Looking for my first black gun and these are $750 to $800. I really don't know much about these guns and would like to start somewhere. One would trade for my 03A3 or Garand. Opinions please!

Depends on what you intend to use the gun for. For casual sporting use and shooting, either of the options you mentioned will be fine. If the gun is to be a working tool, with lots of shooting and lots of in-the-field, in-and-out of the vehicle use, then I'd stay away from anything with carbon. Just my view. Certaintly not gospel.

MM,

there is a Carbon 15 for sale in the classifieds IIRC.

Rich
DRSS

I recently built an AR-15 with a complete lower receiver from RB Precision and a DPMS 20" Varmint Upper. I spent $710 including shipping and ffl fees.

THe Carbon-15 is very special for its weight of just 4 pounds. I have one that I bought purely for its weight advantage. It is quick-handling and very handy. Like other featherweight guns, it is not very accurate. It also turns the mild .223 into something of a "kicker". The bottom line is, if you're looking for light weight, the Carbon-15 has no peer. If the way it shoots is more important than its weight, then other AR variations may suit you better.