The 1:7 twist ratio is also nice, although I’m not convinced that it’s necessary. But, having it means that if I want to fire an 80 grain bullet with any accuracy, I can.

The sights are simple and one can easily and quickly sight a target and shoot. The weighting of the weapon is excellent and it sits well (comfortable) in your hands (better than almost every other gun I looked at in any case in my opinion).

Having multiple positions available for the adjustable butt stock is nice. One thing here that would be nice would be to have a metal stock although I was unable to find a metal stock on any gun that was under several thousand dollars.

Again, in my opinion, the next closest AR is the Smith and Wesson M&P15T. The S&W is also a very nice gun, but there are several things about it that I believe make the DD M4 the gun to get. The S&W has collapsible sights, where as the DD does not. I’m not sure what the benefit of collapsible sights other than storage or perhaps moving through rough country. I don’t plan on trekking through the jungle and I also don’t think I need to protect the sights. I’d rather have them set like they are on the DD.

Although the rail on the M&P15T is a lot longer than the rail on the M&P15X, it’s still shorter than the DD. Also, the S&W does not come with the forward vertical hand grip. Getting it adds a minimum of $100 to the price, making the total cost of the Smith and Wesson the same as the cost of the DDM4

Finally, I simply think the quality of the DD M4 is better than the S&W M&P15T. The DDM4 looks better and it feels better in my hands.

My guess is both guns fire close to identical (I have not fired the DDM4). But I suspect the DDM4 is more durable and thus will last longer.

Since the price of both guns (as I would equip them) is identical, the M4 is a no brainer for me.

Other guns I looked at include:

Colt AR15 LE – $1600, 20 round mag, shorter rail, weighting not as comfortable as the DD or the S&W. Pass

Bushmaster Modular Carbine AR15 – $1400, 1:9 twist, shorter rail, also the rail is slightly more limiting in what you can use with it. I liked this gun, but for $200 I can get the forward vertical hand grip, the longer rail, the more adjustable stock and the better weighting feel, all which come stock on the DDM4. If you don’t need the vertical grip nor do you care about the longer rail and you want to save $200 but still get a metal rail, then this is probably a good choice. For me, pass.

SIG 556 Classic Swat Diopter – $2,100 – This is an awesome gun! If you can easily spend the extra $500, then this gun is worth it. You get the 1:7 twist ratio, the 16″ barrel with Swiss style hinged stock that is collapsible. The diopter sights are also very cool. The gun “feels” super comfortable in your hands. It is weighted perfectly. The only other gun that is comparable, in my opinion, is the Daniel Defense M4 Carbine.

Unfortunately I can’t tell you what all of these guns are like to fire (other than the Smith and Wesson M&P15T) but after extensive conversation and research, I believe the Daniel Defense and the SIG to be the best performing guns. The Smith and Wesson M&P15T and the Bushmaster are also very nice guns. But, taking everything into consideration, I believe the gun to get is the Daniel Defense M4 Carbine.

In any case, these are all my opinions.

Jason, Phoenix, AZ

If it’s proprietary I will be heartbroken.

I prefer a low profile gas block with rife length rail on a 16 inch barrel then the extended forward front sight rail tho.

Haven’t heard any negatives about it so far.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2008/11/07/the-turkish-hk416-mehmetcik-1/#comment-8490.

Daniel Defense is actualy a really well known company. if you go with nice, high-end, “tactical” sling mounts and other mounts, you would most likely use Daniel Defense. they have traditionally stuck to these markets. I personally only owned a couple of sling mounts from them until a few weeks ago when i bought their lower as I stated up there. my primary AR is a s&w M&P15, and it hurts me to say but the DD lower is a fair bit better build quality than the M&P15

If it still shit’s were it eats I’ll pass.

Looks like a nice carbine. It is interesting what they have done with the forearm rail. It certainly makes for a different look for a gun with a carbine-length gas system. Makes me wonder why they didn’t just go for a midlength gas system, which I have always preferred for 16″ barrel AR’s, in terms of both functioning and aesthetics.

btw, does anyone know what type of muffs the guy is using? they look very low-profile for electronic hearing protection.

I wonder who their target consumer is with the upgraded iron sites as a “feature”. I know the first thing I do when I get a new gun is attach a EOTech or Trijicon, unless of course it’s an AK…

From their website it appears they have some well build products. And maybe introducing a rifle will bring their name forward. Because I am a geardo & gun nut but I have never heard of them. I will definitely look into ordering a few of their products to test them out.