View Full Version : Del-Ton AR's?
LongArmoftheLaw
09-17-2012, 16:02
Fairly new to AR's in general. Haven't heard anything about Del-Ton until recently. I love the prices but how is the quality? How do they stack up with RRA, DPMS, CMMG, Bushmaster, and Armalite? Any input would be great fellas!
I have a Del-Ton, its every bit what my colt @ work is so far.
I have over 2,000 rounds in it since august 1st when I bought it.
It eats anything without any issues. I've fired prvi, pmc, herters (over 1k), and federal through it.....
BPTactical
09-17-2012, 16:06
Fairly new to AR's in general. Haven't heard anything about Del-Ton until recently. I love the prices but how is the quality? How do they stack up with RRA, DPMS, CMMG, Bushmaster, and Armalite? Any input would be great fellas!
Typically about par with DPMS, considered an "entry level" rifle usually. Lacks the fit and finish of upper rung rifles.
RRA, CMMG are good stuff, I wouldn't give you two nickles rubbed together for a post 08 Bushmaster and the Armalite is top teir.
DD977GM2
09-17-2012, 16:09
They are great rifles. I had one and it was very accurate and the fit and finish are up there next to the higher end manufacturers[Beer]
Typically about par with DPMS, considered an "entry level" rifle usually. Lacks the fit and finish of upper rung rifles.
RRA, CMMG are good stuff, I wouldn't give you two nickles rubbed together for a post 08 Bushmaster and the Armalite is top teir.
Just out of curiosity..... what "fit and finish" are we talking? I personally think my del-ton is about as nice as it gets....
Keep in mind I only have shot a DPMS (which I think my del-ton is much nicer than) and my colt M4.
LongArmoftheLaw
09-17-2012, 16:10
Entry level is about where I'm currently at. Something to just go shoot the occasional paper zombie or wiley coyote haha heard good things about RRA! Thanks for the info!
LongArmoftheLaw
09-17-2012, 16:12
Anyone know where to get a Del-Ton around Northern CO anyway?? Forgot to put that in my list of quagmires.
Entry level is about where I'm currently at. Something to just go shoot the occasional paper zombie or wiley coyote haha heard good things about RRA! Thanks for the info!
I'm curious to hear what BP has to say to my question but I have put a good bit of rounds through this in the 6weeks I've owned it and I'm not sure I'd consider it entry level.
I took it to our pop-up range and qualled with it the same as I do my M4.... 34-37 out of 40 usually. Hitting 300m as well.
Its very accurate, even after firing 1,000 rounds of steel cased herters without cleaning it, reliability/accuracy was not impacted.
DD977GM2
09-17-2012, 16:16
Anyone know where to get a Del-Ton around Northern CO anyway?? Forgot to put that in my list of quagmires.
Go check out Bear Arms (http://www.beararmscolorado.com/)in Windsor. They are great folks to deal with
They will be honest with you and answer all your questions without
making you feel like a reatard since your new to the game
LongArmoftheLaw
09-17-2012, 16:19
Whatever it's "considered" as long as its' not a cheap p.o.s and won't have too many problems with it. With what all you are saying about Del-Ton I'm for sure more inclined to give them more thought.
I'm curious to hear what BP has to say to my question but I have put a good bit of rounds through this in the 6weeks I've owned it and I'm not sure I'd consider it entry level.
I took it to our pop-up range and qualled with it the same as I do my M4.... 34-37 out of 40 usually. Hitting 300m as well.
Its very accurate, even after firing 1,000 rounds of steel cased herters without cleaning it, reliability/accuracy was not impacted.
Entry level does not equate quality all the time- it just means it's affordable for your first system, simple, economic, and not as "fitted and finished" as others. Technically my first was a Bushmaster M4A1 (Issued [Coffee]), I love my POF that I own now, and it's far from entry level... I would consider RRA, Del-Ton, and DPMS entry level as well. But again, entry level is not a synonym for POS.
