Originally Posted by
ViperHummel
This will be the popular answer. However, if you do not have an AR, that probably means you don't have any ammo for it (I could be wrong if you have a rifle in the .223/5.56 caliber already). Which means spending over your budget on a Colt would mean you have no ammo and mags to shoot it.
Keep your eye on PSA's website. If you were to buy tonight, you could get everything you needed minus the stripped lower for $599. Another $140 at most (any a friend to help assemble) and you are set to go minus mags and ammo.
Just my opinion.