*Sigh* So which AR should I get?

[m25operator]

It all depends on your expectations. What I think.

1)  Dependability, all that MB mentioned get an A.

2)  Durability, "                                                    "

3)  Accuracy, now that depends on your choice of options, and your willingness to work with what you buy.

a) free floated barrels tend to be more accurate, does not mean they are, but tend to be.
b) heavy barrels tend to be more accurate, but how much more? Once again, how much are you willing to work with your rifle?
c) barrel twist rate, and what you intend to shoot in your rifle? 55 grain, milsurp is not going to shoot really well in most rifles as far as accuracy, and by that I mean under an inch for 5 shots. But ammo go's way up from there, if your buying match type ammo, or building your own with premium bullets.
d) Les Baer is the only one that comes to mind with an accuracy guarantee, but I would expect dependability to go down, although, Les makes top notch stuff.

4) Accessorizing, they all take the same accessories, so take your pick, except for the gas piston guns, like the SIG, then you can have a folding stock, as the buffer tube is not used, but you will pay a premium for the rifle, not that it's not worth it, but is that feature worth it to YOU!!!

So like a 1911 or a small block Chevy, it's gonna run with what it was designed for, if you want more, you can fix it. You can fine tune it to your needs.

[tombogan03884]

Method of manufacture for one, Extruded, machined casting, milled billet, 2) tightness of fit between upper and lower, and tolerances of internal parts, 3) Actual materials used, for example a TiN (titanium Nitride ) plated part has more wear resistance than one that is unplated, one grade of steel will hold up better than another and it can differ from application to application.

[Big Frank]

*Sigh* again... one of my local shops has a 7.62 on order from DPMS for over a year... said it was a custom jobber, but...
the only ARs coming in from anyone are 5.56.

AND to make matters worse, I found out PA doesn't let you hunt with semis, 4 round mag or no.  Not good, I can't figure that one out.

You need a Remington 7600 pump, regular or synthetic. The synthetic looks more tactical and it's $125 cheaper. IMO pumps are les likely to be banned anytime soon. When you aren't hunting you can pop in an aftermarket 10-round mag.  http://www.cdnninvestments.com/rem3010seetm.html

[Big Frank]

Has anyone ever had a Z-M Weapons LR 300? Or an older model ZM Weapons for that matter? They're expensive but appear to be well made. The LR 300 is the same thing as the new Para Tactical Target Rifle that's coming out next year. They have a telescopic folding stock that brings the OAL down to a barely legal 26.25".
http://www.zmweapons.com/lr_rifles.htm
http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_rifle.php#specs

[Fatman]

OK, to please jumbofrank re forged vs squeezed, and within MB's recommendations and my price range: DPMS AP4 Panther Carbine, 223/5.56 16 inch, A3 upper 7xxxxT6, M4 barrel, chrome upgrade.  $819.99 + $24.00 s&h @ impactguns.com .  6 to 8 weeks.  Also have the Sportical 7.62 on order, although I'm doubtful it will come in before the anointed one takes over.

[Sponsor]

[Big Frank]

Well, I'm happy.     Congrats Fatman. If military spec 7075-T6 alloy forgings are good enough for my uncle Sam it's good enough for me too.    Extrusions are good for making for pasta, not rifles.