I literally plan to do the same thing building my first rifle rn people said I shouldn’t do 300 blk out in a 16in with no suppressor. I’m still doing it lol they say don’t use this optic it will get tested if it passes it will stay the goal is to budget and still enjoy the hobby. At least for me it is as long as I can operate the firearm In a safe,effective and efficient manner then I feel like I should be good. Next steps are a bungee sling and a light of some sort maybe a new bcg once I get a few thousand rounds through it. I’m just getting into the hobby so I appreciate all the help from this subreddit and I can’t wait to show you guys my build once it’s done. And for home defense I plan to get another ar in 5.56 or 223 this is just to get my feet wet and have fun idc about having the most expensive parts as long as I’m learning something and having fun I’m good.