UPDATE
I added a poll. Using the details listed blow, please cast a vote in the poll. I’ll be buying pretty soon (found some of the parts today) so I need advice.
I have read tons of very useful information on m4carbine and other forums and I just became a member here last week. And, like many people’s first post, I’d like your help deciding which AR to buy (build). I would like your specific opinions on these three options I have narrowed it down to. I know many of these components are currently out of stock and availability comes and goes. I’m ok with that. I’m willing to wait to get what I want. I have other guns to tide me over in the meantime.
So please take a look of what I think would be good builds, and let me know what you think. I think these are all good, but what do I know? If you could get just one, which would you get, or would you get something different?
Get whatever you can find, but among the options you list, I would rank them as follows: LMT mid-length (not listed) > BCM mid-length > LMT carbine > BCM carbine > CMMG mid-length > CMMG carbine.
Personally, if I was going with a 16" rifle, I would go with a midlength BCM or Noveske, my new build will be with a BCM middy. I would stay with the carbine length for shorter barrel builds. However a carbine lenth system is perfectly fine for a 16" as well. Out of your choices you would be fine with LMT or BCM, I like the troy flip sight and would use it for your lmt build as well
Just your personal preference? Or have you had/heard bad experiences with CMMG? Or is it just not even close to the other two really?
I haven’t even looked at the Charles Daly. Are they about the same price as the others I have listed (typically, not under the current Obama economy boost to the gun industry)?
From what I understand (I have seen them, do not own one), CD Defense has put together a great COLT/LMT like spec’d package for ~$100-$200 cheaper than a similar LMT ($500 less than current COLT 6920 prices).
I don’t have anything against CMMG, I would just say that In general, CMMG does good stuff, but IMHO not in the same league as COLT, LMT, Noveske, BCM.
BTW: I am not aware that LMT makes a Middy. In any case…stick with LMT & BCM and you will not/can not go wrong.
You will always save a little by doing it yourself as you save the Federal Excise Tax on complete guns. Check out Grant at G&R tactical, he can walk you thru exactly what you need and won’t steer you wrong (advice or price).
I’m partial to mid-lengths, so the BCM in Mid would be my first choice. Quality wise, I think most would agree that the LMT and BCM are both excellent quality rifles and are comparable.
I don’t own any CMMG stuff, so I cannot comment on them - but you’ll find some strong opinions both ways.
Given that the prices are all pretty much the same, I’d say LMT or BCM, based on availability.
Great! Thanks for the feedback. I’m leaning towards BCM and I hear they will have more in stock in a couple of weeks. After reading around more, I’m also leaning towards mid-length which would rule out LMT. So if I go with the BCM is the LMT Dedender lower the choice you would go with? Is there another lower that goes better with the BCM as far as fit, color match, and potential resale value? (since BCM doesn’t make their own lowers apparently.)
Thanks again for the feedback. Please keep it coming.
don’t worry about being all matchy-matchy. it will fit fine. factory complete LMT and Colts rifles can have slop too. it’s nothing to worry about. in all likelihood the fit will be tight at first anyway.
a LMT Defender 2000 + BCM middy is quite a sought after combo, so i wouldn’t worry about resale value.
either a factory complete LMT or LMT/BCM mutt would be a great rifle. can’t go wrong either way. if you want a BCM click on the backorder email notification and get some sort of email pager…they sell out quick. you’ll want to move fast. very fast.
I don’t care about fit, color match, or resale value. I have been happy with every Defender lower I’ve handled, though they can vary in finish machining. I would not hesitate to use one again on a build.
My vote:
if you want a 16 in, then BCM midlength.
if you want a 14.5 with a perm FH, then go LMT.
I have 2 LMT lowers, one for my BCM middie (fits great), and the other is waiting for the 14.5 in LMT that is on the way. Whatever upper you choose I would put it on a LMT lower.
Why is that? Just because they are better for the gas system and sight radius? I’ve been wondering this for a while. Can you help educate me? Why/when would you get the 14.5" + welded permanent flash hider over a middy or carbine? They are all 16" overall right?
I don’t think it’s a good idea to limit yourself with the welded/pinned FH on a first/only gun. Get a 16" and shoot/mod it for awhile and then see if you think that 1" will make a difference.
16" barreled rifle is still a carbine. I don’t notice a huge difference between my permed 14.5" and my 16" barreled rifles. I do notice a weight difference between a medium profile 16" middy and a 14.5" gov profile barrel though.
