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DPMS Panther Arms AP4 Panther Carbine
By Christopher Bartocci
In the 1950s, the ArmaLite Division of Fairchild Engine and Aircraft touted their new revolutionary AR-10 as “Tomorrow’s Rifle Today.” How right they were. But the day of the AR-10 would have to wait nearly 40 years to just show how true that claim was.
With the adoption of the smaller caliber AR-15, which was destined to become the 5.56x45mm M16 rifle, the AR-10 wound up in the scrap heap of the Ordnance Corps, even though it may have well been superior to the home grown M14 which was adopted by the U.S. military. The M-14 had an active service life of only 6 years before the AR-15/M16 would officially replace it as the main battle rifle for the United States military. Though the AR-10 was produced in limited number by Artillerie-Inrichtingen Hembrug-Zaandam of the Netherlands, it would disappear and become one of those extremely valuable collector items of the lineage to the longest serving small arm in U.S. history, the M16.
It was not until the early 1990s when the AR-10 would be re-introduced by its designer, Eugene Stoner. The AR-10 was always special to Stoner. His original design interest was in 7.62mm military rifles and it was noticed by individuals from Ordnance Corps that the AR-10 was unusually accurate for an auto-loading firearm. This was for good reason. Stoner teamed up with C. Reed Knight, Jr. of Knight’s Armament Company and introduced the SR (Stoner Rifle) -25 (10 + 15). This was a match grade sniper rifle based on the AR-10 with many of the advancements of the M16A2 and boasted 60% parts commonality. But it was expensive and scarce to anyone other than military. The development of the SR-25 was paid for through commercial sales. Knight did introduce a very small limited run of SR-25 carbines just before the September 1994 Assault Weapon Ban. These utilized the telescopic carbine stock and a 16-inch free-floated barrel.
In the mid 1990s, Mark Westrom, President of Eagle Arms, bought the trademark along with all other remaining rights pertaining to ArmaLite and reintroduced his Company as ArmaLite. Westrom made many 5.56mm variations of the M16 rifle but his true crown jewel was the reintroduction of the AR-10. The new AR-10A2 and A4 series were modernized AR10’s. Unlike the SR-25, Westrom was more concerned with making a rifle that was designed to be a 7.62mm rifle than a rifle that shared parts commonality with the existing M16A2. Westrom built a stronger rifle utilizing forged receivers instead of extruded ones and at a much more affordable price. In fact, ArmaLite (Westrom) has sold more AR-10 rifles than all the others combined throughout the history of the AR-10. With the new ArmaLite Company geared toward high quality weapons design and sales at reasonable prices, the AR-10 was back and back for good. Westrom did develop his weapon with surrogate components from the SR-25 and did maintain parts compatibility to tap into the existing SR-25 market.
AR-10 Carbine Development
Although the mid to late 1990s showed a variety of different AR-10/SR25 rifles, the one that was usually missing from Knight’s and ArmaLite’s catalogue was the carbine versions. This was due to the federal assault weapon ban that prohibited the use of telescopic stocks, bayonet lugs, flash suppressors and production of high-capacity magazines for commercial use. ArmaLite got around the magazine ban by his converting the countless surplus pre-ban M14 magazines into the magazines for his AR-10A2/A4 family of weapons. If you were fortunate enough to have an SR-25 you were stuck paying nearly $150 for a 20-round magazine. With there being little law enforcement or military interest in a compact 7.62mm weapons system, it made little sense to invest in the development of something you could not sell; at least, not yet.
On September 14, 2004, the federal assault weapon ban expired. These weapons were now legal in most states and civilians were anxious to get their hands on a 7.62mm M4. ArmaLite was the first to respond with their AR-10A4 carbine. This sported a 16-inch barrel with an M16A2-style muzzle break and a telescopic stock. Selling for around $1,400, ArmaLite could not produce enough. Knight’s also responded and in 2005 put into production a carbine version of their SR-25 called the MK11 Carbine, which is made in very limited numbers and sells for more than $5,000.
The DPMS AP4 Panther Carbine
The latest entry into the AR-10 family of carbines is the AP4 carbine manufactured by DPMS Panther Arms and introduced at the 2005 SHOT Show. Selling for $1,249, the AP4 is an extremely high quality carbine that is light, reliable and accurate. Panther Arms offers an entire line of match grade rifles in this caliber but the carbine comes in two configurations with the only difference being the hand guard. One comes with standard hand guards and the other with a free floating hand guard. All come with two 20-round magazines and the DPMS Panther Arms Back Up Iron Sight, sling and operators manual all in a hard plastic carrying case.
