Daniel Defense m4v1 or m4v1 lw?

[seeker120]

I ordered a Daniel Defense m4v1 from Ranier arms a month ago. They don't have it and won't for a while.
But they emailed today a m4v1 lw is in stock.
Both have 16 inch barrel.
Rifle would be used for hunting and shooting at the range.
Any significant differences in balance, accuracy, etc. ?
I could wait for a while if the difference is meaningful, don't have to have it now. I am planning on an aftermarket trigger to either gun.
Thanks
Seeker120

 

[SmimL7]

Re: Daniel Defense m4v1 or m4v1 lw?

I have a V5 with the standard weight barrel and it is plenty light. Much lighter than most of my ARs

 

[ORD]

Re: Daniel Defense m4v1 or m4v1 lw?

Both the weight and balance differences are non-issues in my book. There is literally only 3-4oz or so difference in front-end/barrel weight between the two models. Both are very easy to handle/manipulate and the accuracy is on par with both models. The LW barrel is too thin for my own personal preferences with measurements of 0.625" under the handguards and at the journal, and slightly thinner from the journal to the muzzle where it flares back out to give your muzzle device a larger shoulder to mate up with, whereas the M4V1 has a basic M4 contour barrel that is obviously a heavier contour throughout.

The only major difference I have seen between the two is that the accuracy on the LW does tend to open up somewhat once you get it heated up, but again...neither were designed for precision, long-range fire, so the accuracy differences are minimal depending on your particular expectations with either carbine.