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The best advice I got in selecting an AR was to take a look at what is selling. In DPMS, the Panther Lite was selling because of it's price. But, the Panther AP-4 was selling because it is "mil-spec" (M-4 configuration but with 16 inch barrel) and DPMS is a backup supplier to Colt for US Military needs.
They are all good - Stag, Bushy, Rock River, Colt (especially Colt), but my "bang for the buck" was with the DPMS AP-4. And to repeat the advice of an earlier poster.
www.AR-15.com will have a lot of information and twice as many opinions.
My DPMS has gone bang every time I wanted it to, but all AR platforms need to be cleaned well and lubricated well.
The "lower" (receiver) is the "weapon" from the standpoint of ATF. One lower can accept a host of uppers so you can actually have several variants depending on mission.
The bigger cities do tend to be more competitive price wise, but if you can get a dealer with FFL to agree to accept and process the weapon, you can purchase one online. There are more hassles, but pricing "might" be better. Otherwise, it is a good thing when you support your local weapons dealer; be he a one man show or a major outlet. (But, I do not think you will see any AR platforms at Wal-Mart.)
Gun Control is hitting your target every time exactly where you wanted to hit it. So, my friends, do go to your range or other shooting location and practice good Gun Control.