Watchtower Defense is putting the spotlight on a pair of ARs that aren’t chasing trends or Instagram likes, they’re built to perform. The veteran-founded, American-made manufacturer is offering two versions of its RAIDER15 rifle: the Standard Issue and the Special Duty. Both are chambered in 5.56 NATO, both are unapologetically mission-driven, and neither one was designed to spend its life collecting dust in a safe.
Standard Issue RAIDER15
The Standard Issue RAIDER15 is the rifle equivalent of that one teammate who’s always ready to roll, no matter the task. Designed as a do-it-all carbine, it’s equally comfortable running drills, burning down range ammo, or standing ready when reliability actually matters. At its core is a 16-inch nitrided 4150 CMV barrel with a 1:8 twist, striking a solid balance between durability and accuracy.
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Ambidextrous controls come standard and the ALG Defense Advanced Combat Trigger delivers a clean, consistent break that inspires confidence shot after shot. A direct-impingement operating system keeps things familiar and easy to maintain, while the 7075-T6 STANAG M-LOK handguard with integrated QD points provides plenty of room for mission-specific accessories. Front and rear MBUS 3 sights come pre-installed, an A2 flash hider caps the muzzle, and the rifle ships with a 30-round magazine. Available in black or FDE, the Standard Issue RAIDER15 carries an MSRP of $1,299.
Special Duty RAIDER15
If the Standard Issue is the dependable workhorse, the Special Duty RAIDER15 is built for environments where equipment gets pushed hard and excuses don’t fly. This model features a 16-inch chrome-lined 416 stainless steel barrel for extended service life and consistent accuracy under sustained use. A Geissele non-adjustable combat trigger anchors the fire control group, delivering the kind of reliability professionals expect.
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Like the Standard Issue, the Special Duty model runs ambidextrous controls, a direct-impingement system, and MBUS 3 sights. Where it separates itself is up front, with a Dead Air KeyMo flash hider. Finish options include black, OD green, and FDE, with an MSRP set at $1,899.
A Name That Means Something
According to Watchtower COO Graham Kolymer, the RAIDER15 was designed for shooters who demand uncompromising performance; whether that’s on duty, at the range, or defending home and family. The name itself is a deliberate nod to the legacy of the Marine Raiders, whose adaptability, toughness, and precision defined modern special operations.
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At its core, the RAIDER15 reflects Watchtower Defense’s commitment to quality and function-first design. It’s a modern AR-platform rifle built to be trusted, customized, and run hard. Because rifles like this aren’t meant to be admired from a distance. They’re meant to be used.