[–] kreepyasskraker 1 point 1 point 2 points (+2|-1) ago (edited ago)
I think you can't do better on price. 500$ will get you a lot of really nice parts. You just need to ask yourself what you want. That kit you linked is using basic furniture and a barrel I'm not sure about. If it where me I'd do am 80% lower and piece together a real nice upper. Things to consider are handguards, free float is better accuracy it allows the barrel to heat and cool without impact shift. Triggers, even a cheap drop in trigger will be light years ahead of a milspec, I recommend the Larue MBT because it runs less than 90$ and performs like a 250$ SSA E. For barrels I'd go with a lightweight Faxon because they balance the gun very nice, are good quality, and cost only a bit more than shitty commercial stuff. Gas system is almost always better off being mid length because it it reduces wear and has a better recoil impulse. Stocks are totally up to you but once you try a good old a1 or a2 fixed stock you'll instantly hate collapsing ones. The a1 is a bit shorter than the a2 if you have a small frame. I recomend a good parts kit like cmmg, do not cheap on the parts kit, a good crisp feeling safety makes a gun feel so much better. Muzzle devices are totally user preference but just know that brakes are great for reducing recoil and shattering your range buddies teeth from concussion. Gas blocks id go with a Geissele because it is very sturdy, won't move and can be pinned on if you want. Bolt carriers; DO NOT GO CHEAP I recommend a PSA permium bcg for around 90$. With how AR parts are you should be able to get everything around the same cost are the parts kit you linked. Check out inrangetv and their "what would stoner do?" series for a really indepth disscusion about what they think are the best parts.
[–] bnard88 1 point 7 points 8 points (+8|-1) ago (edited ago)
You want a 5.56 chambered barrel, not .223, so you can shoot both calibers. The kit looks expensive, and I have a feeling that prices are jacked up because of the holidays (or high demand).
When I built my AR-15, I purchased blemished (meaning that there are some cosmetic errors that don't affect function) upper and lower kits online, and a 100% stripped lower from my local gun store; all for less than $400 all together.
Edit: I recommend this one, https://www.80-lower.com/products/ar-15-build-kit-5-56mm-nato-16-melonite-barrel-classic-a2-handguard-w-80-lower-1-7-twist/
You can swap the handguards for the M-LOK version later, and customize picatinni rails on it for whatever accessories you want, such as a bipod, or a laser, et cetera.
Edit 2: M-LOK handguards, http://www.tomstactical.com/image/cache/catalog/apra400105c_ar15_quantum_15in_mlok_handguard_black_2-1000x1000.jpg
[–] hikedelics 0 points 5 points 5 points (+5|-0) ago (edited ago)
That barrel is chambered in 223 wylde, it shoot both and more accurately than a regular 5.56 barrel. Supposedly anyway. https://americanweaponscomponents.com/clearing-the-caliber-confusion-223-wylde-vs-5-56-nato
[–] Firinmahlazer 0 points 11 points 11 points (+11|-0) ago
Pass on that one. I'd say you're better off getting a stripped lower and then a lower kit from Palmetto State Armory and then finding an upper you like.
[–] hikedelics 0 points 5 points 5 points (+5|-0) ago
You can do much cheaper. I'd start with a PSA rifle kit, or an AR15 "pistol" kit if you want essentially an SBR. You can have 90% of the gun sent to your door,and just pick up a stripped lower from you LGS for $50. Lots of options to choose from.
[–] InediblePear 0 points 7 points 7 points (+7|-0) ago
Go to the hardware store and buy a 80℅ AK instead it comes with the stock. https://thechive.com/2012/12/06/apparently-you-can-make-an-ak-47-out-of-just-about-anything-25-photos/
[–] itsALWAYStheBANKERS 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Buy 80% lower.
Daniels defense kit to build it.
Multiple uppers.
[–] jimibulgin 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
DD is far from 'entry level'.
Never said it wasn't. Buy what you need to protect your liberty. Save money on other shit.
[–] heygeorge 1 point 1 point 2 points (+2|-1) ago
Ask @ar47