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The Secret Service Duty Rifle Build: A Detailed Breakdown

Scott Witner - comments 47 comments

Only the best equipment will suffice when protecting the president of the United States.

The Knight’s Armament SR-16 (allegedly used by the Secret Service) is a great example of modern duty rifles.

With two distinct configurations tailored to the agency’s needs, these rifles showcase precision engineering and uncompromising performance.

Two Variants of the Secret Service SR-16

The Secret Service employs two main configurations of the SR-16, each optimized for specific mission requirements. Here’s a detailed look at these builds:

Two Variants of the Secret Service SR-16

Gen III SR-16 E3 CQB

This variant features a compact 11.5” upper receiver, making it highly maneuverable for close-quarters engagements. Here’s the breakdown:

Upper Configuration:

  • Upper Receiver: SR-15/16 E3 CQB Gen III 11.5” Upper Receiver
  • Rail System: KAC URX 2 Mid-Length
  • Charging Handle: KAC Charging Handle
  • Bolt Carrier: KAC Phosphate Carrier
  • Front Sight: URX 2 Integral
  • Rear Sight: KAC 600 Meter or KAC 600 Meter Micro
  • Optics: Aimpoint T-1/2 or Aimpoint Comp M2/3
  • Optic Mount: LaRue LT-660, Factory Mount (T-1), Wilcox P/N 13600G01 (Comp M2), or KAC 30mm Aimpoint Comp Mount P/N 98073-1 (Comp M2)
  • Magnifier: Aimpoint 3x
  • IR Laser: Steiner D-BAL A3 or Insight TPIAL (AN/PEQ-2A), or Black/Tan Insight ATPIAL (AN/PEQ-15)
  • Light: Insight M3X (Incandescent or LED Module) or Streamlight TLR-1 HL
  • Muzzle Device: KAC NT4-QDSS Flash Hider
  • Handguard Accessories: KAC 11-Rib Rail Cover Panels, LaRue FUG, KAC Forward Pistol Grip

Lower Configuration:

Secret Service Gen III SR-16 E3 CQB

MOD 1 SR-16 E3 CQB

The MOD 1 variant introduces the URX 3.1 rail system, a refined option for enhanced ergonomics and accessory mounting. The optic options also expand to include LPVOs like the Vortex Razor HD.

Upper Configuration:

  • Upper Receiver: SR-15/16 E3 CQB MOD 1 11.5” Upper Receiver
  • Rail System: KAC URX 3.1 (10.75”)
  • Charging Handle: KAC Charging Handle
  • Bolt Carrier: KAC Phosphate Carrier
  • Optics: Aimpoint T-1/2Aimpoint Comp M2/3, or Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24
  • Front Sight: KAC Micro
  • Rear Sight: KAC 600 Meter Micro
  • Optic Mount: LaRue LT-660, Factory Mount (T-1), Wilcox P/N 13600G01 (Comp M2), or KAC 30mm Aimpoint Comp Mount (Comp M2)
  • Magnifier: Aimpoint 3x
  • IR Laser: Black/Tan Insight ATPIAL (AN/PEQ-15)
  • Light: Insight M3X (Incandescent or LED Module) or Streamlight TLR-1 HL
  • Muzzle Device: KAC NT4-QDSS Flash Hider
  • Handguard Accessories: KAC URX 3.1 Panels & Handstops

Lower Configuration:

Secret Service MOD 1 SR-16 E3 CQB

Exclusive Features of the Secret Service Rifle

Beyond the individual build configurations, the SR-16 incorporates several advanced features that make it a standout choice for elite operators:

Exclusive Features of the Secret Service Rifle

Proprietary Rail System

The FF RAS (Free Float Rail Adapter System) is unique to the Secret Service. This rail is not available to any other government contracts or civilian markets, showcasing Knight’s Armament’s commitment to custom-tailored solutions. The FF RAS enhances stability, precision, and modularity, making it ideal for mounting mission-specific accessories.

Sand Cutter Bolt Carrier Group

This bolt carrier group is designed for adverse environments, featuring debris channels to ensure seamless operation in dirt, sand, or dust. The hard chrome finish improves durability and allows the carrier to hold oil and lubricant better, enabling longer intervals between maintenance cycles.

Ambidextrous Controls

Designed for maximum usability, the SR-16 includes:

  • Ambidextrous Bolt Release
  • Ambidextrous Magazine Release
  • Ambidextrous Safety Selector
  • Ambidextrous Charging Handle

These features make the rifle user-friendly for right- and left-handed operators, ensuring adaptability in high-stress environments.

The SR-16 in Action

This rifle is designed to excel in environments where precision and reliability are paramount. For the Secret Service, its primary use likely involves close-quarters protection and urban environments. Its compact design and lightweight profile make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while its accuracy ensures mission success when seconds count.

