Coming from a fellow Newbie, here are some things you may want to think about. First off, I wouldn't recommend that you get your first AR fit with a Y comp or mini Y comp. You are used to shooting a .22, and the concussion blast you get from the Y comped AR will certainly be a new (and unpleasent) sensation. At least it was for me.
I decided to get a Bushmaster. I got the M4 copy. The finish on the gun is very nice, it shoots great and I haven't had a problem with her yet after a month of shooting & breaking in. I have already begun to play around with fitting diffeent uppers and such on it, and the Bushmaster seems to like that sort of thing.
I thought about getting a cheaper brand for my first, but decided that if I get a good gun now, I won't be needing to get a replacement too soon later.
I got my Bushy from a dealer here for $835.00. The gun came in a solid (cheap) plastic carrying case as a bonus.
I know that all that tactical stuff looks real cool and all, but I decided to skip the scopes, flashlights lasers, foregrips and such and just get used to the gun in it's stock form with her iron sites. I plan on building ANOTHER Bushy to put goodies on soon, which is always an option. Your first doesnt have to be your last. :)
Good luck with your purchase. You won't regret it of that I am sure. I am having a blast with mine, and wonder why I didn't get one sooner! LOL!
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