The AR has crossed my mind, but it ain’t cheap. And then again, it’s just goning to get more expensive if a ban comes on deck in 2009.
Figure on not getting much change back from your $1,000 bill. Maybe a used rifle. Gun Shows ?
Consider picking up a stripped AR lower receiver. That's the serial-numbered part, so you can pick that up for around $150.00 (though prices are increasing again). Most local gun dealers charge between $30.00 and $50.00 to receive the shipment and run it through their books.
After you have the lower receiver, everything else can be gathered via mail-order. I did it that way back when the Bush 41 presidency was drawing to a close. I even bought some extra lowers and later sold them at a 100% + profit - and the buyers still got a good deal.
When you buy it in sub-assemblies, it all just snaps together. Have a look at dsgarms.com - they have the molded polymer Cavalry Arms lower receivers in stock. I suspect they won't last more than a few weeks.