1/11/2012 9:40:44 AM i just went through the same process over the past month. after alot of reading a bothering these guys on here i decided to go with the spikes mid length. from all the research ive done i would say that bravo company and spikes are the best quality for the money. imo. BiggerStick47 1/11/2012 9:43:09 AM Don’t roll the dice, just get the Colt and be done with it. Chris_C 1/11/2012 10:19:40 AM The Stag Model 3′s are a good rifle and easy on the wallet. Link: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?num=50&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=kxg&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=stag+model+3&biw=1280&bih=629&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9139800721629134032&sa=X&ei=YrENT4HyKqH20gGc5oWpCQ&ved=0CDoQ8wIwBA ETA: Op, just saw your name here of “Yonkers”, are you from there? If so, welcome! Bachelor_of_Science 1/11/2012 10:32:30 AM Maybe he means a 20″ barrel with a carbine length gas system?? Gacksnabbit 1/11/2012 10:52:16 AM It is probably easier to list what ARs not to buy, by brand, than to list all the good ones out there. Discuss. lowcountry 1/11/2012 10:56:34 AM At the prices you can get a Daniel Defense, I think they are the absolute best bang for the buck. cmeyer001 1/11/2012 10:57:52 AM I might look at the PSA Midlength 16″ Lightweight Hammer Forged Barrel Complete Kit for 599. (with MOE furniture is 679.00) and then add an 80.00 lower receiver to it. You get a smoking rifle for 759.00 plus shipping / transfer on the receiver. I realize is not complete, but theAR-15 Accessories is a pretty easy, pretty fun thing to assemble. And you’ll learn alot by doing it. Then add a BUIS (Daniel Defense 1.5 fixed rear is nice and cheap ) and a decent sling and you are good to go. Probably have the whole thing put together including a couple of PMags, rear BUIS and a good sling for just about 850.00 That extra 150 can go to cleaning kit, more mags, or as the initial seed money for an Aimpoint T1. Hard to beat. I bought one of their NATO 20″ complete uppers and the thing has been flawless and accurate for about 1000 rounds so far, I anticipate continued solid performance. They seem to have a very good product for a VERY good price. Medicfrost 1/11/2012 11:01:16 AM My favorite deal right now: $799 Spikes Middy GeorgeWA 1/11/2012 11:50:32 AM +1 on buying the upper and complete lower seperately. I bought an LMT 16″ Defender 2000 (std patrol model) that way and got it for $825 (plus tax and shipping). Saved $300 over buying a complete rifle from one place. As someone else said, probably easier to list what not to buy… bhasi