Charles Daly D-M4LE Carbine Guide and Review

[Stickman]

Charles Daly (CD) has been a well known name in firearms for years, but for the average AR15 shooter and enthusiast, its a name which hasn't had any real connection. While many companies have recently jumped into the AR15 market, Charles Daly has taken a somewhat different approach. Starting from scratch, CD had the opportunity to sit back and question what exactly it was that gave the AR15 its cult following, and as they found out, the devil is in the details.

While Charles Daly has a stable of AR15s that they are releasing, this guide will walk through the D-M4LE carbine. Below are the stats given off the Charles Daly website.

http://www.charlesdalydefense.com/firearms.asp

Item No.: CDDM4E
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Barrel Length: 16"
Rifling Twist: 1x7
MSRP: $1,169

* Chrome lined 4150 barrel with M-203 mounting groove
* M4 Feedramps
* Forged "F" front sight base with bayonet lug & rubber coated sling swivel
* Milspec diameter receiver extension with "H" buffer
* T-Marked Flattop upper
* 6-position telestock
* A2 "Birdcage" flash hider
* Oval Double Heat-Shield M4 forend
* One 30 Round Aluminum Mil-Spec Mag with Magpul self-leveling follower

[Stickman]

Starting from the front, the D-M4LE comes with a standard A2 flash suppressor, also called a compensator if you have been through certain schools. This A2FS was properly timed with the use of a crush washer. Pretty standard stuff, and assembly was up to spec as far as I am concerned. While I don't need a weapon to look pretty, details like no wrench markings on the A2 FS show attention is going into the little things.

The barrel is stamped "5.56 NATO 1x7 CHROMED" indicating that the weapon is chambered in 5.56 Nato, 1/7 twist, and chromed lined. For those who wonder about barrel steel makeup, it is 4150.

[Stickman]

In viewing the barrel profile, it is similar to the 16" M4 profile that most of us have grown used to. The machining is smooth, and there are no obvious burrs, nicks, or gouges anywhere. The parkerizing is even and consistent in color. While there are people who feel no need for a M203 cutout on their barrels, it doesn't change that the M4 barrel profile balances much nicer than their heavy weight siblings, especially if you are on target (or pulling perimeter duty) for extended periods of time.

[Stickman]

Next we come down to the Front Sight Base (FSB). The FSB is "F" marked, which gives proper height for the flattop upper receiver that it wears. While it makes sense that these parts should match up, some manufacturers fail to do this. The Front Sight Post is the standard A2 style, which gives a notched post (4 sides) instead of the A1 style which is rounded. The sling swivel is rubber coated, which cuts down on extra noise when it moves around. Visible in the below picture are the FSB pins, which are neatly placed, and free of marring. The picture also reveals a gas tube rollpin which has been nicely installed without getting mangled during assembly.

[Stickman]

Under the standard M4 handguards that come on the weapon we see that they are the double shielded style. When mated together, there were no visible gaps or ugly seams. Its hard to get worked up about handguards, but those people who have ended up with warped handguards that don't fit together correctly have a reason to be irrate. In any case, I have no complaints in how these fit, and they locked in tightly to the Delta ring while not being so tight that they were a pain to remove or assemble.

[Stickman]

Moving to the upper receiver, its evident that these are engraved with T numbers. The machining is even, and free of chatter or tool marks. The finish is even, and a deep satin black which is a dead match for the lower receiver. The ejection port cover snaps into place without needing undue force, which is more than I can say for some upper end weapons I've dealt with lately. The spring is correctly in place on the ejection port, and is silver in color.