In terms of $$

[Brodady]

I'll dig out the excel I made for my builds and post it

Okay, that would help. Thanks

[pinzgauer]

Here is an excel I used to compare different options for a recent build. Nothing fancy, but it does list pretty much what you have to have to build one from scratch.
upper.zip I had to zip it to get the forum to accept it.

Things I learned along the way:

- I used to build lowers to save money, and buy the uppers assembled. Now I build my uppers like I want, and just buy LMT complete lowers which are totally mil-spec
- Not worth getting stripped blem upper receivers, AA's deal is quite good.
- Not worth using generic LPK's when you can get Daniel Defense for the same price
- DSG has great prices on MOE stock kits, and you can specify buffers & upgrades
- Does not make sense to buy a complete BCG when you don't use the 5.56 bolt. Instead, get a mil contract carrier with gas key, add the firing pin, key, etc.