SLR, IMO. It uses all of the proven AR parts, including bolt carriers that won't crack. The bad reviews they might have gotten were probably from early run guns, they ironed out a lot of the little issues over time (Which is fairly typical of newer manufacturers; I think they did fairly well given that it was a 'new' design, and their first). People rip on the upper/lower interface (it doesn't use pins like they're familiar with, and needs one tool to take down), but the fit between the upper and lower is excellent. Zero play, no need for the goofy wedge things people put in ARs. I always have a 3/16" hex driver in my range bag, as would most people. These aren't service rifles, I'd guess than 99-100% of their usage is somewhere that tools would be reasonably available.