Pretty much any of the above suggestions would be good choices for what you sound like your planning on using it for. However, since I got my BCM I have a really hard time recommending anything else. I've shot everything from Bushmasters to many Colts, and for the money, IMO nothing compares to a BCM. I hate to throw the term Mil Spec around, but if that is something you are hung up on, you are going to get a 100% Mil Spec rifle when you buy a BCM, no corners cut.

I've only personally owned 2 AR's, one being a Complete Bushmaster, and my current AR being a BCM upper on the previous Bushmaster lower. The BCM fit and finish is hands down over and above that of the Bushmaster. I slapped a Colt carry handle on it, and had it zeroed within a dozen rounds, that wasn't the case with my Bushmaster, even being a complete from the factory rifle, it gave me a few issues (I believe it was a misaligned front sight).

Another thing to consider is what type of ammo are you wanting to shoot out of it? I rushed out and bought a 1:9 twist Bushmaster, and later on after getting into reloading realized I wanted to run 75 and 77 grain ammo through it, and would be better served with a 1:7 twist rifle. That was the main reason for the switch from the Bushmaster to the BCM, all the Mil Spec stuff was just a small bonus. Once I got the front sight issue fixed, I NEVER had any issues with the Bushmaster, it fired every time.

My BCM is a Carbine length, however like SAFriday said, I would seriously look into a mid length, that will likely be one of my next purchases. You are doing the right thing by asking around and doing your research, it will save you a lot of money down the road. Another site I may suggest is www.m4carbine.net It's a good resource for info on AR's. Most of the folks on that site however are High Speed low drag (or at least act like it), and form their opinions nearly 100% in conjunction with "the Chart", so take it with a grain of salt. Good luck in your search, i'm sure any of the reputable brands will serve you well, once you figure out exactly what you want.