you wont save much over an "off the rack" DPMS rifle.
You might save a bit over an "off the rack" bushmaster.
If you are re-finishing your rifles, you will come out with a nicer product in the end.
What building allows you to do, ultimately...is to build the EXACT rifle you want, using parts that may very well be better quality than the average rack-rifle.
This rifle cost me $791 to build, not including the EOTECH.
But then again, it also doesnt take into account the armorer's tools i have, and all the gunKote and supplies i have.
BUT, its a BEAUTIFULLY finished rifle, in the EXACT configuration i was looking for.