It is obvious from my other posts that I am at the bottom of the AR bell shaped learning curve. But, that is ok, I’ll be up to speed in a few more months.
I have a few questions and thoughts:
If I want to attend a basic carbine course and eventually gain some skills (and get a pistol) to try three gun competitions, would the Charles Daly DM4LX be a good choice?
Big Sky Guns has the DM4LX listed as ready to order. Does that mean they should be getting them soon (within weeks?)
Price wise, the basic Sig 556 is close to the DM4LX. Would one or the other be preferable for the uses set forth above? Or, for under $1,350.00 for one possibility or for under $1,999.00, if I want to get somewhat carried away, what might be better choices?
You all know the ins and outs of the barrels, materials and features of these rifles much better than I do. In terms of features for the buck, are these two choices close? I might consider buying a Noveke or even a JP 15 IF the extra expense were truly worth it. However, I am a bit concerned that as a casual user, the extra expense would be immeasurable to me and rather hard to push past the wife.
Somewhat dumb, but legitimate question. How do I prepare for a basic carbine course so as not be look like the nerd who shows up with fancy new stuff but has no clue how to use it? Or, is this just an unavoidable right of passage which I must endure? (sort of kidding here, but there is some truth to this thought). Is there some AR handling book for dummies which might give me enough basic knowledge so that I don’t show up looking like Charlie Brown on steroids.
I really like the look of the DM4LX and the features on it. From what I can tell, it seem to be a good value. However, I am wide open to your thoughts and suggestions. Also, if you have cheaper alternatives (other than building one myself, which I don’t want to do), I am all for saving money. I do have a Rock River, however I bought the Varmint A4, with an 18 inch bull barrel, so I don’t think it is a good choice for this use and besides, it needs some company in the gun safe, as it is rather significantly outnumbered by Russian rifles.
In the price range referenced above, stop nowhere else, but rather go directly to (sorry CD) Noveske:
N4 Light Basic (carbine) = $1,395
N4 Light Low Profile (carbine) = $1,895
N4 Light Basic Recce (middy) = $1,425.55 (I wonder where the 0.55 came from?)
N4 Light Basic Recce Low Profile (middy) = $1,975
Best solution? Buy a BASIC rifle and learn to master that first. There is nothing more obvious than someone that has all sorts of bells and whistles on their rig. It looks cool, has the CDI (Chicks Dig It) factor, etc. But when it comes down to it they don’t know how to run the weapon because they are hampered with the accessories.
Get the LE M4 and a rear Back up Sight (BUIS). Use the extra for ammunition. Invest 2000 rounds (more or less depending on the course) and tuition for a shooting course (EAG Tactical, Defensive Edge, etc…). Learn to master the weapon and while you’re there try out some ones that may have some of the accessories you’re looking at. Then you will know what is right for you to upgrade with. It will be cheaper yet more valuable in the long run as you’ll know more of what you want to do with the rifle and what accessories to look for.
Since you’re doing research on the net, also look and see what threads are out there for KISS rifles. People are doing these for a reason. Many have realized they do not need the various accessories that people are throwing on. The things you need are a sling, light, and Aimpoint in that order of purchasing.
Plus it will be easier to sneak in accessories after the fact rather than in one lump sum to the wife!
I have to agree with BCS520 100% here and suggest you go for the D-M4LE.
Perhaps it doesn’t look as “cool” as the LX, but to those that know, it is. Save the extra money you would have spent on the LX intsead buy a BUIS and more ammo.
Thank you. I think the LE M4 with a sling and some optic (aimpoint or EOtech?) would likely be fine. Pricing some of the training, it makes sense to use the money saved on the LE M4 for the course and ammunition.
This is a simplistic question and, perhaps, cosmetic only, but can I, as a fumbling newbie, easily swap out the hand guards on the LE M4 for something like the ones on the DM4LX? I am just not a fan of the basic plastic handguard. Without scouring the web, does anyone recommend such a handguard that is not too fancy or expensive? I’ve looked at some on the Daniel Defense site, and I do not think I need $300.00 + hand guards.
I like the suggestion of showing up at training with an nice LE M4. As mentioned, it would be fine, but not make me stand out as the geek with the $2,000.00 rifle he can’t even figure out how to load.
You guys are a wealth of information and good ideas. I appreciate it.
You might also consider buying a copy of “The AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide” by Walt Kuleck with Clint McKee, ISBN 1-888722-12-6. It will walk you through a basic assembly process so you can see what all the parts look like, their proper names, how they work together, and how they go together. A very good book for getting to know your AR-15 better, plus you can use it to maintain or build your own if you someday decide to do so. Runs $15-$20.
I would take a look at the Midwest Industries MCTAR-17 and the Troy MRF-DI. Both are no-gunsmithing drop-in quads, good quality yet less than the DD Omega.
Thank you Mr. Kassnar. The Troy MRE-DI looks perfect. The price is reasonable and I like the look. Plus, it would, in my opinion, look very nice on an LE M4, without giving it too much bling for a beginners’ carbine course. I’m getting too old for bling! I just know what I like, and think either the Midwest Industries or the Troy guards would look good on the LE M4.
Now, all I need to do is pick a sling and an optic, and I’m ready to move on to selecting a pistol (Glock does appear to be the forums favorite) and then, some modest tactical gear. This is one of those hobbies for which separate husband/wife checking accounts, or a VERY forgiving or understanding spouse, is mandatory.
On a side note, while the DD Omega are my favorite 2 piece Free Floating handguard (they require no modification to the weapon), I’ve got a few LEO I work with that use the MI and they are very happy.
Stickman: Thanks for the link and the lesson. Here I am, sitting in my home office actually learning something. Seriously, I now finally know what staking is and what a bolt carrier key is and a castle nut. That was some good stuff. While you guys probably take that knowledge for granted, I have read over those words before and had not one clue what they meant. My one trip to the range during the U.S. Army JAGC Officer Basic Course did not really delve too deeply into the nuts and bolts of the M 16.
I think the DM4 LE is an excellent choice for my purposes, and probably much more capable than I will ever need, but that is fine.
You sure can. The DD are easy to install with out cutting the delta ring, but a bit pricy.
I went with Midwest Industries FF rail for $163. It is an easy install and a great rail, nut does require you to cut the delta ring (not that big of a deal really).
I also can’t justify sepending almost $100 more when the MI rail does the job for less.