I just did. Mine was about $500. $89 lower and $39 blemished upper. The parts are out there.
I believe my last build was around $550, and that was with a RRA lower because that's all I could get! PSA kit on sale minus the lower, couple mags and a carry handle rear sight. Deals are still available just timing and grabbing before sold out.
I guess I am not patient enough to sit and wait on sales etc.
When I start a parts box for a build I get to a point when some of the major components are there that I have to finish it up.
You could have gone even cheaper on the lower than you did. nice work
How and where?
I've got my 2 Larue Barrels and Triggers over the last 3 years. Have some lowers to match them with so trying to to quality on the cheap, but i don't know anything about uppers other than there some metal
You can very easily do it for ~$500. Helped a friend assemble one not too long ago. Just look around for deals.