DPMS Prairie Panther
DPMS Panther Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 2007
Also known as: Panther Prairie Panther, DPMS RFA3-PPS
Overview
The DPMS Prairie Panther is a lightweight semi-automatic AR-15-pattern hunting rifle chambered in .223 Remington and marketed toward varmint and predator hunters. It combines a 20-inch fluted, free-floated, Teflon-coated stainless steel barrel with a 1-in-8-inch twist, a smooth carbon-fiber handguard, an A3 flattop receiver with a Picatinny rail, and a two-stage trigger. Rifles were finished in dipped camouflage patterns such as Mossy Oak Brush to suit field use.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3119 g (110.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1003 mm (39.49") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 988 m/s (3241 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1738 J (1282 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Camouflage |
Calibers
- .223 Remington · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Rem, 5.56x45mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Fluted Barrel, Free Floating Barrel, Teflon Coated Barrel, Carbon Fiber Handguard, Flattop Receiver, Picatinny Rail, Two Stage Trigger, Skeletonized Stock
Variants
- DPMS Prairie Panther Brush - Camouflage Pattern
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport shooters and varmint hunters
Production
Production years: 2007-2020
Marketed as a premium lightweight .223 hunting AR; exact production totals not published.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 2020
Notes
Weight of roughly 3,119 g reflects the rifle without a magazine. DPMS Panther Arms was acquired by Cerberus/Freedom Group (later Remington Outdoor Company) and the DPMS brand was wound down around 2020.
Background
DPMS Panther Arms was founded by Randy Luth in Minnesota, originally producing parts for M16/AR-15 rifles under the name Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services before becoming a major maker of complete AR-pattern rifles.