Aug 2002

DPMS PANTHER ARMS

The Shorties

Jacob Gottfredson

copyright 2004 Precision Shooting Magazine

Memento from the Past

If you were in Special Forces, and if you were on an A-Team, and if you were posted in the jungle some 30 years ago, you sometimes carried a CAR. Often called an M16 Shorty, it had its advantages for such troops. It was light, short, and maneuverable. If you were not in combat, it was a fun little rifle. 2000 rounds would usually cut down a banana tree if it would function that long. It had its advantages in combat also, but keeping a man down was not one of them; unless, of course, they were willing to stand there like a banana tree while you pasted them with 3 or 4 FMJ bullets until the gun jammed. But that is another subject and a controversial one at that.After having been out of that jungle for many years, I came across an ad about an AR-15 CAR. The year was approximately 1985 and the pre-ban, post-ban legislation was not yet in full bloom. It had a collapsible stock, stainless steel barrel, chrome bolt, map of Vietnam on the side of the lower receiver, and was one of only 100 such rifles made. It seemed like a fitting memento, and the price was right. I bought it.The rifle arrived, looked authentic enough, and I was eager to take it to the range. Living in South Texas and not having the money for 2000 rounds, banana tree harvesting was out of the question. Assuming that I had a rifle that shot reasonable well, I started poking paper at 100 yards. It took several rounds to realize that I would need at least a 4 x 4 foot white backer just to establish group size. I tried everything I could think of, but the accuracy never improved. I put the rifle away in disgust for several years (about 15 as a matter of fact). About a year ago I evaluated a Blackhawk bore scope and wrote an article about it as a result. I looked at every hunting and competitive rifle barrel I had. Part way through that exercise I remembered the CAR. I rooted around in the safe until I could extricate it and slid the scope down the barrel. I could not believe my eyes. The barrel (shot not more than 200 or 300 times) was a mess. I have no idea how that wheel axle was made, but it was not by any method known to modern barrel makers. Well maybe a new, reasonably crafted barrel would turn the rifle into something I could live with. Jeff Hoffman of Black Hills Ammo suggested I phone Randy Luth of Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services, Inc. (DPMS), aka Panther Arms. Within weeks I had two upper receivers and a lower, and my distaste for AR-15 CAR's began it's turnaround.

The DPMS Shorties

I was hoping to replace the upper on my original rifle with one that shot well. But I found that the lower on my original rifle was not drilled correctly, and the pins would not fit. As it turns out, not only was the barrel a mess on my rifle, but the rifle did meet the original military dimensional specifications. That is when I dropped my idea of replacing the barrel on my original rifle and began concentrating on what Randy had sent me. I will have to admit my ignorance here. I was not familiar with all the variations that Panther Arms manufactures and sells. And they are several, from upscale space rifles to highly customized bolt guns and everything in between plus accessories.Randy sent two variations, an M4 and a Panther Lo-Pro Classic. The M4 looked reasonably similar to the military version, but with some modifications Randy thought I would be interested in testing. The Panther Lo-Pro Classic was a different matter entirely.I had asked Randy to send a short, bull barreled upper along with something more current and traditional. I was not particularly interested in a military collectors item any longer, nor was I interested in a weapon with which I could fight off some invading force. I just wanted a short, accurate AR-15 to have fun with, to throw in the back of the SUV or truck to shoot coyotes or hogs (or an occasional banana tree if one should cross my path). I wanted to see if a bull barrel might offer the accuracy I wanted Vs something like the M4. I was quite surprised when the rifles arrived. Randy had shipped both versions, but they were noticeably different than what I had expected. Both were equipped with Randy's innovations for quick action and close quarter combat. The safety has been replaced with a much larger toggle so the shooter under adrenaline flow doesn't miss it when the time comes to flip it off quickly. The magazine release has been replaced with a larger, scored button that protrudes from the lower receiver, making magazine changes faster and more positive. He also incorporates a double-headed bolt catch that overcomes the problem of having to bolt the last round to clear the weapon. The Panther Lo-Pro Classic bull barrel version incorporates several changes. There is no dust cover over the bolt, nor a forward assist. There is also no case deflector. The lower on the Panther Lo-Pro Classic is quite smooth and devoid of appendages on that side of the rifle. This has the advantage of being snag free, and It is also the reason it is called the slim line profile. The thickness of the upper receiver body has been thickened considerably to provide additional strength. Photo 1 (Caption: DPMS Lo-Pro Classic Bull barrel. Note the lack of forward assist, case deflector, and dust cover. Note also the large magazine release.) Photo 2 (Caption: Left side of the M4. Note the large safety and extension on the cocking handle. )

Photo 3 (Caption: The flat top M4.)

