I am in the process of purchasing/building an AR. My neighbor informed me that the best thing to do is to look on Gunbroker.com and find the rifle you are looking for in an auction expiring with no bidders - then call/email the seller and make an offer.
My base gun is going to be a Smith and Wesson M&P 15 ORC 5.56/223 30+1. This gun is optics ready and the front site has been replaced with a gas block. I am hoping to buy it for around $800 and then put another $1000 into it. My neighbor is an ex West Pointer and tested weapons for his units - and he swears this is the way to go if you're interested in an AR.
I will post pics throughout my build once I get my hands on the gun.
As part of my deal, I am also buying a H&K/Umarex HK416 .22 Tactical. For those that haven't seen em they are saweeet!!
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2...tical-rimfire/