I've been thinking about a spikes upper, it comes with bolt carrier group (bcm) and a charging handle for 529 from
joebobs ,I don't know whether you want a carbine or a rifle.
My first ar was a kit from palmetto, 20" and a lower from widners (lrb brand)which make it a civi m-16. I wanted the rifle first. I'm happy with how it runs, haven't had a problem with it yet.(probly1000 rnds thru-it)
Now I'm looking for a carbine (16" barrel) spikes seems to have a good name, If you buy a complete upper pay attention to whether it has the bcg & charger. that's why i think I'm going with the spikes upper. 529 with the bcg and charger and joebob gives free shipping...
now is a good time to build, The same lower i used(lrb 89$) is going for 69$ now.
Have fun. if you like guns, no truer statement was ever made, "you won't stop with one" .. It a fun rifle to shoot.
1 thing to mention, I've never bought from joebob's, they look to be a reputable company and haven't found anything bad about them .. use your own judgment though..