Good Morning,
I've built several (8 so far) using PSA parts and I have no complaints. I'm actually doing some spring cleaning right now. I'm trying to get rid of a complete PSA / Magpul Lower. I also have a lower receiver and all the parts necessary to build it into a pistol lower I just decided to abandon the build. I also have a fixed MOE stock that was bought and never used laying around.
That being said, my personal "good" rifle is a BCM. You can get an OEM version from Brownells for $1,000 and add whatever furniture you want to it.
http://www.brownells.com/firearms/r...id-length-lightweight-16-rifle-prod84913.aspx
The fancy triggers are great but the factory triggers will be a lot easier to replace in failure in a SHTF situation (in my opinion).
I keep 2 complete lower build kits (controls and springs), and extra Bolt carrier , 2 extra bolts and an extra buffer spring for my primary rifles.
Most of the lower receivers I've come across are all pretty decent. I would definitely stay away from polymer lowers if I were you.
As some of the others have said, you really don't save much by building the rifle yourself if you are going basic rifle. You save the money when you start customizing it or if you an wait long enough to shop sales (I never can).
If you do decide to build your own rifle here are some quick pointers:
- get a torque wrench and apply proper torque
- be sure to add high temperature grease where the barrel seats in the upper receiver
- get a good ar15 wrench. I like the DPMS wrench. Stay away from the cheap $30 Amazon ones, they won't work / out of spec
- get a good set of punches from a hardware store other than Harbour Freight.
- Wrap the tools in electrical or masking tape to keep from scratching the rifle
- add loctite to the gas block screws
- don't skimp on a rail if you go that route. The $50 ones from Ebay look the same but are not the same quality as a Midwest Industries / Spikes / Noveske / DD etc.... The cheap ones are a nightmare to thread properly and are heavy
- Don't get hung up on the "specs" of the parts. You will go nuts if you do. PSA sells great products and I haven't seen much "junk" on their site. Buy parts from reputable brands and you will be fine. If you would like a list of my top picks PM me.
Good Luck with the build and PM if you need help