The Upper Receiver
The upper receiver is made from thick-walled, extruded from 6066 T-6 aluminum. The receiver is then hard coat anodized to a flat black finish. The top of the receiver has a flattop Mil-Std 1913 rail. A unique aspect of the upper receiver is that it has a forward assist/shell deflector built into the receiver located directly behind the ejection port. Why does the AP4 carbine have a forward assist when Knight’s and ArmaLite do not? DPMS was merely responding to customer demand. Although the forward assist assembly is quite useless and designed to force a bolt closed, which you should never do, there are customers who demand it because the M16 has it. The original rifle was designed without one for good reason but there has been a perceived psychological need for it, not a mechanical need, one which has kept it on the M16/M4 series weapons since the mid 1960s. The customers desired it so Panther Arms provided this feature on their AP4. The shell defector, like on the 5.56mm rifle, prevents ejected fired cartridge cases from hitting the left handed shooter in the face. The standard ejection port dust cover is used as well.
The 16-inch long barrel is manufactured from 4140 chrome-molly steel and has the “step-down” contour of the barrel of the M4 carbine. The barrel is button rifled with a right hand twist of six lands and grooves with a 1 turn in 10-inch twist. The carbine uses a standard profile M16 front sight assembly with the M16A2/M4 square front sight post and a modified Vortex-type flash suppressor. The carbine utilizes a gas tube for its direct impingement gas system.
The test and evaluation carbine was also equipped with a DPMS designed BUIS (Back Up Iron Sight). This is very much a standard M16A2 style rear sigh adjustable for both windage and elevation with both long and short range apertures and is secured by two tension bolts. However, any BUIS can be attached to the standard Mil-Std 1913 rail.
The Lower Receiver
The lower receiver is milled from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aluminum and hard coat anodized to a flat black finish. The trigger components utilized are standard .155 diameter AR-15 hammer, trigger and disconnector. The selector is the A2-style with co witness on the right side of the receiver so a left handed shooter will know the condition of his rifle. The lower receiver is thicker and sturdier than either the Knight or the ArmaLite rifle.
The telescopic stock utilizes an M4-type polymer stock but has 6 sliding positions instead of Mil-Spec four. The carbine uses a different buffer than the standard carbine and is much shorter in length.
The magazine is one of the most interesting features of the AP4. DPMS chose to go with the Knight’s 20-round magazine, which is an enhanced original AR-10 magazine. It is the most optimal choice for the AR-10 type weapon system and now, with the high capacity magazine manufacturing restrictions lifted, DPMS was free to go with this magazine design. Their magazine retails for $59.95.
The AP4 Bolt Carrier Group
Like the SR-25, DPMS went with the original ArmaLite hard chrome plated bolt carrier. Showing that retro look is “in” and the obsolete chrome plated bolt carrier groups have made a reappearance over the last few years after being discontinued in the mid-1960s for the current manganese phosphate finish. DPMS has reverted back to this finish as well on their entire line of 5.56x45mm rifles. Another interesting departure from previous bolt carriers is that DPMS went with two gas vents instead of three that have always been used since the 1950s. Another difference is the firing pin retaining pin. Knight’s went with a captive firing pin retaining pin to prevent this commonly lost part from disappearing at an inopportune moment while ArmaLite went with the standard cotter-style pin. DPMS went with the machined pin similar to the original pins used by Colt in the early days of Vietnam. They were discontinued by the Army in favor of the cheaper and more durable cotter-type pin. This DPMS firing pin retaining pin is over-engineered and very durable.
Both the ArmaLite and the DPMS AP4 use dual extractor springs to increase extraction strength in the higher pressure carbines. Westrom however, utilizes a rubber “O” ring to further enhance extraction reliability. DPMS stayed with a free-floating firing pin like Knight’s whereas ArmaLite put a firing pin spring on the firing pin to lessen the likelihood of slam fires.
Conclusions
DPMS offers a very high quality and economical option to the 7.62x51mm AR-10 family of carbines. The AP4 can serve several roles that include hunting, target shooting and personal defense. It’s lightweight and compactness will take it where few 7.62x51mm caliber rifles have gone before. With the introduction of these lightweight carbines by Knight’s Armament, ArmaLite and DPMS, the 7.62x51mm cartridge has a package that could be suitable for close quarter battle conditions.
