Opinions on Sabre Defense & CMMG AR-15 uppers

[A-R]

So I think I may have found my new AR-15 upper. Debating two choices.

1. A CMMG gas-piston-driven M4gery with picatinny gas block (might be able to buy a used one)

2. A Sabre Defense fluted barrel upper with Daniel Defense lightweight rail from PKfirearms.com (thanks to Recit for the link to this in another thread)
http://pkfirearms.com/content/1/20/59/79" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sabre Defence 16 Inch SS Fluted Midlength with Daniel Defense 10.0 Lite Quad Rail Features a Sabre Defence 16" 410 stainless steel, bead blasted mid-weight barrel. Fluted in front and behind the gas block. Mid-length gas system, 1/8 twist, 5.56 chamber, M4 feed ramps on barrel extension. Built on a Mil-Spec A3 receiver flat top with M4 ramps. Daniel Defense 10" Lite quad rail and low profile gas block. Includes 3 black ladder covers.

Includes AR15 bolt group assembly and forged charging handle. These uppers make very well balanced rifles.

These are assembled and test fired by PK Firearms.

Our Price: each $799.00

Does anyone have experience with Sabre Defense products, specifically this fluted barrel? Seems like the perfect set up for a relatively lightweight 16-inch upper that will have superior accuracy over the basic M4-style uppers. But how does the weight compare to an M4gery? I've held the Rock River 16-inch SS bull barrel uppers and they are significantly heavier (moreso that I want on this particular upper). I'm hoping the fluting will significantly reduce weight. Also this barrel doesn't appear to be a full bull barrel, but more of a midweight barrel that is then fluted?

Does anyone have experience with CMMG gas-piston systems? Opinions? My only reason for choosing this upper over the Sabre Defense is lower price if I can pick it up slightly used ($500-$600 range) and I REALLY hate to clean my gas impingement AR. So hoping this will be much less hassle to keep clean after shooting.

[RECIT]

I just ordered an upper from them and I am waiting delivery as we type. It was $839 plus shipping. Its going on a built lower with a Magpul UBR stock to balance the 14" rail.


Sabre Defence 16 inch SS Fluted Mid w/DD 14 Lite Rail and Vortex

Features a Sabre Defence 16" 410 stainless steel, bead blasted, mid-weight barrel. Fluted in front and behind the gas block. Mid-length gas system, 1/8 twist, 5.56 chamber, M4 feed ramps on barrel extension. Built on a Mil-Spec A3 receiver flat top with M4 ramps.Daniel Defense 14" extended quad rail, low profile gas block and a Smith Vortex flash hider.


I agree about the piston system being much easier to clean. But if piston uppers were only $600 bucks then everyone would have one. Where are you seeing them even used for that money? I priced a new LWRC piston upper from $1200-1800 and several others in between that price. I see CMMG offers an inexpensive piston rifle but its pretty plain jane. You are talking about ordering a top of the line DI system or bottom of the barrel piston system. I think you need to decide what you want out of it and not let the price decide for you.

[A-R]

I agree about the piston system being much easier to clean. But if piston uppers were only $600 bucks then everyone would have one. Where are you seeing them even used for that money? I priced a new LWRC piston upper from $1200-1800 and several others in between that price. I see CMMG offers an inexpensive piston rifle but its pretty plain jane. You are talking about ordering a top of the line DI system or bottom of the barrel piston system. I think you need to decide what you want out of it and not let the price decide for you.

Yes the CMMG is plain jane, but I can put a Midwest Industries two-piece free-float rail on it for less than $200 (eBay price) if I decide I really want the free-float. Of course, it's just a standard 1/9 M4 profile barrel. And if I buy the CMMG it is used and about $150 discount off new.

Glad to read that you feel the Sabre is a "top of the line DI system". Wasn't 100% sure how it stacks up. Looks nice on the internet. But my only AR experience is with an off-the-shelf Bushmaster.

You say you're using a UBR stock to balance your upper, but that's because of the 14-inch rail system not the 16-inch fluted barrel, right? I'm going to run a Magpul ACS stock on mine so won't have nearly as much weight in the back (though I will load at least one of the storage tubes with CR123A batteries for my Surefire light and EOTech). The PK Firearms site says the particular upper I'm looking at (fluted barrel and 10-inch lite rail) balances well .... I assume they mean on a standard carbine-style stock system.

Price is not really my deciding factor (though $800 for the Sabre is as high as I'm likely to go - if I was going to go any higher, the $1,100 LaRue Stealth is my dream upper )

I'm only trying to decide on the CMMG because it's a good deal on a slightly used upper and I like the general idea of gas piston vs. direct impingement for reasons stated.

Anyway, thanks for the opinion. If I haven't made up my mind by time you get your Sabre barrel, let me know what you think about it after you shoot it.

[RECIT]

Well...the upper walked through the door just a few minutes ago. It looks amazing and is surprisingly light weight even with 14" of rail. I have a LaRue 20" upper and billet lower. Yes it IS top of the line, but I think this Sabre Defense unit I just got is almost as high quality, much lighter, and just a nice of a fit and finish. The DD lite rail makes a big difference in weight compared to my LaRue set up. The LaRue upper weighs a ton with the 20" barrel and similar sized rail.

I am very pleased with the quickness of PK, their pricing was fair, and I got exactly what I wanted. I'll throw up a range report and pics asap.