Greetings, I have been a long time lurker and after spending years on the M14 platform I have decided to finally make the leap to the dark side and am ready to pull the trigger on my first AR.
After reading scorns of threads I have decided on going with a Daniel Defense M4 V3 or V5.
My plan for this carbine is HD, carbine classes and supplement range time with my M14s.
My only question is if I should go with a V3 which has the a fixed front sight or go with the V5 and put a backup flip-up sight. I plan on running an aimpoint T1 and personally am not a huge fan of cowitness front sights and hence am leaning towards the V5. But considering my experience is lacking and major LE and military all have fixed front sights am I going to be missing something in durability with not having a fixed sight?
If I did go with the V3 I would buy the 12" FSP rail as I plan on running a TLR-1 in front of the sight. (and I know the DDM4V1 comes with that rail, but I am already sold on a mid-length gas system).
So, I am asking everyone’s experience on if I am going to miss a fixed front sight or instead of just get either a DD detacheable or get a flip up?
Thanks again, this forum has been a great research.
fixed sights are more durable as compared to flips, but the flip sights (to me) are meant for backup to your primary optics. But thats not to say flips are flimsy. If I was irons only I would use fixed sights. Longer rail is good if you have longer arms and need to hold it further up. The 12" FSP is only for the carbine version which has railing in front of the sight. There is one for the middy (DD Lite 12.0 FPSM) but it doesnt have rails forward the front sight.
I use flip sights so I have a clutter free reticle. Its personal preference. V5 sounds more for your preferences
For what you say you are looking for I’d go with the V5 and put either Troy or Magpul Flip sights or DD fixed sights, depending on your needs, preferences, and budget.
If you are running a T1, then your rifle is an entry gun. On an entry gun I would prefer durability, so the v3 for me. But if this gun is just a toy, get the one you like better.
Like you I hate cowitness. So put your aimpoint on a Larue high mount and the front sight will be lower.
I’d go with the V5. If you go to a class and end up deciding you want a fixed front sight, you can always install a rail-mounted fixed sight for not very much money.
I decided to pull the trigger on a V5. Like already mentioned for a class and most likely HD I will put a fixed front sight on (DD’s) but for 3-gun and if I ever decide to put a 1-4 sight on then I will get a flip-up (Troy, GG&G etc.)
Thanks again, and I will be sure to post pictures when it comes in!
OP, have you found a dealer stocking any of the latest DD offerings? I’m in the market right now for one of the DD LW carbines (leaning towards the V3) and haven’t been able to find any online.
Clyde Armory has them, but when I placed my order this morning they were in stock. As soon as I placed the order I sent my FFL and now I just got an email saying they are back ordered. Their website is only NOW showing this.
They have the DDV3(LW) “in stock” but I wouldn’t hold my breathe. It may be better of you to call instead of being commited to the order like I am now.
After weeks of reading up and finally pulling the trigger I now have even longer to wait. Oh well, my M14 builds took over 1 year to complete.
I just bought a DD V5 myself, where did you find a picture of the gun?? I have been looking all over for a pic and could not find one. I think the V5 is the way to go, I’m 6’6’’ and having the extra rail space is a must for me. Congrats on the purchase let me know what you think of it
Why does a T1 make the rifle an Entry gun? They work just as well as an M3 or C3 or EOTech out to 200yds or so.
Anyway, to the OP I think given your list of requirements, most particularly your desire to mount a white light in front of the front sight at 12 O’clock, I think you made the right decision.
Do what ever you like and will work best for you. You can always modify your gun in the future. If you have the chance, I would recommend trying out both platforms and then going from there. I personally like the fixed front sight (just one less thing I have to worry about failing). If you don’t like co-witnessing then go with the V5. Both rifles are great choices. Good luck.
