Well, you will save some money, true. There are a cople of reasons for the Vortex and GLFS combination, but principally the advantage to this design is as you cited: the ability to readily mount a sound suppressor on the M14 weapon. Now as for procuring the M14DC sound suppressor, you actually can do just that. However, suppressors for the civilian market and individual LE sales are marked Fisher Enterprises, Inc. not Smith Enterprise, Inc. Other than that, there is no difference in the unit. If you ever do want the suppressor, the company can put you in touch with Dave Fisher. Of course, by staying with the original M14 Vortex design, you will have a slightly longer sight radius -- if that matters. On a patrol rifle I think the longer sight radius advantage if any, is moot.