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Posted: 12/26/2006 7:52:36 AM EDT
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Hello all. I am a soldier in the sandbox and can get a great deal on a DPMS, and I have some questions on which options are worthwhile(an explanation of the options please). Please help me through these options. Pros/Cons of each please. Oh, and accuracy is of course paramount. First of all, I'm getting the 24" bull model. Here are my questions. -cryo accurizing- worth it, or just a gimmick? -chromium, titanium nitride, or just regular steel bolt carrier? -tactical bolt catch? -which buttstock? -skeletonized? -adjustable a2? -6 position ap4? -ACE ltd. fixed stock? -Pardus? -full sized sniper stock? -Duostock? -VLTOR? which gas block? -4 rail? -JP? pre-ban or post ban configuration? which trigger? -JP adjustable? -Chip McCormick Drop in Trigger? -DPMS 2 stage trigger? -Jard Trigger installed? -standard DPMS trigger? hi rider receiver? I know this is a lot of questions, but the dpms website doesn't explain the options, so I though I would come to the experts, or at least the guys who use AR's all the time. Thanks for any help you guys can give me. |
First and foremost - you should do some reading up on this site. There are threads about all those options. I'll try to answer what I can.
What was your thinking that brought you to that decision? What will the rifle be used for?
Not worth it, generally. Any accuracy improvements wont be guaranteed, and most match barrels will outshoot the shooter, or the ammo used.
Regular. All that other crap is add-on fru-fru.
These can be handy - but certainly not required. They are nice when you have a scope objective right over the charging handle. I add them to my scoped weapons. I like the badger for a non-fighting weapon, and the PRI big latch for the latter.
Nobody can tell you that. It all comes down to your budget, and what you want out of your rifle. You could write 20 pages on the merits of each. You need to read, and do the research. Start with a basic A2, and then over time, make your decision.
Up to you. On a 24" weapon, just a cheap basic block will be fine.
Depends on your state and local laws. Otherwise... on a 24" weapon - it typically wont matter.
Read, read, read. No free lunches. You havent stated what the weapon will be used for. If this is going to be a PD LR shooter only... I'd go for a Jewell. If you are on a budget, I'd say the RRA 2-stage. Neither of which are on your list.
I think all of the DPMS non-standard bastard upper receivers are  Read, read, read. If you dont have time, get a basic rifle, then upgrade later. |
| Thanks for the info. First and foremost, I'm definitely not new to shooting. I've done plenty of shooting in the military, and far more in on the civilian side(mostly LR bolt guns), but this is my first personal AR(have used an M16 for longer than I care to remember...). Now rereading my post, I realize some of what I asked was just personal preference. I was mainly looking for a trigger recommendation(one that came from DPMS), and the merits(if any) of the different carrier platings. Also wondering if the 4 rail gas block would affect the free floating status(and consistency, aka precision) of the barrel as this option costs little. Mostly, I was looking for someone with direct experience with this rifle. Also, don't know how long this deal will hold out, so time is a factor, don't have all the time in the world to research(work, work, work). Thanks again, I really appreciate your input. |
What are you going to use the rifle for?
The JP is nice for those that prefer a single stage. Pro - adjustable. Con - you loctite the adjustments so they stay put. I have had them lock up before I could get it set right.  I dont like them all that much personally.... but know others who swear by them.Chip is a nice trigger... pros are that they come fully assembled, and just drop right in. Cons - not much... they dont feel as good as the RRA to me. DPMS 2-stage looks exactly like the RRA, so it is, or they are selling a copy of it. I would expect it to be the same, and that would be my top choice.... however, you can get better deals elsewhere and upgrade it yourself later. Up to you. I have no experience on the JARD, cant comment. Standard trigger is just that, a simple, default trigger that comes in all AR15's. They can me short and smooth, or gritty, creepy, and heavy as hell. These are basic combat triggers.... you dont want this on your target gun.
Bling bling fru-fru. No merits. Some will argue they make it a tad easier to clean. No thanks. I have seen 2 JP coated carriers in the field and countless DPMS chrome carriers. Nothing scientific... but I cant tell you how many times I have seen rifle choking at the range... and upon inspection they were running some kind of modified part like this. It shouldnt hurt anything.... but there are no merits, IMHO.
Nope. The gas block has nothing to do with the FF of the barrel. The barrel is floated or it isnt. The gas block can be a standard FSB, a smooth block, or a railed block. Now - if you install a railed block, and then attach a sling to it, your rifle is no longer floated. I see absolutely no purposr for railed blocks, unless you are mounting a detachable front sight. For accessories and flashlights, etc... the block will generate so much heat you will likely damage anything you attach to it.
I dont have any experience with that specific rifle. But AR's are the sum of their parts. DPMS puts out some decent barrels. I'd choose other brands over theirs in general... but I dont think they make a bad product. |
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http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r1/hooknladder/IMG_0469.jpg Here is a pic of what I think you are going after. It's all DPMS, purchased the lower and rifle kit seperate and built it myself. It's a 20" stainless bull fluted barrel with the high rider upper. It has the standard DPMS free float 2 piece tube and standard A2 stock. The gas block came with a rail on top but I didn't order it that way but doesn't matter to me. Shoots like a champ with handloads. I used Black Hills to break in the barrel and it didn't shoot too bad either. I plan on getting a JARD trigger for it out of Brownell's in the 1.5# variety soon. Screw the cryo shit. Get a regular bolt and carrier. I tried my tac latch from my M4gery on this rifle and I find the standard one easier to use. Buttstock is personal preference. I wouldn't waste your money having a bull barrel threaded for a flash hider. Definately get the high rider receiver if you are planning on any type of target optics. I get positive comments on mine all the time. Hope this helped and be safe. |
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