Short range AR-15 build questions

[Mikeyman]

Hi all, so I am embarking on a new build for my 15yo son. The main purpose will be for 3 gun at max range of 200y and I am thinking 14.5 in barrel. We are building it together start to finish and have everything on the way to complete the lower. My main question is how important is the barrel and free float handguard for accuracy at this range? I am trying to come in under 1000$ (not including optic) - so far I have spent 400$ on the complete lower. Can I get away with a cheap barrel like dominion (120$) or 200$ barrel like aero with a magpul moe handguard? Should I save a bit more for a 400$ ish barrel and free float handguard?

Some have said just buy a decent complete upper but my son is pumped about building it and will be great for him to see how it all goes together.

 

[JasonGTA]

Get a cheapie if you arnt doing longer range precision stuff

 

[bkelly4790]

You can get away with a pretty cheap barrel and still be sub 3 MOA on a non free floated gun. Heck M4s aren't precision weapons at all and The US Military seems to have no issue engaging out to 500m with them and they are using 14.5" non free floated guns that have had a god amount of rounds stacked on the barrel.

 

[onetwentyish]

Only major point to note about a free-float handguard at that distance and for your purpose is that will allow you to use barricades without putting pressure on the barrel which would otherwise cause a point of impact shift

 

[Dietz]

You can get away with a pretty cheap barrel and still be sub 3 MOA on a non free floated gun. Heck M4s aren't precision weapons at all and The US Military seems to have no issue engaging out to 500m with them and they are using 14.5" non free floated guns that have had a god amount of rounds stacked on the barrel.

200 000 rounds for each dead haji isn't precision, but that's a software issue, the gun is fine.