The test and evaluation carbine that was received and tested showed no points of concern in any areas. The AP4 carbine was high quality with excellent fit and finish. During live fire testing the carbine experienced no malfunction utilizing American Eagle .308 Winchester, Winchester Supreme 168-grain Open Tip Match, the authors own reloaded 147-grain full metal jacket as well as an assortment of surplus ammunition. The magazines interchanged and functioned flawlessly in both the SR-25 and the AP4. DPMS offers many configurations and add-ons to make the AP4 do anything a smaller 5.56mm caliber carbine can do and much more. Due to the modularity of the AP4 carbine, by replacing the upper receiver group the rifle can be a carbine, standard rifle or a match rifle. Then again, that is the beauty of any AR-15/M16/M4 based weapon system.
PANTHER LONG RANGE 308 C 16-inch AP4 CARBINE (RFA2-308AP4) Barrel:
The Panther Arms series of.223 and.308 AR rifles are considerably cheaper than Bushmasters, but I was wondering if they are better, or is the name Bushmaster hyped up more than they are worth. Panther Arms ranked third in the amount of AR's produced, but they were behind Colt and Bushmaster. Mar 07, 2013 Greetings, I have a brand new, in a nice case with a total of 8 clips DPMS Mod. The serial number is clean. I've attached a photo of the weapon. Jun 10, 2007 - DPMS. Group:Members; Member ID: 45; Posts: 119; Joined. We simply ask for the serial number, check for the usual DPMS. Dpms Panther Serial Number Lookup My It Lab For Mac Mkv Tools For Mac Online Games For A Mac. The serial numbers listed, except for 1963, 1969, 1970, are the serial number at the first of the year. NOTE II: The 1969-1970 downturn (highlighted in purple) in production numbers is due to Colt withdrawing the AR-15 from the market temporarily to fix the 'hammer follow-down' issue (the gun could fire full-automatically - erratically - if.
- 16-inch heavy barrel, with a mock M4 contour
- 4140 Chrome-moly steel
- 6 grooves, right-handed 1x10 twist, button rifled
- 308 Panther Flash Hider

Chamber:
- .308 Winchester Method of Operation:
- Gas operated rotating bolt Sights:
- Standard A2 front sight assembly
- Detachable rear sight (FT-RS)
- Empty - 8.5 lbs Length:
- Extended - 35.6 inches
- Collapsed - 31.6 inches
- A3-style Flattop, forged
- Thick walled, extruded from 6066-T6 aluminum
- Hard coat anodized and Teflon coated black
- Dust cover
- Shell deflector
- Round forward assist
- Milled from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aluminum
- Hard coat anodized and Teflon coated black
- Standard AR-15 trigger group
- Integral trigger guard
- Aluminum magazine release button
- AP4 - 6 position, telescoping fiber reinforced polymer
This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V10N3 (December 2006) |
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Calibers Featured Include:
.204 Ruger, .22LR, 5.56 x 45mm, .223 Rem., 6.8mm Rem. SPC, 7.62 x 39mm, .243 Win., .260 Rem., .308 Win., .300 Rem. SAUM.
www.dpmsinc.com 1-800-578-DPMS
SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION
Record the serial number of your DPMS/Panther Arms firearm!
(When holding the firearm the serial number will be found on the left side of the firearm, stamped on the magazine well):
and a description of it:
Dpms Serial Number Search
Make a copy of this operations manual and proof of purchase/sales record. Maintain these items in a secure safe or fireproof container. These materials will be necessary if the firearm is damaged, stolen or returned to DPMS/Panther Arms for warranty or repair.
Attach original proof of purchase here!
Warnings & Notice 4
General Handling Cautions 5
Dangerous Procedures 5
Use of Safety Selector 5
Function Check 6
Safety Features 6
Sights 8-9
Loading a Magazine 10
Loading & Unloading the Rifle 10
Firing the Rifle 11
Maintenance 12-13
Cleaning the Rifle 14-15
Lubricating & Inspecting the Rifle 16-17
Assembly 18-19
Extreme Conditions 20
Troubleshooting 34-35
.22LR Caliber 21-27
Sights 22
Loading a Magazine 22
Loading & Unloading the Rifle 23
Firing the Rifle 24
Bushmaster Xm15 E2s Serial Numbers
Mounting Optics 24
Maintenance & Cleaning 25
Unusual Conditions 26
Troubleshooting 26-27
.30 Caliber 28-35
Loading the Magazine 29
Loading the Rifle 29
Dpms Panther Arms Serial Number Lookup
Unloading the Rifle 30
Firing the Rifle 30
Mounting Optics 31
Maintenance 31-32
Cleaning 32-33
Unusual Conditions 33
Trouble Shooting 34-35
Warranty 36
Alterations & Modifications 36
Returns 36
If this firearm is carelessly or improperly handled, unintentional discharge could result and could cause personal injury, death or damage to property.
