If money is tight, put the two bills in the bank in case something really comes up for emergencies. Seriously, I know that is not FUN, but just a thought.
Second thought, think about a 22 rimfire conversion kit by someone like CMMG, a ready mag/better mag by Bonnie packer and some S&W 22 rimfire mags. Once you actually find ammo, the cost difference to run drills will pay for the CMMG kit etc and you can do the manipulations at a very reasonable costs. Get a good Magpul DVD and go train the manipulations. Sure you have to shoot some real ammo through the thing once in a while, but the cost savings are just huge.
Sorry for the twist on your thread, something to think about.