Ok, so I have decided to purchase the RRA 458 SOCOM upper which comes with the mid length hand guard: http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=424

Not buying a lower at this time.

Should I simply purchase RRA's entry level model and scout my own personal preferences as far as accessories? Going into it I know I want the front vertical grip attachment so I will need the right hand guard.

Having done very little study on accessories, is there better stuff?

"I never thought I'd live to see the day that a U.S. president would raise an army to invade his own country."
Robert E. Lee