Torn between 2 uppers. DPMS or Fulton Armory

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I guess I'll start by saying that this is my first post to the forum as I just joined. I'm starting my first AR build and I'm torn between a DPMS A3 Flat Top and a Fulton Armory A4 Flat Top. The rifle is gong to have a 20" heavy barrel and either a quad rail or tubular freefloat handgaurd, though I doubt the handgaurd makes much of a difference. Anyway, anyone here have any input?
 
You didn't give much to go on.

What type of shooting will you be doing?
Optic or iron sights? Both?
Bullet weight you intend to shoot?

Fulton has a decent reputation from what I know, but that stems from M14 style rifles. I have never owned a Fulton AR. I do have a DPMS that has run just fine for years. You will be more likely to get the DPMS in the configuration you want for less money, but that is your decision to make.
 
Fulton Armory is an assembler of parts, DPMS is a manufacturer/builder and supposedly supplies parts to major AR builders. Prices are down right now and parts readily available, PSA, Rainier, BCM, Stag etc have far better offerings than Fulton at lower prices. Decide what you want in a barrel (CHF, flutes, weight, thread, contour etc.) and carrier group and work from there. The best carrier for the price seems to be AIM niboron at $129.
Ammo is a factor also and this is a good time for stocking the shelf..PSA has Federal bulk for $379 a thousand.
Hope you end up with a rifle for years of shooting fun.
 
I'm building a rifle for varminting (mostly yotes and woodchucks) and target shooting. The barrel will be a 20" heavy barrel without a brake/comp. I was also looking into a 24" barrel, but I want to keep the weight down as there's a good chance I'll be carrying it in the woods. I'm going with a 1:9 twist so I can shoot loads right in the middle of the spectrum. I haven't decided on a scope yet, but I know I want something like a 3-12X40. Hope this helps.
 
Fulton offers an interesting barrel. Its a 20" chrome lined 1:8 twist lightweight with 0.625" journal.
 
I've been curious for a while about Fulton armory's right side charge upper they offer bit don't know alot about Fulton. Does anyone have experience with this particular one?
 
You didn't give much to go on.

What type of shooting will you be doing?
Optic or iron sights? Both?
Bullet weight you intend to shoot?

Fulton has a decent reputation from what I know, but that stems from M14 style rifles. I have never owned a Fulton AR. I do have a DPMS that has run just fine for years. You will be more likely to get the DPMS in the configuration you want for less money, but that is your decision to make.
Well he said both uppers are flat top so no sites and being 20 inch heavy barrel sounds like target shooting with some varmint hunting perhaps.
 
Really neither is all that great. In fact I believe Fulton does (or at least did) get their parts from DPMS. And DPMS is pretty much the bottom of the barrel. There are so many other good options out there. Don't limit yourself.
 
I've been eyeing a Stag Arms upper as well. Since This is my first AR as well as my first build I don't know too much about the quality of parts by different manufacturers, just what parts they make.
 
For no other reason than I live in Minnesota and it supports the local (St. Cloud) economy I support DPMS. Might not be the best reason from a gun and or shooters perspective but it works for me.
 
I can understand supporting local. But I prefer supporting companies based off the quality of their product. To each their own.
 
A heavy barrel AR with float tube and various optics added get pretty heavy. For hunting you might want to consider something lighter with a stainless barrel.
The 1:8 twist is perfect for the AR IMHO. My Varmit AR will put 20 69 gr bullets through a hole the size of quarter.
My point here is that the target rifle is one thing and the hunting rifle is another.
I agree with the comments made about DPMS. They make a good product.
 
Stag is having a sale right now, a free lower parts kit when you buy an upper and a stock. You might want to see if those uppers interest you. Certain parts are available for upgrade. Stag is a step up from DPMS imho, especially if you choose the upgraded parts.
 
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