My advice is to do what I did:
1. Decide what style you want- m4? 20", 16", CAR stock, etc? what u want
2. Buy a stripped lower - can get Rock River Arms for $95
3. Buy a kit from J&T. Runs from $437+ i think (mine was $474-M4 style)
4. Go to old.ar15.com and get directions for putting your stripped lower together and put your gun together!
This has allowed me to be familiar with my gun and exactly how it works. I have learned MUCH from it and about the AR. Took me and a buddy 2 hrs to do, but I could probably do it in 30-40 minutes now that I know what I'm doing..lol
I also found an AR-15 video on shooting, cleaning, maintenance, sighting in, etc in a flea market for $8 that showed me exactly how to clean and maintance it. I got it still and watch it sometimes when I'm bored...lol
Anyhow, that is my advice, it will familiarize you with your gun, show u how it works, and of course .... CHEAPER!