First AR build, looking for recomendations.

[Steveo830]

I've started acquiring parts to build my first AR. It's going to be a 16 inch barrel. Rifle will be used for range plinking and possibly some 3-gun in the future. I'm not on a real tight budget, but its not like money is no object either.

So far I have: Colt Canada stripped lower, ASA side charging upper (complete with bolt and BCG), and a KAC URX 4 M-LOK forend (14.5 inch). I'll be buying a set of Battle Arms Developments enhanced receiver pins soon, unless someone has a better recommendation. I'll also be buying a good trigger for it, not sure which one yet. I have a pistol grip already.

I'm looking for recommendations on a barrel and gas block. Gas block needs to be the set screw style to work with my handguard. Do any barrels come pre-dimpled for the gas block set screws?
Also, are all the milspec buffer tube kits pretty much the same?
What about lower parts kits? I'll need one without a trigger or grip.

Any and all thoughts and recommendations are welcome.

 

[FoxAlpha]

Spend your money on the barrel, as it's going to be the most critical part on the gun. There's tons of 16" barrels on the market. DD, BCM, Noveske, Faxon, rainier Arms. Battle Arms Deveopment, etc etc.
It doesn't NEED to be dimpled either, but some prefer it as piece of mind.
I just use BCM gas blocks as they're solid, and they're only 69.99 new.

Yes, if it's a mil spec buffer tube, they'll all be the same.
Lots of places have "gun builder" parts kits now. Tier One Armory had strike industries kits last time I was in there.