How do Daniel Defense/Noveske mid-length rifles/uppers compare to BCM?

Hi all,

I am researching my first AR purchase, and have narrowed the choices down to BCM, DD, or Noveske. It will also be a 16" mid-length. I’ve heard nothing but praise on M4C for the strengths of the BCM mid-length rifles and uppers… reliable, smooth-shooting, proven at high-round count training classes, etc.

But I’m seeing some VERY good deals out there these days on complete DD mid-length rifles, that come with CFH barrels, sights, rails and accessories for basically pennies more than a basic BCM complete rifle with standard barrel.

I know Noveske is a bit more expensive, but their complete rifles also come with sights, upgraded stocks, etc… plus machine gun steel CFH barrels.

I’m really looking for feedback on the quality and reputation of Daniel Defense and Noveske mid-length uppers. Do they have the same reliability and quality construction that a fighting rifle needs? Can someone compare and contrast the pros/cons of each manufacturer’s mid-length offerings?

Thanks for your time and knowledge.

Chris

you can’t go wrong with either. seriously. all things equal and one gives you rail and one doesn’t and the money is good, go for it.

DD= Good to go
BCM= Good to go
Noveske= Good to go

Now decide which best fits your specific needs, buy it and shoot the shit out of it.

I have a Noveske mid length rifle and I havent had a malfunction yet. Its also really accurate as well. Like others have said you really cant go wrong with any of them.

You never said what your setup for the AR is: defense, varmint, competitive shooting, etc that can change the advice you are going to receive.

Myself I fit in the defense category and like Magpul Dynamic’s mentality with their weapon set ups. Therefore my advice is based off of my training with them. I took the Carbine 1+2 course in Sept and after attending the class I ordered a new upper. So my advice comes from my conversions with Chris Costa. Not that I speak for him in any way but this is what seemed right for ME after my training.

My issue was I have a 16" Larue Stealth and I found it too heavy with the long rail I had on it. After 3 days of shooting I wanted a lightweight and versatile upper. I asked specifically about Noveske vs. BCM as they both have lightweight barrels. Without trashing Noveske from 2nd hand advice let me just say that there was no doubt in the advice I received to get the BCM. Specifically this model: LW 16" Middy
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-LIGHT-WEIGHT-Upper-Receiver-p/bcm-urg-mid-16lw.htm

Having said that I think you will be very happy with all 3 manufacturers, but an option most people don’t consider is getting the lightweight barrel vs. a standard barrel. Unless you fit into the competitive shooting category you aren’t going to notice any real difference in accuracy so why have the extra weight of a regular barrel?

This will be for a self-defense fighting rifle.

I went with BCM purely because I could choose the rail and config I wanted and the quality is very good. Like the others said, you can’t go wrong.

.

Each gun you have listed would be fine. I think everyone here will be pretty much in agreement.

I was in the same predicament earlier in the year and this is what I did…

  • Using the research you have done (seems like you have done a lot) to make a list of specific questions.
  • Add this question to your list, “Why should I buy your rifle over the other two”.
  • Now, call each manufacturer, and ask to speak to a sales rep. They have knowledgeable reps that you can talk with and ask specific questions.
  • Ask your questions.

Then, just go with the maker who had the best attitude, patience, and who answered your questions the best.

Simple…

If you don’t mind, let us know who you went with and why.

.

I was in the same magpul class in Sept and I ended up buying a midlength chf DD 14.5 upper, perming a 1.5 battle comp, and equipping it with moe mid length handguards - just to have a super light weight and durable AR.

Like everyone else said, you can’t go wrong with any of your choices… And you’ll probably end up with all three brands eventually…
:laugh:

Have you considered the Knight’s SR-15 E3? If not, then you should seriously consider it. It is hands down the smoothest and lightest 16" DI AR-15 carbine I have shot/owned and prices have come down considerably over the last few months. I recall seeing them for ~ $1,850.00 recently and you would be hard pressed to build a better rifle. Add a T-1 optic and SF 300 Scout light and you’re good to go.

Cheers

Thanks for the feedback so far, guys. Please keep it coming.

No, I’ve not considered the Knight’s SR-15 E3 yet. But it’s a bit more than I wanted to spend, really.

Speaking about mid-length ARs… does any company “do them better”? Is there a clear leader in mid-length development and reliability?

Thanks.

Added by Iraqgunz- Pretty much everything you said here is wrong and has been corrected. DD does in fact HP/MPI test their barrels and bolts. Noveske does not make “gimmicky” stuff.

I’m curious as to why you think Noveske has gimmick barrels…

All are GTG. Right now smartgunner.com is running a great sale on DD uppers with any combination of barrel/rail you want for $525. Add a bolt carrier group for $124. They also have DD lowers too at good prices. These prices will be available thru the end of the year.

DD HPT’s Barrels and Bolts. They follow the same quality control guidelines (As in they do the job correct, not exact guidelines persay) FYI. They go the extra mile and then they go a bit further by manufacturing every single part in house. Get your facts straight before posting bogus info. BCM is great, but lets not make false claims about other manufacturers to sing their praises.:big_boss:

This is what I am doing. Going to go with the Mid-Length. Extra $25.00.

+1

I would like to hear an answer to that…

I find that very difficult to believe. Could you cite this?

And to add, even if they did make everything in house, it doesn’t mean much. A superior component doesn’t care where it’s made.

I would skip Noveske if they don’t specifically offer anything you want or need. They tend to be a fair bit pricier than DD or BCM and if you’re not getting something you specifically want from those few extra $100s, then why not spend that money on training and ammo?

Signed,
A supremely happy Noveske customer.

There was a Monster thread either on here or on TOS a while back about this. Some people toured DD and saw most of the stuff being made. DD is top notch. Then again so is BCM and Noveske.

I also am curious as to my .45 thinks Noveske are Gimmicky