Took the leap today and purchased my 1st 556 AR, a Rebel Arms Lightning Mod II. Hard case was included.
http://rebelarms.com/index.php/weapo...ng-mod-ii.html

Prior to purchase, did a lot of reading/searching on this forum and visited a number of gun shops here in NJ. Lou's Gun Shop in Raritan, NJ, were very helpful and knowledgeable. Had them put a pair of MGUS Pros on it. Searching for optics now.

Thanks for prior posts, opinions, and history, it was very helpful.