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Now that you have checked that, we can get onto fun stuff. These recommendations work FOR ME on a working rifle, but may not fit everyone's role.

Trigger Guard:
Magpul's plastic, or Rock River's winter guard are decent. There are some crazy versions, but I like Magpul as I can't get over my Rock River stigma. The Magpul lets me wear my Oakley gloves and still access the trigger, but also is ergo cut so you don't cut into your finger when not wearing gloves. I find this nice when practicing reloads/failures and you have to bring the rifle up into your field of view.

Grip:
I don't think the BCM Gunfighter can be beat. The more vertical angle is perfect for modern rifle techniques, and would allow your daughter to tuck it in nice and tight for a good cheek weld/sight picture. The mod 0 would be a bit smaller, but still comfortable, allowing both of you a solid grip They can be had for ~ $30.

Stock:
I've been digging the Larue RAT stock recently. If you're looking to buy used, I have a Rogers that I would part with (http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Super-Stoc- ... SUPERSTOC/. This will come down to personal preference. The Magpul CTR is possible, but the MOE is a decent value.

And since you asked, what else I would do to it...

A 12" handguard. Either modular or railed. Many good options for brands, but I like the longer reach and more stable shooting platform they provide. This will make it heavier, but I found that I still shoot it better (My optic is stupid heavy so I can't be too weight averse, but just be forewarned).

Foregrip:
I have found that I have moved away from the vertical foregrips made popular during Iraq II, and I prefer the AFG type grip, or better yet, a handstop. I am running the handstop kit from Larue, but there are a few decent ones.

Light:
Pick your flavor and power for Streamlight's TLR-1 variants for around $100. Better value than the Surefire counterparts, but not as pretty sadly. Probably get into a used one quite inexpensively.

Sling:
SKD PIG 1 point or Vicker's BFG 2 point for me. Again, lots of good options. Find the more compact, unobtrusive way to attach your sling. I tapped a Noveske port into my rail with just a drill press, but there are less fancy/easier to install options. The end plate attachment points are even more numerous.

Optics:
Up close, the Aimpoint Micro can't be beat. For Distance work, there are plenty options. There also plenty cheaper options that still work well, but I can't speak to any.

Bag:
Get a decent bag like a 5.11 or similar to drag all your AR gear around in. I have a Tactical Tailor, which is OK, but there are plenty of options for what you want to spend.

Magazines, and Ammo, maximize both.

Make an account at M4carbine.net and read as much as you can.

Thanks... very good suggestions!

I already see this going as v1.0 (trigger guard, stock, red dot & grip) and a v2.0 (iron sights, handrails, sling plate, light, etc.)

I wish I'd read your post last night... I had settled on the Magpul CTR and ordered already... but out of curiosity, what are you asking for the Roger's SuperStock and is that commercial or milspec?

The DPMS came with one magazine... already had 4 PMAGs and 4 AR-Stoners that I bought last December (before the rush) and I have ordered 5 more Stoners from MidwayUSA. Ammo is a different story... I only have 500 rnds of Federal & American Eagle ball... that will last me only a couple of sessions at the range. Carter's has some 5.56 but at $70 / 100 rnds.

Thanks again.

Probably $50 for the Rogers. It's on a milspec tube now but I've heard it will fit both. It works ok, but I'm looking for a Foliage Green CTR or RAT because I'm vain like that.

Forget v1 or v2, my working guns are a work in progress. I'm never done. You'll see.

I would caution you against dumping TOO much money into the DPMS as you will soon want to build or buy a different/higher end rifle. DPMS is fine for a plinker but for not much more you could get into a BCM middy with significantly more resale and a better barrel/BCG.

Heck for true plinking, getting into a .22lr upper is one of the best values around.

Wait till you start looking into FailZero bolts, Noveske switchblocks, Geissele triggers, Trijicon 1x6 optics and different caliber uppers.

yeah, I see what you're saying... I think I'll get another one later in the year

Parts arrived from Amazon.com today... I am an AMZ Prime member, so no shipping paid.

- Installed Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard - Texas Flag version ($25.95) and Magpul MOE Grip Plus ($20.38)


- Replaced stock with Magpul CTR - commercial ($85.35)


- Installed SightMark Tactical Red Dot ($79.69)


- and this is how she look so far... decided to install a UTG A2 front sight as well ($17.41)

Well, it's been two months since I acquired this DPMS AR-15 and I couldn't be happier with it!

Besides the mods shown in the pictures, I replaced the handguard with Magpul MOE and installed a Magpul AFG, also added a MBUS rear-sight. I've put 1,600 thru it and haven't had a single failure... it just goes bang and spits the casing as expected. For the first 400 rounds, I shot Federal FMJs exclusively, and cleaned the rifle as per the manual... after that, I've run anything I can get my hands on: Remington, Federal & American Eagle (new, brass), Trident & DRS (remanufactured, brass), Tula, Wolf, Bear, Herter's (steel).

Got a .22LR conversion kit for it, that I have yet to try. I am also done -at least for now- buying magazines... got 10 30-rd AR Stoners, plus the one that came from the factory, 2 20-rnd Colt, and 10 Magpuls (4 with windows, 6 w/o windows).

Getting the red dot sighted was a major pain in the butt... that's the reason I put the MBUS and got it sighted at 25 yds with the iron sights, then make the red dot co-witness the front post, then repeated the same process at 50 yds. May need a magnifier to go beyond that. But as is, it's pretty accurate at 50 yds, hitting the 10 ring from a supported position isn't even a challenge.

Got a Voodoo Tactical dual carbine bag (hint: there may be another AR coming in the future) to haul all that stuff. The bag has plenty of space and pockets and is holding on pretty well.

Overall, I've been quite happy with this rifle. Yeah, not high end... DPMS is not the best when it comes to reputation, but this has exceeded my expectations on reliability (no failures) and accuracy (hitting where I point). I would buy one again if I have to...