Gophers at 400 and a fan of tiny groups does not equal chrome lined barrel...
Truth.
Blue and rost gave you some good advice. I would just add that you shouldn't try to make one rifle do all things. I'm guessing here, so this may not apply to you specifically, but if you want a bench gun... then get one that will shoot tacks. Pick the barrel of your choice, but don't complain if it's heavy.
On the other hand, if you want a handy-dandy varmint/coyote upper, then get one. But don't complain if it don't shoot absolute bugholes, day-in-day-out, week-after-week.
It's easy to fall into a trap where we try to make one rifle do more than it can. Life is much simpler if we set realistic goals. You may need two different rifles or uppers. Or maybe not.
You're just getting your feet wet so I wouldn't worry too much. Tackle the high priority needs first and it should fall into place, but if you try to make one upper do all things you'll probably not be happy.
And more truth.
Besides, a guy needs more than one AR, just like potato chips, hard to have just one.
And all that money needs to stay in circulation................
MM
