Which M4?

I got approval from the boss lady to purchase a new firearm when the income tax return comes in. I decided am going to add an M4 to my gun safe. I know some are better than others, so could some of you guys who are 'in the know' give some advice as to which ones are better for the money and especially which ones to stay away from. Thanks in advance.

Be safe,
Randy

[Peregrino]

If you are sticking with a carbine, get anything with a 9" gas system and a 16" 1/9 stainless or chrome lined barrel. (Don't get stuck on having one "just like the one I've got at work". You won't be using your personal rifle the same way, with unlimited military ammo, and sexy accessories that need 14.5 barrels w/grenade launcher cuts, finicky gas systems, etc.) You should be able to get a decent one with minimal upgrades from Delton, RR, DPMS, etc. for something less than $800.00. Any of the reputable "assemblers" (although more are getting into the game, very few people actually manufacture every component) will give you a quality rifle that'll do anything you need short of defending the Alamo from the zombies. Read all marketing claims with scepticism, they're all fighting over percentage points. MILSPEC is a real spec; however, it's not a guarantee of quality. Not all parts need to be MILSPEC, not everything marked MILSPEC is, and a lot of quality manufacturers don't bother. Quad rail handguards, fancy stocks, match triggers, wazoo iron sights, etc. are all things you can buy/scrounge later.

(The question you really asked - DelTon. Call and talk to them. They'll build anything you want at a reasonable price. Next would be RR or DPMS. If I won the lottery I'd check out LMT or one of the other top end guns. I've had bad experiences with BM and nobody else has differentiated themselves enough to catch my interest. Good luck; everybody is getting on the bandwagon, just like they've done with 1911s. Price and/or accessories (bells & whistles) are not guaranteed indicators of quality.)

I appreciate the feedback. I will look into Delton first. I should have added that I'm not planning to shoot a lot with it, just occasionally and just in case SHTF I want something that I am intimately familiar with. I don't want bells & whistles at all. I'll put a Surefire with a thumb switch on it and that's it.

I know what you mean about the 1911s. I got so frustrated with mixed reviews I finally said screw it and bought a Colt. I may do the same with this as well eventually.

Thanks again & be safe

[Costa]

I like Spikes Tactical in Apopka, Fl.

I'm not a weapons expert by any means, but I've seen a few others on the board here give spikes their approval in terms of product quality.

I can however vouch for the experience in dealing with them. Great professional people that were very receptive to my questions and very hospitable. Ask for A.J. if you give them a call.

I got their standard M4 with the 14.5" 1:7.

Great tee-shirts too.

[ChickenMcFuggit]

Poking my nose in. Qualified with the Law Enforcement model last year and my brother sent me this. Thought you might find it funny.

Originally Posted by Peregrino

If you are sticking with a carbine, get anything with a 9" gas system and a 16" 1/9 stainless or chrome lined barrel. (Don't get stuck on having one "just like the one I've got at work". You won't be using your personal rifle the same way, with unlimited military ammo, and sexy accessories that need 14.5 barrels w/grenade launcher cuts, finicky gas systems, etc.) You should be able to get a decent one with minimal upgrades from Delton, RR, DPMS, etc. for something less than $800.00. Any of the reputable "assemblers" (although more are getting into the game, very few people actually manufacture every component) will give you a quality rifle that'll do anything you need short of defending the Alamo from the zombies. Read all marketing claims with scepticism, they're all fighting over percentage points. MILSPEC is a real spec; however, it's not a guarantee of quality. Not all parts need to be MILSPEC, not everything marked MILSPEC is, and a lot of quality manufacturers don't bother. Quad rail handguards, fancy stocks, match triggers, wazoo iron sights, etc. are all things you can buy/scrounge later.

(The question you really asked - DelTon. Call and talk to them. They'll build anything you want at a reasonable price. Next would be RR or DPMS. If I won the lottery I'd check out LMT or one of the other top end guns. I've had bad experiences with BM and nobody else has differentiated themselves enough to catch my interest. Good luck; everybody is getting on the bandwagon, just like they've done with 1911s. Price and/or accessories (bells & whistles) are not guaranteed indicators of quality.)

I agree 100% with Peregrino -

My take is, you'll goal is in obtaining a well built functional and dependable lower receiver, keep as long of a barrel as allowed. The rest is symantics, the study of logic: the study of ways of interpreting and analyzing theories of logic.

You're not purchasing a .223 pistol.

I know of better weapons for close quarters combat.

But that's just me.

WD

p.s., Ask your wife if you could purchase an off the shelf, standard M14, .308 instead.

