Patents and Technologies

DPMS President Randy Luth believes that AR-15 rifles can be better - and has never lost sight of that goal. DPMS employees continue research and development of new ways to improve the products that makeup and maintain AR-15 rifles. To date, Randy Luth holds four U.S. patents for innovative products designed for the AR-15 rifle.

1. Mangonel Front and Rear Flip-Up Sights

   

   Mangonel Front Flip-Up Sight
   The patented "Mangonel" Front Flip Up Sight uses an aluminum base with steel legs and a steel clamp for durability and strength. This sight unit uses an A2 front sight. A large thumb knob is easily manipulated to loosen or tighten the clamp. The sight is designed to fit on the MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny accessory rail. The front sight has three positions: down (1st position), 2nd position for use on gas blocks, and a 3rd position when both the front sight and the rear sight is on the same rail. The whole sight assembly weighs only 3.8 ounces.

   

   Mangonel Rear Flip-Up Sight
   Our patented "Mangonel" Rear Sight has two legs that flip up and down. Each leg is supported by each other. Fast and accurate sight acquisition. Excellent back-up, close quarter, near sight assembly.

   • Slimline and flat
   • Easy to raise and lower with positive lock in upright position
   • Adjustable windage
   • Aluminum base with steel legs
   • 1/8" diameter aperture
   • Fixed elevation, Std. A2 aperture height
   • Detachable assembly
   • Picatinny capable

   U.S. Patent No. 6,732,467. (View PDF)

2. GlacierGuards™

   

   For more than 100 years, fins have been used to cool metal objects. Now DPMS Firearms, LLC brings that concept to your A-15 rifle with the "GlacierGuards™" an AP4-style handguard that utilizes 15 internal fins, rather than the standard aluminum double-shield, for heat dispersion. These unique fins, while dispersing the heat generated by rifle fire, also provide unsurpassed strength and rigidity for the handguard. Externally, the "GlacierGuards™" feature 15 ribs that mirror the internal fins, and provide the shooter an enhanced grip.

   The "GlacierGuards™" accommodate barrels with diameters less than one inch, namely the military contoured barrel and the industry standard heavy barrel. Made of a high tech, temperature resistant polymer that withstands temperatures greater than 500 degrees. This allows the handguards to resist over-heating after continuous fully-automatic fire for over 200 rounds. The fiber-reinforced polymer provides additional strength and rigidity and keeps the handguards' weight at just one half pound per pair, compared to the standard .4 pounds per pair.

   U.S. Patent No. 6,945,154 (View PDF)

3. Panther Claw

   

   The patented Panther Claw is the perfect armorer's tool for holding all AR style upper receivers. Made of a solid one-piece high strength polymer, the Claw is extremely durable. Simply clamp the Claw into a bench vise, slide the upper onto the Claw, secure with the two holding pins and begin installing your barrel and components.

   The 308 Panther™ Claw fits both the LR-308 family of rifles as well as the SR-25 from Knight's Armament. With some slight modifications for the mag well, AR-10's will also fit this versatile gunsmithing tool. Makes installing barrels a breeze!

   U.S. Patent No. 6,761,101 (View PDF)

4. M-37 Flare Launcher

   

   Barrel	16" Aluminum Smooth Bore (no rifling)
   Chamber	37mm Flares & Pyrotechnics
   Breech	Drop open loading like M79 Grenade Launcher Aluminum Breech
   Sights	M-203 Leaf Sight adapts to the top of this receiver as an option
   Upper Receiver	Aluminum receiver Hard coat anodized per Mil Spec and Teflon coated black Direct swap for your existing upper, no modifications Utilizes existing A15/M16 lower assemblies

   U.S. Patent No. 6,293,040 (View PDF)