I’m an LWRC Piston guy, but……….
I’ve been on bandwagon with LWRC long before we sold their upper receivers and I really have a hard time spending money on anything but. We’ve been involved with gun builds at various places in the Country and it’s been loads of fun doing it and see people build or assemble their first AR15. The AR15 is still the next best training rifle after a 22LR bolt action for new shooters. You can teach range adjustments and get people to learn how to manipulate a firearm that is basically the same thing that most of our standing military uses.
If you are looking to get your first AR15, I would not hesitate to tell you that you really don’t need to spend more than about $600. I see nothing wrong with people buying something like Spikes Tactical Uppers and slapping it on a used upper receiver or a less expensive gun. Spikes Tactical Uppers give you a very good starting point with quality parts and a good price point. If you don’t think you’ll be put on the front line and be shooting 10,000rds a year through your barrel, don’t worry about spending the $2000 on an LWRC.