Bushmaster or DPMS > AR Discussions

Posted: 7/19/2004 2:37:04 PM EDT

I had my heart set on a Bushmaster A2 AR-15, but ran into a DPMS for about $100 cheaper. Anyone have feed back on DPMS?? Are they a good rifle or should I get the Bushmaster.
Any comments appreciated.

Posted: 7/19/2004 2:40:06 PM EDT

[#1]

Bushmaster 100%

Posted: 7/19/2004 2:44:32 PM EDT

[#2]

Both
I like BM

but when the ban sunset I'll be buying a DPMS kitty kat

Posted: 7/19/2004 2:45:16 PM EDT

[#3]

I see that your new to the forum so welcome. One thing to keep in mind though is that you may want to search the forums for the answer to your questions first before you post. I swear we just just had this topic no more than a week ago. Anyway with that being said, I would say that a bushmaster slightly edges out the DPMS. I have both. The bushmaster is cleaner and finished better but I have had the same relibility from both. If price is the only dtermining factor for you I would go with the cheapest of the two.

Posted: 7/19/2004 3:01:43 PM EDT

[#4]

Thanks for the info, sorry for the repetitive question. I will search next time

Posted: 7/19/2004 3:05:04 PM EDT

[#5]

No big deal. Some people aren't very nice about the subject. I know from experience. Again, welcome.

Posted: 7/19/2004 3:10:34 PM EDT

[#6]

Thanks for the welcome, I have been waiting for a few years for an AR, $$$$ never worked out. Going to get one at the end of this week.

Posted: 7/19/2004 3:16:37 PM EDT

[#7]

Bushmaster..

Posted: 7/19/2004 3:22:25 PM EDT

[#8]

Bushmaster ... unless you want a RRA.....

Posted: 7/19/2004 5:14:12 PM EDT

[#9]

Bushmaster all the way. I put a DPMS lower together at the same time a freind did, both lowers were forged DPMS and both used DPMS parts with no problems. The uppers is where the two were different. I bought a Busmaster 20" upper and so did my bud. My bud bought his complete with a Bushmaster BCG while I used a DPMS BCG. His rifle was 100% reliable from the first shot, mine was a single shot for about 150 rnds with periodic jams until it got 300 rnds under it's belt. I don't think there is anything wrong with DPMS forged lowers and lower parts kits, but keep the upper all Bushmaster or Colt. From now on for me it will either be Bushmaster or Colt rifles and parts.

Posted: 7/19/2004 5:38:39 PM EDT

[#10]

BM or RRA.

Posted: 7/19/2004 5:50:08 PM EDT

[#11]

First, Welcome to the never ending quest. May your pockets be deep, your internet connection faster than fast, your typing abilities flawless, & your tool box large for AR building tools & AR parts.

Second, Bushmaster.

Welcome and Best Regards.

Posted: 7/19/2004 6:05:33 PM EDT

[#12]

Get a DPMS.

(hey, I like em!)

Posted: 7/19/2004 6:06:25 PM EDT

[#13]

Bushmaster hands down.

Posted: 7/19/2004 6:29:12 PM EDT

[#14]

Bushmaster over DPMS any day, any time, anywhere.

Posted: 7/19/2004 6:32:04 PM EDT

[#15]

bushy

Posted: 7/19/2004 7:44:50 PM EDT

[#16]

I have two Bushmasters. Very reliable and no problems, I recommend them highly. Of course, I have nothing else to compare them too!

Posted: 7/19/2004 8:01:06 PM EDT

[#17]

Thanks guys, going with the Bushmaster A2 20 ". What we shoot at work!

Posted: 7/19/2004 9:48:33 PM EDT

[#18]

Bushy=4150 steel and chromlinined

DPMS=4140 steel and MAYBE chromelined.

Get the Bushy.

Posted: 7/19/2004 10:00:09 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
Bushy=4150 steel and chromlinined

DPMS=4140 steel and MAYBE chromelined.

