Don't mean to partake in the hijacking, but with a nod to the OP, I've never had an AR outside of the Army, and until they came out with a piston operated system, I never really wanted one. Now that they finally came out with a good one, I'm already invested in the AK platform, (with cheaper Wolf AK ammo than Lake City .223) what's the point, for me..
I want the Ruger SR556, but I just can't afford it. (I'm on VA Disability, so I feel your pain on SSDI.)
When I got my first .22 as an adult, one that didn't actually belong to my dad, I bought a Marlin 60 and a 10-22. I got the 10-22 for myself and the Marlin for my grandson. His mother changed her mind on his getting the Marlin so I took it out to play with, and sold the 10-22. Now I've got another Marlin 60 to go with it. (One for each door.) If the things ran on that rotary magazine, I'd like it better. But for me at least, the Marlin is more accurate.
To continue thread drift here..
My wife spotted a snake in the yard as she walked out to go to the mailbox. She told me about it, (finally deciding not to protect some varmint in the yard that I don't want around) and I got to shoot my favorite shotgun in the whole world, (Benelli M-1 Super 90, 20 Ga.) AND the Governor to finish it off..
I LOVE that shotgun!!!!