Greetings and thanks in advance for all the help.

My collection consists of a few shotguns, a Ruger 10/22, Marlin .22 single shot, Glock 17 (circa 1992) and my new Glock 26 (circa last week). I've been reading as much as I can here and I'm looking to purchase my 1st AR type firearm. Needless to say there are a TON of choices.

Would some of the experts here do me a favor and suggest a beginning AR configuration, caliber, upper/lower, etc? Maybe even a book?

I was a few weeks away from my first one back in the 90's but then Clinton got elected and my $795 Colt turned into a $2500 Colt overnight.

I saw the DPMS LR308 AP4 and almost shot off a "I'll take it" PM but caution took hold and told me I should do some research and ask the experts here their thoughts.

Thanks again,
Dave