Photo 4 (Caption: The DPMS lower showing panther head logo. This photo also shows the optional enlarged safety. )

Both rifles were flat topped and provided a weaver rail to facilitate mounting a scope or other sighting devise. The M4 was shipped with a detachable carrying handle with adjustable sights. The bull barrel version was devoid of sights which was fine with me.Randy coats the rifles to military spec, but then adds a Teflon coating for lubrication and to ensure that all parts are the same shade of black. The result is very attractive, practical, and weather proof.

Panther Lo-Pro Classic Specifications

Model Number: RFA2-LPC Post Ban

Features:

Caliber: .223 Cal., 5.56x45mmBarrel: 16" 4140 Steel, Bull Barrel (1" dia approx.)Length: 34.5"Weight: 9 poundsStock: Flat top Lo-Pro Upper Reciever with Push Pin, Pivot Pin, Investment Cast 357 Alloy T-6 Lower receiver.Action: Semi-autoOperation: GasMethod of Locking: Rotating BoltRifling: 6 Grooves RH, 1x9 TwistHand Guard: Shorty Plastic Hand Guard with Aluminum LinerUpper & Lower receivers are hard coat anodized per Mil-A 8625A & Teflon Coated Black. Each rifle comes with 2-10 round magazines 1-nylon web sling, and 1-cleaning kit.

M-4 Specifications (Law Enforcement Only; Cannot Be Sold To Civilians)

Model Numbers: 14.5" Barrel = RFA2-M4, 16" Barrel = RFA2-M4A

Features:

Caliber: .223 Cal., 5.56x45mmBarrel: 14.5 or 16 4140 Chrome-moly barrel with relief cut in front of the front sight toaccommodate the M-203 Grenade Launcher. A2 Compensator.Length: 34" Extended, 30.5" CollapsedWeight: 7 poundsStock: Aluminum Telescoping Carbine Stock AssemblySights: Rear sight is a Detachable Carry Handle, Square Front Post, Adjustable Rear Sights for Windage & elevation to 800 MetersFeatures: A3 Flat Top Forged Upper Receiver, Round Hand Guards, Push Pin, Pivot Pin,Sight Radius, 14.5"Action: Semi-auto, Full Auto, Tri-BurstOperation: Gas, selective fireMethod of Locking: Rotating BoltRifling: 6 Grooves RH, 1x9 TwistMax. Effective Range 600 MetersUpper & Lower receivers are hard coat anodized per Mil-A 8625A & Teflon Coated Black. Each rifle comes with 2-10 round magazines 1-nylon web sling, and 1-cleaning kit. The M4 has a forged lower. The Lo-Pro Classic has an investment cast lower receiver that helps reduce cost. Of course the M4 that was sent to me was modified for civilian use. It is not select fire and the butt is not collapsible. However, my original intent was to install the M-4 or Lo-Pro Classic upper on my pre-ban lower, giving me the flexibility of a shorter rifle when packing it in the truck. Unfortunately, the rear pin hole on the rifle that I had ordered years ago does not quite fit the DPMS uppers. The difference is very slight, and I am tempted to drill out the rear pin hole just enough to fit the pin on the DPMS upper. The M4 came equipped with a Jerry Miculek compensator that reduces muzzle jump. This is very effective and handles much like the bull barrel for keeping the barrel down for target acquisition and for quick follow up shots.

Testing the Rifles

I mounted a 3.5 10x40mm Leupold Tactical scope on the M4 and a 4 16x56mm Japanese tactical scope that I am evaluating on the bull barreled Panther Lo-Pro Classic. I immediately discovered that the scopes were too low, forcing my head into a very awkward position. I asked Randy to ship taller rings. That solved the problem nicely on the Lo-Pro Classic. However, I did not have tall rings for the M4. This resulted in two problems: It was not only awkward, but the front sight was square in front of the 3.5-10x40mm Leupold scope. I could not, of course, see the front sight through the scope, and the only effect was that the target could not be made as clear as one would like. It did not seem to affect shot placement or group size, however. I did switch scopes, putting the 16 power and the taller rings on the M4, which solved the problem. My main purpose for mounting scopes of such power was to evaluate the rifle's accuracy. But I like them mounted there so much I'm afraid that is where they would stay. I had cartridges of several various bullet weights from Jeff Hoffman of Black Hills Ammunition and a couple of boxes of 69 and 77 grain GM Match from Federal. Jeff had supplied bullet weights from 50 to 77 grain in both hunting and military versions. I had no trouble bore sighting the rifles. I pulled out the rear pin and allowed the lower receiver to swing down. I placed the upper receiver on the edge of the bench and let the butt swing free below the edge. I removed the bolt and cocking handle and looked through the bore at the target. I clicked the scope to that point (not far to go) and fired a first shot. I did this with both uppers and was center bull in 3 shots each.My first groups were taken very quickly in the late afternoon in a brisk wind. I did not expect much except to get the uppers sighted in. I was amazed that I was shooting 5 to 8 round groups under an inch. It was nearly dark so I loaded up my gear and headed home, having shot only the 68 and 75 grain match ammo. I was anxious to shoot the lighter ammo in good conditions and got my chance the following weekend. The 75 grain match bullets would hold 1.25 inch, 5 round groups, but the 68 grain match ammo printed groups near the .5 to .6 inch range. I was happy as a hog in a wallow. The 60 grain Vmax bullets printed well also, but the 50 grain Vmax ate up the center of the bull with groups like the 68 grain match. The 60 grain soft points bullets agged the same as the 75 grain Match. Most impressive was the fact that all bullets with the exception of the heavy 75 gain Match printed the same point of impact at center bull. The 75's shot about an inch lower than the light bullets. This was the case with both barrels. I was anxious to move to the longer ranges. I wanted to see results to at least 500 yards. Illustration 1 (Caption: Both groups were shot with Black Hills Ammunition. The group on the left was shot with the bull barrel Lo-Pro Classic. The group on the right was shot with the M4.)Groups were shot at 29.88 Barometric pressure, 60 feet elevation, and 78 percent humidity. Temperatures varied from 58.1 to 59 degrees when shooting the Low Pro Classic. The temperature stayed at 71.7 degrees while shooting the M4. Velocities were taken at 10 feet from the muzzle and then averaged. They were shot in very mild winds from a benchrest setup with front and rear bags.

