I am upgrading from my “starter” M&P 15 Sport to a better AR.
I have determined I want a mid-length gas system, no fixed front sight post, and an extended handguard (and probably a lightweight barrel). I will be adding a Eotech sight.
Intended use is carbine matches and 3-gun matches. Monthly round count including range time is 400-600.
I have decided on Daniel Defense and have it narrowed down to 2 different uppers:
V5 that has the Omega X Rail 12.0
or
V7 which has a Modular Float Rail 12.0
I am not planning on hanging much equipment on it so the full rail won’t be fully utilized (although it looks great). I want the extended length handguard so I can use a forward hand placement.
What are the pluses and minuses of the rail vs the smooth tube handguard?
Anything else I should keep in mind? Thanks for the help.
I suspect you’ve already made up your mind because you’ve answered your own question in the OP.
Unless I’m mistaken DD is way behind on production due to increased demand. You might want to keep in mind that the one you can get the quickest could be your best bet.
Of the two, I’d choose the V7. Most 3 gunners run a tube style handguard on their AR’s, It keeps the weight down and away from the muzzle. This makes the rifle faster at sweeping from target to target. I see tons of people running the JP Enterprises tube on their match guns so you may want to look into that.
Another thing to consider would be a 1-4x optic. You’d want to get a true 1x so you can shoot with both eyes open at closer targets (like you would with a Aimpoint or Eotech.)
My 3 gun gaming experience is limited, but I’d agree on the V7 as well. And it’s available in their light bbl profile as too.
I just picked up a V-4 with the std bbl profile a few days ago.
I’ve owned 3 or 4 Colts over the years. Still have a Colt, a pair of Spikes lowers, an LWRC M6A2, have a spare LWRC upper, a few other quality uppers. Been around the SIG 556, M1A’s and have owned a few old HK 91’s and 93’s too. Wanted to post all that so You know this isn’t my first rodeo.
The DD V4 has really impressed me. It’s well balanced, fit and finish is what you’d expect , and it’s ACCURATE. Overall a very nice package out of the box. My only bitch would be the trigger. Easy to fix…Geissele SSA-E on the way.
I’d say you are on the right track with DD.
FN in MT
That they are. You’ll be lucky to see one from DD before 2013. You are going to have to order one from another vendor. I had a bad case of cantwaitidis and settled for a V7 standard barrel because I couldn’t find a LW barrel. I couldn’t be happier. It’s an excellent, accurate, carbine. My trigger has been rapidly improving over time and round count. If you have a dealer with both the V5 and V7 in stock to choose from I envy you.
I didn’t have a need for rail space, so I went with the V7. It’s slim and easy to handle.
Thanks FN and 8ball. The tube-style handguard is probably best for my use and the way I will go.
I don’t know if a full, 180 degree rail is useable for a hand-hold under repeated use.
But like Doc Glock said, finding one is like getting a winning lottery ticket lately.
LOL these post are murder get the one you like and live your life free from the opnions of others good God man.:nono:
There’s a local shop here with around half a dozen M4V5s showing as in stock, both regular and lightweight barrel profiles. They have an online storefront. Can PM me if you want the URL.
yes, please PM me the contact info. Thanks !
OH! DD having problems fullfilling orders? You don’t say? You are definately on the right track with your choices. I went with a V3 but if I had to do it all over again, I would go with a V5, I have found that having fold down BUIS gives more options for RDS, ACOG, etc…
First off you are on the right track DD is top notch great gear, I love my m4v3. Im not an expert by any means however I think there is a new trend in the AR industry and that is a lot of round free float rails like on the v7. If I could do it all over again I would buy the v7. I love the fact of being able to add rail pieces only where you gear goes, and have the round section that just feels great in the hands everywhere else.
Dd was my first ar and I love it I basically have the same setup as you are asking about I went with the 12 inch rail because I plan to beat the hell out of it. Extra length helps protect the barrel and gives better accuracy with irons
I’m closing this one. Why is that? Simply because only you will know what makes you happy. There are numerous threads here that ask many of the similar questions. Take a look.