Have around $2000 to blow on either a nice AR or thinking about a Steyr AUG or maybe waiting for the IWI Tavor to be released. I have shot AR's often but do not own one at the moment as I've always been an AK type guy. I know for my budget I can get me a very nice AR from top end manufactures such as Noveske, LaRue, Les Bauer, etc. It will be in 5.56 and need something for general use. Nothing terribly decked out. I could go with a nice $1000-$1500 rifle and put some nice optics and such on it though. I do like the concept of the bullpups for length considerations and also not having to go the NFA route to SBR an AR! Just give me some ideas fellas. Thanks for your input!

My coworker just got a Colt LE6940 for a little over 1400.00 out the door, new. It is full mil-spec, and very nice. I would opt for the 1000-1500 rifle, and then gets some nice optics, sling, ammo, pmags, etc.

Colt 6920 would be my choice unless I was going to build it my self.

Go with the LaRue, you wont be sorry, you could get a Stealth upper for $1200, nice trigger in a DPMS lower and still have money left over for a pretty nice optic.
My.02

Money doesn't seem like an issue in this case, but you might consider building one. It will be cheaper and then you can learn how it all works and customize it to your liking without having to replace parts later.

Yeah I would suggest building one too spikes seem nice it's all about opinion as far as who makes the best. Cmmg is another nice quality one too.

If you really wanted short, you could pay the $200 tax stamp and get a 10.5" or 11.5" barrel. . . . . .Just saying.

I'd get a basic (probably lightweight) BCM, DD, larue, or colt. you might have enough for an aimpoint. and spend the rest on ammo and some magazines. You can always chat what you don't like later.

You really just need to figure what king of hanguards you want/need. Larue and DD have some nice hanguards, but they will add another $300-$400. Magpul MOE hanguards work pretty darn well, but they aren't floated.

EDIT: RWH24's link has some nice rifles in it!

I have a Spikes Tactical Concussion rifle that is no longer made. Spikes Tactical Compressor is now being produced.

First decide what you want to do with it.

If you just want to shoot soda cans at 25 yards, anything will do.
If you want to hunt, having a 5.56 means you have to be more accurate and place your shots better to be an ethical hunter so this in turn means you need a more accurate rifle.
If you want to punch paper, the barrel makes the gun.

Even though I build mine, that LaRue OBR PreditAR with 18" barrel just does it for me.....

Staying 5.56 will keep ammo costs down but you admitted you were an AK guy so maybe save the spraying for that and step up to more accuracy on the AR.
I've seen and shot accurate AKs but ARs are more precise and accurate to me(my opinion only, your mileage may vary..)! I had an AR chambered in 7.62x39 and it was very accurate but temperamental and broke things...often.

m14 - m1a

I have had 4 DI AR's, CMMG, Bushmaster, DPMS and a FrankenstinAR and 3 Gas Pistons AR's, a Bushmaster and 2 LWRC's (5.56 & 6.8). My Vote... LWRC all the way and just buy different uppers and switch them out and have some fun.

Colt 6920 or 6940, some decent optics and some ammo. Should put you right around $2K OTD.

No Daniel Defense suggestions? Because i really want one of their 16" midlength ones.

However, I've always wanted one that looks exactly like the original Vietnam era M16. That would be sooooo cool.

Id go with a Noveske, Larue, or LWRC in short barrel and Aimpoint or Eotech. Not sure you can do that for less than 2k though.

You could do a LWRC for that just not New in box. New LWRC Lower $550 and used LWRC 10.5" upper $1100ish. I have been researching it

I'd just get a spikes M4 an EoTech or Aimpoint PRO and spend the rest on ammo and have fun. My Spikes shoots great for me and don't really see a reason of spending an extra $1000 on names that have been mentioned so far.

Heres one for $1500ish

http://www.impactguns.com/lwrci-m6-556-nato-gas-piston-carbine-105in-basic-model-black-m6r5b10.aspx

Its on Backorder

Build you a Spikes

Rock river arms I own two never had a prob

Id go rock river and save aout 1k for the "general use" ar. Then if you care to you can build another upper with another 600 or so if you want something different.

Daniel Defense, LMT, BCM or Colt are the best values in my opinion. Milspec or very close and they don't break the bank like Noveske, etc. They really don't cost much more than RRA, DPMS, etc and you get a better rifle.

Found a LWRC in stock for $1700. Dang those things are expensive.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1LWRCM6R5B16SL&name=LWRC+Int.+M6-SL+Light+Weight+5.56%2f.223+Rifle&groupid=6

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