Just the opinion of some jackass on the internet making HUGE generalizations, but:
(...)I'm mostly concerned about reliability, modularity with other AR manufacturers' parts, and just plain easy to use for a beginner.
If one was to look for scary looking, relatively inexpensive, but fun .223 manufacturer/AR, who of the following would you choose of the following and why? I'm told to consider only Bushmaster, Lewis Machine Co., Rock River, and... I forget the last one.
Sounds like you found whoever that was in a time capsule. I'm surprised he didn't recite to you some love poem about Colt...
(...)
Stag 223 Model 6
Rock River A4 pistols or LAR or Entry Tactical
Lewis Machine Co
Norinco CQ
Bushmaster
Oh yeah. The fourth manufacturer recommended was Smith & Wesson for their MP15.
Okay... I'm not going to go into different models, but as far as brands go, you've got a lot of different levels of pricing going on there.
LMT, Stag, RRA, and Norinco all make good to great products, but all for completely different reasons. LMT is the clear "high-end" choice out of that list, but of course it will be more expensive in the same config as someone else. RRA and Stag both seem to make good value for the money mid-range rifles. Norinco is a completely different beast; the finishing is f**king awful. Period. That said, they are mechanically sound, interchangeable(only the 14.5" M4 clone, CQ556), and generally well made for what they are.
For the price you pay they are good rifles that you won't cry over if you scratch/ding/drop them. Probably a good choice for a starter, unless you're expecting match-grade accuracy or something.
Okay, here it comes
Don't waste your money on Bushmaster or S&W. Why?
- S&W seems to make decent enough rifles recently. But why on earth would anyone pay money for the ones coming into Canada with
pinned muzzle brakes, that are also
hideous. Not to mention
there is very little that is uglier or more dated than a carbine length gas system on a 16" barrel. Minor things to most I guess, but why bother when there's alternatives with less suck. Im not going to get into anything function-related other than to say if you get a 16" barrel, get mid-length gas.
- Bushmaster is like Colt Jr. in my mind. Same issues as above,
plus:
Used to be a decent company that made good products, but now they're just riding whatever is left of their name and contracts. Stagnant, completely lacking any creativity. Slipping/spotty QC... Mediocre
at best. Oh yeah! I said it! They suck, and I hope they go under. And their dog dies. And their house burns down. And they get divorced. Don't support companies that display such contempt for end-users. They're both to guns what Sony is to electronics, in my angry, subjective opinion.
I would like to add to your list Spike's Tactical from Questar, and (if they have any) Daniel Defense from Wolverine. The Spike's are well featured quality rifles priced reasonably.
Wanna get Gucci $$$$$$? Noveske and to a greater extent Knight's Armament(top of the pile, and top of the prices). Probably terrible choices for first AR, though.
But really, the best thing I can say is don't take some guy's opinion as law. Don't be lazy, take your time and read as much as you can. Wanna buy the right TV? The right computer? The right car/truck? The right gun?
Research your purchase! Read! Read! Read! Google is your friend! It will save you heartbreak later.