Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit Review

Let’s Talk About Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit

The Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit offers an affordable entry point into the world of AR-15 builds. Del-Ton is known for producing reliable, budget-friendly components, and this kit aims to deliver a complete package for those looking to assemble their own M4-style carbine. Featuring a complete upper assembly, a buttstock, and a lower parts kit, it seems like a promising foundation for a custom rifle.

I was looking for a project gun, something I could tinker with and customize without breaking the bank. I wanted an AR-15, but I didn’t want to commit to a fully assembled rifle right away. This kit looked like a great way to learn the platform inside and out while building something functional.

Upon unboxing, the parts were neatly organized and well-protected. The finish on the upper receiver was clean and even, and the barrel appeared to be properly phosphated. The lower parts kit seemed complete, and the buttstock felt solid.

I considered kits from Palmetto State Armory and Aero Precision, but the Del-Ton kit stood out due to its price point and the availability of different color options. While PSA and Aero Precision offer higher-end options, I was focused on value for money in this build. The reviews were generally positive, highlighting its reliability for the price.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It’s not a top-tier kit, but it seems like a solid starting point for a budget-conscious build. I was excited to start assembling the rifle and see how it performs.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the completed rifle at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran about 200 rounds of mixed ammunition through it, including both brass and steel-cased ammo. I wanted to see how well it cycled different loads.

The weather was dry and sunny, with a slight breeze. I paid close attention to any malfunctions or issues with cycling, ejection, and accuracy. The rifle performed reasonably well, with only a couple of minor hiccups.

There was a single failure to extract with a steel-cased round early on. Otherwise, the rifle cycled smoothly, and the accuracy was acceptable for an M4-profile barrel. I did find that the trigger had a bit of creep and wasn’t as crisp as I’d prefer.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and around 1000 rounds, the Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit has proven to be surprisingly reliable. I’ve used it in various conditions, from dry range days to moderately wet outdoor shooting sessions. It continues to function consistently.

There are some minor signs of wear on the finish, particularly around the ejection port and the charging handle. However, the core components – barrel, bolt carrier group, and lower receiver parts – show no significant wear. I’ve kept it clean and lubricated regularly.

Maintenance is straightforward. The rifle field-strips easily, and cleaning the bolt carrier group is a breeze. Compared to some of my higher-end ARs, the Del-Ton kit hasn’t disappointed. While it doesn’t have the same level of refinement, it performs admirably for its price.

Breaking Down the Features of Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit

Specifications

The Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit includes a 16-inch chrome moly vanadium (CMV) barrel chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The barrel features an M4 profile and a 1-9 twist rate. It also boasts a carbine-length gas system for reliable cycling.

The kit includes a complete upper assembly with a forged 7075 T6 aluminum receiver. The receiver has M4 feed ramps for enhanced reliability. It also features a standard M4-style buttstock, buffer tube, buffer, and spring.

The lower parts kit comes complete with everything needed to assemble the lower receiver. The kit includes a standard AR-15 trigger group, pistol grip, and all necessary pins and springs. It does not include a magazine, which must be purchased separately.

These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the rifle’s performance and reliability. The 1-9 twist rate is suitable for lighter bullets (55-62 grain), while the carbine-length gas system ensures proper cycling with a wide range of ammunition.

Performance & Functionality

The Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit performs adequately for its intended purpose. Its accuracy is acceptable for general use, with groupings of around 3-4 inches at 100 yards using standard ammunition. The rifle is generally reliable, with minimal malfunctions after the initial break-in period.

The trigger is the weakest point, with noticeable creep and a heavy pull. The handguards are basic and get hot after extended shooting sessions. Despite these shortcomings, the Del-Ton kit meets expectations for a budget-friendly option.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent, with a solid feel to the assembled rifle. The M4-style buttstock is comfortable and adjustable, but the standard A2 pistol grip is rather basic. The overall weight is manageable for most shooters.

The rifle is user-friendly and easy to operate. There is no significant learning curve for anyone familiar with the AR-15 platform. The controls are standard AR-15 configuration, making it easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit appears to be reasonably durable. The finish shows some wear, but the core components seem robust. The rifle is easy to maintain, and spare parts are readily available.

Cleaning is straightforward, and no specialized tools are required for basic maintenance. With proper care, this kit should last for many years of recreational shooting. The CMV barrel should provide good longevity, though it’s not as durable as a chrome-lined barrel.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit includes basic M-LOK compatible handguards, allowing for the attachment of accessories like foregrips, weapon lights, and lasers. The M4-style buttstock can be easily replaced with aftermarket options. The Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit accepts standard AR-15 magazines, sights and optics.

The rifle is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories, including aftermarket triggers, pistol grips, and charging handles. The modular nature of the AR-15 platform makes it easy to customize this kit to suit individual preferences.

Pros and Cons of Del-Ton Pre-Ban M4 Carbine Rifle Kit