DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 PHOSPHATE CLASSIC RIFLE
Welcome to ou DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 Review, a popular AR-15-style rifle designed for civilian and law enforcement. In this review, we’ll look closer at the DR-15 16″ M4, examining its features, performance, and overall value. This review will provide the information you need to decide if the DPMS DR-15 is the right rifle for you. So, let’s dive in!
Table of contents
History of DPMS
DPMS (Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services) is a company that specializes in the manufacturing of firearms and firearm components. It was founded in 1985 by Randy Luth, and the company’s name stands for “Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services.”
Initially, DPMS focused on providing quality parts and accessories for the AR-15 rifle platform. However, over time, the company expanded its product line to include complete rifles.
In the early 2000s, DPMS began to focus more on military and law enforcement contracts, as well as civilian sales. This shift in focus led to the development of new products, such as the LR-308 rifle, which is chambered in .308 Winchester and is compatible with many AR-15 parts.
In 2007, DPMS was acquired by the Freedom Group, a holding company that owns several firearms brands. Some of these brands include Remington and Bushmaster. Freedom Group, DPMS continued to expand its product line, offering a wide range of rifles and accessories.
In 2016, Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity firm, acquired the Freedom Group. However, after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, Cerberus announced that it would sell off its firearms holdings. In 2019, Vista Outdoor, a company specializing in outdoor sports and recreation products, acquired the remaining assets of the Freedom Group, including DPMS.
Today, DPMS continues to manufacture high-quality firearms and components for the AR-15 and AR-10 platforms and other firearms. The company’s products are used by military and law enforcement agencies, as well as civilian shooters and hunters.
Panther Arms
Panther Arms is a brand name owned by DPMS (Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services), a company that specializes in the manufacturing of firearms and firearm components. DPMS acquired Panther Arms in 2007.
Under the Panther Arms brand, DPMS offers a wide range of AR-15 rifles and accessories. The Panther Arms rifles are known for their quality and reliability and are popular among civilian and law enforcement shooters.
In addition to the Panther Arms brand, DPMS also offers several other firearm brands, including DPMS itself and the Windham Weaponry brand. However, Panther Arms is perhaps the most well-known and popular of DPMS’s brands.
Overall, DPMS has a long history of producing high-quality firearms and components. The acquisition of the Panther Arms brand has helped the company expand its product line and reach a wider audience of shooters and gun enthusiasts.
History of the DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO
The DPMS DR-15 is a modern sporting rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO. The rifle is known for its accuracy,
The history of the DR-15 can be traced back to the early 2000s when DPMS began to focus more on military and law enforcement contracts. In response to the growing demand for AR-15 rifles that could meet the needs of military and law enforcement users, DPMS developed the DR-15 platform.
The DR-15 was designed to be a reliable and accurate rifle that could perform well in various situations. It features a 16-inch M4 profile barrel, a common length for rifles used in tactical and law enforcement settings. The barrel has a 1/7 twist rate, ideal for stabilizing heavier bullets and providing greater accuracy at longer ranges.
The DR-15 also features several other design elements that make it well-suited for tactical use. It has a free-float handguard that allows for the attachment of various accessories, such as lights, lasers, and vertical grips. It also has a collapsible stock that can be adjusted to fit the user’s body and shooting style.
DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 Review Unboxing
When receiving the DPMS DR-15, it came in a cardboard box with the DPMS/Panther Arms logo on the outside. The DPMS DR-15 stands out right away, having the old-school AR-15 look and feel.
We had the DR-15, a user manual, a 30-round PMAG, an MBUS rear flip-up sight, and a firearm lock inside the box. Pretty straightforward box opening and not a whole lot different than how my first DPMS came almost 20 years ago.
Overall, the DPMS DR-15 unboxing the first impression weighs heavily on the gun itself, and the gun delivers. It’s a great-looking classic AR-15.
