Ar 15

I have a friend who is interested in an AR 15 type rifle. He is probably willing to pay between $1,200.00 - $1,300.00.

I am not a "Black Rifle" guy so your suggestions would be most appreciated.

Too many variables here. Does he want a carbine (M4 configuration, 16-inch barrel), rifle (20-inch barrrel, fixed stock), A2 configuration (with carry handle), flat top (to add a scope or red-dot sight), or some other variation?
I'm beginning to see Olympic Arms M4 carbiness and A1 rifles showing up for around $700, and some S&W M4 carbines (M&P15s) for $1,075. Just depends on what's available in your area.
You can also custom build one if you can get a barrel; but that's another ball game.

thats a lot of cash , he should be able to get whatever he wants for that , but its availability [gun in hand] that is the problem ,

provide a spec , imsure someone will have a compliant offer to sell , but its best if its an actual already produced rifle

the Rock River AR's have been a good rifle for a fair price. some other folks have some for more money and some for less. but if he gets a RRA he will be happy. get one with the NM trigger, its pretty good for out of the box. also think about what he wants to do with it. shoot in matches ?? or go shoot cans in the back yard ?? matches= 1/7 or 1/8 barrels for heavy bullets, 75g and up. tin can marksmanship= 1/9 1/10 barrels, lighter bullets, cheaper too. there are lots of AR's out there, but the RRA rifles have been very good. HTH