If you are wanting to shoot CQB type stuff get the shorter model with the collapsible stock. If you are wanting to do more accurate rifle type stuff, get the full length.
The R-15 is way above the norcs in terms of fit and feel, as well as design. The norc fire control is not even close to what I received with my R-15, and the norc does not have a free float tube.
As far as really good to say about it, that is me. I have shot my r-15 from below -30 to above +30. Dry days, and days when it was snowing or raining. Some days well more rounds down pipe then many shoot in a year. I mostly used it in precision aimed fire. I have ran it spotless, and skanky. Nothing odd happened at any point in this.
Will other ARs do this? Sure. Can you find another one for anywhere near the price? I doubt it.
Even if you decide that you need more precision from it, and put a krieger on it, or need rails, and put a rail on it, or need a better trigger, and put a gieselle on it, you will still come in under the price of other rifles.
Get all hooked up, then start heading up to calgary to shoot service rifle with it out to 500m.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374702