For several years now, I've been interested in the AR-15 platform. Specifically, the 450 Bushmaster, which I've always though would make a neat close and medium range deer hunting rifle. Then there's the ubiquitous 223 Remington chambering that would be simply fun to shoot.

With deer season over, I've begun to shift my focus towards the elusive coyotes that have repeatedly evaded me for years. What's different this year is I have access to three more farms, one of which has reported many run-ins with coyotes. From constant howling at night to chasing neighborhood dogs right up to the nearby houses, they've evidently grown to be more than a nuisance. Given the problems coyotes present to the numerous livestock farms, I have no problem leaving the handguns at home and taking out the rifles after them.

Unfortunately, I've long since sold my old coyote rifle, a Weatherby Vanguard Varmint Special 22-250. Since then I've hunted sporadically mainly due to the unusually low concentration of them around our farm. However, with the prospect of many opportunities this year, I figured this might be a good opportunity (or excuse, lol) to get an AR.

What I'm wanting is a good, accurate rifle for relatively close range shooting, as in about 200 yards maximum that won't break the bank. What brands should I look into? I'm also considering a separate lower and upper, just because I have a few uppers I'm thinking about in addition to the 450 Bushmaster I'll eventually get. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.