Which would you prefer and why?

Choice #1:  Daniel Defense

or

Choice #2:  LWRC

Gun will be used for home/work place defense, hunting, and fun/practice on the range.

Add a poll to make this easier and also easier for you to sort out the answers.  

But until you do....I say DD.

DD, I dont care for pistons, and youll have extra money for a sight, sling, ammo, etc.

and Id opt for a 12" rail.  Troy flip up sights will allow you to mount nearly any optic(troy rears have one of the lowest profiles out, IIRC).  The longer rail will allow you to hold the rifle wherever you want, and if you put a bipod on it, or rest it on something, you wont be resting it on the barrel which would change POI and the bipod would be farther out which is better for followups..