DPMS DR-15 Specifications
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 16 inches
- Barrel Twist: 1/7
- Barrel Profile: M4
- Barrel Material: 4140 Chrome-Moly Steel
- Barrel Finish: Black Nitride
- Gas System: Carbine Length
- Handguard: DPMS M111 Modular Handguard
- Upper Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 A3 Flattop with T-Marks
- Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6
- Bolt Carrier Group: DPMS Phosphated, Chrome Lined, Carpenter 158 Steel Bolt, Heat Treated and Shot Peened
- Charging Handle: Standard Mil-Spec
- Stock: DPMS Pardus, Commercial Spec
- Grip: DPMS A2
- Trigger: DPMS Two-Stage Match, 4.5-pound pull weight
- Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
- Overall Length: 32.5 inches (collapsed), 36.5 inches (extended)
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
- Model Number DP51655109559
- SKU DP51655109559
- UPC 00850032424004
- MSRP: $749
Action
The DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 uses a direct impingement gas system, a popular operating system for AR-15-style rifles. Here is a brief description of how the action of the DPMS DR-15 works:
- Loading: The rifle is loaded by inserting a magazine into the magazine well and pulling the charging handle to the rear. This action pulls the bolt carrier group (BCG) to the rear, which extracts and ejects any empty casings from the chamber and prepares the rifle for the next shot.
- Firing: When the trigger is pulled, the firing pin strikes the cartridge’s primer in the chamber, igniting the gunpowder and propelling the bullet out of the barrel. As the bullet exits the barrel, it passes by a gas port, which allows some of the expanding gas to enter the gas tube.
- Gas system: The gas travels down the gas tube and into the gas block, which is located towards the front of the barrel. The gas block directs the gas into the gas key on the BCG, causing the BCG to move rearward.
- Extraction and Ejection: As the BCG moves rearward, it extracts the spent casing from the chamber and ejects it out of the ejection port. The recoil spring then pushes the BCG forward, which strips a new round from the magazine and chambers it in the barrel.
- Repeat: The cycle of operation then repeats itself.
Overall, the action of the DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 is reliable and well-suited for both tactical and recreational shooting.
Bolt Carrier Group
The Bolt Carrier Group and its parts (BCG) in the DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 is made from Carpenter 158 steel and is heat treated and shot peened for durability.
The carrier is machined from 8620 steel and features a full-auto profile. The gas key is made from 4130 steel, properly staked, and chrome-lined for added durability. The firing pin is made from 8740 steel and is hard chrome plated for corrosion resistance. The extractor is made from tool steel and features an O-ring enhanced design for improved reliability. Finally, the ejector is made from heat-treated steel. Overall, the BCG in the DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 is a quality and reliable component for consistent performance and easy maintenance.
Barrel
The DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 is a 16″ M4 profile barrel made from 4140 chrome-moly steel. The barrel features a 1:7″ twist rate optimized for stabilizing heavier bullets commonly used in military and law enforcement applications. The barrel has a Melonite finish that increases surface hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Additionally, the barrel has a .750″ diameter gas block journal and a low-profile gas block. The barrel also features M4 feed ramps to improve reliability and a threaded muzzle with a 1/2×28 thread pitch, which allows for the attachment of a wide range of muzzle devices. Overall, the barrel in the DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 is a high-quality component optimized for performance, reliability, and longevity.
Capacity, Magazines, and Caliber
The DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 has a standard magazine capacity of 30 rounds, the most common capacity for AR-15-style rifles. The rifle uses standard AR-15 magazines, which are widely available and come in various capacities and styles.
The rifle is chambered in 5.56 NATO, a common cartridge used by the military and law enforcement agencies. The 5.56 NATO cartridge is known for its reliability, accuracy, and versatility, making it a popular choice for civilian shooters.
Additionally, the rifle is compatible with .223 Remington ammunition, a similar cartridge that is widely available and less expensive than 5.56 NATO. Overall, the DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 is a versatile and reliable rifle designed for performance, accuracy, and ease of use.
Controls
The DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 features standard AR-15 controls, which are well-known and widely used by shooters. The rifle features a standard AR-15 safety selector on the receiver’s left side and is easy to engage and disengage with the thumb.
It also has a standard AR-15 charging handle located on the rear of the receiver and is used to cycle the action of the rifle manually. The magazine release button is located on the right side of the receiver and is easily accessible with the trigger finger. Finally, the rifle also features a standard AR-15 trigger with a single-stage pull and is known for its reliability and crisp break.
Ergonomics
The DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 is well-balanced, light, and very comfortable to handle. The rifle features a standard B5 Systems SOPMOD M4-style adjustable buttstock that can be adjusted to fit the shooter’s body type and shooting position. The pistol grip is also designed to be comfortable and ergonomic, with a textured surface that provides a secure grip.
The rifle features a Picatinny rail on top of the upper receiver, which allows for mounting a variety of optics and other accessories.
The handguard is designed to be lightweight and ergonomic, with M-LOK attachment points for mounting accessories. The rifle’s overall weight is approximately 6.9 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver. This gun is ergonomic design and lightweight. This makes it a comfortable and easy-to-use rifle, ideal for various shooting applications.
