I've never saved any money at all building one. A person potentially could, taking advantage of killer deals at PSA and other places, taking your time buying. But I did discover that I really like a full float, smaller diameter, simple shroud (BCM), a very straight pistol grip, certain adjustable stocks, and cerekoting and assembling myself. I even enjoyed milling the lowers out myself before the vertical mill and I were in a terrible canoeing accident, so no more of that no sir. All the stuff I liked (oh yea, don't forget triggers) was not cheap, but then, I don't have a 'cheap' gun, I have something I am proud of. If you don't want to support your LGS you can go to rural king and get one cheaper than building one probably. So it comes down to how you define "bang for the buck".
I always spend more when I build one. Always.
I always spend more when I build one. Always.
I doubt you're trying to cheap-out on it either. I get it. Why go to the effort to build something if you're using substandard parts? I do the same thing with cars.
Pretty much this ^^^^^^^ but you do end up with exactly what you want
Depending on how you do it, you also walk away without a 4473
Are you tooled up for this. What are your skill levels.
...I have the tools to do most everything I think...