Hi all, long time lurker here. I'm looking to buy/build my first AR. I told myself after prices died down that I'd get one, and not be subject to a panic buy. It's going to be a range toy/HD gun. I've done alot of looking around, and initially I had settled on a M&P15 sport, or a Core 15 (LGS pushes them, hard). But, since their budget models didn't really have what I wanted for features, by the time I bought it and added/changed what I wanted, I started thinking about a build. Since this is my first, I'm not looking to do a complete build (maybe down the road).  I was leaning towards a complete/barreled upper, and a stripped lower + MOE lower build kit. I'm leaning towards a 16" mid-length, and since PSA rarely has them in stock, I'll probably go towards a BCM. So, here's what I was thinking:

Upper: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-MI-p/bcm-urg-mid-16-mi-t12g2.htm

Lower (LGS carries these for same price): https://www.primaryarms.com/Spike_s_Tactical_Lower_Multi_Forged_Spider_p/stls019.htm

Build kit (Black): https://dsgarms.com/kt-dsgl-moebld or http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/2343/category/388/r

The Upper is in the price range I'm looking at, and I definitely want a quad rail. As for the lower, I had considered a PSA blem, but by the time I pay FFL and shipping, it's only a minor savings. Finally, the build kit, I bought my Pmags from DSG, so I'm on their email list. Seemed like a decent price. Or I do the PSA. So, total price, about $900 + optic (likely a Primary Arms RDS).

I have a buddy who wants to do the same thing, so we'll build them at the same time. Any recommendations, better options, things you would change?

Welcome aboard. Looks like you have everything picked/planned out just fine. Last I checked you can pick up the same lower at DOA arms for $10 cheaper. But there is nothing wrong with PA.

I went with a BFH BCM barrel, and love it, but the one you picked will function perfectly I'm sure.

Ended up ordering aMagpul Lower Build Kit from PSA yesterday with the sale they were have. Seems like $130 shipped was a decent price. I plan on picking up the Spike's lower from my LGS on Labor day. Hopefully BCM gets some more 16" uppers in stock soon. The Quad rail upper I wanted is OOS, so I may end up choosing between these 2:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-MI-p/bcm-urg-mid-16-mi-t12g2.htm

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-VTAC-ALPHA-p/bcm-urg-mid-16%20vtrx13.htm

Any reason to choose one over the other or look at something different, other that aesthetics?

Also, should I steer away from Lightweight designated uppers, or no?

Good call on ordering a complete upper. Definitely not the half to build yourself if you don't have to. That, plus tooling up right for any of it isn't cheap.

Good call on BCM over the PSA. I don't consider those two makers even comparable. Plus, BCM has the free bcg and gunfighter muzzle brake for 16" uppers at the moment.

EDIT: Looked at the links you provided. Whichever rail you like better. This day and age, people seem to be avoiding full quad rails on longer handguards. I'd personally go with the VTAC one.

Ok, what about the "Light Weight" designation. More recoil, lighter weight is my guess?

Ended up going for the one with the 13" KMR upper.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-KeyMod-KMR-p/bcm-urg-mid-16-kmr13.htm

Also picked up an Aero Precision lower from my LGS for $60 today. Now I just have to wait for the upper from BCM and lower build kit from PSA to arrive.

Any tools I specifically need other than a set of punch pins and wrench?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9SLHHK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=39H5OBUD641P4&coliid=I35ROJ2WOOUWYD

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002E6X44C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=39H5OBUD641P4&coliid=IWU6NJXGGFY7N

patients and a block of wood. Remember this is not a race to finish in record time.  ENSURE that you have it lined up and correct way before you start pounding and its to late.

Yeah, I plan on "studying" quite a bit before the actual assembly. I think I'll end up getting a lower vice block too. Probably not a bad thing to have.

Welcome to the forum

Welcome.  I just built my first last week.  You are like me taking your time and researching parts.   My first was a 10.5 pistol as I have Colt 6721 and 6920 in the safe already.  

Take your time and you will do fine its not hard at all and if you get stumped Youtube has most of your answers.

Good call on the KMR upper, I've been eyeballing that one as well. Here is one of the better lower build videos available Build Your AR-15 Lower Receiver!

Put it together today.

BCM 16" Complete Upper w/ 13" KMR Rail - $710
PSA Magpul MOE Build Kit - $133
Aero Precision  - $70

http://i.imgur.com/Hrcep2b.jpg?1

Total: $913

Still gotta buy an optic. Leaning towards this PA 4x. https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_4X_Compact_Prism_Scope_p/pac4x.htm