Better duty rifles in current production?

[Sid Post]

I have had a few people ask me about better 'duty rifles' after watching me run my KAC SR-15 Mod 2 LPR. Sticker shock is also a problem with some people too! (I would rather own one really good rifle rather than a dozen 'cheap' rifles! )

In the past, a Colt 6920 was an easy recommendation along with Noveske.

These days I'm wondering about boutique builders that may offer a really good rifle at a price that isn't so far away from what more pedestrian rifles cost (like a KAC SR-15 versus something like a Springfield Saint for example).

Sons of Liberty and Sionics are two I have heard about but I don't have personal experience with and then there are some like Geissele with their new rifle line.

For non-Gucci service or duty grade AR-15 rifles, what are the better brands outside of the mainstream like BCM and Daniel Defense? For an 'average Joe or Jane' with a nominal $1500 budget that wants a serious AR-15 capable of hard use in a rifle class and not something to brag about on Social Media. What companies and brands are the better places to look for a hard use rifle, not a Gucci or Precision AR-15?

Personally, I have a strong affinity for KAC but over $2K for an AR-15 isn't realistic for most people. I regret not buying one a long time ago even when I was in a dumpy little apartment on the bad side of town after graduating college. For myself, I'm thinking about formal rifle classes but I keep getting asked about 'good' rifles so I need to broaden my focus some to point out solid rifles available today or next week, not backlogged for long periods, that would serve me well and make a good recommendation for someone else to consider.

[CrabNSR]

I lean towards any company that offers chrome lined barrels so BCM, Sionics, and DD come to mind. Centurion Arms also offers a $1200 carbine with with their CMR and Geissele has their Super Duty LE for $850. If I had to to start all over again and couldn't afford and SR15, I'd get one of these.

[Sid Post]

I lean towards any company that offers chrome lined barrels so BCM, Sionics, and DD come to mind. Centurion Arms also offers a $1200 carbine with with their CMR and Geissele has their Super Duty LE for $850. If I had to to start all over again and couldn't afford and SR15, I'd get one of these.

The Geissele LE rifle for $850 looks like a really solid deal for someone with law enforcement credentials.

[pcar157]

The Geissele LE rifle for $850 looks like a really solid deal for someone with law enforcement credentials.

Yes, but be aware the LE Super Duty (sku 08-184B) is significantly different than the standard Super Duty (sku 08-188LB). Not saying that at $850 it's not a great buy but don't think you are getting the standard Super Duty for that money.
Just sayin'

[LMT/556]

Yes, but be aware the LE Super Duty (sku 08-184B) is significantly different than the standard Super Duty (sku 08-188LB). Not saying that at $850 it's not a great buy but don't think you are getting the standard Super Duty for that money.
Just sayin'

Without digging to deep the rail and trigger look to be the difference (geissele vs alg offerings).

[pcar157]

Without digging to deep the rail and trigger look to be the difference (geissele vs alg offerings).

Barrel, handguard, BCG, trigger among others. Specs for each are well defined on the Geissele site.

[Sid Post]

Yes, but be aware the LE Super Duty (sku 08-184B) is significantly different than the standard Super Duty (sku 08-188LB). Not saying that at $850 it's not a great buy but don't think you are getting the standard Super Duty for that money.
Just sayin'

The biggest difference appears to the in railed vs. non-railed upper. I agree there is no "free lunch' but, for $850 it is still a very solid choice for many.

The other differences are not significant to most people, me included, in a rifle meant for normal uses (i.e. not competition) on a farm, in squad car, etc.

[ST911]

Yes, but be aware the LE Super Duty (sku 08-184B) is significantly different than the standard Super Duty (sku 08-188LB). Not saying that at $850 it's not a great buy but don't think you are getting the standard Super Duty for that money.
Just sayin'

Yup, I'm aware.

Sounds like you're into Geisseles. Which models do you own, and what kind of shooting do you do with them?

[El Vaquero]

That’s all I’d go with if you’re shying from KAC, BCM and DD. The names you put out. Sionics, Sons of Liberty, Geissele, and Colt. I would also add Centurion Arms. Tons of threads on this forum that go into detail on those brands if you need it. All good quality and all bring a little something different to the table (Geissele-gas system, CA-Barrels, Sionics-overall value). I’ve heard good things about Triarc Rifle Systems but I would put them on the Gucci side which is what you’re trying to avoid.

Really just a matter of pick a brand and wait for a sale.

[AKDoug]

A Sionics Patrol Rifle Three supplies everything you need in a good AR.. and it includes iron sights, a Raptor charging handle, ambi-safety, and QD end plate; items you often end up adding to other basic AR's. You can roll into that rifle for $1420.