My first expo and I had a blast. Saw a lot of great firearms that I've been eyeing online.

I almost pulled the trigger (oops pun) on my first AR but didn't. I was afraid I'd report back here and oneformula would tearm me a new one, so I thought I'd get some opinions from you pros first.

I was talking with a guy from Naples Tactical who really talked to me on my level which was quite appreciated as I'm still a noob. His company is apparetnly just a reseller of DPMS. I was looking at this one, which sells at the show for $700 ( but could probably be talked lower.)

<a href="http://www.naplestactical.com/DPMSPantherLite16.html">DPMS Panther Arms Panther Lite 16 A3 AR15</a>

Thoughts? He said a lot of people don't like the it's not a chrome lined barrel, but that chrome can negatively affect your accuracy. I don't know how much was true and how much was sales pitching. He also told my that this was on par with RRA and Bushmaster, while Oly Arms, etc were sub par.

If it's a deal, I plan on picking one up in March when the show comes back through.

My understanding is that a chrome lined barrel is easier to clean and maintain and that the impact on accuracy is probably not realized until 100 yards or more.

I don't know how to rank AR brands, but I will say that $700 for an AR rifle is a good price.

The AR gas system (direct impingement) bothers me so I prefer piston operated guns.