As I understand it, that's basically the difference between an M4 and an M4A1. So if it's an M4A1, it should have a heavy profile under the HG.

...however, all "current production" M4s are to have the heavy (A1) barrel so the only difference becomes the FCG.

No, since the FCG groups are still going to be different (BURST & AUTO).

They were heavily camo'd so markings were hard to see but the Rangers present referred to them as DD uppers. I will ask next time I get a chance.

I would. A new supplier for Ranger Regiment weapon components would be something worth noting.

It's possible.

On the other hand - I doubt they're going around calling them "Block 2s" or "SOPMOD" or "RIS II" M4s, either. They'd need to call them something.

"Daniel Defense upper" sounds like what someone might call an upper with a DD M4A1 RIS II to distinguish it from the KAC RAS equipped upper. Most of these guys are not as big gun freaks about the minutiea as we are, but some know enough to know that the new uppers have DD rails as the most distinctive feature. They could still be Colt M4A1 uppers and barrels. The easiest way to tell would be the upper forge marks on the right side near the charging handle.

The barrel profile is interesting, too, though. It would be great if you could verify both for us, C_J. It would be an unusual thing to hear of an M4A1 with a non-HB barrel, even the support and supply guys I've seen have been using RO921HB barrels.

~Augee

I am definitely out of my lane when talking about government small arms procurement, however I could see a sole-source award as a contract modification to an existing ID/IQ if the need arose. For instance, 75th is deploying and needs some complete uppers on the quick and DD has an existing contract and can supply the product. Something like this may not show up on fedbizops? Again, this is pure speculation and probably has no basis in reality.

Cheers

To be expected from a CHF barrel.

Cheers

Never said it was impossible, just that I'd be surprised to hear it.

It could be possible and unusual all at the same time. Haven't gotten a chance to dig into it yet, but I suspect my initial suspicion will be true - that it's just a convenient way to refer to them. Understand, non-gun folks in some circles still call every single Aimpoint they see the "CompM." You'll hear about "AA CompMs," the "mini CompMs," ect. Oh, and to some guys, every MRD is a "JPoint," whether it's made by Docter, Trijicon, or Insight.

Again, not making a categorical statement, just saying I'd be surprised, just because it's unusual.

What doesn't surprise me is that a FF barrel is more accurate than a non-FF barrel. Particularly after you start hanging lights and lasers off of them. With so little of the barrel exposed with the RIS II, you have very little area for outside forces to influence the POI, whether it's sling tension, a VFG, or a hasty support.

~Augee

The prices listed in the above link are dealer prices.

My understanding is that Colt supplies uppers (barrel, receiver, BCG, CH) and they are shipped to DD for assembly with the current Gen rail system and whatnot. DD then ships the final assembled product to DOD.

I saw a copy of the purchase info on FedBiz a year or two ago.

Mine too. I was actually planning on mounting my 203 to it, took the hand guards off, and was like WTF??
Kinda disappointed.

Ugh, I hate those forends with the FSB sticking up through like that.

Shave the damn thing off & do it right, Colt......and start making some middies.