Lance,
When I decided that I was going to get an AR15, I was in a similar situation as you are. I wanted a rifle that was pretty good at accuracy and also good for casual shooting. I wanted it all.
Well, I found that there is no perfect rifle out there. If you want precision, then its getting the longer heavy barrel and an accurized rifle. If you want portability and durability, then its the opposite.
I finally settled on the Bushmaster Commando Carbine VMATCH. Here's why:
free floated barrel
16" barrel - chrome lined
heavy aluminum handguard
Bushmaster quality/reputation
Yes, it is mil-spec and can handle 5.56 pressures.
No, it is not the optimum precision AR15 due to the shorter barrel length and chrome lining and due to the heavy stock trigger.
BUT, for me it works. I can shoot 1 moa off the bench at 100 yards using Lake City ball ammo or Q3131A ball ammo (well, sometimes I can).
It is light and portable and not too long.
It's a nice rifle that has never jammed on me even once. I clean it thoroughly after every range session and I clean it lightly after every 100 rounds or so.
For me, it is the best multi-purpose rifle.
Here's a picture of it:
Get the Vmatch - you won't be dissapointed.