I want to thank all the contributors to the forum, really helped my decision to build instead of buy.  Ok, I would like to get some opinions on what I was planning.  The rifle is going to be used on the range, hunting coyotes as of now, but may look into other uses for it as well.  I am doing this project as time/money allows and plan to complete it by May.  As far as a budget goes, I have projected it to be around $1400 including glass.  By the way, thanks to PSA I bought a couple lowers (1 for me and one for my son who is 10 months old but I thought it would be great to build his first rifle) I also had 2 friends and my fatherinlaw buy the lowers, and nobody has built one before so it should be fun.  Let me know what you think of my preliminary plan. Actual costs represents parts already purchased to include shipping and FFL fee. Still unsure about the optics, and complete upper.  Opinions?

AR Budget                                                                                                                    
PSA Stripped Lower                                                                $72.00
RRA Lower Build Kit w/2 stage NM trigger                                 $149.14
PSA "Don't Tread on Me" Ejection Port Cover                             $14.99
Stock Kit      Magpul ACS                                                                                                   $150.00
Upper Receiver           http://www.ar15depot.com/uppers.htm 16"Bull barrel spiral fluted SS 5.56               $500.00
Optics  Weaver Super Slam 1.5-6x24   http://www.tactical-store.com/ts-wr-rs-800375.html          $469.00                    
Bipod         http://www.ar15depot.com/bi-pods&mounts.htm   $45.00
Magazines  X 2 http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/105.php                                        $30.00
AMMO
Tools
                                                                                                                      Total$1,430.13

Thanks in advance

I think you should research a bit more.

you don't want a no name upper.  plain and simple... especially not for your first one.  

why the 16" bull barrel exactly?

think about your overall costs a bit... for $1400 bucks you can build/buy a hell of a rifle right now... and most of the time it would knock the socks off what you have selected.  

your costs also illustrate that you are paying full retail... why are you not using the Equipment Exchange here?  LOTS of good stuff can be had for a discount there.

I wouldn't buy stuff from a company that isn't a sponsor here, for multiple reasons.

Also... this is not a build, you are slapping a complete upper on a built lower... consider actually assembling the upper from parts as well... more versatility

Thanks for the reply durabo, I am not set on anything in particular except the PSA lower and lbk.  The price listed for the lower in my post is shipping and FFL fees included in the $72.  I have found the RRA lpk for $25 cheaper so I am trying to cancel that order as we speak.  The $1400 budget is more than I really want to spend, but that was including the scope which I am not set on for almost $500.  Just found the equipment exchange on here so I am checking that out now.  I am not opposed to building the upper either, would like to hear what you would suggest for a first time AR build that I plan on keeping.  Thanks again.

Agreed. Working on my first build. Upper and lower and I am learning TONS.

well i would figure it like this -

barrel - lightest weight possible, SS for accuracy since youll be using it for hunting i thought?  Consider that hunting youll be putting a few well placed shots at most so the whole completely messed up theory of lightweight accuracy under heavy fire isn't an issue.  I would budget $250 for this, you could bump up your cost of the barrel and push back other things in price or time.  money spent on a barrel is never wasted really.  personally i would buy this -
http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Match-Grade-Barrel-556-NATO-Tactical-Hunter-Lightweight-16-1-8-Twist-Stainless/productinfo/TR-556LW16-18/

upper - any old cosmetic blem upper would do you, you can find them typically online for around $60 bucks... on the reverse side if you can't find a cos blem upper then you are going to be paying like around $120 for a stripped one... i would personally grab a NiB coated one from Fail zero or other companies out there that are being coated by WMDGuns... last time i bought one it ran me like $128 shipped i think.

BCG - I personally think you should go with a standard HPT/MPI BCG from spikes or Palmetto, whichever is currently cheapest. or on the other side (my personal choice) would be to get  NiB coated one, either the Rguns (needs an extractor upgrade maybe) or Fail Zero or Spikes or Core15.  this should run you $120 on the standard or $200 on the NiB coated.

Handguard is up to you... i like modular rail systems like the Troy TRX Extreme... i would allocate $150 for this... preferably bought on the EE

FH or Brake - once again up to you... you can get a A2 on the EE for $5 or a BattleComp for $120 or anything in between.  

