What is the significant difference between these two 223 rifles? The model numbers are 811041 and 811001. The list price difference is $459 but except for a difference in the rifling I can not see much difference.

The 811001 has the Troy rail, and Troy (metal) battle sights. It's barrel has been hard chromed in the chamber/bore.

The 811041 has a different rail (maybe even a little shorter, but I'd have to see them side by side to be sure), and Magpul (plastic) battle sights. It's barrel has been melonite coated.

To me it comes down to what do YOU want. Magpul sights are good, but many like the stronger Troy sights.

Some folk insist on a chromed bore, but many of good makers are putting Melonite on guns now.

Get the one that fits your need and makes you smile. If plastic sights will bother you, get the one with the Troy sights (or plan in the budget to spend almost $200.00 to do so)

Do some research on Melonite and see if you want that or Hard Chrome.

It's your gun - buy the one that makes you happy.

Take care,
Bob S.

The 811001 has Troy BUIS and Troy free float quadrails in addition to the chromed bbl. Possible that the new, lower priced M&P15s have other money saving substitutions but not sure of that. Anyway, the 811001 is the one that got the great reviews in all the mags.

That was a helpful answer. Thanks!