Ah, I think you'll need to have your son there and fill out the 4473. Less of a surprise, but more legal.
Off the shelf ARs by manufacturer would be Colt, LMT, Daniel Defense, and Smith & Wesson
Running the risk of getting people's panties in a bunch, read and compare "The Chart" of AR manufacturers at:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...=5&output=html
The most common and useful ARs nowadays have:
-16inch Chrome lined barrels with 1x7 twist
-railed Free-float hand rails
-collapsable stock
Forgive us if you are already fully versed in ARs, it is just a good place to start.
As far as dealers, I'd try to figure out the model I want and then start calling places like 5280 Armory, Jensen's in Loveland. I think those two are some of the most AR type orienteed places around- but like I said I order uppers on line from places like BRavoCompany and buy stripped lowers locally.
ANyone give any other dealer suggestions? Let's get this kid a nice rifle!
As for the monkey, I am the monkey. I've been told that I can mess up an iron ball, but I can put a AR lower together with household tools.
I feel that we have already grown closer, do you need another son in Colorado?