I have been impressed with my SDLE thus far. Mine came with a Magpul CTR stock and the only additions I have made are an Aimpoint PRO and a Surefire M600DF. I will likely change out the GI trigger guard and A2 grip for Magpul MOE parts I have lying around. The A2's finger stud does not work with my little girl hands and an extended trigger guard is conducive to gloved use during the winters in my area.
There have been some changes to the SDLE since they first came out. They were initially offered with the Magpul CTR stock as mine came stock. There were also a few configuration options the officer could make when ordering, at least when I ordered mine.
Rails: ALG EMR V2 (standard), ALG EMR V3, Geissele MK16 (upcharge)
Triggers: ALG ACT (standard), Geissele SSA (upcharge)
Sights: Geissele Fixed or Folding
It appears Geissele has stopped allowing configurations, likely to cut lead times, and has standardized to the ALG ACT trigger, ALG EMR V3 rail, B5 SOPMOD stock, A2 grip, and no sights.
I get some of the complaints about the ALG trigger and rail on a Geissele rifle. Would I have preferred an SDLE rifle with a G trigger and rail for $750? Absolutely! That would also be highway robbery and an unsustainable business practice for Geissele. I think the ACT trigger and EMR rail help fulfill the intended purpose of this rifle at an attainable price point and I have no issue using either. I like the SDLE for what it is, a duty carbine meant to be treated as such. I think the $750 was a great price, granted mine came with the folding sights.
I qualified with my SDLE during our fall range session and will be using it on duty once the paperwork clears command. I currently use a personal BCM 11.5" KMR on duty. I like the size but want to change things up a bit and truly run the SDLE through the gamuts and abuses of patrol. I plan to use it exclusively next year at work, instructing, and training.
This is my first experience with an extended intermediate length gas system. All of my ARs are 16" and 11.5" carbine-length gas systems. It is by far the smoothest and softest shooting AR I own and balances much better than our department Colt 6940s.
I have not had a chance to really test mine for accuracy yet. I sighted the Aimpoint PRO in at 100 yards prior to qualification using our duty ammo, Federal Tactical TRU 55gr Sierra GameKing. When time permits, I will throw my authorized Trijicon AccuPower 1-4 on it and see what it is capable of doing within the department's parameters.
Overall, I am impressed with the SDLE. I think it is probably one of the better options on the market right now for a patrol rifle.