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If you dont want to spend Noveske money, I would be looking for a BCM, LMT, Colt, or Daniel Defense upper. High quality, known brands. BTW, G&R tactical had complete Colt uppers around $600 for a while.

Pricing is right where it was before, except many no longer have a "sale" on their BCG. But when you add the carrier group to a BCM upper it is $219 (IIRC) with a BCM charging handle, which is a $45 item, and the BCG price is in line with the quality.

Just an FYI on the Spikes upper price - that was the price prior to Sandy-Hook too, a buddy bought one about a month before. His is a 14.5 with a pinned A2, came with MOE hand guard.

If it were me, I would buy a lower and find a LPK minus trigger, or one that includes an ALG QMS or ALG ACT trigger in the kit. This will get you a good quality trigger that will be sufficient unless you want to spend $150+ on a better one.

If you want MOE furniture, DSG has some of the best prices I have found on MOE kits, but they are in the metroplex and you will have state tax + shipping. Shouldnt be hard to do a complete lower of good quality without spending a ton. But you can always check out complete BCM, Rainier, LMT lowers, or find a stripped Noveske for under $200 to get going.

If you want a rail, and have a few extra bucks, BCM has released their new KMR rail and Enhanced Light Weight barrel combo, which looks killer, and at a pretty small price premium vs their standard stuff. AFAIK, lightest keymod rail available on the market.