I came this close to getting a 556 last month. After visiting several forums, LGS and talking to a gunsmith, I decided they are experiencing just too many problems (peening, premature wear) just yet to dish out $1500 for one. Later on down the road when they've been out for awhile and have all the bugs worked out I will definately get one.
thanks fella's, i didn't do alot of research on the gun yet but that helped alot, didn't know about the hang ups(pings..) on the rifle, i looked at one in a local store and thought it was solid. thanks again.