $420. Del-Ton gives you an HPT/MPI bolt in a properly assembled carrier group for $30 less than a similar carbine length DPMS with an untested bolt. In my experience working for a high volume retailer Del-Ton has much better build quality than DPMS as well. As has already been suggested, you could also look at PSA and try to catch the upper you want in stock there. Otherwise you're going to be looking at a little more money if you want a higher quality upper.
 
There are a billion threads about PSA and DPMS on this board already, search feature is your friend and can likely answer any/all questions faster .
 
The BCM uppers for $535 don't include a bolt carrier group and charging handle. That's an additional $210 option from them. Then one still has to add at least $20 for a handguard. No doubt BCM offers a great product for a reasonable price, but the total cost is nearly twice what the OP was originally looking for.
 
That $535 BCM upper is comparable to a $400 PSA upper that comes with cheapie handle guards too. Save some money and go with the PSA.

People are generally recommending PSA over DPMS because for the same money you are getting a chrome lined barrel over a basic steel one.
 
I recently went the PSA route myself and I did have a DPMS rifle that was good to me so I won't tell you they are not good enough for most people. The DPMS was / is a good enough rifle but the PSA is better. Mine has a FN barrel 1-7" twist chrome lined MPI barrel, Full auto bolt carrier with MPI and HPT Carpenter 150 steel bolt (you won't get that with a DPMS) and they are the same money. Get the PSA better quality and tested critical components.
 
The more you spend, the better upper you are going to get. That being said, depending on what you plan to do with the rifle, the DPMS will probably be more than adequate for you. Another low cost option would be jse. I bought an upper from them during the panic only because it was all I could get. They were out of stock online, but they would let you backorder. I have run a few hundred rounds through it now with no problems or malfunctions. PSA will put uppers on sale as well if you just watch their site. The main selling point with PSA is that most of their uppers come with FN barrels. You have to read carefully though to make sure that is what you are getting if/when you order as some of their ads can be vague on specs. A lot of people will say you have to have this or that, but you will be fine with any of the options above if you are trying to go the low cost route.
 
The BCM uppers for $535 don't include a bolt carrier group and charging handle.
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It seems to be the same thing for most (if not all) PSA uppers. The carrier group and charging handle are extra. For about $520 I can get a complete entry level RR. But my point, I think, is that I want a very simple bang around AR. Something that I won't be taking to Afghanistan, for sure. But something useful in crazy times. For a complete DPMS upper, I can get it all for $425. seems like a good buy.
 
DPMS has been around since about '85 they build a good product ... With the liability associated with firearms they wouldn't still be in business if they didn't and stand behind their product ... I've had several over the years and their fine. I still have a 7.62x39 upper, a 16" stainless fluted in 5.56 and a 24" stainless fluted LR-308.

PSA is a newer company and has the favor of internet users. We'll see if they are still around in 25-30 years.
 
I have both del-ton and PSA uppers. Both run great. One thing about PSA on their deals some are PSA uppers and some are PTAC. PTAC is another company with different parts. I have no experience with them but just want to make people aware that there is a difference.
 
For $650 out the door you can buy a DPMS Oracle at Walmart. It's a low end AR for sure but sufficient for MOST casual shooters. Like you said, unless you are headed to a war zone or looking to shoot competitions then the lower end ARs will work just fine.
There are many quality manufacturers out there for builds as well as complete rifles so spend anywhere from $500 to $5,000.
 
Actually PSA often has uppers on sale for less than most DPMS offerings.
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Yes, but it's my understanding that their uppers DON'T come with the bot or the charging handle. If I get a nice deal on a PSA upper for about $400, then have to shell out another $150-$200 for the necessary mechanics, it's not really a deal. Might as well just get a Stag or something.
 
Archangel14, I say get what you want. If you find something better for the money then great. If you cant find something better for the money then the upper should treat you good.
I have owned my DPMS AP4 223/556 since 09. Its been a good gun for me. I bought it for range use and hopefully some coyote hunting. I never had or shot any rifle with a pencil profile so idk how that will preform but if it's anything like the others I have owned you will be fine. I've owned 4 1/2 DPMS rifles since 09 and IMO all have been more than adaquate for the average shooter. If you outgrow the rifle you could always upgrade to something better.
 
Yes, but it's my understanding that their uppers DON'T come with the bot or the charging handle. If I get a nice deal on a PSA upper for about $400, then have to shell out another $150-$200 for the necessary mechanics, it's not really a deal.
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I suggest you check the PSA website periodically. They are shipping some uppers with BCG and charging handles now. They also have periodis sales on BCGs as well - their C158 bolts/M16 carrier is listed for under $150, and the cosmetic blem version is just $99.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/featured/psa-14-7-chf-m4a1-premium-upper-w-m16-bcg-ch.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...olt-carrier-group-w-ambi-charging-handle.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...rrier-group-cosmetic-blem-ready-for-duty.html

Regardless, quality is better than DPMS, so you are certainly getting a better value with PSA.
 
Quote:
Why do you say PSA has "far" better quality?

Answered "Built from better/stronger/higher quality materials and parts for same same price, hard to beat."

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What Offhand said...most uppers have forging marks from just a few companies even the cheaper ones. Ask PSA where they source their parts from....They will not tell you. The biggest thing PSA has to offer are the FN barrels, but like I said before, you have to make sure of what you are ordering from them.
 
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