LongArmoftheLaw
09-17-2012, 16:21
Thanks DD977! That would be great to not feel like more of a simpleton!
read here.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&single=true&gid=5&output=html
and here
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6642
Entry level does not equate quality all the time- it just means it's affordable for your first system, simple, economic, and not as "fitted and finished" as others. Technically my first was a Bushmaster M4A1 (Issued [Coffee]), I love my POF that I own now, and it's far from entry level... I would consider RRA, Del-Ton, and DPMS entry level as well. But again, entry level is not a synonym for POS.
Yeah, I don't mean to sound like I was jumping down anyone's throat, and I am far from the subject matter expert. I have a lot of trigger time on my M4, and considered that a good comparison for my Del-Ton.... and AFAIK it is all built to the exact same spec except 1-9 twist vs 1-7... which doesn't matter much unless you're firing heavy bullets anyways...which I dont.
I have never heard anyone say anything bad about del-ton just heard it referred to as entry level and "as long as your expectations are right"... entry fit and finish....and I'm not quite sure how to take that other than quality! Sorry for my ignorance.
clublights
09-17-2012, 16:39
My Del-ton upper on an RRA lower has never failed me ( well a couple of failure to fire's but I blame that on 2 rounds bad out of 1000.. the primers were well dimpled)
Shoots straighter then I do so whats to complain about ?
Colorado_Outback
09-17-2012, 16:42
Mine is awesome, runs great.
I have a number of Del-Ton uppers and I would put them up against any of my BCM or Colt stuff I have also. I personally think they are an incredibly under rated piece of equipment. I have ANOTHER 20" on order with them right now in fact.
read here.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&single=true&gid=5&output=html
and here
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6642
This
Educate yourself on what is out there instead of being attracted by what you think is a low price on an "entry-level" rifle. Just because it is the lowest price on the rack doesn't make it a worthwhile purchase.
Buy once, cry once.
Great-Kazoo
09-17-2012, 16:51
Whatever it's "considered" as long as its' not a cheap p.o.s and won't have too many problems with it. With what all you are saying about Del-Ton I'm for sure more inclined to give them more thought.
Any mfg's ar has some issues now or then. Does that mean you should pass one up, no. I have used Del-Ton since they have been on the scene, Not any issues, one time my parts were missing some small pieces and DT had them out next day, priority mail.
Slightly OT. you're listed as Denver but inquiring about NoCo dealers. Why not visit MGT or other ffl in the denver area?
BPTactical
09-17-2012, 17:05
Just out of curiosity..... what "fit and finish" are we talking? I personally think my del-ton is about as nice as it gets....
Keep in mind I only have shot a DPMS (which I think my del-ton is much nicer than) and my colt M4.
Fit and finish is just what it says amigo, look at the forge line on the rear of the lower. Is it nicely dressed or looks like it was cut with a torch? Machining marks, tolerances, durability of finish, magnafluxed B&BCG and barrel, accuracy of work and such contribute to where you feel an item may fall on the quality scale. Now every manufacture will have lapses but one thing I consider is how consistent of a product they put out. Many of what I feel may be a lower teir item are all over the board in the above categories.
Most of the upper teirs are very consistent and on the + side of things.
No way you can't say there is no difference in shooting between a DPMS and say a LMT, POF, Colt or other quality item.
You can feel, see and hear the difference.
HoneyBadger
09-17-2012, 17:08
My 2nd AR was a Del-ton complete rifle. The only reason I sold it was because a friend talked me into it for more than I paid for it... My current primary AR has a Del-ton barrel and upper receiver. I have no complaints. With Mil Surplus ammo, it can shoot a 3.5 inch group at 200yds (out of a 14.5 inch barrel).
LongArmoftheLaw
09-17-2012, 17:13
Any mfg's ar has some issues now or then. Does that mean you should pass one up, no. I have used Del-Ton since they have been on the scene, Not any issues, one time my parts were missing some small pieces and DT had them out next day, priority mail.
