TexasCHLforum.com

I recently was turned on to how frangible light loaded .223 rounds make for good home defense weapons. So while digging around the web I found the DPMS Panther™ Lite 16". It looks good and has the right price(anout $730) as well as things like a forward assist, a dust cover and a chrome lined barrel and adjustable stock. I've only read about their Panther™ 5.56NATO Sportical™, but the article was a bit vague in terms of reliability and functionality. Anybody hear anything about them or have any experience with DPMS. I see lots of magazine ads but that doesn't really help(just makes me really want one). I would really love to hear from some of our troops or some LEOs who have seen or used one in action.

Here is the link so you can see what I'm talking about. Thanks.

http://www.dpmsinc.com/firearms/firearm.aspx?id=43" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I own the same rifle, it has been 100% reliable with everything I've shot in it. Mostly 55 gr FMJ. It will hold a minute of bad guy at any range I've shot it at. It is a good basic AR carbine, I don't think you can go wrong with one.

I own their LR308-ap4 and am VERY happy with it. The only thing I changed was to put an Ergo grip on it and mount optics. The only problem I have with it is I can't seem to get enough time to shoot it as much as I would like.

We have two ARs built on DPMS lowers and lower parts kits, and one DPMS upper. I guess you would call the upper a "Sportical" because it is a heavier milling, and has no dust cover over the ejection port. It's barreled with a 16" bull barrel.

I've experienced no difficulties with either lower, nor the upper.

I've shot a DPMS AR and a daniel defense AR....it's not top notch, but its a pretty decent AR for plinking and has potential for competition.


I would look into custom building your own AR-15.

DPMS makes good stuff. I have used many of there parts for builds and have never had a problem with them. Their entry level guns are a great value and in reality will do what 90% of people need, most of us just want the bells and whistles. My favorite AR is just an entry level gun with no bells and whistles. I think that DMPS would be a great choice for you.

I had one with prob 1k rounds thru it. Sold it during the Obuckweat scare. Now that I'm thinking of taking a AR class or two I'm gonna build one. Lugging a lightweight AR will be nice in a class.

$730 is a little high if you ask me. I think you can get a S&W AR for $600 if I remember correctly from CDNN

DPMS makes everything from a farily stripped entry level rifle to ones with more options. I was recently looking for a new AR and looked at the DPMS line. Just know what you are buying, and what you are going to be using it for.

I eventually did not go with the DPMS but decided on the Rock River Arms....they simply did not have the DPMS with the options I wanted at the show I was at (heavier barrel, upgraded trigger, dust cover, rail set-up, adjustable irons, etc).

If you look at the DPMS "The Agency" version, you can see a DPMS with great parts and nice accesories. Not a cheap rifle though. You get what you pay for.

Chevette vs. Corvette - both made by Chevy, but it can be argued that one is a touch better than the other.

Now if you know someone who can put an lower together I would order on of these . http://www.jsesurplus.com/custom16hbarm ... ard-2.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Then order a lower for $60 http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1SASL" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Buy a LPK and stock and your GTG for cheap.

"I recently was turned on to how frangible light loaded .223 rounds make for good home defense weapons."

Where did you learn that "frangible light loaded" ammunition is suitable for home defense?

DPMS - the parts that don't make spec for their military contracts go into their commercial (retail) guns. That being said, they are just as good as any other big name product. The average shooter will never run their gear to the degree that it makes any difference who's trademark is on the receiver.

Silent Professional wrote:"I recently was turned on to how frangible light loaded .223 rounds make for good home defense weapons."

Where did you learn that "frangible light loaded" ammunition is suitable for home defense?

DPMS - the parts that don't make spec for their military contracts go into their commercial (retail) guns. That being said, they are just as good as any other big name product. The average shooter will never run their gear to the degree that it makes any difference who's trademark is on the receiver.

While i agree with your first statement, i have to disagree with you saying they are just as good as the bigger companies. Their quality control is horrid. You can buy or build a better rifle at the same cost. For punching paper they are ok, but expect parts to fail. There's a thread somewhere about them trying to fix a rifle by dremeling out the feed ramp area and sending it back. There are numerous people that have had trigger pins break at the range or have had gas keys come loose. Go with a better company.

I would say that the DPMS is a avg player...their lpk's are horrid as you say.

http://forums.officer.com/showthread.ph ... -AR-15-huh

This thread goes to another forum where the author evaluates a bunch of AR’s and what to look for.

I know I learned quite a lot when I first read it and I still go to it from time to time for a refresher.

Fyi.

Also, the inclusion of a forward assist and dustcover shouldn't be weighed as features. They are components that any complete rifle will include.

I picked up this DPMS not long ago: http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=5632" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's a real sweet shooter. Put a Bushnell T-Dot on it. Couldn't be happier with it. Set me back about $670. I'd say go for it.