DPMS builds them without those features mentioned to save on manufacturing costs and of course pass on some savings to the shooter. In reality "us civilans" indeed do not "need" a dust cover nor a brass deflector however I think an AR just looks wrong without them. The Rifleman did a report on this model last month I believe and was favorably impressed with performance, their accuracy was in my opinion rather lackluster with the best average group hovering around an inch. My 20" standard model will do that with open sights! It uses a cast lower and I think the upper is cast too, I think this hardly makes a difference but you might think differently. My DPMS rifle is a quality product and I have no doubt that this would be also. It looks like lots of bang for the buck but your local retailer has it priced right at retail, with some scrounging you might be able to find it at a better price. Try this place its where I got mine and they are very nice people to work with. www.k2-sports.com/877-852-7767 (toll free)