I am completely new to rifles and am looking to buy a complete, out of the box and good to go AR-15. I feel more comfortable taking advice from the folks here then random Googling or most YouTube videos. The gun's main purpose would mostly be home defense and plinking but I also plan on taking some carbine classes as well. I am very much in the camp of "I don't know what I don't know" but I'm trying to learn. Searching PF provided some good info but I thought I'd start a thread and see what the latest consensus is. No interest (yet) in building something and I wouldn't even know where to start.
Budget is ~$1,000 for the gun. In your opinion, what would be the best complete AR-15 to buy for a first time AR owner? Guns/brands I am considering: S&W M&P Sport II, Colt 6920, BCM, Daniel Defense, Son of Liberty Gunworks. Again, I am very much a n00b so feel free to be very specific in terms of models and your must have features. Also, what should I be looking to purchase in addition to the rifle? Sling is a definite, optic (totally clueless here), light, etc? I've already planned on picking up some extra mags. I assume Magpul PMAGs are good to go.
Input is much appreciated! Thanks.