To build a 16in lightweight AR.

I want to assemble the lower and buy a complete assembled upper.  So what kind of cost am I looking at, give me some ideas from cheapest to most expensive.  I'd really like a RRA lower, and perhaps a JP trigger.

I spent $739.

Stripped CMT (forged)lower, $80.

Bushmaster lower parts kit and A2 stock kit brought total for complete lower to $220.

Olympic FAR-15 upper cost the rest of the $739.

I am sure all kinds of people will jump in with 50 ways to do it cheaper, but that is what it cost me. I am completely satisfied.

Edited to add that the bbl is stainless For what it's worth.

Good luck.

For a basic run of the mill lightweight 16in CAR, it cost me roughly $500. $400 (not including shipping) for a Model 1 Sales 16" Lightweight CAR kit and $100 for a stripped RRA lower. The JP trigger set is going to run you another $100 or so. So, on the cheap side you could get away for roughly $500 for basic. You start upgrading parts like trigger sets, handguards, grips, stocks, and the total cost quickly rises. J

My Model 1 lightweight 16" CAR rifle was $417  including shipping...then I paid $20 for the transfer fee, and another $104.50 for the receiver, tax included.  Total $541.50.  

The rifle shoots fine, and it feels great.  

As Recon_Sine said, the extras can add up quick, but you can always do the upgrades one at a time later.

What are you gonna do with the rifle...hunt, home defense, etc?  I ask because I might recommend a standard weight barrel if you're doing anything where accuracy is a requirement.  I don't know for a fact that my lightweight won't shoot as good as my other 16" Model 1 kit, but just looking at the barrel, I don't see how it could be as consistent.  The standard barrel gun has done sub moa with the latest handloads I tried, which I'm very happy with.  

I've kinda pimped that rifle out, and I'm sure it's over 8lbs in weight lol...which is why I got the lightweight kit afterwards.  

The gun is going to be used for 3 gun, range fun, and perhaps home defense.  I have a 20 in colt HBAR but the thing is just too damn heavy so when I use it in 3 gun I get too tired and my score suffers.

Where can I get info on a Model 1 upper?

Hey Adam can you tell me about how much those rifles each weigh?  thanks.