Briefly:

I'm thinking of putting $500-800 into a "budget" precision-y upper, and wondering (1) whether it would be worth it, and (2) what are the best options in that price range.


Long version:

I have a couple 14.5" lightweight uppers that are reliable and accurate enough within 100yds. Both are 1:7 and 5.56-chambered, and have USGI-style handguards and 6-position stocks.
One is iron-only (A2 receiver), and the other has a 2-8x32 Nikon on it. The latter shoots 3-4" groups at 200yds with match ammo (Norma or FGMM), but doesn't like Hornady's TAP or Black Hills well enough to shoot less than 5-6" groups.


I bought an extra (third) BCM lower and registered it before California banned them. (No, I do NOT want to talk about California's gun laws here.)

So, with that third lower sitting around, I keep thinking that I might buy a complete "precision" upper to play with...

I'd be happy with something that would shoot 1.5moa with match factory or handloaded ammo, and I'd be thrilled with something that would shoot 1moa. My local range is 300yds, soon to be expanded to 600yds (!).

(NB: This is a "would be nice" or "would be fun" project to punch paper, not a "I need" or "I must have" to shoot bad guys or jump out of helicopters. I'm a middle-class guy who reads books for a living.)

In preparation for all this I bought a Nikon "Black" 4-16x50 scope, though it would be easier to use that elsewhere, if this project doesn't happen.


Perameters:
1. I want a complete upper... I don't want to "build" anything. I just want an upper that I can put on that BCM lower (which already has BCM's upgraded trigger, and to which I'll add a MagPul PRS).

2. 16-18" barrel... I'm ambivalent, but definitely don't want 20" or longer.

3. M-Lok handguards, free-floated.

4. Prefer Wylde and/or 5R barrel.

5. Less than $800, better would be less than $600. If I can't do this for less than $800ish, then I'll probably just do something else. (I'm also thinking of a dedicated .22lr upper, and/or a Ruger American bolt gun in .223/5.56.



I'm looking at...

1. BCM... I'm a fan, I figured a BCM SS410 would be the "go-to":

https://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-...10-mcmr-15.htm

Pros:
a. It would match my spare lower...

Cons:
a. It costs $250-$300 more than the other options (>$900, out the door, with BCG and charging handle), and
b. I'm not that thrilled with the MCMR handguard, and
c. Having seen this thread, there doesn't seem to be any guarantee of good accuracy...

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...t=budget+upper


2. Aero Precision:

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/ar1...anodized-black

Pros:
a. It's $600ish out of the door, and <$650 with a BCM Gunfighter charging handle.
b. It's stupid and superficial of me, I know, but I love the look of the Atlas S-One handguard.
c. Aero owns Ballistic Advantage and uses their barrels. (Right?)

Cons:
a. Mixed reviews of Aero's quality control and customer service... Buyer beware?


3. Savage:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102006974

Pros:
a. It's <$600 out of the door, and $625ish with a BCM Gunfighter charging handle.
b. 5R rifling, and a Wylde chamber.
c. Everything that people don't like about Savage's Recon (the stock and the trigger) aren't part of the upper.

Cons:
a. The "standard" barrel profile is skinny behind the gas block, and then fat forward of it, which I think is stupid.



Questions:

1. Am I missing anything about these options?

2. What other options am I missing?