The Secret Service SR-16 in Action

Why the Secret Service Chooses Knight’s Armament

Knight’s Armament rifles are renowned for their precision, reliability, and build quality. Here’s why they’re a preferred choice for elite units:

  • Durability: Designed to handle high round counts with minimal wear and tear.
  • Exclusivity: Custom-built components like the FF RAS rail are not available elsewhere.
  • Performance: From optics to suppressors, every accessory on the SR-16 is optimized for mission success.

Final Thoughts

The Knight’s Armament SR-16 is a testament to what’s possible when no compromises are made in design and functionality. Used by the Secret Service, it’s not just a tool—it’s a symbol of readiness, precision, and the elite standards of those who wield it. While most will never own this rifle, its features and engineering inspire enthusiasts and professionals to aim for the best.

47 thoughts on “The Secret Service Duty Rifle Build: A Detailed Breakdown”

  1. Is this an ad for Knights or the SS clown show? “elite operators” – har it is to laugh. One would hope they have improved, or restaffed, since last year’s debacles.

    Reply
    • That was my thought as well. A glorified press release more than a performance review.

      Indicative of the “sleek and futuristic” site overhaul?

      Reply
    • The odd way they list standard parts as if they’re extra add-ons is strange and a lot of the text reads like a marketing brochure. A rifle from KA came with KA sights and a KA charging handle? NO WAY, how is this possible!?

      Sooo… *stealth ad* for Knights?

      Truth is, I doubt the USSS connection hurts them. It probably mostly helps. There’s a lot of stuff that gets attention “on the Right” that is straying close to “issues only of concern to the terminally online”.

      Reply
      • those gals were not actually secret service. The SS for some reason ( errrr… Biden said no) could not supply enough manpower so they got this idea of borrowing ‘desk jockey agents’ from DHS and ran them through a short ‘webinar’ to train them.

        none of them had actually been in the field before in a serious role.

        Reply
        • Fun fact. Trump had bona fide experienced SS assigned to him, but Jill Biden (not sure how she had the authority to do this) was going to be nearby for a last-minute event, and pulled them over to her, giving Trump the newbies.

          Reply
          • that’s why Biden said ‘No’ for that faithful day, that resulted in some agents being pulled but the entire detail already have fewer actual SS agents to begin with.

            Also, he did have bona fide experienced SS assigned to him but not enough as Biden also limited that. This began earlier in the year. On Sat, July 20, 2024 a Secret Service spokesperson indirectly verified this and stated that the agency has not provided certain resources in the past but has instead provided other security measures including from local partners.

            Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, also indirectly verified this and wrote in a statement “In some instances where specific Secret Service specialized units or resources were not provided, the agency made modifications to ensure the security of the protectee, …This may include utilizing state or local partners to provide specialized functions or otherwise identifying alternatives to reduce public exposure of a protectee.”

            In other words, where there was a lack of trained SS agents, the “alternatives” it turned out were untrained DHS desk jockeys.

            Guglielmi said in a statement the day after the shooting that claims that Trump was denied additional security requests specifically for the rally in Pennsylvania were untrue. Guglielmi said “This is absolutely false. In fact, we added protective resources & technology & capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo,”

            Well, actually it was true – context matters. Trumps campaign had requested actual SS agent details be increased, the actual trained SS agent increase was denied. In place of those local police and their resources and desk jokey DHS were added and that was the added “protective resources & technology & capabilities”.

            Overall: Part of this was decreasing the number of actual Secret Service, and then filling the void with untrained ‘desk jockeys’ from DHS (most of which had never been beyond their cubical). In short, they dressed them in suits, gave them guns they normally didn’t carry due to their desk jockey status, an a couple of hour ‘webinar’.

            So although there were some bona fide experienced SS assigned to him, those numbers had actually been reduced, then were further reduced by Biden pulling some more to go with Jill that day.

  2. They do not look very secretive to me, to much crap strapped.
    I would like to know what kinda pistol Trump carries.
    We know he does.
    Think a Glock? Nah not enough bling for that man.

    Reply
  3. Kid With Gun Shoots & Kills 2 Armed Robbers During Home Invasion.

    (Colion) “A juvenile just defended himself against two armed intruders—proving, once again, why responsible gun ownership saves lives. These criminals broke into the home looking for guns, and instead, they got exactly what they deserved.

    🔹 A young kid took on two grown men with guns—by himself.
    🔹 The intruders fired first, and the juvenile fought back.
    🔹 If he didn’t have a gun, he might not be here today.

    But you won’t hear the mainstream media covering this story. Why? Because it doesn’t fit their anti-gun narrative. If this same kid had misused a firearm, his face would be everywhere. But when he uses one to survive? Silence.”

