I was thinking a fun project this winter would be to build an AR15. Maybe use a few more premium parts than I’ve done in the past. I put together 5 or 6 lowers, sold off a few during the height of the pandemic and now I’m looking for another rifle build. I currently have 2 ARs - one has a viper 4-16, 18 inch barrel. The other is a “cheap” PSA with a strike fire for about $600 total. To keep this relatively short, I’ll cut to the chase. I’ve always like Aero precision M4E1, I even had a 300 blackout pistol for a few months - fit, finish excellent for my needs. I’d like to build an aero lower and upper in 223.
Larue trigger - $125 (I remember not so long ago these were $90)
Stripper upper - $80
Stripped lower - $90
BA premium series barrel 223 Wylde - $153
MFT stock - $60
Charging handle - $60
Aero BCG - $115
Parts kit - $100
Custom dust cover - $25
Muzzle device VG6 - $43
PSA SABRE handguard - $130
By the time I buy everything it’s just under $1000.
PSA is selling complete lowers for $125 free shipping and $330 uppers free shipping. Add a better grip and stock for $80 and it’s less than $550.
On top of that, the new PSA sabres are right around $1000 and have all the basic upgrades that one would do on a build.
I’m a little discouraged and I’m going in circles if the build is worth it. I don’t want to buy a rifle outright because the enjoyment of this is putting it together.
Am I thinking about this the right way? The parts I listed - am I getting more rifle than the PSA Sabre, for example? And worth spending more than $600 on complete upper/lower, 2 pins and go?