Ironman - my opinion in this matter isn't very humble <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />.

I've owned AR15 type rifles continuously since 1984. During those 26 years I've also owned at least one copy of the following (from the original manufacturers): AK47 (Russian; Romanian; Chinese; Yugo; Bulgarian; etc); Beretta AR70; Daewoo AR100; Daewoo Max-1; Daewoo Max-2; Daewoo DR-200; FAL (DSA; Imbel); HK-91; HK-93; HK-94; IMI Galil 386; Robinson Armament M96; Sig Sauer 556; Springfield Armory M1A (Bush; Scout; Standard; National Match); Sterling AR180; Steyr AUG 905; Valmet 76; Valmet 76 Folder.

Ten years ago I also owned a Class 3 FA Inland M2 Carbine, and played extensively with a FA C3 FNC.

The AR15's I've owned have included: ArmaLite (Coal Valley); ArmaLite (div of Eagle Industries); BCM; Bushmaster; Colt; Colt Defense; DPMS; Eagle Arms; Essential Arms; Olympic Arms; SGW; Smith & Wesson; others.

ETA: I forgot to mention I've owned 13 or 14 Rock River Arms too.

I've learned two very very important lessons:

1) If you buy a "tier one" (that is to say a "non hobby grade") DI AR15 you will be good to go for a very long time as long as you "run it wet" (in other words - keep the bolt carrier and inside of the upper receiver lubricated).

2) "Ground Up" piston designs are superior to DI. DI guns poop where they eat. An example of an "affordable" ground up piston carbine is the Sig556. They are not without fault (you will need to replace the buttstock and sights), but the two I've owned would out shoot all of my Colt AR's while staying CLEAN and COOL. My biggest compliant about the Sig556 is the lack of a chrome lined bore <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

If you want a T1 AR find a: Bravo Company Manufacturing (commonly referred to as BCM); Colt Defense 6920; or Noveske.