    Reply
  4. no mention of gas tube length but these are all mouth breathers. are piston uppers that much less accurate?
    why not just get the whole piece from larue if you’re going d.i.

    Reply
  5. (Bidens) USAID Blew Hundreds Of Thousands In Taxpayer Slush Funds On Ukrainian ‘Pickle Maker,’ Pet Accessories.

    “The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) spent millions of American taxpayer dollars propping up pet projects like dog collar manufacturing and pickle making in Ukraine and then spent months stonewalling members of Congress about that spending, according to findings obtained by The Federalist.

    Sen. Joni Ernst’s staff uncovered the secret slush funds when, after months of enduring the agency’s excuses to justify its resistance to oversight, they were finally permitted access to ‘very limited data.’ In October 2024, as Ernst has since detailed, the senator’s staff visited USAID headquarters in person for an ‘in-camera review’ of Ukraine assistance data even though, her team discovered, the documents were not classified.

    Even though they were heavily restricted during their investigation, Ernst’s team discovered a variety of U.S. taxpayer-funded grants funneled to Ukrainian businesses under the guise of both Competitive Economy Program (CEP) and Investment for Business Resilience funds.

    Among the grants Ernst’s staff discovered ….
    approximately $300,000 to a ‘pet tracking app,…
    approximately $300,000 to a ‘dog collar manufacturer,’
    approximately another $109,000 to a ‘pet food packaging producer,

    Fashionistas also benefitted from the taxpayer-funded expenditures with a women’s clothing company, a fashion photographer, a ‘purveyor of contemporary knitwear,’ a ‘luxury bridal brand,’ a ‘marketplace for designer artisanal pieces,’ and even a ‘trade mission for a fashion design house,’ raking in approximately $733,000 combined. …

    … including a ‘custom carpet manufacturer,’ which received approximately $2,000,000, and two different furniture lines, which received $114,000 and $91,000 respectively …

    Even foodies received their fill of American cash. …

    ‘trade mission for a condiment manufacturer’ cost taxpayers approximately $94,000…
    a ‘pickle maker’ received around $148,0000,
    an organic coffee and tea producer was handed approximately $255,000,
    a vineyard pulled $89,000, and an ‘artisanal fruit tea company’ collected $104,000.

    USAID also awarded a ‘specialty biscuit and confectionery company’ around $678,000 — nearly the same number of taxpayer dollars as the aforementioned food grants combined — and a meatpacking plant approximately $319,000.

    …”

    h ttps://thefederalist.com/2025/02/26/exclusive-usaid-blew-hundreds-of-thousands-in-taxpayer-slush-funds-on-ukrainian-pickle-maker-pet-accessories/

    Reply
    • Do people really think all that USAID money was really spent on? lol, not true! Those programs were just cover for secret programs used for intelligence gathering and surveillance. Don’t believe everything a politician like Trump says, or any politician for that matter. Stop worshipping these people.

      Reply
  6. liberals melt down, again: Jeff Bezos Makes Major Announcement About WaPo Editorial Page, and Liberals Are Apoplectic Over It.


    According to Bezos, who owns the Post, instead of being a hotbed of progressive excess, editorials will now center on free markets and personal freedoms.
    …”

    h ttps://redstate.com/bonchie/2025/02/26/jeff-bezos-makes-major-announcement-about-wapo-editorial-page-and-liberals-are-apoplectic-over-it-n2186031

    Reply
  7. Gonna be some hungry illegal aliens: Top Trump Official Moves to Bar Illegal Aliens From Accessing Food Stamps: ‘Follow the Law: Full Stop’.

    h ttps://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2025/02/26/top-trump-official-moves-to-bar-illegal-aliens-from-accessing-food-stamps-follow-the-law-full-stop-n2186028

    Reply
  8. I have no AR type pattern rifles.
    I would like to purchase one. Something similar to the old M16.
    Asking for opinions.
    What is the best quality AR on the market.

    Reply
  9. Not sure why people got so hurt by this, kind of a nice 11.5 build.

    Knight’s makes good stuff, though apparently they have some sort of special contract with the USSS for some of the accessories. The base SR rifles are very nice though, IMO.

    Their choices of optics mount are questionable IMHO though. 1/3rd lower cowitness? The fuck is this, 1998? You’d think that if they’re going to bother with a PEQ or D-BAL that they’d move everything into the modern world with regards to night operations… guess not.

    Reply
  10. Why do we even need a secret service just another waste of tax payers money. There should be a dedicated military unit tasked with protecting the president filled with only the best and brightest members and no fat woke DEI idiots to fill quotas!

    Reply
    • The Secret Service does more than protect federal politicians. Their original mission was to investigate threats to the financial system and protect it. Someone fell asleep in school.

      Reply

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