Help, I was just issued a DPMS?!?

AR/M4 AR General Discussion
1

Gents,

Alright, alright, before anyone comes to the defense of DPMS I’m not going saying they are not ‘ok’ blasters, I think I own at least one, lol.

Ok, ok, here’s my story. I just got hired by a different company over here in “the sandbox” and I was all excited when I was handed a brand new Glock 19 in the box, wow, cool, it was christmas in the summer.

I was then handed a well worn DPMS AR-15 16" barrel and all. My heart fell, i think I would have taken an M-16A2 better. To say the least I inspected the bolt, bolt carrier, etc, and it looks like the finish took the worst of it, the inside was fairly clean and semi lubed.

So, my question I pose to the forum is what would you do to it. I really would rather use my own optics, fore-grips, etc. Even though it looks like i’ll have to drop some money for a rail system. What I am really concerned about is extractor springs and internal parts i might have to worry about going bad…

Any thoughts?

thanks!

-ZM:cool:

2

considering the cost of a simple maintenance kit from BCM http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-SOPMOD-Bolt-Upgrade-Rebuild-Kit-p/bcm%20bolt%20upgrade%20kit.htm, it might be cheap insurance. Check and make sure you have the right buffer matched to the gas tube system. you should be able to replace most of the critical parts pretty cheap, and then you know you have a good platform. Big difference between “range” and “combat” use, and you don’t want to leave much to chance.

ps, you might also want to pick up some of the better mags also. These http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Magpul-PMAG-AR15-Magazine-p/magpul%20pmag%2030%20black%20window.htm work very well and can be bought from all over the net. But i do know that places like BCM and Grant’s http://www.gandrtactical.com/will make sure you get what you really need.

good luck

3

If you can make it to the IZ I will help you in getting it up to speed. We can do an inspection, replace the gas rings, extractor spring/ insert, gas tube, do a proper staking, etc…Let me know.

4

Hmm, if it was my gun, I would have the following done to it:

  1. Change the entire BCG for either a BCM or LMT.
  2. Put an H buffer and CS buffer spring in it.
  3. Check the chamber to make sure it is 556 NATO.
  4. Stake castle nut (if it needed it).

C4

5

He can do all the above but if his weapon doesnt have a Chrome lined bore and chamber… :frowning: Remember, thats an option with DPMS.

6

Hopefully anyone issuing them in “the sandbox” would have gotten chrome lined barrels, but then again you would have thought they would be handing out LMT’s too… right?

Jay

7

You are correct. My first reaction if given a DPMS to defend my life with in the sandbox would be to sell it and buy an Ak. :wink:

If the weapon does NOT have a chrome lining, then he is just screwed and should be brushing up on his transition skills.

C4

8

Quoted for posterity. :smiley:

Zef, best of luck man. Do you have any wiggle room as to replacement of the carbine?

9

Noob q: Why is the lack of a chrome lined barrel bad?

10

Ever heard of Vietnam? Ask a Vet from that war about non chromed lined M16’s.

C4

11

That wasnt the answer I was looking for :rolleyes:

12

Actually it is, you just don’t know it. :wink:

C4

13

If you’re shooting for accuracy (competitions, etc.) and you’re not shooting full auto, barrels without chrome lining are better. However, if you’re in the elements, using it for defense (lots of rounds), etc., then chrome lining is a blessing. It preserves the life of the barrel.

14

Because heat and moisture can screw up a carbon steel barrel quickly even if your are diligent about keeping it clean. Chrome rusts but at a much, much slower rate than carbon steel. The other thing is chrome is much harder than carbon steel. A chromed barrel will have a longer lifespan than one that isn’t chromed.

15

abnartyguy,

My offer still stands if you can get into the IZ.

16

I doubt he will be throwing the kind of rounds downrange where a CL will matter or that he will not have the facilities to clean them. Living in the Suck of Nam and on a fob or LSA in the box are two different animals. I highly doubt the DPMS is auto or even burst so its not like he is going to burn the barrel up.

Just check everything over and make sure the fucntions tests work. Throw atleat 500 rounds down range in one shooting to make sure its reliable. Make sure you have good mags and they are not the problem. Anything that looks well worn or not right, replace with quality parts. The only real concern I would have is the LPK. If you have to order a quality one and replace it.

If you are still uncomfortable, just order a LMT upper wth BCG and apropriate buffer/spring.

17

I think the lack of proper cleaning & especially lube had far more to do with failures in Vietnam than not having a chrome lined bore.( probably 99%)That being said,I believe a chrome lined bore will be a bit more forgiving-all else being equal.If he has problems with his barrel due to not being chrome lined,I would think he should have been issued something other than an M16 / M4.
No, I’ve not served in the military,if I’m wrong about the barrel,please educate.

18

He is in a hostile environment. While it is not Vietnam, it is also not a day at the range. I would pass on NOT having chrome lining in a fighting weapon.

C4

19

No doubt that the lack of cleaning and poor ammo was also a major issue, but so is lack of Chrome. Chrome does many things for a barrel. Protects is, adds lubricity, extends wear and in general, increases reliability.

His weapon might have 20,000rds through it and be shot out. If it was chrome lined, he wouldn’t have to be concerned about such things.

C4

20

Unfortunately not all PMC’s here in theater are squared away and give their guys good kit. Many have handed out AK’s and other weapons as well as ammo w/o even knowing if the stuff was good to go. Some guys get a few mags and are told to “procure” their own. So I wouldn’t assume that proper cleaning gear and knowledgable personnel will be available to troubleshoot and fix shit when needed. Fortunately some of us network to take car of each other .