A SHTF rifle ... depends on what SHTF really entails survival, battle or a see-all-do-all type. Now following you are looking down the AR road ... I’ll go with features available a little more than name. I want a quality barrel with either melonite, chrome or such treatment for a little longer life and ease of cleaning. Decent trigger which for GP stuff ALG’s NiB offering is a great start and while not a light match trigger offers a rugged and solid trigger that is pretty slick and tough due to the NiB. I’d like a good coated BCG like at least a Toolcraft or better (I like BCM, DD, Spike’s for this) w/ maybe NiB coating. I consider IRON SIGHTS (and I want quality metallic not plastic ones like Troy Battle Sights) a must even if I have an Aimpoint or such optic. After that you’re basically down to the “parts is parts” thing except for fit and finish ... assembly of an AR is not rocket science but some care and knowledge does help. So what is my idea? For now I’d say an $800 Barnes Precision BPC (Basic Patrol Carbine) is probably my thought and add my Troy irons, a sling and a few mags which would be all in for under $1000 ... of course ammo in today’s panic market would a big add on also but you gotta feed it ...