Gonna buy an AR...

[rukwikenuf]

well, if you want a really, REALLY nice one, i've finger-banged a few of the LWRCs at Bill's, the M6A2 SPR is a really well built machine. this is all based on appearances, as the only LWRC i've shot was a PSD in 6.8spc (8.5" barrel, it was a LOT of fun, and surprisingly accurate at 50 yards)

here's a link to that M6A2 SPR:
http://www.lwrci.com/p-250-m6a2-spr.aspx

keep in mind, this is approximately $2,500 and i'm sure you're going to want to spend some cash on optics then too! i hope that the tax man has giveth this year! (or you just have that green stuff that i never seem to have: the paper with dead dudes on the front)

[Hmac]

The goal is an AR that is really accurate and built to last longer than my lifetime. I appreciate quality and craftsmanship. I also want something that warrants a really nice optic. Off the top of my head, those are the high points. Eventually, I'd like to build one too. If for no other reason that to learn how to build one. Another friend strongly recommended LWRC as well btw.

Lasting longer than your lifetime will be a function of how many rounds per years you'll shoot out of it in addition to the quality of the firearm. If you only shoot a few hundred rounds per year, a DPMS might be "good enough" to meet that criteria. Barrel length, material, and optic choice will usually be function of your intended use. Home defense? Zombies coming down the driveway 50 yards and in? Deer? Varmints at 250 yards?

[rugersol]

The goal is an AR that is really accurate and built to last longer than my lifetime.

Lasting longer than your lifetime will be a function of how many rounds per years you'll shoot out of it in addition to the quality of the firearm.

This is one of the reasons I really like AR's ... I can invest whatever I like in every other part of the gun ... and the bbl, however good or bad it may be, is disposable ... at whatever point I like, I can simply swap in a new one with almost no significant effort ... and it will likely be as accurate, if not moreso, than before.