[mojaveman]

Del Ton has a good reputation and some of the best prices for AR kits.

I will look into Spikes also, thanks.

I saw the kits on DelTon, but I'm not an 18B. I've seen lowers apart, but even though I am mechanically inclined, even if I DID know how to assemble one it is unlikely I could place those little pieces in there with any success. I like the idea of a kit rifle to build myself, but for now I just want one I can purchase, clean, zero, clean, then hang for rainy days.

As for there being better CQB weapons, I'm sure there are, but my home is covered already just fine. I know the M4 inside & out, blindfolded, you know the deal... I wish I had the time to dedicate to learning a new weapon, but I don't, so I'm planning to stick to what I already know.

Good point with the "pistol" comment. I'm initially inclined to go with the 20" barrel, but I do not have a solid reason for that decision. It is really somewhat immaterial in my case, as I'm not planning to shoot it a whole lot or use it inside my home (hopefully). I have pistols and shotguns that will do just fine in case I need to shoot someone inside my house.

I just want a plain old standard M4 in 5.56 with iron sites, fixed carrying handle... something I do not have to put any thought into whatsoever in case the time ever comes to 'switch on.'

Thanks again for the info...can't wait to get my taxes filed!!!

[C0B2A]

If you are looking for real quality I would stay away from DPMS, bushmaster, darkstar and the super production companys. Noveske makes some of the best AR platforms around, and you can't really go wrong with Colt. If you wanted to take the leap into gas tap-it, LWRC, POF, or KAC are the way to go. Granted you are going to pay for the the quality, especially right now during these times. Just something to look into. I picked up a LWRC about 6 months ago, fantastic rifle.

Here is a information sheet that is an on-going calibration from the members over at m4carbine.net
Comparison Chart of Major AR Brands

[steelcobra]

Plus with an AR, you only have to buy a new upper to play around with different calibers.

Like this guy: http://www.militarygunsupply.com/sho...roducts_id=338

A 5.7mm upper that feeds from standard P90 mags and ejects down through the mag well.

Originally Posted by C0B2A

If you are looking for real quality I would stay away from DPMS, bushmaster, darkstar and the super production companys. Noveske makes some of the best AR platforms around, and you can't really go wrong with Colt. If you wanted to take the leap into gas tap-it, LWRC, POF, or KAC are the way to go. Granted you are going to pay for the the quality, especially right now during these times. Just something to look into. I picked up a LWRC about 6 months ago, fantastic rifle.

Here is a information sheet that is an on-going calibration from the members over at m4carbine.com
Comparison Chart of Major AR Brands

I'll check out LWRC too thanks. The link has a ton of info. Awesome compilation of data, but...way too much...enough to make me go buy a Colt!

[Peregrino]

Originally Posted by rltipton

I'll check out LWRC too thanks. The link has a ton of info. Awesome compilation of data, but...way too much...enough to make me go buy a Colt!

DO NOT GET A FIXED CARRYING HANDLE UPPER! (Yes, I shouted. Wanted to make sure I had your attention.) It'll restrict your ability to accessorize whenever you finally decide to upgrade (and you will, trust me on this; optics are worth the money, especially as your eyes age). If you feel the need to have a carrying handle, get the removable one. The price difference is a few percentage points of the total cost, not worth worrying about. I'm not a fan of Colt for various reasons mainly attitude. (I've owned three over the years and never thought they were worth the extra money for their name or the PC mods they installed. Still annoyed about their large pin lowers and the reciever block/butchered bolt carrier.) YMMV

[Kailua]

I have a Colt 6920 and have had zero issues. I carry it everyday on patrol and shoot at least once every few months. If you want something basic to start with its a good choice IMO. I didn't get caught up on the "politics" of it, just that its a solid brand.
On a side note our department bought a bunch of Rock Rivers and they have had no issues either.
I use my Colt as a personal choice; not that the RR isn't going to go bang when you pull the trigger.

[koz]

I would recommend Bravo Co Machine . And according to that chart they have all the same features but the BCM is $200 cheaper.

They're good people and they make a really good product.

I've got a Colt as well and it never leaves the safe due to the different pin sizes and incompatibility with other lowers, triggers, etc... It's a good gun but there are others out there that are just as good (if not better) and cost quite a bit less.

I'll also second what Peregrino that you don't want a fixed carry handle unless you're building a retro version.

[Paslode]

I have a LMT MRP, it is a great rifle but for my plinking I would have been just as happy and $500 richer with something less pricey. Unless it has changed, the downside as I see it with the LMT MRP's is the limitation on barrels you have to choose from and it weighs a bit more than a standard AR.