Thanks for the replies. I'm glad to have a forum with so much knowledge to tap into. I also appreciate the examples of how people have customized their rifles. Very good ideas, both for grips and optics setups.
Lockedon,
With my budget (thanks to the lousy economy) pulling together $700.00 is a good challenge, let alone $2,700.00. You must be doing pretty well. I'll just sit here and be envious. Considering how economic it is, the M17S looks like a pretty good choice for my needs. It comes from Bushmaster, so quality shouldn't be a problem.
It's time for me to start scraping together my pennies. It's going to take me a few months still to get the money together, but the anticipation of getting a new gun is half the fun. Also, when the 1994 Feinstein/Clinton ban sunsets (let's pray it does), Bushmaster can put enough threading back onto the M17S for a flash suppressor.