Looking at an AR

**wave.jaco** · 09-12-2025, 13:18

Following this thread and going through a number of others on the topic, it seems like the "budget" options nowadays are the DM4, SAI and the Radicals. Have heard quite a bit of bad things about the DM4, but then also spoke to a dealer who made a strong point about maintaining and taking care of your gun playing a big role. It is a mechanical device - mechanical devices break down over time. Apart from perhaps a rough finish on the outside, one could certainly replace any inner parts that give issues with time?

I have recently had a fresh look at a DM at a dealer with a free floating rail. Honestly, for the price, I really cannot find fault with it. It also seemed to be of much improved quality than the older batches. But then again, the opinions seem divided.

Since the Radicals are somewhat new here in SA, what seems to be the general consensus on them vs. the DM4 and SAI?

**Grant9** · 09-12-2025, 13:34

Originally Posted by wave.jaco

Following this thread and going through a number of others on the topic, it seems like the "budget" options nowadays are the DM4, SAI and the Radicals. Have heard quite a bit of bad things about the DM4, but then also spoke to a dealer who made a strong point about maintaining and taking care of your gun playing a big role. It is a mechanical device - mechanical devices break down over time. Apart from perhaps a rough finish on the outside, one could certainly replace any inner parts that give issues with time?

I have recently had a fresh look at a DM at a dealer with a free floating rail. Honestly, for the price, I really cannot find fault with it. It also seemed to be of much improved quality than the older batches. But then again, the opinions seem divided.

Since the Radicals are somewhat new here in SA, what seems to be the general consensus on them vs. the DM4 and SAI?

The DM4 is shit, my experience with taking mine back to the manufacturer when it wouldnt work was shit.

**FNBROWNING** · 09-12-2025, 13:38

Safari and Outdoor had specials on Colts recently for approx 31k. As for maintenance, aside from oil, good mags and the occasional clean you should have no maintenance on a good brand for at least 10 000 rounds if not more. The Smith is often available for a good price and seem to run well. The cheaper brands often had over sized gas ports for commercial ammo that can be hard on parts from over gassing with full power 5.56. No experience with the DM4 and SAI though

**oafpatroll** · 09-12-2025, 13:46

Based on feedback from club mates and a few others on backup and support I would be very hard pressed to look further than an SAI for a budget AR.

**wave.jaco** · 09-12-2025, 13:51

Originally Posted by oafpatroll

Based on feedback from club mates and a few others on backup and support I would be very hard pressed to look further than an SAI for a budget AR.

That is the idea that I am getting as well (regarding the SAI). I guess the local support is also a bonus with the SAI (and the DM4 for that matter), even though the parts should actually be compatible between any of the brands?

**GAZZAMCK** · 09-12-2025, 14:17

Originally Posted by wave.jaco

That is the idea that I am getting as well (regarding the SAI). I guess the local support is also a bonus with the SAI (and the DM4 for that matter), even though the parts should actually be compatible between any of the brands?

That big badge that says Diplopoint on the side of the DM4, looks horrible as well.

SAI def seems to have a better reputation locally

**Brendank** · 09-12-2025, 17:41

Originally Posted by wave.jaco

Following this thread and going through a number of others on the topic, it seems like the "budget" options nowadays are the DM4, SAI and the Radicals. Have heard quite a bit of bad things about the DM4, but then also spoke to a dealer who made a strong point about maintaining and taking care of your gun playing a big role. It is a mechanical device - mechanical devices break down over time. Apart from perhaps a rough finish on the outside, one could certainly replace any inner parts that give issues with time?

I have recently had a fresh look at a DM at a dealer with a free floating rail. Honestly, for the price, I really cannot find fault with it. It also seemed to be of much improved quality than the older batches. But then again, the opinions seem divided.

Since the Radicals are somewhat new here in SA, what seems to be the general consensus on them vs. the DM4 and SAI?

Forget the DM4, you will be better served with an M&P Sport III...

**Captain Hook** · 09-12-2025, 18:03

The Astra Defense are worth a look.

**thomasnels** · 10-12-2025, 07:50

I bought a DM4 few years ago with the Aero precision lower and free float handguard- first time on the range i had feeding issues - bolt, gas key was completely loose and not torqued and badly staked - bought a Daniel defense bolt and all was sorted. But i must say due to the unknow parts in the DM4 I replaced almost every part the only parts left that's DM4 is the barrel and lower rest all been replaced (with better parts a new upper, handguard, trigger, buffer tube. gasblock, gas tube and and and . (It was a great project and must say i have learned a lot). The costs? - don't even ask - Worth it , maybe not and expensive, could've bought a better AR15 - Will i do it again? - No just buy a proper AR15 and get it over and done :).

**ady** · 10-12-2025, 09:40

No one i know who has a DM4 has anything good to say.

A CIT company that uses our range for training, dropped their LM5's for the DM4. The guy doing the training just pulled a face, when i asked him how the DM4's were running.