We chose to sell the Thureon because we saw it is a superior firearm. The Thureon Defense rifle does well when seen in person, and fired.
For the quality in the machining and mechanical design, I think that the cost is reasonable. These are small run, well made firearms. I believe they must cost more to manufacture than many other firearms costing close to, or even more in price. It feels like a well made firearm. It 'puts together' and 'takes apart' smoothly.
With the new top rails, as suggested to Thureon Def by AEI, as suggested to AEI by all your feedback on CGN and in conversation on the first spec shipment, which extends to the upper receiver, and is monolithic rail height, I think the looks are now there too! It definitely does better in person than in pics though, if that makes sense. Check with your dealers and actually look at one in person, I think you might be pleasantly surprised.
Questions of aesthetics aside, they have an excellent reputation for reliability and accuracy. They handle just like a 9mm AR. By that I mean, When looking through your optic, it IS an AR15. (Esp with the size and angle of the SMG mags). It takes AR optics, sights, stocks, pistol grip, triggers. And, it is non-restricted.
I personally am happy with the SMG mags, SMG mags are reliable, STRONG, load from the top, and run straight up and down. That said, I am pretty sure the Glock mag GA guns will be popular.
They are just now starting to catch up with our orders, and I know they sold a pile of guns at SHOT this year, so we're hoping for steady deliveries in 2012. Getting them has definitely been our biggest problem.
We'll be posting a range report over the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, the shipment that arrived just before SHOT is in the system and selling. If you're looking for a dealer, give us a shout at 877-576-0007, if you are a dealer, let us know, and we'll post it and send customers your way.
I'll post this info on our forum as they get closer, but Canada will have 9mm and 45ACP with SMG mags, (SA9/SA45 Pistols and their 10rnd Mags available), and 9/40... and 10MM (finally!) Glock mag models through 2012.
Best regards.
DT