I would buy a kit from an online retailer. That's what I did and I'm happy with the end result and what I learned! If you buy a kit, you'll get an assembled upper, along with a LPK (Lower Parts Kit) and Stock assembly. You will have everything needed to assemble a working rifle, except you will also need to buy a stripped lower receiver.
When I built my rifle from the kit I was completely unfamiliar with an AR. I did my research, including the tacked Build It Yourself threads at AR15.com, and decided it was something I would like to try to do myself. I've had no experience, ever, tinkering with guns of any kind. All I knew how to do was field strip my pistols.
The only tools you'll really need are some pliers, hemostats (not really needed, but came in handy), masking tape (to prevent scratches), a small hammer (covered in tape), and a 1 Gallon Ziplock baggy (to work inside when using springs and pins). A front pivot pin tool would probably help a lot, too! I'm not sure of the exact name of the tool (someone else can tell you), but it will save you a lot of time when installing the front pivot pin. If you can follow step-by-step instructions, you can build the rifle...it wasn't that hard at all. Just go slowly to make sure you put the right thing in the right hole the right way.
I also chose to build mine because it would give me familiarity with how the thing works. When I wanted to install a sling adapter plate to the back of the lower receiver, it was an easy process, because I knew which springs and pins were there, and which would come out, etc. Same with installing a grip; I knew how it comes off and which spring/orientation is in the thing. That's not tough at all. If you want to build an upper, then yes, you will need a lot of tools and, from what I've heard, is a lot more difficult, especially for noobs.
I got my Stag kit from
www.ar15sales.com for about $630 or so, IIRC. It came with the assembled/headspaced upper, chrome lined barrel, flip-up rear sight, 1-30 rd magazine, LPK, and a 6 position stock ass'y. Then, I ordered a stripped Stag lower online for (at the time) $90. Total cost was $728. Keep in mind, if you order a stripped lower online, it will have to be shipped through an FFL, which means FFL fees. I was lucky enough to know a guy who did it for free! :mrgreen: Also, buying a kit and a separate lower means you don't have to pay TAX on an assembled rifle. Order a complete rifle, or buy one in a store, and you'll have to pay extra.
It's just my opinion, but I say buy a kit and build it!
