[jboot]

I'd suggest a Springfield Armory M1A or a Fulton Armory M14. If you simply must have a "scary black rifle" nothing beats a Springfield SOCOM.

I don't weigh in much on the AK vs. AR theories, except to point out that if you want a gun that you can fire a thousand rounds out of, forget to clean afterwards, leave uncovered in the bed of a pickup truck all through a snowy winter and still function, you want an AK.

[LouAvul]

I've got the SA M1A. Like everything else, it's hard to come by right now, but even in good times, the OP can get a decent occasional shooter AR (DPMS Sportical, for example) for about half what he'd pay for the M1A.

But neither platform is available at a fair price. I'd wait six or seven months.

[demshateGod]

A SOCOM with all the gnarly rails would be my dream rifle. Alas! They cost $2,500!

[jospehm20]

I like AR10s a lot. There is not much difference in the controls or ergonomics from an AR15, they are just a bit bigger.