First off, I posted this exact question on another popular AR forum. I just wanted to get the opinions of people here as well. Both of these websites have been a treasure trove of information in my hunt so I appreciate all the input.
So yeah, I have done A LOT of searching on these forums and google in general. All in all I am just looking for a rifle that I can practice with and be general purpose for years to come. I have no real interest in buying multiple ARs, more or less looking for an end all be all type thing. Which is why I do not mind actually putting a good bit of money behind it. With that in mind, I have narrowed it down between two different ones.
The Daniel Defense M4, and the KAC SR-15 E3.
To start off, I have read extensively about both of these rifles. I fully recognize that the SR-15 is to my guess, the majorities opinion of the better rifle by far. Everything I have read of it is nothing but extremely positive. The same thing I can honestly say for the DDM4 however. Virtually every thread and post I find is nothing but singing its praise. On a funny note, I tried very hard to threads already asking this question, comparing the two, I came up with next to nothing.
My main question is this, in the longrun would the extra cost I put with the SR-15 benefit me as opposed to going with the DDM4? The SR-15 is within my budget, on some places online it looks like it can be had within the 1800-1900ish range. Going with the DDM4 would give me a lot of breathing room to spend on ammunition and accessories though. It is a bit of a tough call, and one that I am struggling with greatly. Mostly just been mulling around looking between the two and checking prices. It is also worth mentioning that I have held both of them in person and pretty much love them both equally, go figure. I have no doubt that either one would serve me incredibly well. Guess I am just looking for more seasoned shooters opinions as to if dropping the extra dough on the SR-15 would be a better investment down the road?
I’ll second markm’s opinion of having a fixed front sight base.
Both carbines are excellent weapons, as you probably know from your research.
That said, I would likely purchase the DDM4 as my first carbine. I’d much rather have extra money left in the budget for an Aimpoint, good sling, mags and ammo.
In reading your post, I see you made mention of wanting a GP rifle. You did not specify if match accuracy was desired and I also noted that choosing the lower priced model would leave extra money for ammo and accessories. Well since you like both it would seem that the Daniel Defense would be the better choice.
I have handled and fired several DD rifles and been impressed by their quality. Another plus is there are many variations to choose from as well.
My experience with the KAC is minimal. I would say that anything that uses proprietary parts doesn’t appeal to me. But I am sure some of the other members can offer more of its benefits and strengths to consider.
I just looked at the DD M4 LW model three weeks ago and really liked it. Plan on picking one up next year for the same purpose: general purpose and classes.
My choice for a “all around single carbine” would be DDM4v3 with the mid length gas, DD fixed rear sight, and Aimpoint T1 or M4 in a Larue or equivalent mount.
Let me ask this then. Anyone have any supporting factual data on this?
The reason I ask is, because this is news to me, and I’ve been using Ar type systems in a professional capacity for years. Not trying to be a smart ass.
Not sure what you’re asking… About the Forged FSB??
I only gave my opinion on what was acceptable to me. The Sight Base is a stronger part. And the taper pins are supposed to pull the base tightly against the gas port. Something a straight pin or set screw won’t do.
This is sorta what I assumed the response would be. The SR-15 being the better built rifle overall, but the DD M4 still filling the niche quite nicely. It just struck me as slightly humorous. The SR-15 is much more expensive and still having nothing but praise thrown at it. The DDM4 seems to have just as much praise at it though and at a much cheaper price.
I am hard pressed to find many threads or post that has negative things to say about the DDM4.
I have an SR-15 and my buddy has three. My home defense “go to” rifle has a Bravo Company 14.5" mid-gas upper with fixed front sight and DD fixed rear sight, a Colt BCG and DD Lite rail. Here’s why:
I want a pinned fixed front sight on a general purpose AR, along with a fixed rear sight combined with an Aimpoint. My friend has noticed the “pop-up” front sight on his KAC has a little play when up and does not give a repeatable zero. I have not noticed, but I have not used the KAC irons extensively. If I were to go with folding sights, I’d get Troy. I have them on another upper and they are very solid.
I want a mid-gas system because the recoil impulse is more easily managed with a standard A2 flash hider. I want an A2 flash hider on my HD gun. (My KAC has a BattleComp which is great, but does have some additional concussion.) BCM and KAC both shoot comparably.
The KAC is an excellent shooting weapon. However, I have experienced some gun-related failures. My friend has shot over 15,000 rounds through his primary with few problems. However, he did have some issues with another KAC. My BCM upper shoots every bit as nice as the KAC, and I’ve had zero problems with it. I used it for a carbine class last weekend - it functioned flawlessly and is very accurate. I have two Colts and have never had any failures with them. While I love shooting the KAC, I do not have the same confidence in its reliability as with my other guns. I’ve never yet read negative reports about BCM.
KAC uses a proprietary bolt; I’d rather have a standard bolt for my primary gun.
KAC uses an adjustable 2-stage trigger; I want a non-adjustable trigger in my primary weapon. I love the KAC trigger, but I have a GA SSF in my BCM for the stated reason.
I’m certainly not disparaging the KAC - I love mine. I just would not choose it as my primary or only AR for the reasons listed.
I have no experience with DD rifles. From my experience so far, I concur with many on this board that BCM makes an excellent rifle. If I were to choose one and only one AR, I would by a fixed front sight BCM or a Colt. I like mid-gas, so I’d get the BCM, since Colt doesn’t make one.
What are you basing this comment on, that a fixed FSB is a better all around combat system. Or to put it differently, that a rail system mounted front sight is not an acceptable all purpose combat system.
Do you have any reference on that or is it opinion?
No… That’s my opinion based on reading about it and trying other shooters’ sight systems. I have the DD fixed rail mounted front sight on one gun… and it’s good. But it’s nowhere near the real, steel FSB.
I’m not citing a rule from somewhere… I just googled the SR15 e3, when I first read this thread. And the first thing I noticed was the gas block.
I’m sure it’s a fine gun. But I like to have a fixed FSB on any serious use gun.
The overall ruggedness/reliability of a FSB has been covered many times basically with the consensus of durability being superior than a sight mounted onto a free float rail. It seems like your looking for specific reasons, I use a flip up front sight mounted on a FFR but I agree with Markm.
I don’t think its so much opinion but fact that the flex of the rail, the tightening screw of the sight to the rail, other additional parts of an alternative sight, the mount of the rail itself(rotation and such) all lend themselves to more variables that can lead to something going wrong. Unless you go with a monolithic rail like a LMT MRP then the above is basically cut in half because the rail issues are eliminated.
I agree that If your going to have ONE rifle a FSB. Your not losing anything because you can still mount a free float rail+the drop in kind and still get an extended rail like the Daniel defense varieties.
To the OP, if your only intend to buy one AR and do all you can with it… Id go with something like the Daniel Defense only it’ll be a lot easier changing the configuration out later than on the KAC. Just the wrench to remove the rail costs something like $250. For me that’s a deal breaker. Unless you have a back up to propriety parts id hold off on that.
Those are good points too. The KAC strikes me as a nice luxury gun. But from a practical standpoint, the DD is more on the beaten path… part, tools, etc.
About the Forged FSB??