So here we are, well into week 17 of waiting on my order from Del-Ton. I am going to be in Pascagoula, MS next week, so of course, my upper will get here then.
Currently here is where I stand as far as getting this thing together:
What I have:
Lower - Essential Arms stripped lower (OLL - an important factor in California) $0 (thanks Dad)
Sights - MBUS front and rear $85
California Compliant items - Prince50 Bullet Button and Action Wrench $25
10 round Magazine - $12
Ammo - 100 rounds .223 $50(can you believe this shit?)

What I need:
Upper assembly and lower parts kit - on order from Del-Ton $533
Primary sight - would like a 2x scope or variable, I have a red dot but would like a scope
Sling/sling mount - ~$50
Ammo - I would like to have around 1K reserve and 500 rounds to play with ~$500
Four rail handguard - Can be found for ~$70
Total I will have $700 invested with about another $100 for "dig-me" items NOT counting ammo...not bad considering it would cost me ~$1500 for the same rifle plus all the California fees and such.

Still waiting....

MBUS

Received my sights today, great shipping time. Ordered them on Tuesday and got them today. Great quality, MagPul definitely did not let me down on this one.

Sights

Yesterday I ordered my open sights. I got MagPul Back-up Sights (MBUS), front and rear sights from machineguntours.com for $85 shipped - about $15 cheaper than any other site I found.

I received the Prince50 Bullet Button and Action Wrench a couple of weeks ago, talk about good quality - I am impressed. The magazine that also came is really nice. I can't wait to get going on this build and get the kit in the mail from Del-Ton.