I hate to beat this dead horse again as I know everyone and their grandma has asked at least one question regarding an AR build. I started an AR build back in September, and got the lower completely built. The lower is a DPMS, and I would have liked to get a DPMS upper, and might if it's a last resort, but I really do want to spend as little as possible. The specs I'm looking for is 16" bbl, M4 feed ramps, and either an M4 or Heavy profile barrel (no light weight profile barrels). So far the two best deals I've found are the DSA ZM4 Nitride ($275) or Parkerized ($265) finish upper sans bolt/ carrier assembly and charging handle, and a plethora of different 16" Del-Ton upper choices that include the Bolt/ carrier assembly and charging handle that range from the $395-415 range. I've been trying to find decent reviews on either and haven't had much luck. It'd be nice to get the whole package (Del-Ton) than have to pay extra for a bolt/ carrier assembly, but even if I do get the DSA, the prices should be about even. I was just wondering if anyone has any personal experience with either, and which route I should take. If worse comes to worse, I'll be able to spend about 500 bucks, but like I said, I'd like to keep total cost down. I'd also like to know that if I go the DSA route if the parkerized or nitride is better, and what the order-to-receiving time would be for either brand. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
DSA ZM4 Vs. Del-Ton 5.56 upper
- Thread starter Nick5182
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greyling22
Member
I was trying to decide between the 2 as well, and have decided to go with a spikes tactical instead. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=2&f=282&t=185557
complete upper for $475+about 16 in shipping, ships within a week as opposed to a month, lifetime warranty, great customer service (supposedly) and a host of rabid fans that seem to think spikes is WAY better than delton. dsa's the new kid on the block, not a whole lot about them yet, but what I have read seems positive.
I talked to dsa a few times, they claim to be much better quality than dpms(for what that's worth). nitride is a hardening method and is supposed to be much better. I read one forum where I guy took a file to the nitrided upper vs a regular upper and it held up much better. the pics I have seen of dsa stuff shows the anodizing the the upper receiver to be a dark glossy black. there are several threads about spikes and dsa over at ar15.com.
complete upper for $475+about 16 in shipping, ships within a week as opposed to a month, lifetime warranty, great customer service (supposedly) and a host of rabid fans that seem to think spikes is WAY better than delton. dsa's the new kid on the block, not a whole lot about them yet, but what I have read seems positive.
I talked to dsa a few times, they claim to be much better quality than dpms(for what that's worth). nitride is a hardening method and is supposed to be much better. I read one forum where I guy took a file to the nitrided upper vs a regular upper and it held up much better. the pics I have seen of dsa stuff shows the anodizing the the upper receiver to be a dark glossy black. there are several threads about spikes and dsa over at ar15.com.
amd6547
Member
I thought the DSA didn't have M4 feed ramps...Not a big deal to me, as neither of the AR uppers I currently have (USGI Colt M16A1 and Bushmaster A1/C7) feature M4 feedramps, and they have been 100%reliable.
The Nitrided DSA says it's got the M4 feed ramps, but the parkerized upper doesn't have a detailed description. I'd assume they'd be the same, but I can't be sure. I want to add that this is going to be a range/ fun-gun only, and if I were to get the DSA, if the parkerized would be the way to go. I'm just looking to complete my AR, and be able to shoot a few hundred rounds per session and have it work at least 98%.
Z-Michigan
Member
I own one of each (DSA ZM-4 and Del-Ton). Both are very good. However, I think the DSA is better, primarily because the nitride option is a really great feature and is priced spectacularly. Also, if you get the DSA you can install a top notch bolt group for $30 more than a cheapie group and have a really good overall upper setup.
Ultimately the Del-Ton would probably end up being cheaper for the entire rifle, but for slightly more money the DSA and some other choice parts (like a BCM carrier group) will give you much higher quality. Your pick.
Ultimately the Del-Ton would probably end up being cheaper for the entire rifle, but for slightly more money the DSA and some other choice parts (like a BCM carrier group) will give you much higher quality. Your pick.
Yeah, I think I'm going to go with the DSA and add a B/C assembly and charging handle. I'm going to find out what they have in stock and see what they'd be able to ship soon, so my guess is I'll just get the parkerized version.
Z-Michigan
Member
They shipped in less than 3 weeks when I ordered my midlength nitrided, and that was only a month or two ago.
IMHO, you really should pay the tiny bit extra and wait whatever you need to wait for the nitride treated barrel. It is a major upgrade for very little money.
IMHO, you really should pay the tiny bit extra and wait whatever you need to wait for the nitride treated barrel. It is a major upgrade for very little money.
ny32182
Member
My 16" M4 profile nitrided (ordered mid Feb) should be getting delivered soon I think. They just charged my card, anyway. I ordered it for a "beater" AR build, basically to make my spare parts pile functional.
I know waiting can suck, but it beats getting something that you don't really want... just keep that in mind. Personally I think the nitride option, for $10 no less, is worth waiting on.
Also, it never pays to go cheap on the BCG. Just about anything else can be scrimped on in a budget build. Not the BCG.
Mine wasn't "purpose built" to be as cheap as possible, but this is what it will get mated with:
-LMT complete lower; ~350 I think. Staked castle nut, milspec tube, stock, finish, etc.
-BCM BCG; $140
-PRI Gasbuster (just happen to have an extra) $90
-LMT carry handle; $100
For a total of right around a grand for everything. This is a relatively cheap rifle that will have everything that should be staked staked, and the small moving parts in the BCG built right, and the barrel should be decent quality too. You can beat this price if you get one of the really good lower deals out there right now, and a standard CH.
As far as DSA, they are new to the AR game, but I have two of their FALs and some other gear, and consider them to be a top tier outfit. Their uppers are not fully milspec, but considering the company rep, and price to features ratio of the upper, I think it will be an awesome deal at $288 delivered. I would trust this unit over the longer running lower tier AR makers like Delton, Model 1, etc.
I know waiting can suck, but it beats getting something that you don't really want... just keep that in mind. Personally I think the nitride option, for $10 no less, is worth waiting on.
Also, it never pays to go cheap on the BCG. Just about anything else can be scrimped on in a budget build. Not the BCG.
Mine wasn't "purpose built" to be as cheap as possible, but this is what it will get mated with:
-LMT complete lower; ~350 I think. Staked castle nut, milspec tube, stock, finish, etc.
-BCM BCG; $140
-PRI Gasbuster (just happen to have an extra) $90
-LMT carry handle; $100
For a total of right around a grand for everything. This is a relatively cheap rifle that will have everything that should be staked staked, and the small moving parts in the BCG built right, and the barrel should be decent quality too. You can beat this price if you get one of the really good lower deals out there right now, and a standard CH.
As far as DSA, they are new to the AR game, but I have two of their FALs and some other gear, and consider them to be a top tier outfit. Their uppers are not fully milspec, but considering the company rep, and price to features ratio of the upper, I think it will be an awesome deal at $288 delivered. I would trust this unit over the longer running lower tier AR makers like Delton, Model 1, etc.
ny32182
Member
I don't know anything about the DSA BCG, but an extra $30 for the peace of mind of a known quality milspec BCG (LMT or BCM are my choices) would be well worth it, in my opinion.
Z-Michigan
Member
This.
The DSA carrier is probably fine, but has not established any reputation. BCM has. (Also Daniel Defense, some others)
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