Complaint / Review
DPMS Panther Arms
Ripoff faulty tactical weapons. Gun shot three feet low and was not adjustable. Bolt broke on rifle purchased in group by Deputy Sheriffs in Nevada, MN Cloud

* county sheriff's office

Memorandum

DATE: August 18

TO: All Deputies

From:

Subject: dpms ar 15 rifles

It has come to our attention that an officer safety issue has occurred regarding the use of the DPMS AR 15 Rifles. As you know the Rifle General Order was modified last year to limit the types of rifles authorized for duty use by members of this Office. This was done because some of the weapons being personally purchased were not made in the United States and the quality of those weapons was questionable in some cases. The range master has reported several recent and disturbing events involving DPMS AR15 Rifles.

Safety issues have surfaced and include broken cam pins, cracked bolts and weapons that slam fired when chambered to fire. Some of the same rifles have also had feeding and accuracy problems. Obviously death or serious injury could occur if and when additional cam pins and or bolts crack or break.

Additionally, these are conditions that are not easily rectified without new parts. The reliability of these firearms may be acceptable for private usage, but not for a law enforcement agency. If you need these weapons to protect yourself, reliable function ability should be unquestioned. Due to concerns about your safety and obvious liability concerns, DPMS AR 15 Rifles are no longer allowed for duty use.

Exceptions will be made only if Armorer approved bolt assemblies and barrels are purchased at the owner's expense and checked by the departmental Range Master/Armorer.

All Deputies who own one of these weapons are encouraged to have them inspected by a certified gunsmith, if planning to use off-duty. On-duty usage of DPMS rifles is suspended until such time the WCSO Range Master/Armorer has certified your DPMS rifle as being safe.

Authorization shall only be given if the aforementioned bolt assembly and barrel are replaced. If you own a DPMS Rifle and do not wish to purchase the upgrades, and if you require the use of an AR15 variant you may contact Deputy * and request issuance of a departmentally owned Colt AR15.

Issuance of a Colt AR15 will be based on need and endorsement from your chain of command. If you have any questions you may contact myself, the Armorer and or the Undersheriff.