I had a McKay complete lower lying around and a couple of weeks ago PSA sent an ad for their weekend deal, the 16" midlength nitride (or is it melonite) Freedom upper for $189. Ordered it along with a premium PSA BCG and CH for a total  of around $300. In keeping with the budget theme, ordered an MOE stock, Matech BUIS and Vortex SPARC II red dot sight. Will post pics when I get them all together.

Nice!
A man after my own heart.
Q: How many ARs does someone really need?
A: At least 5 more than he already has..

I have that same upper. I think the Freedom barrels are perfect for cheapo blasting guns. I've been burning my shitty Tula and Bear ammo through this gun exclusively. Eats it up like candy. Still shoots better than my Mini 14 with match ammo.

I can put these things together for not much more $ than a milsurp SKS would cost you nowadays. I'll probably build a few more identical guns just as irons only beaters. To bad PSA doesn't sell any with A2/A1 uppers. Ultimate truck gun.

I already have one I put together with the Freedom stainless upper