I have a M1014 & a 1301, both built out differently. The 1301(no pistol grip) I left in almost a stock configuration because it feels significantly lighter than the M4 and I wanted to keep it that way. I only added a light, estacc cards, replaced the terrible polymer barrel clamp & added a pro lifter(before mod 2 came out). You do feel the weight difference in increased recoil when shooting but it’s not enough for me to care. The “Blink” system is faster in the 1301 but for the speed you would need to shoot and outrun either system it isn’t practical in a real world situations in my opinion.
My M4 is fully kitted out, it was already heavier in stock configuration but you for sure feel it after. There’s still a feeling to knowing you have an M4 that the 1301 doesn’t give and can’t. History matters and that connection to the military and proven track record gives it something that cant be bought no matter what you spend and change on a 1301.
if I could only choose or suggest one…idk. Depends on the situation and the need of the buyer. The 1301 can be had and fully built out for significantly cheaper than a M4, and comes more ready off the shelf. But I still tell people gun to my head or end of the world I will run out of the house with my M4 due to its military track record and reliability.
(A300 is great gun for the price if someone doesn’t want to go top shelf.)