re: Looking to buy an AR 15. Best economical option?

You'll spend more upfront if you go the route of building an entry level AR after you factor in the costs of tools. You can do it with minimum amount but its just like any other project, the right tools make all the difference. Something like AR-Armor's Kit gives you an idea of what you might need to start. IT can be done with less like a good pin punch set but the nice thing about an AR is once you build one you really know how it works and how to clean it. I'd say it's a labor of love to build and maintain them. Go right and get the tools specific for the task and have fun