Ok, so I'm slow to change. I'm a long time bolt gun guy. Hunting , shooting , I've mostly had single shot or bolt guns. I have the opportunity to build myself a ar15 for target shooting and coyote hunting. Any companies or products to consider or avoid? I'll be milling my own receiver and then assembling the rest from parts or kits. Thanks.
I've built, modified, and fired more than I will admit. You are starting off correctly by building from scratch and picking what parts you want. Most will buy a factory AR, then have me take half it off and add other parts they bought. This is a waste of money.
If you want a self defense/blaster then you can get away with a lot less research and money then if you want a 500yd gopher rifle. In most cases you get what you pay for. But the AR market is so saturated rite now you can get a great rifle for less then a grand. A good blaster/self defense for $500. Stoner (not related to the original engineer in an way) makes low end parts and runs fine. Complete uppers for $199. Del ton and PSA make decent parts for a low end blaster.
I personally recommend buying each individual part, rather than complete assembled upper, or rifle kit. Most those parts will end up in a box when you are done.
I personally like the Sharps Rifle company BCG, or at least the bolts due to their metallurgy. I like DD or Bravo company barrels. I like BCM handguards. POF, Timney, or Gisselle, or ALG defense triggers. I live in a temperate climate where thick clothes are worn for half the year. This dictates collapsible stock so the eye relief and length of pull can be adjusted. I prefer the mid length gas system, or if you use carbine length use an H2 buffer.
On my coyote rifle I'm running the DD STW 18" with mid length gas, 1/7 twist and it's a tack-driver with 75 gr OTM handloads. I don't like adjustable gas blocks on defense rifles due to a number of possibilities and issues. I could ramble opinions for days.....
What is your budget?