Slightly OT. you're listed as Denver but inquiring about NoCo dealers. Why not visit MGT or other ffl in the denver area?
Going to college up here, otherwise would be checking out the Denver area more
Fit and finish is just what it says amigo, look at the forge line on the rear of the lower. Is it nicely dressed or looks like it was cut with a torch? Machining marks, tolerances, durability of finish, magnafluxed B&BCG and barrel, accuracy of work and such contribute to where you feel an item may fall on the quality scale
Forge line on the rear of my lower is completely uniform and smooth. I cannot find any rough machine marks on the rifle anywhere, everything is uniform, symmetric, and consistent looking.
B&BCG are all smooth, machined right, no rough areas.
I have no idea if they magnaflux the bbcg and barrel, that would be a question for them.
No way you can't say there is no difference in shooting between a DPMS and say a LMT, POF, Colt or other quality item.
You can feel, see and hear the difference.
I personally think my buddies dpms is a crappy rifle. It isn't consistent with grouping, the mating between the upper and lower rattle (as does my colt M4), and in general just seems like a cheap rifle.
The mating surface between the upper and lower on my Del-Ton is perfectly straight, if you try to rock it by grabbing the forearm and pistol grip there is very slight movement, and no rattle.
Maybe my del-ton is a freak of nature?
I have a delton upper, and until you own a high end upper you will not know the difference in my opinion
when it comes to ARs, anything out there is high quality. EVERY manufacturer has had its issues. colt, bcm, noveske, rra, cmmg, psa, dti, spikes, stag, bushmaster, S&W, ruger, magpul/bushmaster, fn, barrett, LARue, etc. etc. etc.
ALL of them have had issues.
The best ones out there are the ones who will do whatever it takes to make it right. That is what makes the best company in my mind. If they make crappy products, the brand won't last. All the ones above will last. What matters is the service you get if you buy one of their products and have an issue with it.
With that in mind, del-ton has always treated me very well.
LaRue is hands down, without a doubt THE BEST when it comes to customer satisfaction and taking care of any issue. If you want quality and something you can count on, spend the money and buy LaRue.
delton is gtg got a couple of friends running them there eating steel cased with no hiccups
I have a delton upper, and until you own a high end upper you will not know the difference in my opinion
I'm going to have to come shoot with some of you guys then when I get there, and check out your high end rifles.
I'm not opposed to spending money for quality, and the only two that I've ever shot a lot of is colt and del-ton. However, I am opposed to spending money for a name.
My del-ton has the exact same performance as my colt M4, with less rattle.
BP told me to look at certain area's of the rifle to check fit and finish, beings I didn't know where to look, and it passed.
Again, I don't want to come off as a know it all, because I am far from it... but I keep seeing colt mentioned, and I have more time with a colt than my del-ton, and I think my del-ton is easily on par with it so far.
to further answer something that BP brought up....
My del-ton has HPT/MPI etched on it. Just pulled it apart to double check
delton is gtg got a couple of friends running them there eating steel cased with no hiccups
I've shot them with steel cased as well. although they do put a notice that steel cased ammo voids their warranty. just fyi
My most frequently used, most reliable and the one that is the most fun to run is my 14.5", its got a DPMS lower, and a JSE custom upper. M4 feed ramps, chrome lined, B & BCG have always worked amazingly well. I pieced this rig together for $585 initially, pre optics and upgrades(grip, stock, BAD lever, ACOG, Super dynamic 3 gun Geissele tigger..etc)
I do not advocate building the cheapest weapon you can, but I agree with the above statement that I also can not pay for a name.
If you are looking for that perfect "LOOKING" weapon that is gonna be a safe queen and is only gonna make an appearance when someone special stops over and you want to show them something cool then shop around, if you are looking for a reliable, functional tool, or great running piece of equipment there are many many choices out there.
