Originally Posted by
benthughes
It'd probably be easier just to get a 16" mid-length rifle and not have to worry about tax stamps, permanently attached muzzle device ect. I'd also recommend some flavor of BCM upper, probably with SS barrel for a bit more accuracy when you start getting out past 100yards. Probably don't need anything super fancy, just solid and reliable. That will but you well below your budget of $2000 and allow you some money for glass. The vortex stuff is nice, Trijicon is pretty good but a little overpriced. I'm pretty happy with a $400 Leopuld 4-12 on my .308 bolt action.
The TAVOR is interesting, probably one of the nicer bull pup designs I've seen. I've got a MSAR STG-556 ( AUG clone) that's fun, really compact and reasonably accurate but due to the expense of aftermarket parts and overall weight I'd definitely go with an AR platform in your situation. Parts for an AR are relatively cheap and plentiful. They're basically adult tinker toys. The rifle I built for a similar purpose is basically a Larue Stealth upper with .223 Wylde 1/8 Barrel on a Mega lower I built with an Alexander Arms trigger.