I fired the stag arms 8L a couple weeks ago (new piston driven AR), its suppose to be for sale Dec 1st. http://www.stagarms.com/product_info.php?cPath=13_22&products_id=321 It wasn't too bad, I liked it. I loved the ruger SR556 but it is a lil top heavy with all the rails and would be more than you're wanting to spend. I think the stag will be closer to your price range and give you some money left over for a decent scope, maybe new grips?