Whether it be an EE special, gun show parts bin gun...
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Okay, I'll play.
I bought this upper off a gun show table for the grand sum of $100 in the late '80s. It appears to be M16A1 that someone home-flattopped before the real ones became common. No sights or bolt carrier for that price, and it had a funky homemade muzzle brake. The top of the upper had an aluminum block bolted on, then some kind of Weaver base bolted onto that. I added a $40 gun show 3-9 scope, A2 handguards, and a stock A1 flash hider. Already had an extra bolt. Then I bought a Quality Parts (now Bushmaster) complete lower for it for $150 (at that time), giving me a complete beater AR for around $300. Stupid thing shoots into an inch or thereabouts @ 100 with cheap 55 grainers.
These days it spends most of its time with an M261 conversion in it, as most of my .223 shooting is done with my midlength. But this one of course retains full .223 capability while shooting 1/2" or better groups @ 25 with cheap .22 ammo (1:12 barrel). Couple weekends ago I was sniping fist-sized rocks and dirt clumps off the 125-yard backstop with it--I consider that remarkable accuracy from a .22 conversion with cheap Walmart ammo. Sorry if it's not "beat" enough for what you're looking for but it was sure cheap!