Gridley
Member
So, I’m looking to get a close-quarters rifle and would like some advice/suggestions.
I currently own a Colt Match Target (20” heavy barrel, fixed carry handle, classic hand guard, Burris AR-536 optic). She’s a lovely precise instrument and a lot of fun to shoot. I’m keeping her, but, let’s face it, she’s not ideal for CQ.
I’m looking at three options for rifles and a world of possibilities for optics.
The rifle will be chambered for 5.56NATO, have ambidextrous controls (I’m a lefty, my wife isn’t), a 16-16.5” barrel, a vertical fore grip, sling, mounted tac light, and flip-down BUIS. Some of that will be aftermarket add-ons. Max engagement range expected is 300 yards or so, point-blank work is possible.
Option 1: Tavor “X95” (XB16L)
https://iwi.us/product/tavor-x95-5-56-nato-w16-barrel-lh/
I’ll need to either find the LH version somewhere or send a RH to the manufacturer to get a new bolt (on the plus side, their website says if I do that they return the original bolt along with the rifle and it’s a fairly quick swap out).
Pro: short overall length, center of mass closer to body.
Con: despite ambi controls, can’t really be considered RH-friendly once converted.
Option 2: Lewis Machine and Tool LM8 with the BC upgraded to their Auto (L7Q3A) BC.
https://lmtdefense.com/firearms/lm8
Pro: I like the one-piece upper and the adjustable 3/6/9 o’clock rails. The QC barrel is also nice.
Con: MSRP about $550 more than Options 1 or 3
Option 3: Daniel Defense V5 Upper & LMT MARS-L lower.
https://danieldefense.com/upper-receiver-groups/mid-length-urg/daniel-defense-m4-urg-v5.html
https://lmtdefense.com/parts/m7lb2z
Pro: mid-length gas system
Con: mixed manufacturers (yes, I know this *shouldn’t* be a problem, but I deal with complex precision interfaces at work and I’ve seen problems all too often)
I’d be particularly interested in the experience of people who’ve mated a DD upper or LMT lower with parts from another manufacturer.
Optics:
I’m leaning towards getting a reflex sight for true CQ and also mounting an optic with some magnification for medium range. I’ve been satisfied with the Burris but I’m interested in trying something different. Note that since I’ll have the reflex sight the other optic need not go all the way down to 1x if it has variable magnification.
I’m figuring to pay somewhere from $700-$1,200 for the optics. (MSRP; obviously I like sale pricing)
Thanks!
I currently own a Colt Match Target (20” heavy barrel, fixed carry handle, classic hand guard, Burris AR-536 optic). She’s a lovely precise instrument and a lot of fun to shoot. I’m keeping her, but, let’s face it, she’s not ideal for CQ.
I’m looking at three options for rifles and a world of possibilities for optics.
The rifle will be chambered for 5.56NATO, have ambidextrous controls (I’m a lefty, my wife isn’t), a 16-16.5” barrel, a vertical fore grip, sling, mounted tac light, and flip-down BUIS. Some of that will be aftermarket add-ons. Max engagement range expected is 300 yards or so, point-blank work is possible.
Option 1: Tavor “X95” (XB16L)
https://iwi.us/product/tavor-x95-5-56-nato-w16-barrel-lh/
I’ll need to either find the LH version somewhere or send a RH to the manufacturer to get a new bolt (on the plus side, their website says if I do that they return the original bolt along with the rifle and it’s a fairly quick swap out).
Pro: short overall length, center of mass closer to body.
Con: despite ambi controls, can’t really be considered RH-friendly once converted.
Option 2: Lewis Machine and Tool LM8 with the BC upgraded to their Auto (L7Q3A) BC.
https://lmtdefense.com/firearms/lm8
Pro: I like the one-piece upper and the adjustable 3/6/9 o’clock rails. The QC barrel is also nice.
Con: MSRP about $550 more than Options 1 or 3
Option 3: Daniel Defense V5 Upper & LMT MARS-L lower.
https://danieldefense.com/upper-receiver-groups/mid-length-urg/daniel-defense-m4-urg-v5.html
https://lmtdefense.com/parts/m7lb2z
Pro: mid-length gas system
Con: mixed manufacturers (yes, I know this *shouldn’t* be a problem, but I deal with complex precision interfaces at work and I’ve seen problems all too often)
I’d be particularly interested in the experience of people who’ve mated a DD upper or LMT lower with parts from another manufacturer.
Optics:
I’m leaning towards getting a reflex sight for true CQ and also mounting an optic with some magnification for medium range. I’ve been satisfied with the Burris but I’m interested in trying something different. Note that since I’ll have the reflex sight the other optic need not go all the way down to 1x if it has variable magnification.
I’m figuring to pay somewhere from $700-$1,200 for the optics. (MSRP; obviously I like sale pricing)
Thanks!