So I've been going over the idea of getting an AR-15. I have a remington 870 and have been shooting my parents guns all my life (AkK-47, SKS, Ruger .44, shit ton of shotguns and handguns lol) so I do know how to use a gun properly and with safety. I sort of got the okay from my mom and stepdad to get one, but like with anything I buy I always do plenty of research. I'm 19 and the 870 was passed down by my dad, so this would be the first gun I actually buy myself. My stepdad and dad will surely help me find the rifle for me, but they have never bought one or really looked into it so they don't know much like me. Although my dad was in the Marines, so he knows the gun. Is there any specific brands I should stay away from? I know people will say this and that brand is the best, but I'm sure most of it is subjective (like car audio). I have been doing some research and found that Colt, LMT, BMC, and Windham Weaponry (WW) were said to be high quality ones (with other brands I didn't mention). The 2 I have really been eyeballing is the Colt and WW. Also many people were saying to build your own. They said it would be cheaper since your not actually buying the whole gun pre-assembled. I really want to learn how the gun works and know how to take it apart and put it back together without thinking. I will treat this like a baby. My use for the gun will be for varmits behind my dad's house along with the normal target and plinking (at around 300 yards max I guess). People were saying to get a 16" barrel for that. I am not really sure the budget I have since I want to get a quality one and do it right the first time. If it means I have to save a few more weeks or whatever I will. So if anyone owns an AR-15 and has any advice on what to get or what to look for it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.