Jared, the Ruger AR-556 MPR would be the better choice for a first purchase. It comes with upgraded furniture and has a better trigger right off the bat and will save you the added expense of having to upgrade them. The MPR's Elite 452 2-stage trigger has a smoother pull and a lighter crisper break which will afford you much better accuracy especially combined with the the free floated handguard. Any money not needed for upgrades can go towards the main reason you want the AR and that is ammunition to shoot and become proficient with your rifle. I do highly recommend a 1x6 or 1x8 AR Scope for close up and distance shooting in a single scope. budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/712015250/truglo+scope+omnia+1-6x24+30mm+ir+pkg --------- Cheers and stay safe!

Jared, I'd pick the Ruger ar556 mpr over the standard version. It comes with a muzzle brake, better stock, better trigger, better pistol grip and a free float handguard, so definitely better features. As for function they will both be similar in reliability. The mpr has a free float handguard wich takes pressure off of the barrel and helps with accuracy. So you would save money in the long run because if you get the standard version I'm sure you would want to upgrade it. If interested here's a link to a Bushnell 1-6 scope specifically designed for AR-15s chambered in 5.56/223. Hope this helps and good luck with your choice, link to scope here................... budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/126858/bushnell+ar+optics+1-6x+24mm+obj+112-16+ft+@+100+yds+fov+30mm+tube+black+finish+illuminated+btr-1

Comes down to whether you want a flat top AR or one with an A2 front sight. The MPR has a little nicer stock, but that's an easy swap. The MPR has more desirable features in my opinion, better handguard for sure.