It also seems like if you want anything other than a .223 the price goes up another $300...
you can get a pretty good AR for under $1000...I wouldn't consider that expensive.
That's got to be a .22 for that priceHmm here is one for $600...
http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/item/W.A.S.P.-Bargain-Bin-16-inch-M4-1402