So I'm slowly figuring out which AR I want to buy. This will be my first AR. There is not anywhere near me where I can rent an AR to shoot to help me decide so I will rely partially on your opinions. I am pretty much set on Bushmaster - and their 16 in heavy barrel, A3, flash supp, and tele stock. I plan on adding a vertical grip and optics, possibly a light but don't want to overkill. I looked more closely at a 20 in barrel this weekend though and am undecided. Even though the 20 in is better at long range shooting (accuracy, velocity, etc) realistically when am I going to shoot 300 plus yards plus? 200 yards is the fartherst common range distance near me. I doubt I would get into the long range competitions. CQB shooting seems like a blast though. Also, the 16 in would be better for home defense in my eyes and more fun to shoot. Prices around me are roughly the same for either at appx $900 with A3, case and one 30 round mag.
Please throw any ideas or comments my way before I drop a wad of cash.
Thanks.