FOR YOUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, this Operations Manual contains important instructions, warnings and safety procedures that must be understood BEFORE using your DPMS/Panther Arms firearm. It is imperative that you read the ENTIRE MANUAL and if you do not understand any part of it or the operation of your DPMS/Panther Arms firearm, you should seek professional firearms instruction.
Children are attracted to and can operate firearms that can cause severe injuries or death. Prevent child access by always keeping guns locked away and unloaded when not in use. If you keep a loaded firearm where a child obtains and improperly uses it, you may be fined or sent to prison.
A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar. Ellos pueden causarse lesiones graves y la muerte. Evite que los niños tengan acceso a las armas de fuego guardándolas siemprecon llave y descargadas cuando no las este utilizando. Si usted tiene una arma de fuego cargada en un lugar en que un niño tiene acceso a ella y la usa indebidamente, le pueden dar una multa o
DPMS shall not be responsible for personal injury, death or damage to property resulting from either intentional or accidental discharge of this firearm, or from its function when used for purposes or subjected to treatment for which it was not designed. DPMS will not honor claims involving this firearm which result from careless or improper handling, unauthorized adjustment or parts replacement, corrosion, neglect, or the use of wrong caliber ammunition, other than original high quality commercially manufactured ammunition in good condition, or any combination thereof. DPMS will not honor claims involving this firearm for any reason or cause when the second or subsequent owner makes such claims.
Before the rifle left the factory, this firearm was tested, carefully inspected and packaged. DPMS cannot control product handling after it leaves the factory; therefore please examine this firearm carefully at the time of purchase to ensure that it is unloaded and undamaged.
Children are attracted to and can operate firearms that can cause severe injuries or death. Prevent child access by always keeping guns locked away and unloaded when not in use. If you keep a loaded firearm where a child obtains and improperly uses it, you may be fined or sent to prison.
ADVERTENCA
enviarle a la cárcel.
NOTICE
GENERAL HANDLING CAUTIONS
1. Do NOT alter or modify your DPMS/Panther Arms firearm, and have it serviced regularly!
2. Always handle your firearm as if loaded.
3. Never point your firearm at anything you don't intend to shoot.
4. Always make sure your firearm is not loaded and the bolt is latched open and to the rear before laying it down or handing it to someone else.
5. Never leave a loaded firearm unattended.
6. Always be sure bore, muzzle, chamber and action are clear of obstruction.
7. Always check that ammunition is clean and undamaged.
8. Never drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs before or during shooting.
9. Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
10. Always keep safety on 'SAFE' when firearm is loaded and a round is chambered until ready to shoot.
11. Never attempt to fire if water is in the bore.
12. Never indulge in 'horseplay' when holding your firearm.
DANGEROUS PROCEDURES
1. Be sure the cam pin is installed in the bolt group. If it isn't, your rifle can still fire but it could possibly explode, causing you personal injury or harm. (Applies only to the .308 caliber and 5.56/.223 caliber rifles, not the .22LR rifle.)
2. DO NOT exchange or switch bolt assemblies from one rifle to another. It could cause personal injury to you and others and damages to your rifle.
3. If your firearm fails to fire, hold it, keep it pointed towards the target and wait 30 seconds. If a hangfire has occurred, the round will fire within 30 seconds. If the round does not fire, remove magazine, eject round and examine the primer. If firing pin indent is light, misaligned or non-existent, have your firearm examined by a competent gunsmith. If firing pin indent on primer appears normal (in comparison to previously fired rounds) assume faulty ammunition; appropriately dispose of misfired round from other live ammunition; reload and resume firing.
USE OF SAFETY SELECTOR
A selector lever, located on the left of lower receiver, has two positions, 'FIRE' and 'SAFE'.
When set to 'FIRE' the firearm will fire a single shot each time the trigger is squeezed.
