Colt will always fetch top dollar in the AR game. As will Daniel Defense. Now I never thought I would go on the record with this but here goes. If you compare the two rifles side by side the difference is undeniably recognizable. The Daniel Defense rifle feels as synchronized as the gear box in a fine Italian sports car. Every part feels like it has been hand mated to each other. Ever button, every lever and every pin just feels like it has been made for that particular rifle. They are definitely fine guns and after you handle one after handling a Colt you will notice the difference immediately. Taking away the comparison which many people will never experience the Colt will always command respect for it's many years in the business and the weapons are very well made. Both will work well and both will command a healthy resale value. What you have to ask is do I want a jewel like action on every movable part or do I want a rifle that is great but will rely on name as a major selling factor down the road. However, for under a grand the Colt is a crazy great deal. I don't think you can wrong with either one but D&D makes one hell of a rifle. Colt are tough and will take the abuse and are proven in that aspect so it's a toss up on which one would be the absolute best for you and your needs. No one knows what kind of abuse you plan on dishing out but you. The Daniel Defense would probably be the most accurate of the two rifles because of the hammer forged barrels and care they take in producing thier barrels.