I agree with Ra2. My advice generally mirrors his. You should listen.
The reason some of us buy rifles configured in a certain way right off the bat is that we've used AR's in just about every form. We've also used AR's in various roles and know what kind of setups work best for what application. Remember, the mission drives the gear. Gear doesn't drive the mission. For example, I personally know that I like longer rails made by Daniel Defense or Centurion for almost every application. I also know that I prefer 1-4X optics on my 14.5 / 16'' carbines over everything else. But that's just me and those preferences were only realized after using all of the alternatives. So here's what you should do:
Start with something basic! Then, as you use and get used to the AR platform, determine areas which you would like to see improved based on your own personal experience with the rifle. Maybe you'll feel that the stock pistol grip isn't working for you. Maybe you'll find that the standard sling attachment points aren't working for you. Maybe you'll find that the way you hold the rifle lends itself to a 12 o'clock X300 type setup rather than a 3 or 9 o'clock mounted light. The point is that you shouldn't be spending a ton of money right away in order to make your AR look like some asshole's rifle in an ARFCOM picture thread, because you think that's the way it's "supposed" to look.
Get yourself a rifle in basic configuration, a sling, and magazines. For those, I suggest:
A Colt 6920 in standard configuration like this.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin...ction&key=6920 OR equivalent BCM offering.
One of LAV's adjustable 2 point slings like this:
http://www.nettac.com/BFG-Vickers-VCAS-Sling_p_116.html
By starting out simple like this, you're leaving yourself completely open to pick and choose upgrades that you want down the road based on your own experience, without wasting money on accessories that you either don't need or won't like.
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