I have been looking at the DPMS Lo and Hi Pro carbines now for a while. There is just something that I like about them. Are these good quality, reliable guns? And do these guns have the 5.56 chamber so I can fire mil-spec ammo from them? R Guns has them for $620 and $640 each. Is this a good price? And finally, what would be a good choice in optics on these guns (something that won't break the bank)? I plan to use this for everything from plinking, varminting and even as a defensive carbine. Any thoughts?

- DPMS uses a 5.56 chamber.  Mil-spec ammo is ok.

- This is not personal experience, but one fellow I talked to about his claims easy 1MOA groups.

- I have a DPMS sweet 16 and its build quality is excellent.  A good way to get into the AR game without spending a fortune.

An associate of mine who is in the firearms business swears by DPMS.  I don't have a DPMS rifle, but all of the DPMS parts, accessories, and the multi-tool I have of their's is top notch.  Do a search on R guns or user name KMA then make your own decision on buying from R-Guns.  

As to optics, I just got a Kobra site with a weaver base for about $130 recently and really like it.  Built like a tank, throw lever QD base, choice of reticles and brightness.  Did I mention it is built like a tank but priced like a Yugo?