Hi,

I'm looking to purchase my first AR-15, and I'm trying to decide between the ST-15 M4 LE and the ST-15 Mid-Length LE. I have a few questions:

1. What are the major differences between the two and which would you recommend?
2. I live in Massachusetts, so I would need a 10rd magazine, but there is no option for that. Do I have to ask for no 30rd magazine in the comment box? Is there a way to get a 10rd magazine instead of the 30rd mag? If so, how much extra would it cost?
3. I have read on various forums that there are some other low-cost options available for these complete rifles. For example, there is an option where you can add a Samson rear site for $10, but I read that for an additional $10 you can get a supposedly better Troy site. I also heard that you can upgrade to an ergonomic grip and add a rail system for fairly little. Can you provide a list of these upgrades so I can decide what to get? And how would I add those upgrades since you can't select them on the website?
4. Is there really a 3-4 week backlog right now on orders?
5. Any chance on reactivating the 10% discount code that was available about a month ago? All the options for making a rifle MA-compliant really reduce the budget for actual upgrades

Sorry for so many questions!

Thanks,

-G

1. The only practical difference between the M4 LE and Midlength LE is the gas system length and the resulting increase in sight radius. The midlength is a little softer on recoil. The difference in cost is a combination of midlength barrels costing a little more to manufacture (lower volume), and the increased material for the handguard and gas tube.

2. If your order is to be delivered to any state which has a ban or restriction in place, the upper or rifle will only be mailed in a compliant configuration. In your case, no magazine will be included. I believe there are 10/30 P-Mag's available, but this is a call-to-order item.

3. Only the most basic of upgrades are reflected on the website. Other custom part changes to the stock configurations, such as pistol grips/trigger guards/etc, are call-to-order.

4. Most orders are taking 3-4 weeks to ship. This is 0-1 weeks processing, 1-2 weeks in the armory queue to be built, and 0-1 weeks for verification and shipping. Custom configurations can take an extra week. Stock configurations also fall under this timeframe as distributors are ordering every pre-built upper they can get as fast as possible.

5. The Black Friday weekend discount was only during that timeframe. The 5% ARFCOM code (code is ARFCOM) is still available. If calling to place a custom order, the 5% discount can still be applied. When you call, ask for Garrett or Kat.

I would agree with Jax with an advantage going to the mid length, mainly because it will help you develop better skills w/ the longer radius.

Velcro

_________________
VELCRO

"Surrounded Hell...now we can shoot in every direction at the enemy!!!" - BG "Chesty" Puller

The advice above is excellent. The only thing that I would add is that with a mid-length you also have more space on the handguard to find a comfortable grip. Similarly if you decided to go with a rail at some point you would also have more space to utilize when configuring your rail mounted equipment.

I have a Mid-Length LE and I love it, the only thing that I changed was the BCG. I swapped the standard out for a NiB coated one. It is paired with an ST Zombie Lower. There is a picture of it posted at the top of pg 2 of the pic page http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=38&start=15