DPMS A-15
Posted May 25, 2023
Oracle
The DPMS A-15 Oracle is one of the most popular AR-15 rifles on the market. It has become a reliable choice for shooters of various backgrounds and skill levels since it was introduced in 2011.
I had the pleasure of owning and shooting the DPMS A-15 Oracle over the past 15 months and have been impressed by its performance, reliability and overall value. Before I get started on my review, I would like to give a brief overview of the rifle’s features.
The A-15 Oracle is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO. It is constructed using a 7075-T6 aluminum forged upper and lower receiver with a 16” 4140 chrome-moly barrel with a 1:9” twist. The barrel is topped off with an A2-style birdcage flash hider and is threaded 1/2-28. The rifle also features a standard M4-style adjustible stock, A2-style pistol grip, and a full-length aluminum handguard.
The A-15 Oracle is one of the most affordable AR-15s on the market, and this is primarily due to its minimal bells and whistles. That being said, this rifle is no slouch in terms of performance. Its 16” barrel is perfect for a variety of shooting applications, and the rifling ensures that you will be shooting accurate groups at the range. The rifle also functions reliably and has experienced few malfunctions in my experience.
The rifle arrived with the standard 30-round magazine and I also purchased an additional 20-round magazine for more compact storage. Both magazines feed ammunition into the chamber smoothly and reliably without any jams or misfires. I have also experienced no issues with the rifle’s optics. The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation, and the A2-style post works well for target shooting.
One of the most impressive features of the DPMS A-15 Oracle is its versatility. This rifle can be adapted for a variety of shooting applications with the help of aftermarket parts. Whether you’re looking for a competition rifle, a home defense rifle, or an all-around shooter, the A-15 Oracle can be adapted to suit your needs.
All in all, I have been very pleased with my experience with the DPMS A-15 Oracle. This rifle is an excellent value and provides reliable performance at an affordable price. It is highly versatile and can be adapted to a variety of shooting scenarios. If you’re in the market for an AR-15 and are looking for a reliable and versatile weapon, the A-15 Oracle is definitely worth considering.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Moderate price point when compared to many other AR-15 options
-Lightweight, compact frame design
-Compatible with a wide range of aftermarket and OEM parts
-Variety of chamber and barrel configurations available
-A-15 can perform as a competition, hunting, personal protection, or casual shooting rifle
Cons:
-Limited design options with the DPMS A-15
-Lack of customization options compared to other AR-15 models
-DPMS has had recent manufacturing delays, affecting shipment times and availability
-Lower accuracy and performance compared to pricier AR-15 models and custom builds
Who Should Buy
The DPMS A-15 is a semi-automatic AR-style rifle, so those who are legally able to purchase and use one - such as those who are at least 18 years old (in most states) and possess a valid firearms license or permit - should consider doing so. Those who are not legally able or authorized to own firearms, or who may be legally prohibited from using an AR-15 platform, should not purchase the DPMS A-15.
Comparisons
| Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| 5.56 NATO | 5.56 NATO | 5.56 NATO |
| 16" | 16" | 18" |
| Direct Impingement | Direct Impingement | Direct Impingement |
| Carbine-Length | Carbine-Length | Mid-Length |
| 32.5" | 32.4" | 36" |
| 6.2 lbs. | 6 lbs. | 7.8 lbs. |
| M4 Style | Keymod | M-Lok |
| Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum | Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum | Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum |
| 30 Rounds | 30 Rounds | 30 Rounds |
Features / Specs
•Functional Operating System: Gas Operated Rotating Bolt
•Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington
•Barrel Length: 16” Chrome-Lined
•Barrel Twist: 1:9” RH
•Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
•M4 Feed Ramps: Yes
•Upper Receiver: Forged 7075 T6A3
•Finishing: Manganese Phosphated
•Handguard: Glacier Guard Polymer
•Stock: Six Position Collapsible
•Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6A3
•Trigger: Single Stage Mil-Spec
•Magazine: Accepts all 556x45/223x45 NATO Magazines
Popular Accessories
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- Red dot sights
- Collapsible buttstocks
- Vertical foregrips
- Magpul magazines
- High-capacity drum magazines
- Bipods
- Backup iron sights
- Flashlight mounts
- Muzzle brakes
- Rail systems
Accuracy
The DPMS A-15 is known for its accuracy and reliability while being an inexpensive and versatile rifle. It has a mil-spec forged 7075-T6 aluminum receiver and a light weight (6.3 lbs) for added maneuverability. Additionally, it has a 16”, lightweight profile, 4140 chrome moly barrel that is chrome-lined and features popular single-rail gas block with a standard M4 profile. This rifle has proven to have an impressive accuracy rating of 1 MOA (minute of angle) or better with match grade ammunition, making it a great choice for shooters looking for an accurate rifle.
