text: In reply to message77156: The most inexpensive AR I have built that is reliable would have to be my Aero Precision build. Built in 2019, it cost me around $1100 without optics. The trigger is a LaRue Tactical 2 stage trigger, muzzle device is a VG6 Gamma 556 with a cage device. If I had to build that exact rifle today, it would probably cost me more. I have built a bunch of ARs and that is the cheapest one I have built. My big issue with cheap off the shelf ARs is that eventually people will upgrade things like barrels, muzzle device, triggers, buttstocks, etc. then they wind up spending the the same amount of money or more when they could have just built one to their liking. I always prefer built over bought.