Opinion / Feedback on AR15 Lower Brands

[Glynn863]

Greetings. Thinking about an AR15 build over the next few weeks / months and looking at 2 different lowers. Both are assembled already and are new / like new. One is a DPMS with DPMS internals and Colt A2 stock assy. The other is a Palmetto State Armory (PSA) with PSA internals and commercial adjustable carbine stock. There is about $30 difference in price between them. I haven't had an AR15 in 25 years, so just checking with guys that have more recent experience with these brands. TIA.

[gwp]

If you search the internet for DPMS quality you will find a number of posting about the lack of quality control for DPMS. Do the same search for Palmetto State Armory (PSA) and there were some quality control issues (probably due to their expansion) but PSA addressed the problems. PSA puts out a good product at a fair price.

[cplnorton]

I really wouldn't do eithe rone, I would probably find a Rock River. They are the only company other than Colt that had a Govt Contract. I've built a lot of AR's on Rock River lowers. They also have a very nice two stage trigger that is just great.

I'm not a big fan of DPMS or Palmetto.

[Litt'le Lee]

For a good Truck gun or range plinker,,I go for the DPMS-I have several and have never been dissappointed-My 20"
is built on a DPMS lower-my most accurate rifle-a 308 R-25 will shoot UNDER a inch at 100 yds

[epa223]

I don't own a Palmetto lower but I do have a DPMS that runs just fine. It's part of a Retro build.

[NJacob]

Agree 100% with Rock River. Great product. Stag also makes a good product. IMHO.

[Darreld Walton]

Other than two "Anvil Arms" lowers, the rest I've built have been on CMMG lowers with DPMS two stage "national match" triggers and parts kits. The assembled lowers I've purchased have been a smattering of the "big" AR names, and the DPMS rifles I've had worked just fine, with the exception of the .308, and that was a magazine issue.
My last build was a Tactical Innovations T15BDX lower with RR two stage trigger, and I used a Fulton Armory heavy, slick side upper receiver with side-cocking bolt carrier. Nice rifle, and to my way of thinking, the operating handle is finally where it should be. http://www.tacticalinc.com/t15bdxtra...er-p-1082.html

[da gimp]

CMMG builds fine weapons & suppressors, & that is a fact. Rock River also produces exc quality uppers & lowers.

In regards to cplnorton's post on military mfg. FN of the USA also made a very large # of M16 rifles for our govt/military.

[Glynn863]

Thanks for all the replies and comments. I ended up buying the DPMS lower with A2 stock. I am in the process of getting a FN A2 upper from another source. Once I locate a good bolt carrier group and charging handle, then I will be set, having a semi-auto M16A2 clone. This rifle will just be used to plink with; no competition plans right now (although I was the MVP on my HS rifle team, back when guns were allowed in school).

[GrantMan]

I built a couple of DPMS lower kits and the triggers are pretty rough.

Any aftermarket two stage would be an improvement or if you had a good smith in your area you could have it worked on.