Buy a complete rifle that is plane jane. As long as it has the gas system and barrel you want you are GTG. Stocks and grips are plentiful.

buy one at the local fun store

I think its odd they will sell you a complete gun but not the lower. The lower is the serial numbered firearm legally anyway.

a lower is not a firearm, it's an "other"

I wish I had bought a couple more lowers when I could get them for 99 bucks from Spikes.

are some places having shortages again?

because it's an election year?

Nope the lower has to have the 4473 filled out and ship to an FFL. I have bought and built plenty. Same as the frame of a pistol.

I'm currently picking over the used handguns. Anything quality (colt, ruger, S&W) under 400 I look at hard.

Prices are creeping up on all parts. I'm sure its multiple reasons. Metal cost more, fuel/shipping costs and I have no doubt an election year makes it more pricey as well.

But then again most people don't build their own.

of course, but it's not a "rifle" or "handgun"; it's an "other" on the 4473

I suppose there is going to be panic again