DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

[C4MC]

I'm new to AR's and looking to build one. In different threads I have seen people reference DPMS and Armalite patterns. I was wondering what the differences are between DPMS, Armalite or any others. What are the advantages or disadvantages of the various patterns. Does the pattern type limit the brand or type of barrel that can be used in a build? Please help me understand.

 

[65nut]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

you talking ar 15 or ar 10 style?

 

[C4MC]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 65nut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you talking ar 15 or ar 10 style? </div></div>

I'm curious about both. Thinking of building a .223 for my wife and a .308 for myself.

 

[seta8967]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

Both are good from what I understand I have only shot the armalite from a friend, but own a DPMS pattern. They both shoot well, though I give a advantage to DPMS for 1 reason and that is because of the aftermarket support. The Armalite doesn't seem to get nearly the support that DPMS does, most notable is Magpul magazine only work with DPMS not Armalite.

Note: This is for the AR15, and MAY be true for the AR10/SR25, as I am only starting my first SR25 build.

 

[ORD]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

.223 AR-15 rifles are more or less identical in terms of parts/interchangeability/etc. The only "oddities" would be things like some Colts having "large" pin triggers/hammers and larger pivot pins. Nothing you need to worry about with current production and nothing you need to worry re: Armalite vs. DPMS.

Now...any .308 AR is a WHOLE different ballgame. There are no "mil spec" standards for the .308 AR platform rifles so you'll have variations among different manufacturers which come down, in most respects, to "Armalite pattern" vs. "DPMS/KAC pattern" rifles.

The primary difference between the platforms is the magazine. Armalite uses their own mag setup and currently, there is no aftermarket source for their mags. The mag cost for the Armalite pattern is a little more expensive than the DPMS platform (at roughly $30/mag when buying in bulk like a 5-pack), but the Armalite mags are 100% reliable and built to last a long time even with field use/abuse. The DPMS pattern can use any number of mags, including DPMS factory, KAC factory, C-Products and Magpul LR20 PMAGs.

The other thing to be aware of is that only some parts/accessories are interchangeable between the platforms while others are proprietary to each platform (and both will use SOME AR-15 parts interchangeably such as triggers). For example, barrels/extensions (with some argument) and handguards differ with both platforms. Once you have chosen a platform, folks here can easily recommend sources for components, including receivers (U/L), barrels, BCG's, handguards/free-float tubes, triggers, etc.

Both are excellent semi-auto platforms to build on (I have used both extensively for personal builds and rifles I have put together for friends/colleagues)...just decide which you prefer.

Here's a little "light" reading for you on this topic:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_121/413443_.html

Good luck!

 

[3O8Junkie]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

Ord is always so helpful! +1 for what he said!

 

[ORD]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ShooterMcGavin33</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ord is always so helpful! +1 for what he said! </div></div>

I am but a humble servant of the people (and I'm not even all that humble most days).

 

[C4MC]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

Thanks for the info ORD. I will definitely check out the link to AR15.com.

I was actually considering the Snipers hide Multi caliber AR10 upper/lower set from JD Machine tech to start. They seem like a quality product at a good price. Thinking of doing it in .308 or .260 Remington. One of my main concerns is purchasing an upper/lower set and being limited to one manufacturer for the barrel.

 

[ORD]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: racer364</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One of my main concerns is purchasing an upper/lower set and being limited to one manufacturer for the barrel. </div></div>

There are a pretty large variety of commercially available barrels for both DPMS and Armalite pattern rifles that are ready to install. If you don't mind a little wait, a quality smith will be able to take a manufacturer of your chosing's barrel blank and make it work with the platform of your chosing with the fitting of the correct barrel extension, chambering, etc., etc.

 

[C4MC]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: racer364</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One of my main concerns is purchasing an upper/lower set and being limited to one manufacturer for the barrel. </div></div>

There are a pretty large variety of commercially available barrels for both DPMS and Armalite pattern rifles that are ready to install. If you don't mind a little wait, a quality smith will be able to take a manufacturer of your chosing's barrel blank and make it work with the platform of your chosing with the fitting of the correct barrel extension, chambering, etc., etc. </div></div>

In my head I was just thinking about buying various parts off the shelf and assembling them. On the AR10 I would be willing to wait to have a blank machined so I guess it won't be a problem. The AR15 will be a budget build so I will want that one ready to install without work.

Anyone other than the guys doing the group buy have any thoughts about the JD Machine Tech Uppers and Lowers.

 

[BCP]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

Mega MA-TEN upper lower set with monolithic rail is 982. Sounds like a lot but when you consider it's an upper, lower and rail system all in one the cost evens out. If you're working with say a 2k budget that would be my first choice.

I've heard good things about JD Machine and IIRC they are here in Cali so that is a plus for me.

