Non modified, out of the box.  What are the best upgrades to start with?  
Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated to begin the journey of AR dedication.
Thanks in advance!

That is easy - you need to upgrade the nut behind the stock.

[size=5]YOU[/size=5]

Get into a good carbine class, that will tell you more about what you need than asking around.  You'll get to see (and try) what works and what doesn't first hand.

And at the same time you'll be greatly improving your skills.

lots of ammo and mags! Congrats on the new rifle and welcome to the site [:)]

He can't have an AR with magazines he lives in California (unless he registered it prior to Y2K and its just been hiding in his closet).

Welcome to the site!  (And the addiction. [:D])

Get some good condition USGI mags.  I'd start in the EE (Equipment Exchange on this board).

Learn how to properly maintain that fine weapon and go shoot it.  Advice regarding a class is good, but not necessary until you're at least a little familiar with the rifle.

Introduce yourself to the other local shooters in your area in your Hometown forum (see the little Hometown button in the upper right?).  You'll meet some good guys and gals in your area that can show you things first hand if you need help or want advice.  Plus, they'll have other cool toys for you to try.  [;)]

I missed that one.  What can a CA shooter do for mags then?

Welcome! Beautiful weapon youve got there. take good care of it and it will take good care of you! enjoy!

Sorry.  Not all together there sometimes.
Oregon folks, Oregon.

Two choices:
1) DPMS single shot lower (no magazine well)

2) Go-Go Gadgets post ban lower with built in fixed 10 round magazine. (you have to break open the rifle like a shotgun to load it).

OK... now that we've solved that... do as Forest suggests... upgrade you, the rest will come in time...

Welcome to the addiction!

All you need is some range time and some ammo.

Ok now that that is fixed.

Upgrade you - but you will need some USGI magazines to get you through the course.

Ammoman.com has a sale right now on a variety of USGI magazines.

Once you get some training you'll know what you need.

I'd purchased the same rifle,changed it up a little. [:D]

[IMG]http://www.metrophotohost.com/gallery_0010/gallery_albums/TGs-LBV-~-MBR-~-Etc/ForendgriponAR.jpg[/IMG]

Now its A2M4, with 16" barrel.

TG

I am very familiar with all types of tools of the trade, just not the AR.  When I was at the BIG SHOW in Reno last weekend, they had a billion different top ends and grips and blah, blah, blah.  Should I be looking for anything along thos lines now.
Who makes the best sling?  I know it is stupid but always a good place to start.
Thaks for all the input!

Snag up a standard web sling, a USMC M-16A2 technical manual, and lots of ammo.

Aside from that, you're set. You have got a fine rifle as it is.

Although, if you want to upgrade it, it would help to know what exactly you're after.

Jarnson,

Having been in your position, not to terribly long ago, I would say to do not as I have done.  Keep your wallet in your pocket, for a while.

You did not say what your uses would be for the rifle, but I would suggest that you shoot the living heck out of it, the way that you intend to use it, and then decide what you might want.  I would then do a LOT of research on what upgrade that you are thinking about, then spend your cash.  There are more accessories out there than you can imagine, and a lot are great additions, depending on what you want to do with the rifle.  IMHO, the last thing that you want to do is add some accessory that you see sitting in a gun shop, or that you might have some "expert" at a gun show talk you into. Unless of course you are independently wealthy, and have a high tolerance for frustration.  One thing nice about this and other forums, is that you can learn a lot, and there are enough folks here that know BS when they see (hear) it. Learn to shoot the basic weapon, and your needs, if any, should become apparent.

Craig