Finish
The DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 features a durable and utilitarian finish. The rifle has a hard coat anodized finish on both the upper and lower receivers, which provides a protective layer against scratches and other damage. The barrel has a manganese phosphate finish, which helps to resist corrosion and prolong the barrel’s life.
Overall, the finish does have a very quality look and conveys the classic AR/M4 look.
Frame
The DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 features a rugged and durable frame designed to withstand heavy use and harsh environments. The rifle’s upper and lower receivers are made from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum, providing excellent strength and durability while keeping the rifle lightweight. The rifle features a standard mil-spec design, allowing easy customization and compatibility with a wide range of accessories and parts.
The rifle also features a dust cover and forward assist, which help to protect the rifle’s internal components and ensure reliable functioning. The rifle’s magazine well is designed to be compatible with standard AR-15 magazines, which allows for easy and convenient reloading.
The overall design of the DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 frame is both functional and reliable, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of shooting applications.
Handguard
The DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 features a lightweight and durable handguard designed to provide excellent grip and control while protecting the rifle’s barrel.
The handguard is slim and ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold and reducing fatigue during prolonged shooting sessions.
Further, it acts as a heat shield, which helps to protect your hands from the heat generated by the barrel. The overall design of the DPMS DR-15 handguard is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Sights
The DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 features a standard A2 front sight and a detachable rear sight. The A2 front sight is a fixed post sight, one of the most reliable sighting solutions.
The rear sight is a detachable MAGPUL MBUS sight. The Magpul MBUS (Magpul Back-Up Sight) rear sight is a popular option for AR-15 and other tactical rifles. It’s a lightweight and durable option for use as a backup sight in case the primary optic fails. Further, it can co-witness with other sighting solutions.
The site is made from high-quality polymer and features an adjustable aperture for windage and elevation adjustments. It’s easy to install and remove and can be used with various other Magpul products, including the MBUS front sight.
Stock
The DPMS DR-15 features a B5 Systems SOPMOD six-position collapsible stock. It provides excellent comfort and adjustability.
The B5 Systems SOPMOD stock is a popular aftermarket upgrade for AR-15 and M4 rifles. It’s a drop-in replacement for the standard M4-style stock and offers several improvements. For example, a more comfortable cheek weld and improved ergonomics.
The stock is made from high-quality materials, including reinforced polymer and Mil-Spec hardware. It’s also adjustable for the length of pull and features multiple sling attachment point.
Trigger
The DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 features a standard Mil-Spec trigger; it provides a crisp and reliable trigger pull. It is a single-stage trigger with a rated trigger pull weight between 6-7 pounds. It did feel closer to the 7 for sure, but I did not have the gauge I needed to test it. I will update this, and after shooting, it will also add to this post.
The trigger is housed in a standard trigger guard made from high-quality aluminum, providing excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. The overall design of the DPMS DR-15 trigger is both functional and reliable, but there are many outstanding affordable drop-in triggers if you feel it is too heavy. My verdict is not in yet.
DPMS DR-15 Review Final Thoughts
Having previously owned a DPMS and knowing roughly how many rounds I put through it over 15 years, I am a bit partial here. The gun was a dynamo! It held up with regular cleaning and routine maintenance, as well as any AR I’ve owned. From what I’ve seen of the DPMS DR-15 16″ M4, I don’t think it would be any different.
With an MSRP of $749 and the ability to find it on sale regularly, I believe this is a great staple for any gun enthusiast. They are a blast to shoot, straightforward, easy to maintain, and will last a long time with routine maintenance. They’ll hold up to many things, but one word of advice, even a DPMS might not make it through a divorce; mine didn’t:(
As always, comments are welcome below.
DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 Review FAQs
The DPMS DR-15 is a good choice for a first-time AR-15 buyer due to its reputation for reliability and reasonable price point compared to some other AR-15 models. However, as with any firearm purchase, it is important to research and choose a rifle that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Some owners have reported occasional feeding issues with certain types of ammunition. However, these issues are relatively uncommon and can often be resolved by adjusting the rifle’s gas system or using a different ammunition
Yes, the DPMS DR-15 is a popular platform for customization with a wide variety of aftermarket parts and accessories available.
The warranty on the DPMS DR-15 can vary depending on the specific model. However, most models come with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. It is important to check the warranty information before making a purchase.
