DPMS Panther Arms Revives the Kitty Kat in Retro and Modern Configurations at SHOT Show
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With Shot Show wrapping up a week ago, we were reflecting on some of the awesome firearms we got to get up close to. Several came to mind, but one in particular came stood out. It was the DPMS Kitty Kat AR-15 pistol or SBR (short-barrel-rifle). We have a history with this particular weapon platform. One of the first NFA items we helped someone with at 2 If By Sea Tactical is one of these guns.
That is why it is awesome to Palmetto State Armory (Owner of DPMS Firearms), once again producing this iconic weapon. DPMS started in Minnesota back in 1985 and has gone through some changes over the years. From being bought by Remington and moved to 2 If By Sea Tactical founder Austin Reville’s hometown of Huntsville, AL, to PSA purchasing them and moving them to South Carolina. Regardless of who owned the brand, DPMS has become a staple in the Modern Sporting Rifle world for quality and budget friendly pricing.
This is something PSA has continued with the brand as it has ramped up its production of the iconic brand. Bringing back the Kitty Kat is a culmination of these efforts. The Kitty Kat was often an SBR mainstay with law enforcement in Minnesota back in the early 2000’s. While it was not widely sold on the civilian market (mostly due to the NFA restrictions) it was a well-built short-barreled version of the AR.
What PSA has done with it is give it an updated finish and offer it in a variety of calibers including a Colt SMG clone. This is branching out to incorporate modern multi-caliber SBR AR-15s. One of the unique things DPMS is doing with this platform is updating the magazine and magazine catches on the guns itself.
Colt 9mm SMG magazines are hard to find. While the H&R (Also a PSA subsidiary) brand is bringing back their retro rifles with these magazines. Often, they can be expensive and hard to find. DPMS is now offering Kitty Kat 9mm versions with two different magazine patterns. First, it is offering it in the commonly found Glock magazine pattern. This allows the shooter to use the easy to find 33 round Glock magazines with their AR.
The second pattern is with CZ Scorpion magazines. This is also unique as it incorporates the Scorpion mag release as well as the magazines themselves. This moves the mag release to the sides of the trigger guard as opposed to on the side of the receiver where it is normally found. We find this to be a nice upgrade as it allows the shooter to easily manipulate the mag catch with their shooting finger for greater speed in reloading.
Another advantage to this pattern is the increased capacity as CZ Scorpion magazines offer a 35-round option. Here at 2 If By Sea we always encourage increased capacity. The other cool upgrade DPMS has done for this platform is offer it with wood furniture. With the popularity of Amazon Prime’s new “Fallout” show (Austin and Dano are big fans of the game as well), this gives you a “Fallout” look to your AR. There is also something about having nice wood on a firearm that makes it classier and upgrades it aesthetics.
DPMS has been a mainstay here in Minnesota since its inception all the way back in 1985. Even when it was bought and moved out of the state, it still has remained popular here in Minnesota. We here at 2 If By Sea Tactical can order and provide these retro DPMS Kitty Kat pistols or SBRs for our customers and cannot wait to show them off. Be sure to check out our Youtube and Rumble video at the Palmetto State Armory Booth at Shot Show where we took a look at these rifles!
Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube Channel @2ifbyseatactical or on Rumble @2ifbyseatactical and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance.
Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.