When set to 'SAFE' a cam bears upon the rear of the trigger, blocking movements and preventing the hammer from being released.
'SAFE'
Rifle will not fire. Selector lever cannot be on safe unless rifle is cocked. Always place on SAFE when loading and unloading.
'SAFE'

Rifle will not fire. Selector lever cannot be on safe unless rifle is cocked. Always place on SAFE when loading and unloading.
'FIRE'
Rifle will fire one round each time the trigger is pulled.
'FIRE'
Rifle will fire one round each time the trigger is pulled.
FUNCTION CHECK
SAFE Note: Remove magazine and make sure your rifle is unloaded and there is no ammunition in the chamber. Point in safe direction. Pull charging handle to rear and release. Place on safe. Pull trigger. Hammer should not fall.
FIRE Note: Remove magazine and make sure your rifle is unloaded and there is no ammunition in the chamber. Point in safe direction. Place selector on fire. Pull trigger and hold to rear. Hammer should fall. Pull charging handle to rear and release. Release trigger and pull again. Hammer should fall.
SAFETY FEA TURES
Disconnector
The disconnector, a part of the firing mechanism, prevents the firearm from firing full automatic. As the hammer is cocked after each shot the disconnector holds the hammer until the trigger is released. When the trigger is released, retention of hammer passes from disconnector to trigger ready for the next shot.
Firing Pin Collar
The bolt carrier assembly, located within the upper receiver, is designed to prevent the firing pin from striking a cartridge until the bolt is locked to the barrel.
The following sections contain caliber specific information. Please open to the section relevant to your particular rifle's caliber. If you are unsure of the caliber of the rifle, the caliber marking can be found on the barrel of the rifle, immediately in front of the gas block on the bottom of the barrel.
Everyone should read page 36 for additional information pertaining to the Three Year Limited Warranty and returns!
.204 Ruger 5.56 x 45mm 6.8mm Rem. SPC .223 Rem. 7.62 x 39mm
Includes the Following Rifles:
Panther LR-204 Pardus Rifle
Panther 20th Anniversary Rifle Panther Bull Sweet Sixteen Panther Bull Twenty Panther Bull Twenty-Four Panther Race Gun Panther Bull 24 Special Panther Super Bull 24 Arctic Panther Panther Tuber Panther Bull Classic Panther Lo-Pro Classic Panther DCM Panther Classic
Panther Classic Sixteen
Panther Lite 16
Panther Carbine
Panther A2 Tactical 16
Panther AP4 Carbine w/Miculek Comp
Panther AP4 Carbine
Panther 6.8mm AP4 Carbine
Panther 6.8mm 20' Rifle
Southpaw Panther
Panther Pump Action Rifle
Panther Pump Action Pistol
DPMS Single Shot AR Rifle
Panther Kitty-Kat
Panther 7.62 x 39mm
00 J
1. Rear sight can be adjusted for both windage and elevation and has a dual aperture peep sight, one for short range and one for long range.
2. When flipped forward, the aperture is marked O-2 for zero to 200 meters. When using this setting the elevation knob should be set at 8/3 low or 6/3 for detachable carry handle or flat top rear sights and at its lowest position.
3. When the aperture is flipped back, it is set for using the long range sight. When using this setting you can adjust the elevation knob for range required: 8/3 low for 300 m, 4 for 400 m, 5 for 500 m, 6 for 600 m, 7 for 700 m, and 8/3 high for 800 m. There are click settings in between for fine tuning.
4. The windage knob is located on the right side of the rear sight. To adjust for horizontal movement on target, turn knob clockwise for right and counter-clockwise for left.
5. The front sight is adjustable for elevation zeroing only, it is not used at any other time in firing.
FRONT SIGHT - To adjust elevation, depress detent, rotate post. To raise strike of bullet, rotate post in the direction of arrow marked up. Reverse the direction of rotation to lower strike of bullet. Each graduation (notch) moves the point of impact of bullet as indicated in chart.
Dpms Serial Number Dates
ZEROING SIGHTS
This procedure is for .223 ammunition. For our rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm and 6.8mm SPC the trajectory will differ, please call DPMS with any questions. The procedure described is for zeroing at 25 meters but may be adjusted accordingly for longer ranges. The following table shows change of impact per click at specific range.
Dpms Serial Number Guide
Windage:
Colt Revolver Serial Lookup
25 m | 3/8 | in. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
100m | 1 3/8 | in. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
200m | 2 3/8 |
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