[hudson69]

I have seen 10.5" and 7.5" complete kits (minus the stripped lower) for as low as $349 from Palmetto State Armory. If you are just interested and want to see if this something you want to go full in on, this may be an affordable first step. Whether you like it or not you will not have a problem selling if you so choose. I am a fan of PSA. I have not had any issue with my PSA rifle.

 

[Explainist]

for those who came here for advice on building a pistol from zero: I would not buy a pistol upper. I would buy a pistol kit

I would look for an upper with an adjustable gas block, because pistols frequently have overgassing problems

I would read all the very contradictory and confusing "how to build an AR pistol" threads, because it is very easy to stray over ATF guidelines and build an SBR. in particular, the combination of longer barrels and extendible braces can put you one toke over the line.

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/short-barreled-rifles-vs-pistol-brace/
https://www.wideopenspaces.com/ar-pistol-need-know/
https://news.aroutfitting.com/2019/07/07/atf-changes-the-rules-on-ar-pistol-overall-length/
https://www.itstactical.com/warcom/firearms/considering-building-ar-pistol-heres-411/
https://www.guns.com/news/2019/08/26/the-difference-between-an-ar-pistol-and-sbr

keep track of dates when reading those. consider those from before ATF decision background, and the newer threads advisory.

I would go for a pistol brace that does not extend very far, and a shorter barrel. or a pistol buffer tube with no provision for a brace.

another reason to buy a kit is that, in theory, the guy who specifies the kit knows which buffer and spring work well with the upper in the kit.