I'm currently in the process of doing my first build which will be my first AR15 rifle.  I've been reading and googling and I think my head is ready to blow.  Since this is an entry level rifle and a learning experience for me I've been looking at some lower price point upper assemblies.  Here is what I've got so far

Anderson lower with PSA blackhawk lower build kit

Here are my front runners for uppers

Radical Firearms 16" M4 profile

Red X Arms 14.5"

I also had a PSA upper that I wanted but can't find it now so it's probably buried with all their other out of stock assemblies.  Any experience with these or better guidance?

Take a look at the offerings at MAS Defense...

Do you plan on changing the flash hider on the red x to a longer and permanently attaching it? If not, your rifle would be illegal in that configuration unless you register the lower as an sbr.

If you're relatively new to the AR world, I'd suggest getting something quality first. I've seen multiple reports of Red X barrels coming apart from the extensions. Not only that, but that length is illegal if you don't pin a longer flash hider/brake or get a tax stamp.

The Radical Firearms uppers are still relatively new and don't have many reports out. The barrels are not chrome lined - that's about all I know.

I'd go with a plain old PSA mid length upper or a BCM upper now that they've got the sale where all uppers come with BCGs and if it's 16'' also a Mod 0 Comp. Since their BCGs are usually $170 and comps are $90 or so, the "overall price" of the upper is under $200. Very good deal.

I'm going with the old standby:  Colt for <$1,000; PSA had 'em for $800 last week.

You'll be glad you did:  quality plus resale value.

I'm with the buy a complete rifle or complete upper and lower and put them together crowd.

Didn't even think about that.  We will throw that one to the no pile

I haven't been able to find much on the Red X stuff so thanks for the info.  PSA really had one that I liked but can't find it now that's in the out of stock group

+1 I'm with this idea as you are to new to the platform and hard to know what you want in terms of parts. Get a new Colt for a good price and shoot til you figure out what you like and dislike. Colt is THE standard of AR"s. Quality Parts, etc.

My lower is all put together and waiting for an upper so I'm not currently interested in scraping it to buy a colt

Rainier Arms has a one day sale today only, check it out