I'm looking to get a AR-15 before I go in to basic. I want something that with out all the bells and whistles just a rifle that can help me get the feel of how an M-16 will shoot and handily when I get to basic. I also don't have that much money to spend on it like $750 to maybe $800. Thanks for the help.

Olympic Arms has a "plinker" AR pretty reasonable is you arent looking for something terribly accurate.  I have never shot one personaly, sombody else might be able to give you some more info.  Young's Guns used to have some, might look there. www.youngsguns.com You might be able to find a good deal on the equipment exchange board here if you dont mind a used gun.  Thats where I got mine.  Good luck.  

btt

For that amount of money you should be able to buy a Bushmaster 20" A2 (will be very much like the one you will shoot, just will be a pound heavier and won't have the evil features).

Another option is you buy a standard 20" Rock River Arms from Patrick Stanley of Shooting Sports (see his notice in the Good Deals section of the Maryland AR-15 Shooters Site).  Sign up as a site member (its free and only takes a minute), then contact him and check into the deal.  Less than $600 for a RRA AR-15 is a good deal, and should shoot VERY well.  Plus it gives you money left over for a couple magazines and ammo.  Should be a very good range rifle.

Quote from the Maryland AR-15 Shooters Site:

Patrick deals with all brands but his biggest line is by Rock River Arms.  He will sell Standard A2's with single stage triggers to MD AR-15 Shooting Site members for $575 plus shipping to your FFL.  Patrick can order any configuration you want.

Quoted: <snip> the Maryland AR-15 Shooters Site).  Sign up as a site member (<snip>

Well bonehead, you need to give him the ADDRESS!

communities.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite

Thanks I'll take a look.