Lets build a long rifle

[yuppiejr]

A complete upper is easy, just make sure you factor in the price of the charging handle and bolt carrier group if they are not explicitly included (not always the case, read the fine print).

You can basically spend as much or little as you want depending on features you really want/need... For $599 you can get a complete Palmetto State Armory rifle that I suggest to pretty much everyone looking for a low priced/quality AR platform rifle: http://palmettostatearmory.com/9007.php .... Depending on the value of your time and your interest in the DIY approach this may be a good option as well, colorize it later with the tupperware of your choice. A lot of the budget uppers cut corners by skipping the chrome lining, MPI/HP pressure testing and other "milspec" build characteristics that the higher - end AR's include. What I like about the Palmetto build is it's on par with the upper-mid tier brands quality wise with a more spartan package that lets you build it out over time from a solid foundation.

You can part something together a bit cheaper but you're also going to have to wait for a sales and end up with a mish-mash of manufacturers and the lower resale value that goes with a rifle you assembled versus one that came complete from the factory (this may or may not be a consideration for you but is worth noting). I've assembled a few AR's from raw parts (lower) and done some free-float/gas block replacements on uppers and while it was interesting I don't know that it was necessary to appreciate the function of the rifle, watching a build video on YouTube with an assembled rifle in hand would have been just as educational. If you are going to DIY, IMHO, do it out of academic curiosity rather than a desire to save significant money.

What is your budget and intended application for this rifle (do-all/blaster, hunting, home defense, competition, etc..)?