Aero Precision BRN-15 OEM 223 Wylde 16" Rifle - $499 (Free S/H over $99)

I think if you reread my post, I said $1000-$1200, and that included “irons or red dot, decent sling, and weapon light.” Way to choose the most extreme end of the range and completely eliminate a major contributor to that price range to make your argument reasonable. *eyeroll*

Even taking into account your primary point, $1000 IS the price point for a complete budget build weapon system. A rifle by itself at $500 is not a weapon system. It’s a rifle. Your $500 Anderson or Radical firearm quickly turns into a $800-$1000 weapon system when you acquire those other items, and neither of those options are likely going to include the exact furniture you want. Also, neither of those options have a sufficiently reliable/accurate/durable barrel/BCG/QC so as to be trusted with your life.

At any rate, it all depends on what you choose to add to this specific “starter” for your build - which is ALSO what I said in my first post. I’m sure you could skimp on the irons or red dot, forego the sling and weapon light, and go with standard M4 stock, use the included A2 grip, and buy a UTG two-piece handguard for this and be +$75 of your Anderson or Radical.