AR-15s
There are other options than a Colt...
...weapons malfunction is more operator error than manufacturing.
Both of these statements are true! I'm not a Colt fanboy either, but I do recognize that it's more than a name. At least with the AR. Their other stuff? No clue, and they've also done some absolutely shitty jobs (here's looking at you, All American 2000).
PSA offers budget minded stuff, and it's just that. Some of their parts are flirting with 'spec' quality, but more by accident than design. They're a commodity builder, and there's a place for that.
Best bet is to buy for the mission, whether it be a car or a gun. If budget is the #1 requirement, there's no changing that. But if it has to work like a parachute to save your life, then that should be the top consideration and cost should be closer to the bottom of the list. Everyone has to establish their own needs.
The biggest issues seem to come from those that are trying to cover too many missions with one item, and then are disappointed to find out that it never works that way outside video games.