I bought one a couple of months ago and I love it. I have owned and sold one of nearly everything, and I only keep guns that I enjoy shooting. The M17S is a keeper.
The trigger on mine is a little heavy, but smooth and predicatable. I believe it gets better with use, since the trigger rod slides in a snug plastic channel in the lower/stock. I have fired AR-15's and AK's with much worse triggers than my M17S.
It is different from an AR. I think it compares very, very favorably to an AK, in that it's about the same weight as an AK loaded, but has truly superior ergonomics. And the weight is close to the chest, not in out your extended left hand. You can shoot it all day without getting tired.
Easy to clean, owing to the AR-180-type gas action. Much easier than an AK or AR-15. (I have owned an AK and have 2 AR-15's, so I speak from experience.)
Heads-up shooting, no tilting your head or scrunching your neck. I have an OKO on mine and it works great. Very comfortable. Low bore means no muzzle flip, and the 21.5" barrel gives the bystanders relatively little muzzle blast.
Not a target gun (although it seems quite accurate), but an outstanding close-quarters and plinking rifle.
- Carbine_Man