Quoted:
Hi, I am new to the forum, and new to weapons and weapon building in general. That being said, I had a few questions.

1.) How does everyone feel about Essential Arms? Their prices look excellent and I would like to support a local manufacturer. I am talking mostly about stripped lowers and/or lower parts kit.  I have a few EA lowers, I have never had any problems.

2.) My friend who builds AR's said that I only need to get a lower receiver to avoid not being able to purchase a weapon after the apparent ban everyone anticipates. Does this mean I can get every other component after an apparent ban? There is no ban.  No one knows if there will be or not.  Its just speculation.  There is no way to know if a future ban will still allow you to buy parts.  He suggested that I buy a complete lower receiver.

3.) His recommendation that I purchase a complete lower leaves me with a couple questions. If I just buy the stripped lower can I purchase more parts later if a "ban" goes into effect? Most parts are already hard to find due to increased demand.  I would say that if a new ban is proposed it would be nearly impossible to find any parts, mags, ammo, etc.  Also, does the lower really make a huge difference in terms of quality? Not really.  As long as it is mil-spec 7075 T6 aluminum it won't make much difference IMO.  I would like to build the lower myself to see how it all goes together.

4.) to build a complete lower, are all the parts that I need: a) stripped lower, b) lower parts kit, c) grip, d) stock? After that, what parts will I need?  Trigger if the LPK doesn't come with one.  Most do but some don't.  Make sure the stock you buy comes with everything you need (buffer, spring, buffer tube, castle nut, end plate.)  Other than that you will need a complete upper (with handguards and a bolt/carrier goup) and sights to finish the rifle.  

I am planning on building this over a series of months as I don't want to blow a huge sum of money at the same time with the current economic climate. That being said, I want to purchase everything that I may not possibly be able to purchase after the buffoon takes office here in a couple weeks. Any and all comments and questions qould be appreciated. Thanks yall!