Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

[razzle]

Out of these two upper receivers, which would you choose?
Daniel Defense A4 or Bushmaster V-match? Or is there any difference?

Availability of AR 15 parts is slim over here, so this is basically what I have to choose from. The DD costs 25% less, don't know if that could mean lesser quality or if Bushy just charge more for their name. I have only heard good things about them both, so really don't know. And I already have one Bushmaster V-Match upper, so if there isn't any difference I'll go with DD just for the feel of something different..

 

[ORD]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

Which specific DD upper are you looking at (DD offers M4 uppers in numerous configurations, including V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, XV, XVEZ, and XVM). Without knowing which model (or your specific needs), it is hard to give a good recommendation.

They are both of very good quality, but they offer vastly different features. Get the one that best suits your particular needs.

 

[razzle]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Which specific DD upper are you looking at (DD offers M4 uppers in numerous configurations, including V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, XV, XVEZ, and XVM). Without knowing which model (or your specific needs), it is hard to give a good recommendation.

They are both of very good quality, but they offer vastly different features. Get the one that best suits your particular needs. </div></div>

I'm just talking about the upper receiver itself, not complete with barrel etc. Should have specified, sorry.

It's this one:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=515637
I believe this is the same one:
http://danieldefense.com/components-parts/upper-half/stripped-uppers/a4-upper-receiver-assembly.html

 

[ORD]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

Oh...my mistake. I thought you were referring to an entire barreled upper receiver group. Sorry for creating any confusion.

If you are just buying a stripped upper receiver to build out a complete upper with your own parts/components, then I would opt for the less expensive of the two (in your case, the DD). Both BM and DD uppers are mil-spec and will serve you well. The quality is every bit as good with DD, if not better than the BM. Take the savings you get from buying the less expensive DD and put it toward your barrel, handguards, or other components for your build.

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

I've built, tore apart and rebuilt LOTS of ARs. Unless you are getting some sort of handpicked and guaranteed to be special Bushmaster upper, I can say, unreservedly, go with the Daniel Defense.

I've used at least a few examples of both and from what I've seen, the Daniel Defense receivers have always had square and tight mating surfaces and the bolt carrier channels are to spec without allowing too much slop, which does promote accuracy. I've also noticed that with the DD uppers that I've used, I can actually remove my optic, place it in a different location on the rail, and it's still pretty much sighted in, which shows consistency. On Bushmaster uppers, if I do this, I've had to resight the rifle.

In fact, I removed a DD upper from a precision build that I did a little while back to replace it with a Vltor MUR upper (it looks so cool). The MUR upper is supposed to be the sh!t. I'm now seriously considering going back to the DD upper. I got tighter groups with it.

This was just my experience. YMMV.

 

[bcw1284]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

DD makes some of the best stuff on the market, I would choose their upper regardless of the cost difference... however, you win on that too by choosing DD in your case.

You should be aware that there are only a handful of places that actually make their own uppers or lowers, most of those parts are sourced from these outfits and then finished & branded to a company's spec.

I have personally used several no-name uppers from parts houses (model 1, m&a), i've used DPMS, RRA, and LMT also...
I have not noticed any real difference in the quality of the receiver except for the anodizing/finish on them- one caveat though, the RRA was out of spec and made fitting it to a lower a real bitch. Other than that, you could not tell them apart really.

That is just the "regular" AR-15 uppers & lowers, billet and such are a whole different ball game. So unless you want fancy, just get whatever has a good price tag and has the feed ramps you want.

Choose the DD. Spend the savings on something else for the build. Best of luck!

 

[Strangedays]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bcw1284</div><div class="ubbcode-body">DD makes some of the best stuff on the market, I would choose their upper regardless of the cost difference... however, you win on that too by choosing DD in your case.

You should be aware that there are only a handful of places that actually make their own uppers or lowers, most of those parts are sourced from these outfits and then finished & branded to that company's spec.

I have personally used several no-name uppers from parts houses (model 1, m&a), i've used DPMS, RRA, and LMT also...
I have not noticed any real difference in the quality of the receiver except for the anodizing/finish on them- one caveat though, the RRA was out of spec and made fitting it to a lower a real bitch. Other than that, you could not tell them apart really.

That is just the "regular" AR-15 uppers & lowers, billet and such are a whole different ball game. So unless you want fancy, just get whatever has a good price tag and has the feed ramps you want.

Choose the DD. Spend the savings on something else for the build. Best of luck! </div></div>
1+

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

I used to believe that an upper was an upper and a lower was a lower, but I don't anymore. I've used enough from different companies to know that there is a difference, even if it is only in the quality control and the specifications that they adhere to.

 

[DDM4]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

Thats an easy one. The Daniel Defense hands down even if it cost you more. You are lucky it costs you less. They take no shortcuts on quality and have lifetime guarantee. Milspec + and they mean it. You have a chance to own a top-tier upper for less than a Bushmaster upper. Go with the DD.

 

[bcw1284]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used to believe that an upper was an upper and a lower was a lower, but I don't anymore. I've used enough from different companies to know that there is a difference, even if it is only in the quality control and the specifications that they adhere to.</div></div>

I thought this too but the only one i've had an issue with was an RRA... a company who is widely praised for fine products and attention to detail. I no longer use RRA lowers either, since the anodized finish and engraving on them was getting worse each time I bought them. Not saying they build a bad gun (my 20" shoots great), but I have not had good luck with their components.

DD is on the high end though, so the OP should be fine with that choice. So far, LMT is the nicest production gun I have ever bought and I will be going to them for all of my basic pre-assembled needs in the future.

Personally, I will be building all of my high-end stuff on billet for comp/varmint/etc., and on DD/LMT stuff for basic guns or specialty that has to look right (ex: mk 12).

 

[razzle]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

Thanks for the help everyone, I'll definately go with Daniel Defense after reading your recommendations.
Had already decided to get a DD Omega 9.0 forend as I've seen some great reviews of it, but couldn't find anything about the upper reciever. So untill now I wasn't sure that it was of equally good quality. It sounds like all of their stuff is top notch, so I'll get a DD bolt carrier assembly and low profile gas block aswell.
I already have the barrel and everything else I need, used it on a previous rifle.

 

[1Sg (ret)]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

+ 1 on DD they are top notch.The cats ass even!!!

 

[marsh1]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: razzle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the help everyone, I'll definately go with Daniel Defense after reading your recommendations.
Had already decided to get a DD Omega 9.0 forend as I've seen some great reviews of it, but couldn't find anything about the upper reciever. So untill now I wasn't sure that it was of equally good quality. It sounds like all of their stuff is top notch, so I'll get a DD bolt carrier assembly and low profile gas block aswell.
I already have the barrel and everything else I need, used it on a previous rifle. </div></div>

We have them in stock if are looking for a reliable source.

LINK

Marshall

 

[razzle]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: marsh1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
We have them in stock if are looking for a reliable source.

LINK

Marshall </div></div>

Sorry, I live in Norway. Thanks anyway

 

[uscbigdawg]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

Get a DPMS and call it done.

Rich

 

[BIGGLEE0351]

Re: Upper receiver, Daniel Defense or Bushmaster?

Daniel Defense.