Hello all,
Well, I've done my homework, this site has been invaluable in guidance and information leading me to my first AR purchase, but I would like to ask for your help in answering a few remaining questions.

I have found an M4 lenght rifle for sale at a local firearms store for $860.  The lower is stamped Superior Arms(which I have never heard of in my search for info) the upper is RRA. The barrel is 14.5" 1/9 twist and chrome lined.  Comes with one 20rd mag. They have 30rd mags available for $19.99.

The two close shooting ranges are only 500 yards long, and after talking with a few customers in the store that bought their AR's from this store and shoot at these local ranges, they have been very pleased with the performance and reliability of the rifles they have purchased. Of the two customers I spoke with, the owner and his on, the longest barrel that any of these shooters use is 16" and they said they usually knock down bowling pins at 300yds with standard iron sights, one uses a flip up rear.

Also, this rifle comes with an optional flip up rear sight(which would replace the carry handle rear sight and remove it from the sale), but changes the price to $899. Personally I prefer the carry handle standard rear sight....and the $39 discount.

From what I've found in my research, I should be looking for at least a 16" barrel, chrome lined for durability and longevity and a 1/9 twist so that M193 or M855 can be fired without problems. The only thing this rifle is lacking is 1.5" in barrel length....I've met some girls that would use a lack of 1.5" to make serious decisions about a relationship...but we're talking about me here. Although, this purchase will become a relationship, so I want to make sure I do everything I can to start out right.

Please let me know if I am forgetting anything, or if you any any advice for a first timer(I've read most of it scouring these forums)

Thanks
MikeB

If the barrel length is less than 16.1" you'll need to buy it as a SBR ( Short Barrel Rifle ). If it has a brake or flash hider then there is nothing to worry about as it will measure just a bit over the 16.1"

If you can hit a bowling pin with it at 300 yards your doing quite well with open sights. Me, I couldn't see it that far without optics.

I shoot through a 14.5" with a comp at the end to bring it out to regulation length.
Havent tried to hit bowling pins at 300 with irons, but I am willing to bet the barrel can handle it without a problem.....my eyes on the other hand...

14.5 wont be an issue as far as over all accuracy, and a 1:9 will give you options.
I feed mine various loads between .223Rem and 5.56, both powder loads with 55gr and 62gr bullets. Never had an issue to date.

Enjoy your new weapon....once you master the AR platform, there is no going back.

Quoted: I have found an M4 lenght rifle for sale at a local firearms store for $860.  The lower is stamped Superior Arms(which I have never heard of in my search for info) the upper is RRA.

Seems to be overpriced, IMO.

Over priced.  If you want to invest in a local company then good to go.  If not Aim Surplus sells Bushmaster M4 Type Carbines for almost the same amount.

Just my .02

Max