Low Cost AR-15

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.303 Shooter

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I have been looking into getting a new AR-15 style rifle (my first). I had my eye on the DPMS lite 20 as i like that configuration. My question is, since the lite 20 has an A1 upper it has no elevation adjustment what would i gain by getting the Panther Classic? It is an A2 style upper with windage and elevation adjustments.

I wouldn't be using it for any kind of rifle match or anything just fun at the range.

I was thinking less money in rifle = more money for ammo. But would I be limiting myself by not having elevation adjustmets?

Thanks.
 
I built mine using a DPMS lower and Del-Ton A2 upper. If I built it again, I'd probably go for the A1 only because less parts=less parts to break. That and its slightly lighter.
 
Thanks for the reply.

You bring up an interesting point, i never thought about building a rifle. Although I would love to try, as i think the satisfaction of putting your own gun together piece by piece would be far more rewarding that simply opening the box to see a complete rifle. The problem is i have no experience building or assembling guns.

Is there a place with a list or guide of all the parts needed? As i have no idea what is needed or where to get them.

It seems like the AR-15 is a good place to do it with the wide variety and availability of parts and the interest in them.

Thanks.
 
I forgot to ask, how do you adjust for elevation on an A1 upper? I know the front sight can be moved but i thought it was only in 5moa "clicks".

Also is the Del-Ton truly a "Del-ton" rifle or is it assembled from other manufacturers parts?

Thanks
 
You could always get an ak .
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Eh... the AK is cheaper (by far), but the AK and AR are two very different animals. One you could dump industrial strength adhesive into and still have it operate, the other one was among the first rifles to use something like industrial strength adhesive in its furniture.


+1 on Del- ton, you can get exactly what you want when you build your own.
 
The problem is i have no experience building or assembling guns.
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Neither did I. It was quite intuitive and I had a lot of fun putting it together and I learned a bunch, too.

It has inspired me to built a bolt gun. :D
 
When you build a kit you are just putting parts in the lower. There is no special fitting and you use simple tools. The upper will be complete most of the time. Mark
 
Once you get A1 sights properly adjusted they work just fine out to 300 meters.
You use the large objective apeture for 25-200 meters and the fine apeture for 300 meter shooting.

If you range is limited to 100 meters, just sight in for 50 meter zero using the fine apeture.

I happen to like DPMS rifles for general shooting firearms, they are a lot better than some people seem to think they are.

High Standard and Charles Daly offer some very decent heavy barrel 20" and 16" barrel AR rifles at very decent prices too.
 
What do you consider 'low cost?'

The full suggested retail price of a RRA Standard 20inch A2 is $945...

The same rifle with a flattop upper is $905...

And there are many other options/models to chose from...

http://rockriverarms.com

You might also want to take a look at the Doublestar/J&T Distributing website, where you can get all versions of complete guns and separate uppers and lowers and parts...

http://jtdistributing.com

http://star15.com

It does make sense to get the upper and lower separately and then just pin them together...

Good luck...

And have fun...

Forrest
 
Just today I saw one at a gunshow that I was previously unaware of. It was a 16" DPMS new with a case, for $599. Called a "Sporter" by the vendor, I couldn't find it on DPMS' site.

It used one of their Lo-Pro receivers (thicker than standard flattop with no port door), one of their collapsible stocks, no sights, a free float tube and a railed gas block.

Kinda interesting.
 
In looking at the Del-ton Site I see that the suggested retail price is $750 no matter what you buy either a 20" rifle or a carbine. Talk to a dealer and you maybe able to get a better price than that.
 
Just today I saw one at a gunshow that I was previously unaware of. It was a 16" DPMS new with a case, for $599. Called a "Sporter" by the vendor, I couldn't find it on DPMS' site.

It used one of their Lo-Pro receivers (thicker than standard flattop with no port door), one of their collapsible stocks, no sights, a free float tube and a railed gas block.

Kinda interesting.
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The DPMS Sportical. I'm hoping it introduces more people to the world of ARs by putting the price close to that of many AKs.

Unfortunately, it's really, really ugly.
 
Not only does the Sportical not require assembly, but it includes a hard rifle case, 2 magazines, an AR cleaning kit with chamber brush, sling and manufacturers warranty. You also get their Glacier Guards and a 6 position stock.

I strongly disagree with other statements about the rifles looks:neener:

The $669 Del Ton does not include shipping or transfer. The Sportical price at Buds includes shipping, however it seems they are out of stock. I know there have been many available at Gun Broker. I bought mine 2 months ago and Buds had the best deal at that time... GunBroker ads have listed them as low as $599 + shipping and transfer.

How can you say this is ugly??
324984420_oiPbA-L.jpg
 
I would buy a stripped lower from another source, and then buy a Del-Ton rifle kit.

This will save you money since their is an 11% tax on firearms. Technically, the stripped lower is the only firearm that you are purchasing.

When you purchase the rifle kit, you can have it shipped to your door tax free because it is not considered a firearm. Price-wise, you can put together a nice AR for a little more than $600 for everything.

Don't be scared about putting the rifle together. The only assembly that you will have to to will be to put the trigger/hammer/grip/buttstock on the lower receiver. The upper receiver, which requires specialized tools, will already be assembled for you. After you put together the lower receiver (something that takes around a half an hour from what I read), you just snap on the upper and you have yourself a new, working rifle.
 
I have 9 AR's of nearly kind. But several friends have recently purchased 2 new to the market that are quite well made and as accurate as my HBAR.
1. High Standard is making an outstanding A-2 that is Service rifle legal.

2. Charles Daly is making several starting with the A-2.

You'll be in the $650. range for both.
 
I think it is pretty nice looking, compared with alot of AR's out there. Good price point too... I like it without the door, one less thing to go wrong or break.
 
Well I was wrong about the free float tube and the name, but I wasn't taking notes and at least I left enough clues for you guys to get it right.

It could turn out to be a significant entry to the market. I hope to hear some hands on reports.
 
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