Get the Bushy.

For a extra $20.00 DPMS will chromeline their barrels if I remember correctly

Posted: 7/19/2004 10:02:33 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Bushy=4150 steel and chromlinined

DPMS=4140 steel and MAYBE chromelined.

Get the Bushy.

For a extra $20.00 DPMS will chromeline their barrels if I remember correctly

Correct. built exactlly like you want it. like Dunkin Donuts!

Posted: 7/20/2004 6:34:03 AM EDT

[#21]

I like my dpms upper. I bought it whole from Brownells and attached it to a lower I built..... century arms lower. Never a malfunction and fit and finish is equal of 2 Bushmasters my department owns

Posted: 7/20/2004 6:59:35 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
I had my heart set on a Bushmaster A2 AR-15, but ran into a DPMS for about $100 cheaper. Anyone have feed back on DPMS?? Are they a good rifle or should I get the Bushmaster.
Any comments appreciated.

Bushmaster for reliablity - they are worth the extra $100.

Posted: 7/20/2004 9:32:22 AM EDT

[#23]

BUSHMASTER, so far excellent customer service and top quality parts.

Posted: 7/20/2004 10:09:27 AM EDT

[#24]

DJack,

I highly recomend DPMS. I've included my initial review at the bottom of this post.

My father has a LEO Bushy. It's a very nice weapon - fit and function are rock solid. His lower, however, suffers from the purple finish sometime encountered with Bushmasters. It's nice, but not $1000+, nice.

Regardless, I went with the DPMS. I am very impressed and have found it just as reliable as the Bushmaster. The fit and finish are just a good - if not a bit better. It was a purchase well worth the money!

Either way - enjoy shopping for one - that's half the fun! h
DPMS REVIEW:

I received my parts on Friday, as promised. I was VERY impressed with the quality of my CAR / XM-177 style upper! No flakes, scratches or flaws of any kind. DPMS did their job - it was gorgeous! After three long months, I can honestly say it was worth the wait.

The Bolt, Bolt Carrier and Charging Handle on my Upper were well finished and locked up tight. I didn't expect a chrome bolt assembly, but got one – that‘s a free upgrade! It's easier to clean, slicker and I can always close the dust cover if it gets too bright while conducting "covert" ops in the back yard.

The Glacier Guard hand guards were solid, with very little rotational movement. When I finally removed them; I couldn't believe the barrel diameter! Holy Crap, Batman! The “undercover” Bull Barrel adds a little extra weight under the hand guards, but should help with cooling and accuracy. That's a trade-off I'll take ANY day!

The CAR Upper fit right onto my DPMS pre-ban lower. There was a minor amount of play between the two, so I tightened it up with an Acu-Wedge to get it where I wanted - I'm just picky. The fit would be just fine for the average Joe. The finish / color matched my lower EXACTLY.

I installed my collapsible stock in a matter of minutes. The buffer assembly went on just fine, but I was under-impressed with the quality of the stock itself. I found that I could flex it with very little pressure in my hands. The plastic was thin and fit loosely on the buffer assembly, much like a child's toy gun. It just didn't fit the overall quality of the weapon. Having paid $80, maybe I'll ask DPMS if I can swap it out for a few extra bucks with the new style - Hint, Hint...

After watching it rain all weekend, I finally called in sick and took it to the range yesterday. I must have taken it apart several dozen times over the weekend waiting for the weather to pass. I cleaned it three or four times even though it wasn’t needed. It’s a guy thing.

After a total of 250 rounds – I can honestly say that I’m impressed. It never missed a beat! I shot XM-193, IMI-855, Hot-Shot SS-109, Rem UMC, PMP FMJ and Black Hills 60 SP. I zero’d at 50 Yds, using the IBZ. Black Hills proved to be the accuracy load at this range, grouping around 1.0 inch. Shots at 100 yds. were in the 2 to 4 in range.

