How much are AR 15's going for these days? And which gun shop? I'm a benchrest shooter and mostly own bolt action rifles, but I've been thinking about buying an AR 15 "just in case". I usually shop at Simmons in Bessemer when looking for factory rifles.
Gun shot just outside of the city limits of Anniston, AL, in Saks area. He had about 6 different styles. They ran from $899 to up about $1,200.
My situation sounds very similar to yours. I was all Winchester Model 70s and the odd Remington 700 bull barrel (MILSPEC 5R) or the Husqvarna sporter.
A few years back I bought an M1A and had so much darn fun it was followed by an AR-15A2, M-1, M-1 Carbine, 1903A3, and No. 4 Mk. I.
Fun stuff, but also, I’m in good shape - “just in case”.