If you are gonna buy a budget AR, buy the S&W M&P Sport II. The Ruger has very tight takedown pins and the AR is supposed to be designed to be able to take it down with just your hands and a bullet. (Upper and Lower, and bolt carrier group) The Ruger requires a chisel to push the takedown pins and the bolt carrier group is of inferior quality to the one in the M&P.
if you go higher end, I recommend Spikes Tactical, Midwest Industries and Daniel Defense.
if you go REALLY high end..the Barrett line of Carbines are insane.
That’s the one I picked up about 6 months ago (the S&W)...$668 and change out the door.
It’s my first AR; still can’t believe how handy and accurate this thing is. My only regret is that it isn’t in 7.62. I was on a budget.