WE 416 or M4?
 

Thinking about picking up a GBBR, but am torn between getting a 416 or standard M4. I like that the 416 comes with a full rail set out of the box, but similarly like the idea of a project gun that can be upgraded sometime down the line.

Help?

416 & M4 all inside parts are same. which one you like , which one you buy!

416, the lack of a delta ring is basically the only difference from an M4.

the angle of the magwell opening is shallower than the M4. Pmags wont fit in the 416. if you don't run pmags then it's not an issue.

This true only if the manufacturer follow the same dimension of the HK lower, if the manufacturer use Colt lower dimension Pmags will fit with no issue

Don't think it matters since he is going to be using WE gas mags unless I am reading his post wrong. He could try the rs pmag mod I suppose. Or does WE have pmags now?

I have found between the anodizing and the metal they use on the 416, the paint comes off extremely easy. Any rubbing on anything hard will scrape the paint off and even dent the surface. It is so bad I am considering getting it powder coated. I am fuzzy on what the M4 has but I think I recall it seemed to have a harder finish on it.

416. The m4 system is so generic

I went 416 because it saved me the cost of having to buy a front set (as well as the HK pistol grip is actually super comfortable, for me anyway) and I like how the upper receiver is slightly taller, leading to a higher top rail. Makes it a bit easier to line up the optics for my dimensions.

If you get the 416, you're stuck with a 416. Not much you can do there. M4 allows you to put on any handguard you'd like. 416 has a really high rail on its receiver, allowing it to only mate smoothly with a 416 handguard.

The 416 does have a really nice lower receiver though.

Pretty much what Disco Dante said. If you want and plan on keeping a 416 get a 416; if you plan on changing anything get the M4. The 416 receiver's top rail is higher than an M4's and it'll make it a bitch to line up any aftermarket RIS/RAS front end properly. Ultimately you could buy a 2nd M4 upper but then whatever you saved up front getting a gun with the rail (416) you'll end up spending later getting the 2nd upper.

Since you seem to want to modify it at some point, I would strongly suggest the M4.

The m4 also has an RAS option if u want a full rail set out of the box.
With the m4, you will be able to change multiple different uppers receivers and rail systems as opposed to the m416 which the only upper receiver upgrade i can foresee is the geissele rail.
As for lower receivers, the 416 will not be able to use pmags without modifications. Emags will be okay tho.