Larue? Noveske? Daniel Def? Bravo Co? Hardcore Colt devotee? Other?
Where does your snobbishness most reside?
Typically it's the specs more than the manufacturer for some things and the manufacturer for others. Proper MPI and HPT bolts made out of Carpenter 158 (although the HPT is not an absolute for me since it can decrease the lifespan of the bolt). I can stake gas keys myself so that's not something I look into greatly. An attempt is nice though. I've bought the Palmetto State Premium line, Brownells and BCM and had zero problems with them. Just as long as they meet minimum specs.
Barrels I like FN hammer forged and their Machine Gun Steel. BCM and Noveske barrels are top notch as well. DD barrels are okay, but I didn't have good luck with the single one I owned. White Oaks stainless barrels are tops, but hard to get. MPI as a minimum, HPT preferred on all barrels.
H buffer as a minimum, but have used H2s depending on the situation/setup. Mil-spec sized receiver extensions, preferably manufactured out of 7076. But I've been known to use 6061 in builds with no problems. 5.56 chambers, but will accept a .223 Wylde depending on situations. Love ALG Defense and Geissele triggers, although the Palmetto basic FCG isn't bad at all. And that new Wilson Combat drop in is pretty nice, although not positive I would want to move away from Geissele for my precision triggers.
BUIS are generally Troy, but have found the Magpul MOE sights are perfectly acceptable and work as intended. RDS only EOTech and Aimpoint. Period, end of story. Magnified scopes I'm a little more lenient on and my go to optic is a Vortex for the moment.
Stocks are Magpul and B5 Systems. Magazines I'm kind of lenient on and have a mix of Magpul M2, Lancer L5AWM, mil surplus (mix and match), D&H aluminum and Elander stainless steel. Muzzle devices...hard to say. The PWS FCS is pretty awesome. The BCM Gunfighter works okay. The Yankee Hill Machine Phantom is pretty good. But really, the A2 isn't as bad as folks let on.
And BCM Gunfighter charging handles, Mod 4, nothing else touches my weapons. Rails I tend to like the Midwest Industries line for both free float and drop in.
If I had a single brand(s) of gear I would say I would go towards it would be BCM, Magpul, Midwest Industries and ALG Defense. Colt I trusted my life to and would recommend it without hesitation, but the problems they face is the fact they are very slow to adapt to changing market conditions and have gotten passed by from companies like DD, BCM, Noveske, Sig Sauer and even smaller outfits like Rainier Arms and Larue. I like the price point on Palmetto State, but having to piece together different parts to get what I want is a pain. But sometimes I can save a bundle.
