First AR Purchase: Weighing DD v. LMT

[wwwprof]

I am going to purchase up my first AR (as soon as I sell my HK P2000 in the Trading Post forum). I plan on using it for HD and range shooting. Right now I don't plan on trying to be competitive, but maybe trying something like 3 Gun down the road, although I'm pretty sure I would pick up something different for that.

For what I want to spend, I have narrowed my choice down to a Daniel Defense DDM4v1 and LMT CQB16. I realize that both are well respected and that I would not go wrong with either. However, the LMT would cost me about $200 more and I'm trying to determine if it is worth it for me. I do not plan on changing barrels anytime soon but I like the idea that the sights on the LMT collapse. I foresee putting an optic on the gun in the not too distant future. I know the rail on the LMT is machined from one piece but I don't think it has that much over the DD Omega.

To this point I have been pretty much a pistol shooter with some shotgun and have little experience with ARs. Are there any other comparison points I should be considering? Any of you that have owned/shot both that could offer any insight? Thanks in advance.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I assume you're talking about LMT's MRP CQB? The MRP part is the "monolithic rail platform" and LMT also makes other 16" carbine models that are more conventional.

The sights on the LMT are detachable but do not fold (unlike many BUIS). I really wish LMT would have used folding sights, but they didn't. By removing the sights it is a great optics platform, but if you want to have an optic and BUIS you may be buying different sights (only way not to is by using an RDS with a constant absolute cowitness).

They are very comparable in quality. The MRP and the changeable barrel is a plus, but not essential. DD's rails are very high quality but the MRP monolithic setup is practically in a different class.

For your stated purposes, both models would be fine, but I think an even better choice would be the Daniel Defense M4v5. The DD website is down at the moment but a link to another site is below. You would then add whatever sights or optic you want - hint, buy holding BUIS if you also intend to use an optic! This would be a little more cost-effective and get you right to a perfect setup for your description of uses and plans.

http://www.riflegear.com/p-874-daniel-defense-m4v5-midlength-rifle.aspx

Those two brands are actually my highest recommendations for factory rifles. BCM is entirely comparable, and a Colt 6920 or 6940 would be a good option also, but you would not go wrong with either DD or LMT.