The lack of a dust cover and forward assist isn't so much the reason I wouldn't go with the DPMS... it is more the lack of M4 feed ramps, properly staked gas key, HPT/MPI barrel and bolt, and chrome lining in the barrel that I care about. Plus I prefer a pinned fixed front sight to a clamped-on picatinny front sight base. I know some of those features aren't really must-haves for most casual shooters, but when you can get all the good stuff for just $70 more, it is well worth it. With decent AR's like PSA selling for as cheap as they are, I really don't see a reason to buy a lower-tier AR in this current market, even if you don't really need all the mil-spec features. The mil-spec rifle will last longer, will give you less trouble, and will always be worth more on the used market.
