Checking back on that Ruger AR-556, looks like it's sold out. But if you wouldn't mind a shiny rifle-length barrel, this comes with some nice addons including an optic that I consider bare minimum of what I'd use (I have a couple on 22LRs): https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/modern-sporting-rifles/sig-sauer-m400-tread-coil-556mm-nato-16in-black-semi-automatic-modern-sporting-rifle-301-rounds/p/1638408
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Hey bud, first off, thanks for the long reply and all the info, much appreciated.
That 556 from Ruger actually looks like it might fit the bill, I just can't ascertain for sure if the lower is Poly or not, it says the upper is metal, but doesn't mention the lower, unless I missed it. That's one of the boxes I need checked for sure.
Now, that Sig is pretty sexy, but idk how I feel about the shiny barrel, the length, or the fact that it's almost the same price as the BRO. Granted it does come with a sight...lots to think about for sure.
I would never go cheap on my sight, that's for certain. If you have any advice on something in the 2-500 range, lmk :)
I did post on the pew page, got reprimanded a lil bit by Galen, but it's all good, lol. Now just anxiously waiting to see what he has to say as I know he shoots a lot.
Most 5.56 ARs will have aluminum receivers. Even the cheap ones from good budget manufacturers like Ruger, S&W, etc. Avoid Del-ton, Diamondback, DPMS, anything owned or recently owned by Freedom Group. From anecdotes, QC isn't their strong suit.
That Sig is a nice package if you just want everything in one go. Fancy lower receivers aren't a necessity, especially if you're right handed and aren't doing tactical moves like firing from your support side. But having those ambidextrous controls and built-in QD sling mounts are nice touches. What is really nice is having an upgraded trigger. I don't know how that specific trigger is, but such upgrades usually run about $100-150 at a minimum.
The Sig Romeo5 it comes with is a pretty good red dot, especially for its price range. It's fairly durable, lightweight, has a very long battery life (4 years+ on) which is extended with the motion sensing "shake awake" feature, and holds zero well. It's at the bottom of optics I would use on an AR aside from irons, but they're a solid choice especially if your budget runs out in the low 4-digits. Of course they can bought separately and mounted to any AR you get, doesn't have to come with the rifle. They can be had for about $120-130. You can always upgrade later if you want. Something to consider if your budget won't fit something $400+ which is what I consider the next tier of good red dots (Aimpoint PRO, Trijicon MRO, EOTech 512).
Aside from maybe getting lucky at a local gun shop, Sportsmans is a pretty good place online to shop if you're within acceptable distance of their store in Coon Rapids. Search their Modern Sporting Rifles category if you can stand getting a 16" barrel, or if you want a pistol, hit their Handguns category and filter by "Modern Sporting Pistols" and then hit the exclude out of stock filter.
I forgot to mention, because it seems from your post you just want to get something ready to go, but there are more Lego-like options for putting together an AR.
Easiest would be to get an already-built complete lower, and complete upper assembly separate and hook em together. Sometimes "complete uppers" aren't sold with bolt carrier groups (BCGs) though and decent BCGs have been difficult to find in stock lately. Bolts are important so I stress decent.
Moving up the difficulty ladder is assembling the whole thing from parts. Doable if you're handy but takes time to build and some specialized tools (roll pin punches, AR-specific vice blocks and a barrel nut wrench if the handguard doesn't come with one). Then there's the time and effort shopping for all of that.
And if you're really feeling handy and have the tools to do it, you can get an 80% lower and a jig and mill out your own, home-made receiver. Then build the rest with parts.