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For that price range I'd look into - Savage patrol rifle , ruger, and dpms. A gun made by any of those should be with in your budget and will be a nice weapon

Just stick with a mil spec for your first, You can always upgrade & build the rifle you want.

The ruger is a pretty good place to start, or you could buy parts and basic tools for that price and build one yourself to learn all the ins and outs.

I have a ATI and shoots amazing never had a issue. Paid $499

DPMS makes some great rifles

ruger 556 is a nice rifle and you can find it under $500

Rugers Model # 8500 is wildly popular and incredible reliable.

At this price point there are a boatload of brands available. Stick with the popular brand names and you can't go wrong. What it really comes down to is what features you want or don't want. Some folks like the original M16 configuration with the elevated front sight. I like (and own) a couple of that are flat across the receiver and gas block bit have Picatinny rails across the top and gas block. I have mounted a set of flip up iron sights and red dot sight so I can use either one. They also come in various colors, camouflage patterns and plain old black. I started with a simple DMPM Oracle, changed the buffer tube from commercial to military size, added a flat coil recoil spring and drop in 3 pound trigger. I replaced all the furniture with Magpul's OD green furniture and added a front grip. These rifle, the furniture change-out plus sights I mentioned all came in under $700. I've put over 1800 rounds thru this particular gun without and issues. My other AR is a DPMS that is factory