dwhitehorne wrote:A little late to this post, but I've been carrying a patrol rifle for the past 7 years. I have a personal Sig 556 and love it. I have been using a issued M16A1 at work and have just gotten a LWRC to replace the 39 year old M16.
To the OP's original question, I would go with the AR variant. I love my Sig but no one makes a rifle rack for it and everyone uses and supports the AR carbine for a reason. I took my Sig to my last quarterly qualifications and ran through the qual course with it. The Sig is sweet but the contols of the AR type weapon are second to none.
Colt is a fine choice and the 6920 is the best, but don't limit yourself to Colt. S&W does a lot of LE sales too but they don't have 1/7 barrels. LMT has a nice LEO price too. I would first suggest contacting your academy firearms staff or another larger Texas agency and see what kind of LEO contracts they have for LE pricing. I was under the impession that TCLEOSE has a standard for everything and they may be able to provide you with some ideas or dictate to you requirements to purchase a rifle under a state contract at a contract price.
As for your post on what you need for the rifle. The folding stock is out for the AR and I rarely fold my Sig stock either. What you will need or must have is a good sling, a good weapon light, good magazines and good sights. You mentioned a holographic sight. I have a Eotech issued at work but prefer the Aimpoint. Both are good but the battery issue with the Eotech requires frequent checks and the 8 hour auto shut off is a pain because I work 12 hour shifts. The Eotech is cheaper and I'm sure that is why they are popular with Law Enforcement. As for the flash hider, I get some ideas on what the contract rifles offer and get what comes with them. I have a phantom that came on my LWRC that works fine, but if you can get a LEO price Colt for under 900 just get what ever you want later. As for rails, your wallet is the limit. Troy is nice but YHM is what a lot of LEO's purchase. Rails are on again off again for me my LWRC has rails but non of my personal rifles do anymore.
Read up a lot and buy what you need more than what you can afford. Good luck David
+1
Stick with the 5.56! Check out
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My opinion based on experience
I suggest shooting as many different sights as possible. After many different sights I chose an EOTech 557.AR223 with a flip to the side G23. This system is the absolute best combination for tactical engagements, near and far all-in-one in a deadly package. EOTech also has a $150 rebate.
http://www.eotech-inc.com/ shoot them a email they might give you a discount.
I am sure you remember, as a member of law enforcement, you are the peoples primary defense. You are a soldier for the common freedom. In this role you have the responsibility to defend the citizen's personal rights of property and privacy. The forefathers understood that it is much better to let a guilty man free than to imprison the innocent. I am very disappointed to see your primary focus is already "drug" interdiction instead of protecting and preserving your community. Be wise brother, for our children will judge us on our actions not on our intentions.
Good luck! Go with the 5.56 and an EOTech
You can also shoot .223 from a 5.56 rifle. You cant shoot 5.56 from a .223 rifle. Well, you can but the results are unpredictable and unsafe.
