Bit of a new Hobby

[skinny killer]

Just picked up a Rock River Arms LAR-15 and thinking of what I might do to it in the future.

I wanted to start with a fairly basic bare-bones platform and customize it from there, however I came across this one for a decent price.

It has a detachable rear sight and a flip-down front aperture (I've got a red-dot on it now), quad rail heat guard, custom stock and pistol grip, basic mag release and bolt catch buttons, basic direct impingement gas operation system, two stage trigger, and it's chambered for 5.56 (most AR's seem to be now days but still felt it was worht mentioning.)

I'm leaning for old school and love the older M4 look. That being said, later on down the road I'm thinking about going for a classic heat guard (which may look awkward with the delta ring on this model), old style M4 adjustable stock, M4 style pistol grip, and the classic rear sight aperture cary handle.

I'm also thinking about adding a short stroke piston system. Have any of you guys used short stroke piston systems before? If so, what's your thoughts on them?