I have contacted a local dealer who is going to start selling DPMS AR's. I am not familiar with this company...are they OK (quality and warranty) and is $740.00 + Tax a good price for a 20" Panther Clasic A3?  Thanks for any info.

JC

DPMS is a good company, for 740 dollars, that is a good price for a Classic.  

May I suggest the A3 classic, the flat top will give you a much better optic platform, and if you decide you just want iron for now, you can always just get a detachable carrying handle and having the flat top option is great just in case you decide to go optic sometimes down the road.  cost a littel more, but it is the way to go.