Budget AR-15 build under $600
The cheapest way to a complete, reliable AR-15 is to buy it in two halves: a complete lower and a complete upper that pin together with no gunsmithing. This build is a classic 16-inch mid-length 5.56 carbine with a nitride barrel, plus the two parts a complete upper usually leaves out (the bolt carrier group and charging handle), a red dot and a magazine, all from well-known brands.
The total below updates every night from the stores we track. If a part sells out, the next pick for that slot takes its place; if the total ever goes over $600, this page says so.
Total today
$562.54
6 parts · lowest price at the stores we track · updated Oct 4, 2026
Our compatibility checker found no problems.
Parts list
| Part | Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lower receiver | PSA AR-15 Complete Lower Magpul MOE Edition - Black, No Magazine - 5165447832Complete lower with a Magpul MOE stock and grip. Like any lower, it ships to a licensed dealer (FFL). | $129.99Palmetto State Armory Sale |
| Upper receiver | PSA 16" Mid-length 5.56 NATO 1:7 Nitride MOE Freedom Upper - Without BCG / CH - 778044616-inch 1:7 nitride barrel, mid-length gas; sold without a bolt carrier group or charging handle. | $179.99Palmetto State Armory Sale |
| Bolt carrier group | PSA 5.56 Phosphate MPI Full-Auto Bolt Carrier GroupPalmetto State ArmoryFull-auto profile carrier with an MPI-tested bolt. | $99.99Palmetto State Armory |
| Charging handle | AR-15 .223 Charging HandleLuth-ARMil-spec charging handle. | $18.79BrownellsIn stock |
| Optic | Cf2-Rd2 Crossfire II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight BlackVortex OpticsCompact red dot with a 2 MOA dot. | $119.79OpticsPlanetIn stock Sale |
| Magazine | Magpul 30 Round PMAG GEN M3 - BlackMagpul30-round Magpul PMAG. Check your state's magazine capacity limits. | $13.99GunMag WarehouseIn stock |
Prices and stock can change at the store after our nightly check. MyGunLab earns a commission when you buy through store links, at no extra cost to you (disclosure). Background: our guide.