Looking to get my first AR. I was set on the Ruger SR556E but I missed the boat on that one as the local gun shop sold out before I got there. Either way, I did some searching and came to the conclusion that the DPMS Oracle is a decent rifle for the price. I don't have any experience with ARs so I'm not exactly sure what to look for in regards to good quality (gas/piston, polymer/aluminum .....). My budget is limited so the DPMS fits perfect. At $800 it leaves room for some optics. Anything I should be aware of with this gun? Is it going to last? I'm going to be using it for fun shooting and the odd match when I can.
DPMS Oracle
- Thread starter Roadhawk
- Start date
Sherlock Gnomes
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- St.Catharines
Had one before and sold it. Just bought another now because want to get into three gun events. Good rifles for the money. Like most AR platforms it will work reliably. I had no problems with my first and the second will probably be as reliable.
I've had one for a couple of years. Good gun for the price, runs really well. Over time I've bought a couple of other uppers and used the dpms lower with them until I bought a matching lower and it's done everything I've asked of it.
Only comments I'd make would be:
1) I believe it still comes with a plastic handguard - if you plan on replacing, it adds to the price ultimately and you may be able to find something that already has a railed guard - if that's what you want.
2) the flat top is great, but I found scope mounting a challenge with the handguard. Ended up going to med or hi (can't remember) rings to mount a 2-7 scope. Have since ditched that for a red dot,
3) I believe it will be a 16" barrel - for 3 gun that could be a little long, or it might be perfect for you - just thinkin out loud.
4) It has pretty decent quality, nice finish, no sharp edges or bad machining marks. Everything functions well,
Overall, it's a well made, decent quality, all metal good piece of kit. If it fits for what you want to do - then go for it.
One other thing to think about - if you plan to replace a bunch of parts it may be better / cheaper to find something that suits what you want. I'm not a mod nut, but I have replaced the hand guard, stock and end plate on mine which adds to the overall cost. It's a really good first AR, but not something I would recommend as a "platform" for major upgrades. If you wanna do that, think about the stripped route and build you gun of choice. If you think it works great for you pretty much as is, then it'll work great for you.
Only comments I'd make would be:
1) I believe it still comes with a plastic handguard - if you plan on replacing, it adds to the price ultimately and you may be able to find something that already has a railed guard - if that's what you want.
2) the flat top is great, but I found scope mounting a challenge with the handguard. Ended up going to med or hi (can't remember) rings to mount a 2-7 scope. Have since ditched that for a red dot,
3) I believe it will be a 16" barrel - for 3 gun that could be a little long, or it might be perfect for you - just thinkin out loud.
4) It has pretty decent quality, nice finish, no sharp edges or bad machining marks. Everything functions well,
Overall, it's a well made, decent quality, all metal good piece of kit. If it fits for what you want to do - then go for it.
One other thing to think about - if you plan to replace a bunch of parts it may be better / cheaper to find something that suits what you want. I'm not a mod nut, but I have replaced the hand guard, stock and end plate on mine which adds to the overall cost. It's a really good first AR, but not something I would recommend as a "platform" for major upgrades. If you wanna do that, think about the stripped route and build you gun of choice. If you think it works great for you pretty much as is, then it'll work great for you.
P&D has a SR556E in stock.
Great info on the DPMS.It was definitely at the top of my list but I went with the Ruger based on a sale price. Thanks to some info from jackrabbit000, I was able to pick up the Ruger SR556E for $999 from P&D's Canada Day sale. Its about $200 more than the DPMS. The Ruger comes with sights and a "rail ready" fore arm so that made up for $200 more spent. By the way, P&D were great to deal with. I just hope the wait isn't too long to get it here!!
I was going to do a build of my first AR but found all the parts I wanted with a proof tested upper on the Black Forge Tier 3 stripped down AR. Upper and lower receivers are 7075, M4 16in barrel, LE rated BCG. Comes as a flat top with no sights or mag. Bought the rifle, mag, and an armorers wrench from Frontier for less than $800. Would have cost me more to buy the pieces separately and even more for all the special tools to assemble the upper. Came up under $900 taxes in delivered. Its on its way. I expect to change the furniture to Magpul but I should actually shoot it first..... Frontier and SFRC both had it on sale but Frontier had stock.
