Now to be serious. The real question is how mechanically inclined are you? If you can change disc brakes you can build an AR lower yourself if you just get a PSA upper. The problem with that is upfront cost on some tools. Don't worry about that too much though as ARs tend to procreate when you aren't paying attention.
If you are worried get the sw mp15. If you are going to get 2-3-4 ar15s nice, sorta nice, 2-3 calibers etc then it doesnt matter.
Dip your toes in the PSA water.
You can always get your money back on a rifle that cheap.
Just buy what you like, do not buy a factory built rifle, and then take 2/3 the stuff off and throw it in a drawer and spend 60 percent more than you needed to.
Same idea with your 1911, ruger 1022 etc.
Just be honest with yourself from the start.
The few PSA complete builds I've had personal experience with have all had issues, IMO they're junk and I wouldn't spend my money on them.
That being said, you can get a complete build from them for such a ridiculously cheap price that it's hard to complain too much. I'd probably chance PSA over a S&W if I had to choose one of the two.
Trustee
Decent comparison - You'll need to know where to grease, where to clamp, you'll probably swear a bit while trying to fit things together, and you should have a torque wrench for both.
If you have a torque wrench, you'll only NEED about $20-$40 in special tools, and even some of those you can skip. I'd say the AR is easier, but does require a bit more fine work with tiny punches and mini-hammers.
You must have hidden cameras in my house
There always a few swapped out parts laying around, which causes me to build a new rifle with them. And somehow, after I build that rifle, there are always a few swapped out parts laying around.
DISCLAIMER: Disclaimer. The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author, DrScaryGuy. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of MGO, its board of directors, or its members.
Trustee
Here's a wrench in your works
Sig M400 5.56NATO 16`` VTAC BLK ROMEO 5 RED DOT $850
VTAC is a good set up upgrades. The ambidextrous safety selecter is nice, the freefloat mlok rail is a great upgrade (adds a few ounces at the front though), the QD sling endplate is good, and the romeo5 is about a $150 optic ($120 on internet sale)
DISCLAIMER: Disclaimer. The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author, DrScaryGuy. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of MGO, its board of directors, or its members.
Don’t do it. The first time you borrow a mid level AR from the nice guy at the range in the next bay, you’ll have instant regerts. Save up a few bucks more and go higher quality so you aren’t trying to sell a PSA or SW with no resale value to it. Don’t ask me how I know this.