Bushmaster and DPMS guns are two of the most popular sporting rifles used in the United States, initially developed for military uses, but now adapted to civilian use. Both companies produce reliable firearms, but their guns have significant differences that will affect your decision-making process.
To help you decide which one is right for your needs, let’s dive deep into each of them.
Size
Bushmaster produces a variety of rifles and AR-15s that are larger than their DPMS counterparts. Bushmaster rifles are typically 33-35 inches in length, like the XM-15 ORC, while DPMS rifles, like the Oracle AR-15, stand at 28 inches.
Craftsmanship
When it comes to fit and finish, Bushmasters possess an edge over DPMS, having a slightly more refined look that appeals to those who demand precise aesthetic details from their weapons.
Appearance
Bushmaster guns typically have an all-black matte finish, while DPMS guns usually come with an attractive camouflage or wood grain look. It makes the Bushmaster more suitable for tactical operations and gives it a functional edge. Contrarily, the DPMS appears more aesthetically pleasing but showy at times.
Feel In Hand
When it comes to how they feel in hand, the Bushmaster gun is lighter and more compact than the DPMS gun. Thus, Bushmaster is easier to carry and conceal while embracing a comfortable grip.
Action
The Bushmaster features an excellent gas-impingement system that ensures consistent cycling during a semi-automatic fire with less wear on components compared to direct gas-impingement systems like those featured by other manufacturers. The DPMS model also uses a reliable direct-gas-impingement system that has proven itself oft-times in competitive shooting sports globally.
Another worth-highlighting thing is the Bushmaster’s improved muzzle brake which provides reduced recoil when firing compared to the DPMS gun, which only features a standard muzzle brake design.
Accuracy
The Bushmaster’s barrels are designed to deliver pinpoint accuracy at both short and long distances whereas DPMS firearms are slightly less accurate over longer distances but remain near perfect when shooting at mid-range targets.
Bushmaster rifles take the lead when it comes to long-range accuracy, thanks to their rifled barrel design. This specially crafted barrel imparts greater stability on bullets in flight, making them more precise when shooting at extended distances – ideal for target practice or hunting. Adjustable sights further enhance this advantage, allowing shooters to dial in shots with far greater precision than DPMS guns which often lack this feature, or include it only as an additional upgrade.
That being said, when targets become smaller or distant, some reviews indicate that DPMS’ accuracy lags just a bit behind Bushmasters – not ideal for scenarios where pinpoint accuracy is paramount.
Accessories/Parts Availability
Both companies offer a wide selection of replacement parts for purchase to customize your firearm to fit your specific needs. However, due to its popularity among shooters, spare parts for Bushmaster gun systems seem more accessible than those designed by DPMS.
While aftermarket products may provide a good solution for customizing either model of the gun system; you could end up having difficulties finding additional hardware for older models unless sourced from specialty stores or online retailers who specialize in selling discontinued firearms parts and accessories.
Shooting Experience
When it comes to shooting accuracy, both guns are spot on when you dial them in with iron sights or a scope. But the Bushmaster takes it one step further with its improved muzzle brake design, giving users an ultra-smooth firing experience that’s far more comfortable than the DPMS gun.
Conceal Carry and Draw
Drawing from holsters differs between Bushmaster and DPMS rifles. The Bushmaster’s shorter length makes drawing more intuitive, with fewer weight balance issues and better recoil management. Conversely, the DPMS heavy build can cause draw stroke control issues and weight balance lag.
Reloading and Magazine
Reloading both weapons is relatively straightforward – though again because of its lighter build quality and smaller stature reloading times tend to be faster for those carrying around a Bushmaster pistol compared to those reloading for the bigger frame of a DPMS pistol. Additionally, both weapons accept all kinds of 9mm magazines so attaching clips doesn’t require any extra effort regardless of what you are carrying. The Bushmaster can hold up to 10 rounds whereas the DPMS gun has a magazine capacity of 30 rounds.
Cost and Value
Buyers never neglect this part! Generally speaking, many people find that Bushmaster guns feature higher prices for similar models than those of DPMS.
Bushmaster: They offer an extensive selection of different firearms with an average cost range of $750 to $1499 depending on the model and manufacturer. The company also provides several financing options to make buying a new gun easy and affordable.
DPMS: Prices generally range from around $600 to just over $1000, making them a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want quality performance without breaking the bank.
Customer Service
Considering customer service provided by each manufacturer is a must thing; something which can make all the difference after purchasing your firearm from either brand. In this regard, it is widely accepted within the gun community that Bushmaster offers superior support with faster turnaround times if any issues arise after you purchase one of their weapons; meanwhile, customers tend to give mixed reviews regarding customer service from DPMS though they do offer some technical support which may be beneficial depending on how much assistance you need post-purchase.
Safety
Bushmaster features rifles with a forged aluminum receiver finished in an anodized finish for extra protection against corrosion and wear. The barrels are also made of steel with a chrome-moly vanadium alloy that provides the user with a more durable and reliable barrel. Additionally, Bushmaster guns include an extended magazine release and trigger guard to reduce the chances of accidental discharge when handling weapons.
Bushmaster guns feature a patented “no-pit” technology which allows them to fire more consistently than other guns on the market, thus reducing chances of a misfire occurring in stressful situations where quick decision-making is essential.
On the contrary, DPMS features rifles built from solid blocks of aluminum that are also treated to resist corrosion and wear. Their barrels feature 4140 chrome-moly or 416 stainless steel construction that helps keep rust at bay.DPMS has instituted its own set of stringent standards when producing its guns which helps reduce jamming incidents during rapid-fire drills.
Overall Reviews
- DPMS generally receives good ratings but many customers think its ergonomic design specifically geared toward increasing safety falls short compared with other leading handgun models currently available as well as those previously sold under different names within the same manufacturer’s operations years ago.
- Both the Bushmaster and the DPMS boast reliable construction which allows those unfamiliar with guns to feel comfortable handling these weapons without fear of jamming or misfiring due to poor quality control measures during the manufacture or assembly process.
- Reviews also indicate neither failure rate exceeds 1 percent which makes them both great options if reliable performance is your priority.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When it comes to the debate between Bushmaster and DPMS, it’s a matter of personal preference. Are you a shooter who wants accuracy without compromise? If so, you may want to focus on fit and finish which Bushmaster has in loads. Or perhaps you’re looking for quality at an affordable price? Then DPMS could be your answer.
Whichever route you take, make sure to consider all aspects before making your final decision.
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