YHM gas block -$25 bucks

magpul mbus will run you $50ish bucks on the EE i think.

allocate $30 bucks for build parts (gas tube, FA, Dust cover)

on the low end you are at $690 for an upper ready to shoot and capable of doing just about anything all of the other bad boys are doing.
high end - $825 and it will do everything better than most others... not that youll typically "notice" it doing better... but its nice to run without lube

so 1400 - 690 is $710 for your lower/optics.
or 1400 - 825 is around $ 575 for your lower/optics.  

both of these are doable... check out primary arms for some quality budget optics... i wouldn't trust anyone else for stuff sub $500

youll need to allocate some funds for tools... or ask around in your hometown forum if someone close has some you can borrow or possibly help you with the build, how i got my first one built.

the + here is you can buy stuff as funds come, spread out the pocketbook hurt.  

my only other personal option would be to buy a Larue PredatAR and call it a day

check out a couple of my build sheets if you can read the archive stuff -
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/528135_New_SPRish_EXO_Build_Done_Finally___Almost___.html

http://www.ak47.net/archive/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=516038

and the PredatAR

What optic is that?

Trijicon accupoint 1-4x in a larue mount.

picked it up basically new in the EE for a good price :)

Here is what my build cost.  Granted I have changed some things since the final build but...  Also some of the prices are my discount prices.  Since that build I have picked up a set of Troy Flip-up (EE) sights and a Larue LT-606(eBay).  I am working on getting the money for an Aimpoint PRO.  I don't consider this a top of line build but I think its pretty damn solid.

AR-15 Build

Description:                           Price:            Dealer:
Mega Lower                         $99.99           http://www.riflegear.com
RRA LPK w/Hogue Grip        $82.35          http://www.eaglearmory.com
RRA Mil Buffer Tube             $49.95          http://www.eaglearmory.com
Magpul MOE Carbine Stock   $49.27          http://www.brownells.com
Noveske QD Endplate           $24.99          http://www.brownells.com
Lower Total:$281.56

Mega Upper                          $139.95        http://www.rainierarms.com
DD CHF 16" Mid Barrel          $250.00        Local Shop
LaRue Tactical 10" LT15-10  $250.00        ar15.com EE
Magpul MBUS Front Sight      $30.60         http://www.brownells.com
Magpul MBUS Rear Sight       $44.39         http://www.brownells.com
BCM BCG (MPI) - Auto           $139.95       http://www.bravocompanyusa.com
BCM GF Charging Handle       $41.03        http://www.brownells.com
DD LP Clamp On Gas Block    $52.99        http://www.midwayusa.com
YHM Phantom 5C2                  $30.00        Gun Show
Midlength Gas Tube                $12.00        http://www.brownells.com
LaRue Index Clips                   $29.95        http://www.laruetactical.com
LaRue Tactical FUG                 $70.00        ar15.com EE
Upper Total:$1,090.86

For Magpul stock kits DSG Arms is hard to beat.

MOE.... $69.95 includes

Stock
Buffer Tube
Buffer Spring
Buffer
Receiver end plate
Castle nut

ACS is $139.95,    CTR is  $119.95,    same components included.  

Thanks for the replies guys, It really has me thinking about my build.  I guess I need to start from scratch with my build sheet.  I already have the PSA lower on order, waiting for it to arrive at my FFL. I want a rifle that will be accurate from 100-300 yards.  Looking for something that is not necessarily a bench rifle as I want to be able to squeeze some rounds off at some targets less than 100 yards as well hunt coyotes and maybe hogs (not sure how often it would be used for this). I would like to stay right at 1000 or so before I pick up glass and was considering some flip up BUIS as well .  I canceled the order for my RRA LPG and 2 stage trigger since I found it for $125 shipped at another place.  I am pretty much set on the RRA LPK and trigger, any opinions about the LPK and 2 stage NM trigger? As for everything else, I keep changing my mind!!!  

Can I use an MAGPUL ACS Stock on rifle with this type of set up? Adaptable Carbine Storage and wanted to make sure when the discription refers to a "carbine" I am not limited to a carbine build since I was thinking more of a mid-length build?   I like the Magpul ACS and if I can get this Kit for $140 LPK for $125 and I have $72 in my lower (including shipping and FFL fee) I can complete my lower for $337.  Then I can focus on my upper.  What do you think?

Wagonwheel1, Thanks for the heads up on the ACS Stock Kit!

Great looking rifles man!

Yes, you can use the Magpul ACS with your build. Carbine basically refers to it being a multi-position collapsible stock as opposed to a fixed-position longer A2-style stock like the standard A2, Ace skeleton, or Magpul PRS stocks. Carbine and rifle length use a different length extension tube, buffer spring, and buffer.

I like everything you put down but the bull barrel and no name upper as well.  Also, I would recommend maybe going with an 18" barrel and mid length gas system you are going to want better range out to 350+ for coyote hunting and not a lot of recoil.  The 18 is a trade off between the 16 and 20 inchers and the gas system will help stay on target for more than one coyote.

I keep thinking about the 18" barrel as well.  I have been checking out the RRA ATH Carbine uppers, but they are Carbine gas system... Any suggestions on an upper or the parts to build one at around $600-$700 range?