[usconservative]

Anyone want to help me out with recommendations? I'm planning on buying this week.

I like the S&W AR-15 Sport, but I'm an HnK guy, and I really like the HnK 417, but think that's out of my price range.

[Joe 6-pack]

The old conventional wisdom was "A-B-C": Armalite, Bushmaster, or Colt.

While my personal loyalties are with Armalite, there are a myriad of manufacturers out there right now making equal quality rifles. With the availability of components nowadays, probably the best rifle for the $$ would be one you assemble for yourself if you're willing to invest the time to do so.

[TSgt]

This thread won’t get any replies. /sar

[yarddog]

I think the others are OK but I would get a Colt. I once had 4 of them and thought the workmanship was superb.

Colt has also gotten much more civilian customer friendly in the last few months.

[I see my hands]

"Anyone want to help me out with recommendations? I'm planning on buying this week"

Good work getting advice. Bad idea buying the same week you make a decision. Once you set your sites on a particular AR wait ten days, see how you feel then. JMO.

[PzLdr]

Look at DPSM, Rock River.

[BipolarBob]

Help us help you. What is your price range? What is your primary purpose for this weapon? How long of distance are you shooting for? pardon the pun. Any relevant info would be appreciated.
http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_xm15_BCWA30816MLMOE.asp

[GlockThe Vote]

I have a Bushmaster and it works just fine.

[ExcursionGuy84]

.300 AAC Blackout cartridge.

Research it online and see it's benefits over 5.56/.223 in urban parameters.

For battle-grade toughness, go with:

Daniel Defense
Noveske (pricey but afghanistan-grade ironclad)
Palmetto State Armory

[Sea Parrot]

What do you want it for and in what caliber and configurations>

Defense, target, hunting, SHTF, or just to say you have one?

[TaMoDee]

“Sun Devil” Lower with a “DPMS” upper.

Go to a Gun Show this weekend in your area. Look’em all over.

[Blueflag]

I went with the (affordable) Bushmaster and bought a very nice EOTECH holographic sight. All within your budget.

You put the red dot on the target and the rifle puts the round RIGHT THERE.

Non vehere est inermus.

[Ainast]

I have abused the HELL out of my S&W M&P15 but I have yet to have a malfunction of any kind.

I would def buy it again and again.

[painter]

Bump

[CrazyIvan]

I just put my 3rd RRA AR together last week. This one for a son in law. They are top notch and very good to deal with. Also, I live very near them. I built one for a stepson who is a dwarf and they went overboard helping me fit it to his special needs.

[Hammerhead]

Colt 6920

[paulcissa]

I'm biased towards my Colt Match Target which is slightly less than your budget. A2 receiver with match iron sights is a hoot-to-shoot and accurate as any other.

I also looked recently at the Windham's. Nice things coming from that shop.

[mnehring]

$1200 is a nice price for a middle of the road model that will last you a lifetime. I am actually considering building my own just because I am weird that way.

Of course, the obvious S&W, Colt, Rock River, etc are recommended, but you can also consider going through Model 1 and ‘build up’ your own gun to your own specifications. Because you are choosing individual pieces, you can often get great quality for less cost.

http://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=177

It would probably max out your budget, but to go up a notch, check out Stag Arms.
http://www.stagarms.com/index.php?cPath=13_22

I probably will be laughed at, but they do make some good stuff. Check out Red Jacket.
http://www.redjacketfirearms.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=46&category_id=8&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=6

[cripplecreek]

Aren’t you scared to have the pitbull of weapons in your home? /s

[MHGinTN]

Use the following link. Put together what you want. Then buy an Osprey Defense piston kit and put it on whatever AR15 in 5.56 you purchase. You will still be under $1200.

http://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=shopping.basket&Product_ID=966

[El Laton Caliente]

Next ask which is better the AR or the AK... LMAO!!!