* I did not have enough Federal ammo to test the longer ranges. ** Groups with the heavier bullets at long range were large.I was impressed with the velocity in standard conditions near sea level through these short barrels. Remember that these are all factory loads and not hot. They functioned perfectly. I never had a single jam or problem, and I did not clean excessively. I completed each days shooting without cleaning (typically 50 to 100 rounds). I would clean the barrel when I returned home until the copper was removed, then the bolt and chamber, and put the rifle away to wait for the next opportunity. Interesting as well is the velocity similarity between the 2 barrels, one being 1.5 inches longer than the other. There isn't 20 fps difference in any of the loads used. These rifles were equipped with military triggers, not the adjustable type, and the barrels were not floated. When I order my rifle, I will include both. It will be interesting to see if these two accuracy enhancing features will allow me to group even better. One would certainly think so.As you know, the M4 has several changes incorporated from the earlier models that I was used to. The rear of the receiver has been thickened where the stock attaches. A brass deflector has been added, and the forward assist is round instead of tear shaped. The barrel is somewhat heavier, but has the indent forward of the sight for mounting a grenade launcher. The sight has no bayonet attachment, and the hand guards have double aluminum heat deflectors. There other minor differences as well.The M4 as supplied to me had the detachable carry handle with a much more modern, adjustable rear sight than was provided on my rifle. This is great feature in my opinion. Of course, DPMS can supply several add-on's to the flat top as well as flip up sights.

Leupold's Close Quarter Tactical Sight

As I was finishing the evaluation of the DPMS rifles, I had occasion to talk to Leupold about another issue. The subject of their new battle sight came up, and I asked if I could check it out on the Shorty AR's. I have included a photo here, but will make this great sighting system the subject of a second article. Photo 5 (Caption: Jacob Bynum, owner/operator of Rifles Only tries out the DPMS M4 with Leupold's Close Quarter Tactical Sight.)

Bottom Line:

I have read some very complimentary articles about the DPMS Bulldog AR-15. The authors talked highly of its quality, appearance, accuracy, and reasonable cost. After evaluating the M4 and the Panther Lo-Pro Classic, I am inclined to agree with them. Velocity and accuracy from these little shorties are impressive. The quality is very high. I had not a single malfunction. They seemed to be at home in terms of function with any of the ammo I had from 50 to 77 grains. My 3 decade disappointment with the AR-15 in general and the CAR specifically were dispelled after testing the DPMS rifles. If there is some great mechanical difference, I don't know what it is. My guess is that DPMS's quality control is significantly higher than those issued to me years ago, and astronomically higher than the one I bought in 1985. DPMS sells a host of AR-15 configurations, some bolt rifles, and a great many quality and useful accessories.

I certainly can't speak for every rifle in their line, but if the M4 and the Panther Lo-Pro Classic are representative of DPMS's quality and price, they are certainly a bargain. If you are interested in a quality AR-15 or accessories for an existing one, I suggest you give them a call and order a catalog. You won't be disappointed.

DPMS
13983 Industry Avenue
Becker, MN 55308
Phone: 763-261-5600
FAX: 763-261-5599
web: http://www.dpmsinc.com
email: dpmsinc@aol.com

Black Hills Ammunition
P.O. Box 3090
Rapid City, SD 57709-3090
Phone: 800-568-6625
Phone: 605-348-5150
Email: bhammo@rapidnet.com