My last build was a Tactical Machining lower (170 used) and DPMS upper (165 with charging handle). Upper lower lockup is good and it functions 100%.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

As far as the .308 goes,I asked pretty much the same question about 7 years ago. At that time it looked like Armalite was the way to go in the .308 platform. Their magazines worked (and still do) but you're limited to a single source. You have to decide for yourself whether or not that's what you want.

Other than that, Armalite is great. The only other downside when it would come to building this type is that they've discontinued the cheaper but same, Eagle Arms stripped lowers (and even uppers) that used to be available. Maybe they'll bring them back?

DPMS pattern .308s are more popular and have the aftermarket for magazines. You can even get one that uses really cheap G3 magazines if you can live without a last round bolt hold open. A build with this lower has always intrigued me as some semiautos (FAL) are notorious for putting the last round out of the mag out of the group you were shooting. Of course, a simple solution is load 6, right?

You need to determine what you want to do with a .308. If you just want a carbine, you'll probably be better off dollar-wise to just buy one and tweak it how you want.

If you want to use it for more of a precision role, then move forward with your thought on purchasing a better barrel. Talk to your barrel maker if you plan on reloading a particular bullet and get their recommendation on the reamer to use as you'll be limited to loading to not much over magazine length. If you ever plan on suppressing the rifle I'd look into an adjustable gas block. Right now, this will limit what diameter your barrel can be, so talk to the maker about the contour.

Buy a good trigger, I prefer Geissele but that's the only top shelf model I've owned.

Railed forends are cool, but mostly just expensive. How much rail do you need? A nice free float tube with a short rail at 6 o'clock is all you need for a bipod.

 

[SheepsClothes]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

I love my DPMS .308. I live in MN here and with DPMS just a little drive away. JP is here too I believe.

I went with a short gun with the adjustable stock. Slowly I'm buying parts and making a check list for a triger work done, magpul stock, etc etc. For me it really came down to the fact I could get something in .308 that I could upgrade over time, and that's what really mattered to me.

Also just as an fyi its my wifes favorite gun to shoot. More than the 30 round AK the shot gun and more than my 1911. She hates the 9mm I got for "her". Once at a local range she noticed a guy with a .223 AR just mowing through mags having fun. She spent a while watching him shoot, then asked me why,and I quite"his gun looks like yours, but why does it sound like a pussy? It must be broken."

 

[C4MC]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fngmike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

You need to determine what you want to do with a .308. If you just want a carbine, you'll probably be better off dollar-wise to just buy one and tweak it how you want.

If you want to use it for more of a precision role, then move forward with your thought on purchasing a better barrel. Talk to your barrel maker if you plan on reloading a particular bullet and get their recommendation on the reamer to use as you'll be limited to loading to not much over magazine length. If you ever plan on suppressing the rifle I'd look into an adjustable gas block. Right now, this will limit what diameter your barrel can be, so talk to the maker about the contour.


</div></div>

I plan to build the AR10 as a mid-long range rifle so I will definitely be looking for a good barrel. Thanks for the heads up on the gas block. I've been thinking about getting a suppressor for my bolt gun (.308) and it would be nice to use it on either gun so that will definitely be something to consider.

 

[C4MC]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SheepsClothes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I went with a short gun with the adjustable stock. Slowly I'm buying parts and making a check list for a triger work done, magpul stock, etc etc. For me it really came down to the fact I could get something in .308 that I could upgrade over time, and that's what really mattered to me.

Also just as an fyi its my wifes favorite gun to shoot. More than the 30 round AK the shot gun and more than my 1911. She hates the 9mm I got for "her". Once at a local range she noticed a guy with a .223 AR just mowing through mags having fun. She spent a while watching him shoot, then asked me why,and I quote"his gun looks like yours, but why does it sound like a pussy? It must be broken."

</div></div>

I already have other rifles to shoot and I am rather cheap so I want to build this one the way I want it from the start. I'm trying to avoid buying a complete gun and then dumping a bunch more $$$ in it for significant upgrades. It will take me while to build this as I save money and watch for deals on the components I want.

Your wifes comment is hilarious. I'm actually building the AR15 for my wife. I know my wife, and I know she will appreciate the reduced recoil of the "pussy" .223.

 

[SheepsClothes]

Re: DPMS pattern VS Armalite for build

Ah, yeah I only had shot guns and pistols. I basically owned an AK too as I rent to a friend who has that and a 7mm mag. For me it was getting behind a gun and learning what I did and did not like.

I also misunderstood. I thought you were getting 2 New .223 guns, one cheep for the wife and then a super build for you.

I didn't tell the wife the other one has less recoil or else she might want me to get one for her. She has already mentioned that she will steal my 1911 and painless it pink if I don't get her a new gun soon...... I should never have let her shoot.

 

[ECHO.KILO]

...most notable is Magpul magazine only work with DPMS not Armalite...

Well, I guess that's changed since you posted this. My AR10-A uses Magpul mags...

 

[Nivium]

+1 for DPMS