Geissele Super Duty or LMT MARS L-5.56 16in

WillH4895

Private
Minuteman
Jul 9, 2025
6
3
VA
Hey Guys! I'm super new on here, but happy to start a discussion. I have the opportunity to buy only one premium rifle platform right now (I can only afford one) and I can't decide between the Geissele Super Duty 16in or the LMT MARS-L 16" MLR MLOK rifle. I am interested in the MRP and the ambi lower for the MARS, and all the features of the Geissele. I already have the optics I would put on it, which include: TA02 with RMR piggyback (soon to be RCR), Geissele Super Precision ACOG Mount, True North Gripstop, Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0 on Arisaka 45 degree mount, Railscales Dragon scales at 9 and 3 o'clock, BCM Mod 3 grip, and Magpul MOE stock. This is a SHTF, mid-range-close-range (out to 500-600, push to 7 yards) rifle. I have heard things about both companies' QC being awful right now, so, so I'm wondering which would be best for my purpose, or if I should just look elsewhere. Excited to hear your guy's insight.
 
I have example from both right. Both are top tier. I have not had QC issue with either. I do think Giselle is making better barrels these days.
I also have both, this is my exact experience. I love both rifles, they are both outstanding. The only drawback with LMT is the fact that their factory barrels don't tend to shoot as well as Geissele. I've only had 2 Geissele barrels, but I've had 5 factory LMT 5.56 barrels. 3 chrome lined and 2 factory stainless steel 5r barrels. The last Factory LMT stainless steel barrel was finally starting to shoot small after 150 rounds, I probably gave up on it a little too soon. I will reinstall it at some point and continue to work with it.

If precision beyond 100 yards is critical to you, Geissele factory rifle will probably be more accurate. However, you can have gunsmith D Wilson convert any barrel to work with lmt. That's what I did with a Bartlein barrel from Craddock Precision, and now it's the most accurate AR I've ever shot.

Both rifles run like a top, both are very high quality, the Geissele will have a better trigger, but the LMT axle trigger isn't bad compared to most other Factory rifles.

TLDR: A factory Geissele super duty rifle is the Easy Button
 
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I have 2 lmt’s both run great im plenty happy with them, I have no issues as far as qc with them. Like the post above they aren’t precision but shoot well enough for their intentions, although I have ran some hand loads thru my 14.5” and it shot quite well.
 
I also have both, this is my exact experience. I love both rifles, they are both outstanding. The only drawback with LMT is the fact that their are factory barrels don't tend to shoot as well as Geissele. I've only had 2 Geissele barrels, but I've had 5 factory LMT 5.56 barrels. 3 chrome lined and 2 factory stainless steel 5r barrels. The last Factory LMT stainless steel barrel was finally starting to shoot small after 150 rounds, I probably gave up on it a little too soon. I will reinstall it at some point and continue to work with it.

If precision beyond 100 yards is critical to you, Geissele factory rifle will probably be more accurate. However, you can have gunsmith D Wilson convert any barrel to work with lmt. That's what I did with a Bartlein barrel from Craddock Precision, and now it's the most accurate AR I've ever shot.

Both rifles run like a top, both are very high quality, the Geissele will have a better trigger, but the LMT axle trigger isn't bad compared to most other Factory rifles.

TLDR: A factory Geissele super duty rifle is the Easy Button
I also went the D Wilson Route for my LMTs. I still have the factory barrel on my 10.5 300blk though. DW does a spectacular job!
 
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I also have both, this is my exact experience. I love both rifles, they are both outstanding. The only drawback with LMT is the fact that their are factory barrels don't tend to shoot as well as Geissele. I've only had 2 Geissele barrels, but I've had 5 factory LMT 5.56 barrels. 3 chrome lined and 2 factory stainless steel 5r barrels. The last Factory LMT stainless steel barrel was finally starting to shoot small after 150 rounds, I probably gave up on it a little too soon. I will reinstall it at some point and continue to work with it.

If precision beyond 100 yards is critical to you, Geissele factory rifle will probably be more accurate. However, you can have gunsmith D Wilson convert any barrel to work with lmt. That's what I did with a Bartlein barrel from Craddock Precision, and now it's the most accurate AR I've ever shot.

Both rifles run like a top, both are very high quality, the Geissele will have a better trigger, but the LMT axle trigger isn't bad compared to most other Factory rifles.

TLDR: A factory Geissele super duty rifle is the Easy Button
has not been my experience in that the LMT barrels I've had have all performed well and I'd put it even (give or take)

OP, good choice selection as you really can't go wrong. I prefer the barrel option and upper construction of the LMT not to mention, the e bolt. that is where I'd go as the QC issues seem sorted well after the move

I'd go LMT here
 
Yeah, I was planning on using the stock LMT barrel when I got it, then run that dry. Then get a Geissele (or better barrel), and have DWilson convert it for me (in the far far future). I was also planning on putting a Surefire SOCOM 3 Prong Flash Hider on the stock LMT barrel. Maybe get a 14.5, then pin and weld the SOCOM on it, and stick to that forever.

I'm looking for sub MOA at 100y, but if that doesn't happen, then 2-3 is great for me too. Also hoping to upgrade the trigger eventually for the longer shots. Just a "do it all" (kinda) rifle
 
I have both. My Super Duty 14.5 is my favorite

Light super reliable and stupid accurate

LMT weighs more and I just have more confidence with it
My 14.5” super duty is the most accurate upper I have which includes a few custom built ones with SS button rifled barrels etc…it kicks ass. If one can find one in stock during holiday sales etc they are by far the best value out there.
 
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Hey guys, update: I'm REALLY leaning towards the MARS right now. I just found what I think is a killer deal on everything. I can build the rifle from a new MARS lower, a slightly used barrel (200-500 rounds), brand new MONO upper, torque wrench and LMT BCG for $2140. Should I go for it, or just buy a brand new LMT MARS for $2500?
 
The LMT is a Great choice, I have a number of them. The used barrel is the wild card. Most likely really good, definitely a great place to start. If down the road you decide it is not what you want you can have Wilson create a new one from whatever 556 barrel you want. They are super easy to change, 2 screws and the the comes out (may require a knock or two😆).
 
Hey guys, update: I'm REALLY leaning towards the MARS right now. I just found what I think is a killer deal on everything. I can build the rifle from a new MARS lower, a slightly used barrel (200-500 rounds), brand new MONO upper, torque wrench and LMT BCG for $2140. Should I go for it, or just buy a brand new LMT MARS for $2500?
Roof Top has a great deal on a 14.5" LMT, $1879
https://www.rooftopdefense.com/product/lmt-mars-l-14-5-5-56-mlr-mlok-pistol-rooftop-exclusive/