Does Daniel Defense make their own lower receiver, or purchace from someone else? Same question, I guess, for the upper. Thanks, Al

Oh, also, is Daniels Defense a rifle that is enough better than the S&W M&P15T to spend an extra $400 to $500?

I'm not sure where they get their forgings but they finish/machine them in house.

DD rails are one of the lightest and strongest out there. Their barrels are cold hammer forged and they have good QC. Are they worth $400 more??? I can't answer that.

I have the M4V7 upper, pencil barrel chrome lined said to be "better than milspec". It was worth the difference to me to get a rifle (LMT lower), that is Milspec. It shoots well, not quite got all the issues ironed out but I am getting 1.5 inches with factory fusions for 5 shots at 100, I think I can do better when I replace the trigger.

The S&W is probably the best of the cheaper AR pattern rifles. But I do think that something like a DD, Noveske, or BCM is worth the extra money if you're willing to spend it. If you're looking for something that is dead nuts reliable, mil-spec, and geared for and can take hard use. Then that's what you want.

If you want something that is still good quality but will be shot a few hundred rounds, every few months at the range. Then the S&W is a great choice.

The S&W is better overall than say a Bushmaster, DPMS, STAG, etc.

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DD does also make their own lowers, not sure on uppers. As well as some if not all small parts and barrels. DD is one of the best out there.

Edit. Here's an article. They do indeed make their own uppers and lowers.

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/guns-and-weapons/daniel-defense-m4-xv-ez-556mm/

Yes. No question. However, you can get a BCM a little cheaper and they are every bit as good as DD. My opinion.

Smith is a pretty good company these days, I would not be afraid to own one of their rifles.

I just bought their Fixed sights for mine the other day and they are just what I wanted, No carry handle, and a gas block.. Love them. Very good quality sights.

DD is one of the best , but Stag is my first choice

Why so?

I saved my nickles and bought a Noveske, make that two Noveskes.

Stag? Why so? kwg

I bought a DD M4V7 A few months ago and am more than pleased. I gave $1300 for it which isn't much more than others lesser so outfitted.

the prices are headed north it seems, I looked at a DD with a full rail and a standard FS yesterday $1440.00.

Here's mine.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=314296106