Dallan, I have a DPMS "Lo Pro" and like it so far. Best group so far in my experimenting was 0.6" with a handload. Factory loads do 1 - 1.125". It is a 16" heavy barrel though and may not be what you're looking for if you want primarily a defensive gun. I think with scope mine goes over 9 pounds.

I picked up a used Bushmaster Dissipator last year. I took a LOT of grief from the guys at my gun club over the looks of it, but I like the fact that I keep the "rifle" sight radius in a "carbine" length gun. It has the heavy contour HBAR barrel, with the target crown, which makes it kinda heavy. The sight radius works for me though, I'm consistantly "killing" water bottles @ 100 yards with XM193 ammo (from a prone unsupported position).

I'll prolly order a replacement stock. I prefer the A2, but it's a little long for the Wife, nieces, and nephews.

I'll also be ordering a new lower receiver, as soon as Uncle Sam sends me back the money he owes me (without interest, I might add). One local guy HAS a Stag lower, but won't hold it for much longer......

I have a Bushmaster varminter, I like it and it shoots well. have had no problems with it.

I am not sure what the best is. but I know more people tend to like the ones you mentioned.

I have a Colt Hbar 20"and a RRA Midlength 16". The Colt had to have trigger work to get a decent pull. The RRA has a 2 stage trigger that was very reasonable out of the box. I chose the midlength forend because it felt more comfortable, then I read somewhere that it has a longer gas tube (dont know if thats true or not) and that helps reliability. I was ringing a 12" steel plate at 200 yeards during a carbine class with the Hbar with open sights and I'm not much of a long gun shooter. rm
PS, I just had to hang about 3 lbs of c**p on the RRA because it looked cool. oh well....