My two nicest factory Uppers are Knights Armament and BCM. I recently added a Sons of Liberty Gun Works 13.7” complete rifle and it’s fit and finish is excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy any of those three.

1. Knights Armamrnt
2. Geissele
3. Primary Weapons Systems

Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT).
https://lmtdefense.com/product/defender-l-5-56/

I really enjoy my PWS Mk114; extremely well made, solid reliability to date and it does meet the sub-$2K criteria. Mine is an older Mod 1 but I'd have no problem picking up another if a Mod 2 weren't available.

A buddy has an older KA SR-15 that is one supremely well made rifle that has held up well over the years. Back when he bought it it was a sub-$2K rifle but nowadays they're often in the mid to upper 2K range price-wise, depending on build options. But having shot that one on many occasions I'd love to have one of those.

We sell DDs; the M4V7 Pro with the Geissele trigger is a sweet build and retailed in the mid 1800s when we last had one in. I've only shot a DD rifle once; I liked it in general but the trigger on that one was worse than Mil-spec. Another we sell: I like how well made the Barrett Rec7 DI is and customers who've bought this one have been quite pleased with how they've performed. They usually go in the mid teens when we get them in and no, I haven't had the opportunity to shoot one.

I also like Bravo Company rifles a lot. I wouldn't mind at all saving some $$$ and getting one of their mid-length builds instead of spending the whole 2 grand on a single rifle. We sell Noveske rifles from time to time (I do like their barrels) but they're well over $2K these days.

Then again, there's a way overbudget MR556 ($3K plus) sitting on our rifle rack that keeps whispering to me...

A DD or BCM will do anything you need. I’ve got several of each. Taken a lot of hard core classes with them and they have never let me down.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Passed on a list for consideration.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
That’s the question.

Additional considerations:

Carbine length suitable for personal defense or law enforcement patrol use.
No need to be capable of using ammunition suitable for long range (>600 yard) target games.
Good overall quality, not necessarily finest precision, but I assume that anything in that price range should put bullets close to where they’re aimed with good ammunition.

Asking for a friend (yes, really ).
I have already recommended looking at Wilson Combat offerings because that’s what I purchased for myself most recently, but I’d like to suggest others if appropriate.

Daniel Defense M4A1

FN most likely.

Geissele Super Duty would be my current first choice. Forged C158+ steel bolt with Nanoweapon coated bcg. Mk16 handguard is my favorite and on the Super Duty rifles it has tongue-in-groove “keyed” upper to handguard anti-rotation. SSA-X trigger. CHF CL barrel. It’s a great rifle for the price.

If he really wants carbine length handguard and gas system, I’d go straight Colt 6920 and add a drop in rail. My go to for that is KAC RAS. DD Omega is great too. If he can wrench on guns the Centurion C4 mlok would be a great choice too.

Whatever he buys, have him get a quality optic, not a Chinesium turd.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JoshNC,

Well, I bought a $750 Sig M400 Tread, ammo, sling, PMAGS, MBUS, and flashlight. I am at $1700 and I still need to decide on a red dot and magnifier... I guess I needed more than $2k for my budget $750 rifle. YMMV but as I am discovering, the rifle is just the beginning.

Good luck. It has been fun building up my new rifle, may your experience be just as fun.

I am planning to buy a Sionics Precision rifle:

https://sionicsweaponsystems.c...ecision-rifle-three/

If a carbine, a Colt repro XM177
If a rifle is permitted, a Colt repro M16A1
Guess which era I'm from...

quote:

Originally posted by ridgerat:
I am planning to buy a Sionics Precision rifle:

https://sionicsweaponsystems.c...ecision-rifle-three/

That is awesome. I damn near hit "Add to cart".
I have been itching for something like this. My Colts are nice but not like that rifle.

I’d get one that was side charging and allowed for a folding brace or stock: Foxtrot Mike FM-15, PSA JAKL, BRN-180. All 3 pictured here (plus a Bren and Galil Ace).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Accomplice,

Noveske would be my 1st choice.

I have first hand experience with BCM and Noveske so those two would have to be over mere opinions.

For myself I am increasingly attracted to POF for my next rifle.

I’m having minor buyer’s remorse not going with an LWRC or POF Renegade for about $1500 because I’m really interested in having a full ambi AR lower that I can pair with any upper, but my 11.5” Geissele Super Duty is a beast of a gun if a little heavier than expected.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
Thanks for all the suggestions. Passed on a list for consideration.

It's been 3 months since you passed on the list to your buddy. Did he make a decision?

quote:

Originally posted by fritz:
It's been 3 months since you passed on the list to your buddy. Did he make a decision?

The one who asked for advice is a former member of my agency who moved away and whom I don’t have much contact with. The request was out of the blue and hasn’t been mentioned since I offered some recommendations based on my own limited knowledge and what were suggested here.

So, to answer, I don’t know. Perhaps I should ask.

I run a shooting group with over 1,500 members and also teach classes.

I have owned or shot just about every AR there is.

My favorite low budget is Colt. My favorite no-matter-what-the-budget is Geissele. You can get them in black for under $2K.