DPMS Panther Lite 16 AR for $650 - good?

[gorcorps]

http://www.google.com/m/url?client=...kQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNEHbtHzXZFyctPdAcvb8VVsdNVrWg

I can get a new one of these for 650. Is that a decent deal? I don't know ARs but I want one.

 

[BoberFett]

I've heard mixed reviews about DPMS, but for $650 that'd be hard to pass up.

 

[gorcorps]

Yeah I'm quite torn. Can't say I'll shoot it enough to notice many problems from wear really.

 

[finbarqs]

I know the govt uses colt, but what's the best AR out there I guess? or different strokes for different folks?

 

[boomhower]

http://palmettostatearmory.com/1560.php
http://palmettostatearmory.com/1633.php
http://palmettostatearmory.com/2216.php

$550 and a much better rifle. All you need are some basic hand tools and youtube vids. Putting a lower together is very simple. DPMS in general sucks.

 

[boomhower]

I know the govt uses colt, but what's the best AR out there I guess? or different strokes for different folks?

Loaded question. There are several companies that make high end quality AR's. In no specific order: Daniel Defense, BCM, Noveske, LMT, Colt, and Larue among other make high quality AR's. These are your top end duty ready guns. Colt's downside is they don't offer many configurations.

Step down a notch and you can Rock River Arms, Stag, and Smith and Wesson. They are quality guns that your average gun owner will never wear out. Fine for the range and HD but not something I would take to work.

Down another notch with CMMG, delton, and DPMS. Decent but for what your spending it won't take much more to get a better rifle.

Bottom of the barrel is Olympic, avoid them like the plague.

 

[finbarqs]

thanks!

 

[nick1985]

Is that carry handle fixed? If so, pass on it.

*edit*

http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=1066

Yep, its fixed.

Fuck that

 

[JEDI]

http://www.google.com/m/url?client=...kQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNEHbtHzXZFyctPdAcvb8VVsdNVrWg

I can get a new one of these for 650. Is that a decent deal? I don't know ARs but I want one.

what's the difference between the PantherLite 16 and the Panther 5.56NATO Oracle besides the carry handle?

http://www.dpmsinc.com/firearms/firearm.aspx?id=57

 

[spidey07]

Is that carry handle fixed? If so, pass on it.

*edit*

http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=1066

Yep, its fixed.

Fuck that

Agreed. Completely avoid if fixed carry handles. Should be removable with rails.

 

[JEDI]

Is that carry handle fixed? If so, pass on it.

*edit*

http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=1066

Yep, its fixed.

Fuck that

why pass on the carry handle?
looks like the carryhandle forms the rear sight?

the Panther Oracle doesnt even come with sights?!

 

[spidey07]

why pass on the carry handle?
looks like the carryhandle forms the rear sight?

the Panther Oracle doesnt even come with sights?!

It's fixed to the upper, you can't take it off an add a red dot or long scope. Normally the carry handle with rear iron sights is removable and has rails for mounting something else. The iron sights are actually pretty good, I like them because you can switch between short and long range and windage/distance adjustments. But the "fun" of an AR is the things you can do to them and you need the rails.

 

[nick1985]

why pass on the carry handle?
looks like the carryhandle forms the rear sight?

the Panther Oracle doesnt even come with sights?!

Nothing wrong with carry handles. Hell, I love them. Fixed carry handles I have a problem with. You cannot add optics in the future if you choose a fixed carry handle, as its permanently attached to the upper receiver.


NO

YES

I hope you see the difference!

 

[olds]

Ignore the fringerprints, I had just got back from shooting and took pics before I cleaned it...


BCM

 

[nick1985]

Love that firearm olds. Nice BUIS, sweet red dot.

I like how its not riced out with a retarded VFG. Something about the old school heat guards...

BCM is quality. :thumbsup:

 

[olds]

Love that firearm olds. Nice BUIS, sweet red dot.

I like how its not riced out with a retarded VFG. Something about the old school heat guards...

BCM is quality. :thumbsup:

I'd probably change out to a DD rail if I had something to mount to it. I am not an operator so I don't need lights, grips etc. I'd hate to spend $350 to have a front sling mount...
I have a bipod that mounts to the bayonet lug and that's it.

https://danieldefense.com/rail-systems/m4-rail/m4-railtm-7-0-carbine.html

 

[gorcorps]

Is that carry handle fixed? If so, pass on it.

*edit*

http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=1066

Yep, its fixed.

Fuck that

The model at the local shop doesn't have that. It has no rear sight or carry handle, just a blank rail.

 

[JEDI]

The model at the local shop doesn't have that. It has no rear sight or carry handle, just a blank rail.

than its not a PantherLite but some other model. (ie: something other than a A1 upper)

does it have a front sight?

 

[JDMnAR1]

If the one you are looking at is a flattop (i.e. no fixed carry handle) it is an A3 Lite 16. I personally own one, and despite what some will say, have had 0 problems with it. In fact, I have had more problems out of my BCM 14.5" upper with LaRue BCG than with my DPMS. The price you quoted was good - a little cheaper than I got mine for. Also despite what some have said, you can in fact put an optic on a fixed carry handle model, as our military has been doing quite successfully for years. Granted, you are more limited in mounting options but I guarantee you it can be done.

 

[gorcorps]

than its not a PantherLite but some other model. (ie: something other than a A1 upper)

does it have a front sight?

It does. I know it's at least a DPMS, and it was labeled as a panther lite. I don't know if the upper was switched out but it might have been.

 

[JEDI]

It does. I know it's at least a DPMS, and it was labeled as a panther lite. I don't know if the upper was switched out but it might have been.

like jdm said, Panther A3 lite:
http://www.dpmsinc.com/firearms/firearm.aspx?id=56

looks to be the same as the Panther Oracle except the A3 Lite has a front sight.
http://www.dpmsinc.com/firearms/firearm.aspx?id=57

if thats the case, the panther oracle is $590 at buds + FFL
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/70770
Ignore their pic. it doesnt come w/scope

edit:
hm.. dpms online has the A3 lite $50 more than the Oracle.
the only diff i see is the front site and a nylon sling. the front site worth $40?!

and whats the point of having a front site and no rear site?