Skeptic13
Member
I would go Ruger AR556 or Smith and Wesson M&P15. Both of these can be had in their basic configuration for around $500. They are both excellent quality from reputable companies. I started out with the Ruger and it is a great entry level rifle. I have not done any modification to it and love to shoot it that way. Later I came back and built my own AR once I knew more about them and what I wanted. If you decide the AR platform is not for you the Ruger and the Smith will hold their values well and you should be able to sell either without problems.