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Easy button, http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts...38-174289.aspx , then add a stock, handguards and sights to you liking.
These and the Colt OEMs are really great products. For anyone starting a fresh build, or an enthusiast looking to turn out a non-standard rifle, these can really make for a nice build.
While I understand that the OP wants to satiate an engineer's mind with a project gun, the value on an OEM that is tooled up with whatever extras is hard to beat. Toss an ALG rail onto a low-pro gas blocked OEM, the stock du jour, some MBUS, and whatever other goodies you so desire, sling it up, and you have a helluva weapon for likely well under $1000.
I think your questions were all answered on the first page of this thread. I'm not sure what exactly your looking for but nothing but solid suggestions were given. Maybe if you would break down your definition of what a "workhorses" AR is then maybe you'd get the answers you are looking for. What you will be shooting at, indoor, outdoor, is this weapon for classes from actual reputable instructors? I don't think you need a "workhorse" punching holes in paper.
So you are looking for a "range gun" under $1,000. Many choices there, the Colt 6720 will fit your lighter weight requirement not let you down.
I don't think he meant anything in a negative way. Just my opinion, but from the way I read it, "work horse" implies something that can take a relative beating and still keep going. I'm not familiar with Mag Tactical, but if they had the issues mentioned above then I wouldn't look twice. There's too much quality brands for really not that much money out there. Stripped lowers are generally inexpensive, even Noveske can be had for $175 which really isn't a crazy amount of money and that's about as pricey as forged lowers will get (with some exceptions).
Also, stripped forged lowers really aren't that heavy to begin with. I know you're looking for lightweight, but I think the whole trimming weight from forged lowers is a borderline joke/gimmick. In all seriousness how much weight can you really trim from a forged lower? I think you get into the realm of trading a considerable amount of reliability/durability for very marginal savings in weight.
What I would do is get an Aero stripped lower, a good LPK (I haven't tried Sionics LPK's yet, but I've heard good things and will be getting some. They also can be had for under $100). Then get a lightweight profile barrel with lightweight furniture and rails. There's so many to choose from in all price ranges. I know this wasn't exactly the most detailed advice, but the point I wanted to make is that for a "work horse" I would cut weight at the barrel + furniture, and stick with well-proven parts where it matters most (BCG, LPK, lower receiver).
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