I’m not interested in prairie dogs at 300 yds or MOA accuracy. If I can hit a pie pan at 100 yds., I’m happy! After all, it’s an 11.5 in Barrel and I didn’t have a fancy rest. I got the feeling that the rifle was much more capable than I was. When I slacked up, it showed, and my shot groups paid for it.

The sights were sturdy and held the zero. The glacier guards never got uncomfortable or even hot. Extraction and ejection were flawless. The brass landed in a nice size pile about 6 ft. away at my 4 o’clock. I fired two 30 round mags in rapid succession to entice the weapon to fail – no luck.

I considered picking up some one-piece gas rings and a D-Fender for the extractor. I have to admit, DPMS got it right the first time. After shooting yesterday, I don’t feel the need for either. All this talk on the boards about gas ports, short-stroking and extraction problems got me worried before I even hit the range. There I go thinking again…

I did add a John Masen fore-grip and a First Samco pistol grip to the rifle. The Masen fore-grip is inexpensive, but rock solid. The Samco pistol grip is the best around – comfortable and useable for storage. I have a cleaning kit, earplugs and four extra rounds in there. No complaints with either.

I use Mil-Tech oil exclusively on my AR. I usually go with Rem-Oil, but Mil-Tech rocks! I noticed the difference after using Rem-Oil after my initial range session. It wasn’t as smooth, and you could tell – even the wife said as much. So, I disassembled it all again, wiped it down and re-applied Mil-Tech. Can you say anal?

Mags were O-Kay USGI surplus, Bushmaster LEO and Ram-Line. Each one functioned fine, with the exception of the Bushmaster. No big deal, it just failed to lock back the action every now and then. I can live with that for a “range-mag”.

Overall, the DPMS CAR-15 Shorty weapon package is lightweight, accurate and reliable. I was impressed by the out of box quality and function. I’d recommend this weapon to anyone looking for a short, fast handling carbine. The CAR style upper offers nothing extraordinary in the accuracy department, but gets the looks and is more than capable at the ranges 5.56 works best. I give it a 9 out of 10.

Positive Comments:

Excellent quality, fit and finish.
100% function with various ammo types.
Outstanding customer service – responsive, positive attitude and personable.
Good accuracy at practical ranges.

Negative Comments:

CAR style stock – flimsy, loose.
Need more accurate shipping / production dates at initial time of order.

AEM

Posted: 7/20/2004 10:14:09 AM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
Bushmaster hands down.

ditto

Posted: 7/20/2004 10:15:54 AM EDT

[#26]

I have a Bushmaster, also have a DPMS upper,special run CMMG had made, it 4150 steel & chrome lined,also sports M4 feed ramps,also FSB isnt cast, also it sports 1/7 twist.

Has been 100% reliable so far & tight groups.

TG

Posted: 8/9/2004 8:37:33 AM EDT

[#27]

Came home with a Bushy 20" A2, now starts the obsession. Hmmmm which one will be next.

Posted: 8/9/2004 1:29:54 PM EDT

[#28]

MMM BUSHMASTER GOOD

Congrats on the new rifle

Posted: 8/9/2004 2:11:13 PM EDT

[#29]

Bushmaster....or RRA.

I just got in my new Bushmaster 11.5"/5.5" Upper and it's really nice looking. Had an RRA before, and was very impressed with it as well.

Posted: 8/9/2004 2:32:34 PM EDT

[#30]

I have a question for you all, because I can't figure it out.

What is the difference from the DPMS 4150 steel barrels, chromed bores and chambers then a Bushmaster with the same features? Is there a difference? Because I know DPMS basically says, "Just tell us to add chrome and 4150 steel barrels when you order and you will get what you ask for." I don't really know if 4150 is really a huge difference from 4140, but I guess it is sought after.

Could someone fill me in on the differences?

Thanks

Warning

Confirm Action

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Bushmaster or DPMS

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Bushmaster or DPMS