AR Sponsor
Posted: 3/6/2005 10:53:59 AM EDT
|
Was pretty much set on the RRA M4 Entry Tactical AR ($869).....then I saw the waiting time for a new rifle. I started looking at other options. I can buy an DPMS lower (forged with 6 position stock) for $240 and a DPMS flat top upper for $399.....$639 total from the same supplier. Now I realize with the RRA..I get a Hogue grip ($21), 2 stage trigger ($85) and the tactical riser ($125)..and the price difference between the two rifles pretty much equals the cost of those additional parts on the RRA rifle. DPMS with the RRA add-ons ($870). If I bought the DMPS..I probably wouldn't add the Hogue grip or swap out the trigger...but I would add a mid-riser with a rear sight....just to have iron sights on the rife in addition to being able to add scopes and red dots with out removing handles. Bottom line question......is the RRA so much better than the DPMS that I should wait 10 weeks for RRA...or are they probably equal in quality, accuracy and build...? I have handled both rifles at local dealers and both seem to be very well made..with the grip and trigger on the RRA feeling better than the DPMS. One last thing to further muddy the waters..the same dealer that has the DPMS uppers and lowers is also selling the complete DPMS flat top rifle with case, Mags and carry handle for $800. Again..you factor in the carry handle $100 and the 2 30rd mags and hard case...you're at the same money as if you bought the upper and lower spearetly..then added the handle, mags and case. Diff being you are buying a complete rifle with retail packaging. There is no wait on the DPMS rile upper and lower or the complete rifle. Thanks for any comments and or opinions. |
|
That is a tough call, USA-ret either way you are going to spend $800+ Your dilemma only lists two options and - if it were me-- I would consider a 3rd option The quality difference on those 2 examples is nearly identical (although some may chime in with chrome barrel lining, chamber lining, etc, and that would matter) but I would spend another $50-100 and get a Bushmaster. I have seen the BM listed as available for around $900 more or less, and there is a measurable difference in this one. Tough call, but I would look long and hard before whipping out that kind of money. |
|
I own a DPMS lower and have handled RRA parts at shows. I would pretty much rate them the same. Others will chime in soon though. My A1 Clone is based on the DPMS lower and fire control parts, I am happy with it. If the RRA lower was available at the time versus the DPMS, I would have bought the RRA. At least these two have standard pins for take down and fire control groups. |
|
I hate bushmaster. Theres no meaning behind that. Just said. I have that RRA. In my opinion is the best Ar style rifle ive ever shot. Beats all the bushies ive shot hands down, and my friends colt. You should be able to find that setup from a vendor that has it in stock, so you dont have to wait. If you want to order it straight from RRA, I think it would be worth the wait. I love mine, and the tactical carry handle is awesome. I can mount my aimpoint on top and have a perfect cheek weld, or quickly dismount it and have iron sights. |
|
My DPMS rifles have functioned perfectly, with the fit and finish being as good or better than my last RRA or Bushy. There are currently 3 or 4 threads questioning RRA current QC, so I would do a little searching around here... Everybody has their favorite, so always take MFG recommendations with a grain of salt. Stick with Armalite, Bushy, Colt, DPMS, LMT or RRA, and your chances are good of getting a good rifle. |
|
Have Colt AR. Have RRA AR. Have DPMS AR. Have owned Bushmaster AR. Do not be afraid of any of them. RRA seem to have one of the nicest finishes I've seen. Fit and function are very good in my limited experience. Upper and lower fit tighly together. DPMS are slammed by many who either never owned one, or had one that malfunctioned..so they MUST suck if your single AR malfunctioned. I disagree. ARs can be finicky and tempermental...I said CAN be...not all of them or most of them, but some of them. My DPMS AR has been 100% reliable and I would not feel ashamed or concerned being armed with it. I bought it because the price was so inviting. Frankly, the only reliability issue I've encountered in owning 6 different ARs was with my Colt short stroking. So Colts suck then? No, I just had a problem rifle thats since been worked out and is running well. There are parts out there that flat out suck and should be avoided, but this constant DPMS vs RRA vs BM vs Colt arguing gets old quick. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bottom Line - Go with a major brand and test it out with many rounds....you will prob have no troubles. If you do? Contact the manufacturer and work it out. |
| I have owned both DPMS and Olympic Arms which are two of the most bashed brands out there and never had any types of problems out of either. The fit and finish on both were equal if not better than the most recent Bushmasters I have seen being released. I have never handled RRA so that brand would be a guess for me. You make the decision for yourself as many people here will only speak from LACK of experience with brands other than their favorites. Just my 2 cents worth on all of the brand name questions. |
| The only trouble I have with the DPMS brand has been their use of CAST lowers or uppers. Sometimes a mix of both on a new complete rifle. I see no reason for any mfgr to offer a CAST receiver in this day and age, and to muddy up the waters by mixing and matching the two is even cloudier. Since you first mention a FORGED product in your initial post, you are obviuosly already clued in to the differences. Since that is the case, politics aside, the DPMS should prove a marvellous experience. Buy either brand with confidence. |
WOuld have to second that just from personel experience I would go with nothing less than Bushy. I have owned every other Major and a few not so major brands of AR's with the Exception or RRA so I cant give nothing but a second hand opinion on those but have heard enough to not want to jump on that bandwagon just yet. I know DPMS is quality ive had a couple and only had minor complaints, I hav ea freind though who swears by DPMS and I trust his word. Just to clarify I am not saying Bushy is tops but a close third to Armalite and Knights. ( kinda down on Colt right now but used to put them in the same group) |
AR Sponsor