I don't think you can beat Kilo's advice. I've got a DPMS sportical mforgery, $675 (give or take, before the AR bubble burst). It doesn't have a dust cover or forward assist. Ask me if I care, given that in 4 years of toting an A2 I never used the FA and the dust cover is only good if you're in the sand box. Otherwise it's something else that can break.The rifle shoots a clover leaf at 10 yards and 4-5" off hand at 100. Good enough. If I had to buy again, I would buy one that had Buis standard even if it cost extra. I spent $65 buying a used YH front sight (a very fair price from Kilo as it has a front sling mount). I'll probably spend as much for a rear if I can find one that will fit behind the eotech. There's not much real estate on the receiver rail. I might end up having to get a rail mounted hand guard, but I really hope to avoid this as keeping the gun clean, simple and light is key for me. This is just a no bells and whistles tool. The thing is, that if you just buy a decent basic flattop system you can accesorize as the money fairy visits. The thing is completly modular. I would advise getting one with buis built in and then getting an eotech (God I LOVE that sight) or maybe a low powered piece of glass unless you have young eyes. These can be found for not much ($250-$350 on ebay or Ar15forum). It still puts you in spitting distance of your price point. Then figure $12-$20 per mag. I have 6 (love the P mags as well, they were $11 each when I bought the gun, but I could only afford 4 at the time) and my goal is 12-15. Still, 6 will do and I can wait for good deals. Good luck with the project and look at J&G sales and Century. I would buy sooner rather than later as the closer we get to election time, the higher the anxiety, and thus prices, will get.
FQ13