I've got two PSA stores and work on the guys boat that owns CBC Industries. I've owned several AR-15s and a Mini-14, tragically, they all got lost in a boating accident
. I really tried to like the mini-14, the AR platform is much better, especially considering the options and accessories. You can build one just like you want, in the caliber you want(AR9 is my favorite to shoot). I know up in your neck of the woods, you are regulated to keep scary things like pistol grips, flash suppressors, and adjustable stocks away from common folk, never mind the optics of walking around with one in that area. You may want to look at Rugers PC Carbine, it kinda flies under radar, 9mm is plenty for most encounters, wont leave you stone *** deaf, takes Ruger or Glock magazines. If you are set on the standard type looking rifle, SCS's have dropped back down to teh $350 range, and if you want to go big, M1A1 are $1400 on PSA site