I am about as novice as one can get when it comes to the AR type rifle. I had the itch for something new, did not need another hunting rifle, nor any type of pistol, so I bought the DPMS, plain jane, no sights. I have shot it about 200 times so far, both factory 55 grain solids and reloads with Remington 55 solids. I have not had any type of malfunction, nothing. I mounted a 3x9 scope, groups have not been great, I tend to have three shots close and flyer. The trigger has a great deal of creep, something I am not use to on my hunting rifles. With a better trigger I think the rifle would shoot pretty well.