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s16/spleify/Misc/IMG_6364.jpg
There have been some changes since this pic but you get the idea
HoneyBadger
09-17-2012, 20:30
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s16/spleify/Misc/IMG_6364.jpg
What paint or coating is that? It blends in great with the Colorado dust.
soldier-of-the-apocalypse
09-17-2012, 20:41
I was gona get a del-ton 20inch and I was on theyre waiting list for 6 months and finaly said fuck it and canceled my order and paid a little extra for bcm and Im very happy.
What paint or coating is that? It blends in great with the Colorado dust.
Just some Krylon camo paint baby!!
Great-Kazoo
09-17-2012, 22:31
This
Educate yourself on what is out there instead of being attracted by what you think is a low price on an "entry-level" rifle. Just because it is the lowest price on the rack doesn't make it a worthwhile purchase.
Buy once, cry once.
I remember while doing a stint at jensens the RRA had just hit the market and not moving to well. Clearly at the time a well made AR and was able to pass this on to customers. Now Rock River is "god's creation" to some.
CMMG?? They started out selling parts kits and having really smoking deals on ACOGS!! Then they did the blem rack sales, now CMMG is up there and to some can do no wrong, JK. ALL mfgs started at the bottom, some have stayed there, rightfully so. Others do what they can to improve qc, listen to customer feed back and become successful.
Go to RMSS (rocky mtn shooter supply) and rent a few ar's to see for yourself what the pro's and con's are. Keep in mind the ar's @ RMSS have been run hard. However this will get you a starting point for the rifle.
DD977GM2
09-18-2012, 07:51
LongArm
Im gonna go out on a limb and get flamed for this, but I feel Colt is second rate compared to many others.
Your buying the name and not necessarily anything better then what other manufacturers offer.
Their upper to lower fit is horrible and magwell IMHO is horrible also.
Id go with a Del-Ton or any other manufacturer before Colt.
My most accurate I have owned was a DoubleStar and was hitting a 1/2-3/4 group at 120 yards. [M2]
SouthPaw
09-18-2012, 09:24
My most frequently used, most reliable and the one that is the most fun to run is my 14.5", its got a DPMS lower, and a JSE custom upper.
There have been some changes since this pic but you get the idea
My first AR was JSE upper with a Surperior Arms lower. I had ZERO issues with it feeding and shooting. I bought that complete from a board member here and he built it brand new.
My current AR is a RRA lower with the Del-Ton "AR kit" (upper and LPK). I have about 500 rounds through it and again ZERO issues. Shoots where I want it to and is more accurate than I am. Fit and finish is great and I plan on building another during the winter months.
Another one to consider that runs well and is a great entry level AR is PSA (palmetto state armory) nothing special but good prices for a good shooter. I love my colt m4 but is it the end all do all probably not but it is a great shooter and have not had one malfunction with all of the shooting i do. It wasn't that pricey at a grand but you can save a couple hundred bucks on a psa or dpms etc if ya do your research. Lots of great ARs out there some cheap some very expensive. Best of luck to whatever you decide. Just get one and go [AR15]
LongArmoftheLaw
09-18-2012, 17:04
LongArm
Im gonna go out on a limb and get flamed for this, but I feel Colt is second rate compared to many others.
Your buying the name and not necessarily anything better then what other manufacturers offer.
Their upper to lower fit is horrible and magwell IMHO is horrible also.
Id go with a Del-Ton or any other manufacturer before Colt.
My most accurate I have owned was a DoubleStar and was hitting a 1/2-3/4 group at 120 yards. [M2]
I appreciate the input! More than likely going to order a Del-Ton soon as the funds are there!
BlasterBob
09-18-2012, 18:06
Where does the S&W M4 fit in with all these manufacturers??
Where does the S&W M4 fit in with all these manufacturers??
I have/had several ar's my m&p-x is probably my favorite to take out.
I did find another good read on the platform. and the chart of ar manufactures.blue highlighted boxes being "what would be ideal" ETA: any ar questions you may have should be answered in this link.
http://forums.officer.com/t81462/
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd27/rruusseell1/m4chart-1_zps7cb1697e.png
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