I admit I haven't read this complete thread, so forgive me if I am redundant, but I suggest you follow some of this advise and not some other.
You said you have an AR platform rifle in 556; do you like it? Are you any good with it? If so, you should go more in that direction. If not, change up now. Maybe the M14/ M1A platform would suit you better.
Let's assume you stay with the AR platform. First buy a .22LR kit for it. Next add an upper in 7.62x39. Or you could skip that for now and take the plunge for an AR-10 in .308
If you prefer the M1 style, the Mini-14/30 and an M1A make for a good combination.
You may find that you are a bolt, lever, or even a pump kind of guy. What kind of shotgun do you have if any? What handguns do you favor? We can talk PCCs, but that is a whole nother subject.
A shotgun and three rifles (small, maybe medium, & large) is really all one needs. As close to the same manual of arms, ammo availability, tactical or classic design and function, etc., etc. is best in my opinion.
All that said, another option would be that I take you shopping (on your card of course) and lets go spend some money for you.
You said you have an AR platform rifle in 556; do you like it? Are you any good with it? If so, you should go more in that direction. If not, change up now. Maybe the M14/ M1A platform would suit you better.
Let's assume you stay with the AR platform. First buy a .22LR kit for it. Next add an upper in 7.62x39. Or you could skip that for now and take the plunge for an AR-10 in .308
If you prefer the M1 style, the Mini-14/30 and an M1A make for a good combination.
You may find that you are a bolt, lever, or even a pump kind of guy. What kind of shotgun do you have if any? What handguns do you favor? We can talk PCCs, but that is a whole nother subject.
A shotgun and three rifles (small, maybe medium, & large) is really all one needs. As close to the same manual of arms, ammo availability, tactical or classic design and function, etc., etc. is best in my opinion.
All that said, another option would be that I take you shopping (on your card of course) and lets go spend some money for you.