I'm going to go with the m-lok model first and the moe second. I'll take the advice of the nitride finish and go with that. I want to set this up with folding sights and a red dot sight. Also going to put a light on this one. Main intent to be a bedside gun for grab and go emergencies. The moe will have a carry handle put on it but still be capapble of optics later if I need to go that route.
The question I have for you next; is the EPT trigger group enough of an upgrade over mil-spec to buy that upgrade versus buying an aftermarket trigger such as the Velocity trigger?
The EPT is a good GI trigger compared to the other GI triggers I have. I can't say much else as that's all I have on ARs. I wouldn't buy it separately for an upgrade as there's so many other options, I suppose. But, for me, non-picky about AR triggers, they are aok. Good luck.
