I'm sure I'm going to get many different suggestions. But let's get it started i need help deciding.

I'd say whatever you can find in stock for under $1000. It would be a different conversation a year ago.

Idk why but I way to hard at this.

Back to serious business.

PSA, Smith M&P. You’re better off finding a built one for a decent price or attempt to build one yourself.

I can only tell you about what I have personally owned and used:

1- Buddy of mine and I bought one of these (each) about six years ago. Good quality and not one issue with either firearm. There is more than one version but we liked the model without sights or optics so we could add our own: https://www.johnsmilitiagear.com/products/smith-wesson-022188866421-3364

2- I have owned, built, traded and sold several rifles from PSA. Don't recall one single issue with any of them. May be hard to find in stock: I have generally built them or bought uppers and lowers that matched. If I wanted one now I would go with the Smith as they are available.

PS- There a TON of upgrades that can really improve any basic rifle you buy. Some of them are:
-- Upgraded grip from Hogue #15000. Really good upgrade for the $s
-- Forend grip: https://leapers.com/index.php?act=p...;allids=2377_2378&itemno=RB-FGRP170B I have one of these I will sell you for $16 + postage. Best one out there IMO. The Magpul grips are too short and don't rotate.
-- Buttpad: Good for keeping the stock on the shoulder. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D65DDDC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
-- Red dot scope: IMO no reason to go high dollar here for just plinking, etc. I have three or four Tacticons that have been good: https://www.amazon.com/Tacticon-Armament-Predator-VETERAN-Reflex/dp/B076VTY7GC/ref=sr_1_4?crid=BPV3KS153N2G&dchild=1&keywords=tacticon+red+dot+sight&qid=1604848185&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=tacticon%2Csporting%2C186&sr=1-4
I have a new on that I will sell you for $40 + postage.
-- Trigger upgrades: Many available. The one I have used lately is a CMMG but don't see any great deals right now. A Timney would be good. I guess.

Looking at the Ruger MPR or Savage Recon.

Can't go wrong with either of those.

S&W must be one of the few that can keep up w current demand

I didn’t buy one but I’ve stumbled across 4 the last few weeks all new

They were $785

The options are slim

PSA ran the Saint at $899, but that was five weeks ago.

and Springfield Saint, SIG Tread

Saint edge, great weapon

Bear Creek Arsenal AR-15 A3 Carbine 5.56x45mm NATO Semi-Automatic Rifle 16" Barrel 30-Round
Product #: 400417 Manufacturer #: CR556CM41618P-15M3CC
7 ReviewsWrite a Review
New ArrivalBear Creek Arsenal AR-15 A3 Carbine 5.56x45mm NATO Semi-Automatic Rifle 16" Barrel 30-R...enlarge arrow magnifying glass
List Price:
$719.99

$699.99 at MidwayUSA

Springfield Saint, lot of variants to choose from.

I have the Ruger MPR and my wife has the Ruger AR. Both great guns.

Rock river

I like my PSA.

SW MP Sport II

Another vote...Springfield Armory Saint, good value although some models are slightly above $1K.

Doesn't matter, they're all the same.

Ruger, I really like it. AR556

Thanks for all the suggestions. I went with the Savage Recon.

Man I built a couple AR and I used Anderson lowers. I was truly surprised how tight the fit to my upper