Thoughts on Noveske N4 LO-PRO 14.5"

feedramp · #1 03-27-12, 17:10

I was just finger-banging a Noveske and quite enjoyed it. 14.5" N4 w/ pinned Surefire FH. I believe it is the LO-PRO model, as it comes flat top with (relabeled Troy?) Noveske BUIS. It looked like... a black rifle.
Kidding.
It looked like this.

The one I looked at comes with 90% of the stuff I'd want to 'do' to a Colt 6920 already done. The trigger was nicer, crisper than the 6920. The grip was more comfortable. The rail system was a good length and not too heavy (hefted a DD of roughly similar price and features to compare it with). With the flat top and BUIS included, I could slap an Aimpoint on it and call it a day. I like that.

However, it's nearly twice the price of a 6920. But I liked everything about it and if adding up the cost of parts for the 6920 to replicate it, and labor cost for any that are beyond my capacity to do, it's not so far apart. I believe it also comes with a hard case.

I guess I'm wondering if the $2000 investment up front is a reasonable price for that model, an 14.5" N4 LO-PRO w/ pinned Surefire, and if it's a wise way to go. The shop has a bunch of them in stock but didn't seem willing to budge much on price, but I was there for research more than negotiating.

Bedford Forrest · #2 03-27-12, 17:55

I ordered the 14.5" low pro upper online and bought my G2 lower from Grant with his LPK, Geissele trigger option and a Magpul STR. To me, I got the rifle I wanted with better parts and saved the cost of 2000 XM193's over buying it complete from Noveske.

J_Dub_503 · #3 03-27-12, 18:41

Noveske Ss a great company and I have no doubt that you'd be satisfied with the purchase. They are a local company to me so I may be a little bias even though I don't own one. :/

I do agree the price is a bit up there but there's no lack of quality. You could by the upper and stick it on a BCM Blem lower to save some money, that is if you don't mind mismatching brands. Either way it's a great rifle.

3 AE · #4 03-27-12, 22:41

Resist the force,Luke! You know this will only lead you down the path of cool rifles but not enough ammo! Easily the $1000+ you'd save would get you at least 3000 rounds of quality xm193 ammo. Or 1500+ rounds that you could shoot up at a quality 2 day carbine course. Or take your significant other on a nice vacation. Or save it for a rainy day slush fund! Or get a certificate of deposit and build a nest egg. You get my drift? Be in balance with the force Luke Skywalker, I mean jay35!

Wake27 · #5 03-27-12, 22:55

Go big or go home.

killjoythedestroyer · #6 03-27-12, 23:36

I don't know anyone who ever bought a Noveske and was disappointed. The barrels are almost a legend on their own. And their customer service is some of the best around.When people talk about the best ARs made, Noveske always comes up. They are pricey, but you get more than what you pay for!!!

Mike from Texas · #7 03-27-12, 23:56

I have an 8" LoPro in 300 Blk on order right now. I contemplated the same thing as you, except I was going to order a Colt 6933 change the barrel to one of their 300 Blk barrels then add all of the accessories. When I added it all up it was $300+ cheaper to get the Noveske and I wouldn't have a bastardized rifle.

If you've got the cash, then I say do it!

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Javelin · #8 03-28-12, 00:08

If you are even looking at a Noveske now then I would recommend you go ahead and get one.

If not you will just buy it later & that old Colt will sit in the gun safe collecting dust from then on. Why resist the temptation to treat yourself?

feedramp · #9 03-28-12, 00:17

You know, that type of outcome could definitely happen with me.

From experience with other hobbies (cars, computers), I can be bad about tinkering and ending up in the black hole of modding that ends up costing more than if I'd just stepped up to a better item to begin with.

I'd like to do it right the first time (as much as that's reasonably possible) with the AR platform.

3 AE · #10 03-28-12, 01:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay35

You know, that type of outcome could definitely happen with me.

From experience with other hobbies (cars, computers), I can be bad about tinkering and ending up in the black hole of modding that ends up costing more than if I'd just stepped up to a better item to begin with.

I'd like to do it right the first time (as much as that's reasonably possible) with the AR platform.

Do you really,really,really think you would NOT tinker,modify, and get sucked up into the black hole of the Noveske Galaxy? Start setting aside @ $3500+

feedramp · #11 03-28-12, 02:14

Not cool, 3 AE, not cool.

Anything in particular to be aware of with the N4 LO-PRO model? I don't plan on running a can, so need for the Switchblock variant.
I haven't found many complaints or identified known issues but I do find the search function here a bit challenging when it comes to providing useful results. =\

C-grunt · #12 03-28-12, 02:17

Jay35, if its what you want then just buy it. I had a Noveske before and would have no qualms buying another one. They truly are great rifles.

NickB · #13 03-28-12, 02:34

You'll probably never meet anyone more concerned about quality than John Noveske and his staff... I would get the Noveske with his new hand guard (if possible) and never look back. You're going to love it.

feedramp · #14 03-28-12, 02:47

Thanks for the heads-up about the new rail. That looks amazing in principle. Wonder how hot it gets in hand.

usmc45 · #15 03-28-12, 22:08

Also, if you have to pin it please think twice. I have pin two barrels now and regret doing it. Get the 16". You can change muzzle breaks when you change your mind (and im sure you will) and if you ever decide to sell it your good to go. Just my 0.02. Happy shooting

feedramp · #16 03-28-12, 23:59

Thanks, I appreciate the input.

Aside from the lack of pinned muzzle device and a touch more weight, any other differences between a 16" Light Recce LO-PRO and a 14.5" Light Carbine LO-PRO?

M4Fundi · #17 03-29-12, 02:04

Click on the Noveske Button at the top and read the specs list.

I do not believe there is any difference but the length of barrel as I do not believe you could tell the diff in weight without a scale.

Noveske rifles are all outstanding!

Unless you absolutely know what you are going to do with the rifle and which muzzle device you want I would listen to the sage advice given and get a 16" until you want to live forever with the pinned muzzle device.

feedramp · #18 03-29-12, 02:15

Fair enough.

I did compare the two on the website and didn't notice any differences other than the length, so I wanted to make sure that was the only real difference.

Availability is another factor. A local shop has a bunch of the 14.5"s in stock, but no 16"s.

I see one 16" on GBroker and it even has the new NSR which is sexy, but price is a bit high (and rightly so given supply/demand). Plus not sure I'd buy something I haven't at least held first (speaking of the NSR in particular).

edit: And the NSR on it is a bit short at 11" for my taste and does not come with any attachment points, he's selling those separately. Boo.

M4Fundi · #19 03-29-12, 02:24

If you are buying from shops just be aware that some of the N4 Lo-Pro Carbine's out there are actually "carbine length gas systems" and not mid length and all the rifles at shops may possibly be Gen 1 or Gen 2 lowers. None of these differences are better or worse just differences/preferences.

feedramp · #20 03-29-12, 03:03

Good to know. The shop's are carbine-length gas system., but on 14.5" models, so that should be fine.

I believe they also have the Gen 2 lower due to the magwell flaring. Other than not mating with the Surefire 60/100 mags, any other differences to be aware of?