[Lycanthrope]

The AR15's are modular guns and uppers and lowers can be swapped out interchangeably on most models. Many manufacturers use the same barrels and small parts. They are easy to put together yourself and buying a kit and doing just that will save you $100-$200 over most retail prices in gun stores. That is, you can buy a stripped receiver from your FFL from DPMS. Then you can order a complete DPMS kit and just slap it together in a couple hours.

But for most, including myself, the first gun is usually bought complete. Any of the major manufacturers are fine for a first gun that is: A (Armalite),B (Bushmaster), C (Colt), D (DPMS) or R (Rock River Arms. These are all quality firearms, although people do have preferences. A basic model from all these manufacturers will interchange parts for the most part, except the Colt since it uses different size pins to connect the upper to the lower than the other companies listed.

Suggestions.....yes.

For the first one, buy a flat top. I have an A2 custom service rifle and a flat top. The flat top gets more range time, because I like optics and you can always get detacheable irons for it. Mounting a scope to the high carry handle can be a pain to shoot for some.

Second, if you plan on mostly using irons and shooting longer ranges go with the 20" model. The longer sight radius matters. If you want something easy to handle and perhaps for home defense, get a 16" model and collapseable stock....they handle a bit faster in close and are lighter to carry around. Since the ban has expired get flash suppressors on both. Or....as we say over at ar15.com....GET BOTH!