Description
The DPMS Prairie Panther 223 Rem, 20″ Barrel, TrueTimber, Strata/Teflon-Coated Black A2 Stock, 20rd is a purpose-built, flat-shooting AR-platform rifle designed for open-country varmint and predator control. It combines a long, accurate barrel with a durable, camo-clad upper and a classic fixed stock for a stable, reliable platform that’s ready to go right out of the box. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of mixed .223 through one, and its consistency on prairie dog towns is exactly what you’d expect from this configuration.
Key Features
- 20-inch 4140 Chrome-Moly Steel Barrel: Provides optimal velocity and accuracy for the .223 Remington cartridge, perfect for reaching out across fields.
- TrueTimber Strata Camo Finish: A durable, baked-on camo pattern on the upper receiver and handguard that breaks up the rifle’s outline and resists the elements.
- Teflon-Coated Black A2 Fixed Stock: Offers a classic, solid cheek weld and shoulder pocket. The Teflon coating makes it slick and easy to clean.
- Includes a 20-round magazine, giving you plenty of capacity for those longer sessions without constant reloading.
- Mil-spec compatible construction means parts and accessories are widely available and easy to swap if you ever want to customize.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 39.5 inches |
| Stock | Teflon-Coated A2 Fixed |
| Finish | TrueTimber Strata Camo (Upper), Matte Black (Lower) |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 Rounds (1 included) |
Weighing in at roughly 7.5 pounds unloaded, it has a solid, substantial feel that aids in steady offhand shooting and managing recoil—not that .223 has much to begin with. The rifle ships with iron sights, but the flat-top upper receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, which is how you’ll likely want to run it. At $1005.13, it sits in a competitive spot for a dedicated varminter with these features. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, and this model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the shooter who needs to make consistent, ethical shots on small targets at extended ranges. Think farmers managing coyote populations, dedicated prairie dog hunters, or anyone who appreciates a no-fuss, accurate rifle for open terrain. It’s not a lightweight carbine for tight quarters; it’s a tool for open spaces. The fixed A2 stock and longer barrel give it a specific balance that pure target shooters or those running 3-Gun might find less ideal, but for its intended role, it’s spot-on.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The 20-inch barrel squeezes every bit of velocity from .223, making for a flatter trajectory. The TrueTimber finish is tough and functional. The A2 stock is incredibly stable and simple—nothing to adjust or rattle. Being built on a standard AR-15 platform, it’s compatible with a huge array of triggers, grips, and optics from brands like Magpul, Geissele, and Vortex.
Cons: The fixed stock and longer barrel make it less maneuverable in a blind or truck cab. It’s a specialized configuration, so if you want a do-everything rifle, a 16-inch barreled carbine might be more versatile. The two-tone camo/black look isn’t for everyone, aesthetically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this rifle safely fire 5.56mm ammunition?
A: Yes. The chamber is rated for both .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO, giving you plenty of ammunition flexibility for practice or different hunting scenarios.
Q: Is the handguard free-floated?
A: No, it’s a standard two-piece, drop-in handguard. For extreme precision work, a free-float tube would be an upgrade, but for most field shooting within 300 yards, the setup is more than capable.
Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect?
A: With quality ammunition and a good optic, you should reliably see 1 to 1.5 MOA groups. That’s more than enough for varmint-sized targets at typical field distances. The platform is inherently accurate, and that long barrel helps realize its potential.
Look, if your hunting involves more horizon than treeline, this DPMS Prairie Panther is built for that job. It’s a straightforward, durable rifle that gets the fundamentals right for long-range small game. Check availability and see if it fits your needs.
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