AR-15 Upper choice I can't decide!

[gdcpony]

I just traded off my Howa 1500 for an AR-15. I wanted something more suited to my current environment and hunting situations, and I figured I'd better get one now while I can. I used to have the time to practice the precise shots and sit all day waiting on the right shot for that 14# rig. Now, I've been requested to turn my sights on yotes in thick cover. Twice now they have come in in pairs and my .257Roberts was unable to keep up. I haven't shot much beyond the 300yd mark in years, and speed has overcame precision in my hunting of varmints. At the same time I have a 20ga H&R that throws slugs to 1"@100 so I can't settle for less from a rifle- the Howa was a 3/8 gun all day long with any ammo under 60gr.
So I have a DPMS lower and a Bushmaster upper. The 20" national match barrel is still too heavy and long. I have secured a collapsible stock and am choosing a new upper for it. I will be selling the current upper (and the A-2 stock) as soon as a new one comes to me (any takers?) so the new one must pull double duty for predators and g-hogs.
I am considering the plethora of choices and to be honest I am unable to decide. I am trying to pick between these options.
1. DPMS A3 16" Bull Barrel Upper With Bolt and Charging Handle for $485.00
I would have precision and maneuverability, maybe a bit heavy on the weight. I have never used a flat top before and am worried about the scope alignment. I could decide later to add the detachable irons, but I barely use them now.

2. DPMS 16" Stainless Bull Barrel A2 Upper With Bolt and Charging Handle for $499.00
About the same with the sights. I wonder how you get the guards off for cleaning. I really like the looks of this one. However, if I go with it and later I hate the sights I can't get rid of them.

3. I could build one using my current receiver and a set of parts for a 16" barrel. Probably the lightest as I would use a standard diameter barrel. This option is merely the result of impatience at having to wait on an upper while I could be building one.
I am trying to combine precision and speed. I am used to lugging allot of weight so that matters little. Its more the length. I will be using a Konus Pro 1.5-5x32 as this scope has impressed me so much I am putting it on all my guns.

[teddy12b]

Hello,
       I’m glad I happened across this topic because I have the DPMS 16” stainless bull flattop upper that you talked about first.  I bought that upper because of all the reviews I read about it on Midway.  Some of those reviews had this upper shooting less than ½” at 100.  I would suggest reading the reviews on midway for any upper you are considering.  As far as feel of the rifle goes, I like the 16” barrel and it doesn’t feel heavy to me at all, but I like a little bit of weight in a rifle.

       I have not given this rifle/upper a real accuracy test yet because I haven’t owned it very long and I haven’t been able to get out to the range in almost 4 months.  I am going to be out at the range this weekend and I will be doing some accuracy testing with that exact upper.

I plan on testing the following handloads in that upper.

69gr matchkings over varget
55gr hornady FMJ over H335
55gr hornady JSP over H335
36gr barnes varmint grenade over varget  

If you have a factory load you have in mind let me know.  If I can I'll pick up a box and shoot it through mine and let you know how it goes.

I will let you know what I find out about how those loads handle in my upper.  I have a burris 2-7 on mine and that should be plenty to be able to see what that rifle can do at 100 yards.  Hopefully whatever I find out will help you out in your decision.

Here's what mine looks like:

[1sourdough]

 I just finished a 2 month wait on a Stag upper. I wanted a lighter weight 16 configuration. I got a 3H upper from ar15sales.com. The prices are less than from Stag with free shipping. I think they do a lot of Stag business. I've heard a few complaints/comments about the M4 barrel configuration from a looks standpoint for civilian use, but I like it. It is lightweight & you can mount whatever you want. This 3H was $449 shipped. Everything looks great on my initial cleaning & inspection but I have not shot it yet. It's a 1/9 chrome lined barrel.

 Looking at your pictures I would skip the fixed front sight, if it was me.