First AR build...Seeking sound advice

[jdharcus]

Started amassing componentry for my first AR.
Looking for ideas to keep me from making the wrong choices without breaking the bank.

I have:
Aero Lower
TNA LPK
Aero Upper w/dust cover and fwd assist
Commercial tube and stock w/H buffer and spring

What other parts do I need?
I think I want something in 5.56 in a short (pistol length? barrel)
M4 Monolithic CQB style?
Help me out here.
Please state your parts preferences including brands and reasons why.

Rules:
No sarcastic comments please.
Constructive ideas appreciated.

John

 

[Garaldtao]

On my builds I use Mil spec only because there are more options and easier to resell. Short barrels are fun but the novelty wares off quick which is why the cheapest and most abundant ARs on the used market are the pistol lengths. They are loud and there is a lot of flash which is not enough to keep most people's interest. I would go with a minimum 14" chrome lined barrel. 16 is ideal and 18 would be my max because anything above that, I would be chasing accuracy, which in my case means match grade and in atleast a 308.

Other tips, spend the money on a trigger and hammer. Even if you are super cheap you could upgrade to something like a stanless Anderson for something like $12 more which makes a world of difference from a stock trigger and hammer. For funiture, I like the Magpul stuff except for the hand guard. I prefer free floated and if you decide to go this route make sure it is M Lok rather than Key mod. I get a bunch of Key Mod stuff for free all the time from my LGS because they can't sell the stuff, even at a discount so if you are paying for Key mod, even if it is on sale, you have over paid. I think this is because the US military has officially adapted M lok. Hope this helps.