Is the new DPMS Kitty Kat actually clone correct?

Published on June 21, 2025
Duration: 12:52

This video investigates whether the new DPMS Kitty Kat is a faithful reproduction of the original, comparing external and internal features. The presenter examines barrel length, handguard style, and receiver types, referencing historical DPMS catalogs to determine the existence of an original A1 Kitty Cat model. Key differences in barrel length, handguard construction, and internal specifications like feed ramps and twist rates are highlighted.

Quick Summary

The new DPMS Kitty Kat differs from original models in several key aspects. It features a 7.5-inch barrel (actual 7.75 inches), a knurled free-float handguard, M4 feed ramps, and a 1:7 twist rate, contrasting with the often 7-inch barrel, slotted smooth handguard, and 1:9 twist rate of older versions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Is the New DPMS Kitty Kat Clone Correct?
  2. 00:49Sponsor Segment: Venture Surplus
  3. 01:43Comparing New and Old Kitty Cats
  4. 02:01DPMS Nomenclature: RFA1, RFA2, RFA3
  5. 02:11Early AR Market and DPMS Growth
  6. 02:44Challenges in Finding Original Evidence
  7. 03:00Tribute Builds vs. Factory Guns
  8. 03:38Historical Gun Industry Practices
  9. 03:56The Existence of the A1 Kitty Cat
  10. 04:14Visual Evidence of A1 Style Uppers
  11. 04:32Examining Old DPMS Catalogs
  12. 05:01New Kitty Kat Features vs. Old
  13. 05:20Barrel Length Comparison
  14. 06:36Handguard Style Differences
  15. 07:09Original Slotted Handguard Source
  16. 07:30Internal Specification Changes
  17. 07:51Feed Ramps and Clone Correctness
  18. 08:301996 DPMS Catalog Analysis
  19. 09:05Assault Weapons Ban Impact
  20. 09:34RFA2 Kitty Cat with A2 Carry Handle
  21. 09:43A1 Receivers and Ribbed Handguards
  22. 09:572010 Catalog: Optional Upgrades
  23. 10:16Barrels in the 2010 Catalog
  24. 10:43Speculation: Were A1 Kitty Cats Factory Made?
  25. 11:13Evidence for A1 Style with Thin Barrel
  26. 11:32A2 Marked Front Sight Base
  27. 11:43Why This Matters: Collecting Information
  28. 12:07Conclusion and Support
  29. 12:21Malfunction: Old Magazine Issue

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the new DPMS Kitty Kat and original models?

The new DPMS Kitty Kat features a 7.5-inch barrel (measuring 7.75 inches), a knurled free-float handguard, M4 feed ramps, and a 1:7 twist rate. Original models often had a 7-inch barrel, slotted smooth handguards, lacked M4 feed ramps, and had a 1:9 twist rate.

Did DPMS ever make an A1 style Kitty Cat?

While many people prefer the A1 style, direct evidence of a factory-produced DPMS RFA1 Kitty Cat with an A1 upper and thin barrel is scarce. It's speculated that some custom orders might have existed, but it's not definitively confirmed as a standard production model.

What are the specifications of the new DPMS Kitty Kat barrel?

The new DPMS Kitty Cat is advertised with a 7.5-inch barrel. Actual measurements show it to be 7.75 inches from the bolt face to the end of the barrel. It features a thin profile, is nitride finished, has a 1:7 twist rate, and includes M4 feed ramps.

Why is the handguard style a point of comparison for the DPMS Kitty Kat?

The new DPMS Kitty Cat uses a knurled National Match free float tube handguard, which is a commercially available part. Older DPMS Kitty Cats often featured a slotted, smooth handguard, which was likely sourced directly from DPMS.

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