DPMS bolts are MP tested in lots or batches.
Everyone batch MPIs bolts. Individual MPI cost more. If the end user doesn't care about it that's fine, but it's still a more expensive quality control procedure.
DPMS does offer chrome-lined barrels for certain models. Chrome-lining is not something to brag about.
Again, it's end user preference, but making it a standard feature increases the cost of the rifle.
If your rifle isn't reliable enough that it won't operate without one, then...whatever.
I intend to go to a carbine course when I have the time and money to do so after I finish school. I'm an Air Force Veteran, so I'm not a traditional college student. When you take a course from a top level instructor like Pat Rogers you'll run over 500 rounds through your gun in one weekend. When you intend to run an AR hard like that you pay for features that give you added insurance in the reliability department.
If you're complaint about an AR is that it doesn't have a CL barrel just because yours does....whatever.
AGAIN, I'm not complaining that DPMS doesn't offer chrome lining as standard. I'm explaining that when you offer chrome lining as standard it makes the rifle cost more.
You're either uninformed about DPMS, or someone who intentionally doesn't like being bothered with facts.
I'm quite well informed, and I've stated facts to the best of my knowledge. I've been wrong on a few things, and admitted it when I have been.
Chromed and TiN coated bolt carriers are an option...MP is standard.
Again, batch MP is standard, but individual MP is not with DPMS.
If by "harder use" do you mean that you don't like to clean your rifle...ever? What harder use are you going to put one through that the other can't (as you feel) do? What remotely possible scenario do you see that one will make it with flying colors and the other fail miserably? Everything mechanical will fail at some point, and it usually has to do with, in the case of moving metal parts, lube or lack of and not the metal itself.
As I said above my intent is to attend a good carbine course. Possum has been through one, and I'm sure he can tell you about rifles failing. I've payed particular attention to Pat Rogers comments here and on ar15.com when he talks about what works and what doesn't. He's a member here, so why don't you send him a PM and ask what he thinks about "just as good as".
As far as facts go, with regard to DPMS, you have been completely wrong and do not have your "facts" straight.
The only DPMS fact I've been wrong on is that they do offer chrome lined barrels an option. They still do a pi$$ poor job of informing dealers and consumers about it.
You also seem to put a premium on some things that have not relative importance, such as a CL barrel.
You're right, they aren't important to most consumers. They are important to some. They also explain why some AR-15 brands cost more than others, and that it's not just a name as some here are claiming.
Ok, so you have a CLB, I have a SS that is significantly more accurate. Maybe if you didn't have to shoot 3-4 times as many rounds to get the same shot placement....oh, nevermind.
For the record I have an Olympic with a SS bbl that's very accurate. I also paid half the price of my LMT for the Olympic. When time allows and I can get to a good carbine course I'll be taking the LMT with me though. Just because I have a hard chromed barrel one AR that's intended for closer range faster shooting doesn't mean I can't shoot accurately with others. You can leave the personal attacks and implications that I can't shoot out of the thread.
Once again DPMS MAKES A GREAT RIFLE. All I've tried to do is explain what features are standard on other rifles which make them more expensive than DPMS. If you don't believe me, here's Bartholomew Roberts take on it:
34 Ways to Cut Corners on Manufacturing an AR15.
Y'all have a good one. I'm off to study anatomy & physiology.
