I'd like to hear your raves or rants.

The Varmiter will be my next purchase.  Plan on going with a Lupy M3 Mil-Dot.

Any tips or advice?

I was considering a 20" A3 but, I've got a 16" carbine so what the hey.  Might as well go all the way.

Joe

Is our rant/rave going to matter?  It sounds like you've already made up your mind.

Anyway, I've had mine for almost a year and consider it one of my finest weapons.  You'll be amazed at the neat little pile of brass it makes at your 4 o'clock.  Not to mention the accuracy! [;D]

Yes,mine is a one hole shooter.

My varminter is the first AR I've owned.  I never shot one before that.  I had fired the compliment of shotguns and a few deer rifles and of course 22's but never for more than 1-10 rounds per year.  I got the varminter and have about 100 rounds through it and I can shoot 3/4 inch 5 shot groups at ~130 yards laying on ground with a bipod.  Good or not it has made me a more confident shooter.  I know the rifle is much more capable.  I have seem myself wobble on target through the scope.  It does get heavy carrying it around the field in search of crows and such but it seems to be a great rifle.  I'm only a beginner but wholly addicted to the black rifle.
I have a Leupy 4.5x14 50mm AO with the illuminated plex on it which I also think is great.  Again having no vast prior experience I have no point of comparison.
Even my father-in-law who was dead set against it (he's a bolt action guy who has been shooting all his life, been an FFL and a smith)loves it.
It woudln't surprise me if one turned up in his collection.
You won't regret your purchase.  My second AR is currently being pieced together I'll post pics ASAP.