imported post
Those century rifles look good. Bud's guns is selling the DPMS Panthercarbine with adjustable stock and A2 sightsfor $675 ($650 for an "optics ready" carbine) deliveredright now, it has an 11.5" BBL with a 4.5" flash suppressor. Those aren't bad ARs though!! AllDPMS ARs come with two 30 round mags, a nylon web sling and a cleaning kit too.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/793
The second and third ones down are the ones I was talking about. The last one on the list that's available is also a pretty good deal at $695.
The only problem I've seen with the 9mm carbines is that there aren't many magazines available for them. The bushmaster is the one I'd go with, but it's hard to find and it will cost you. You can find used Colt 9mm carbines too, but they're even more expensive. I don't know about the quality of Olympic arms ARs, but they use a modified sten magazine IIRC. I don't know how good those mags are, how much they costor how easy they are to find.
If you go to the right websites you can get .223 ammunition for a similar price to 9mm ammo. I love the 9mm, so I'm not sayingnot to get it, and I'vewanted one of these myself.If you want, send me a PM and I can show you some info on the cost of .223 ammo from certain places.
Other suggestions:
Beretta's CX4 storm might be an option, although it's not an AR obviously. I think it may be easier to find at a somewhatreasonable price and you'll be able to get magazines for it.
The Kel-Tec Sub 2000 in 9mm is anice choice too if you can find one, as you can get itin a versionthat uses Glock magazines. I think they also come in versions compatible with S&W and Beretta mags IIRC. They're only about $300,and if you get the Glock mag version you can easily get 33 round 9mm Glock mags thatare forthe G18 and throw them in the Kel-Tec. I could only find a Kel-Tec in .40S&W, this one is $297 delivered and accepts Glock 22 mags:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/151/products_id/15228
Then at the low end of the spectrum is the Hi Point 9mm Carbine. It's only $200, and the warranty is insane from what I understand. They're reliable from everything I've heard, but they only have a 10rd mag, and I don't know if there are any upgrades available for them besides anATIstock that looks like the CX4 stock.