AR-15 Rifles [The Definitive Resource]

Mono AR-15

The AR-15 is America’s most popular sporting rifle.  And because of that, there’s dozens of reputable manufacturers, tons of options, and thousands of accessories.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect AR-15 as a first-time buyer, or just the perfect upgrades and optics…you’re in the right place.

Table of Contents

From buying to upgrading and building your own AR-15, this guide has you covered:

Chapter 1

AR-15 Fundamentals

If you’re new to AR-15’s…or looking to brush up on your knowledge…these resources will help you get a great baseline.

Chapter 2

How to Shoot the AR-15

Once you’ve gotten your AR-15… learn how to properly shoot it.  This section focuses mainly on video since that’s the best way to learn this kind of stuff.  Stay safe!!

Chapter 3

AR-15 Ammo Choices

Your AR-15 is hungry…you gotta feed it some good ammo!  These articles will cover the best ammo for self-defense and range shooting.  Plus some popular alternative calibers.

Chapter 4

AR-15 Optics & Scopes

Your AR-15 probably came with iron sights or even bare-nekkid…time to upgrade for a much better shooting experience!  We’ll cover non-magnified sights such as red dots and holographic sights, all the way to magnified scopes.

  • Best AR-15 Optics & Scopes 2020: Red Dots to Magnified
    BY Eric Hung, Updated Jan 9,January 9, 2018 164 Comments

    Find the best AR-15 scopes & optics for your budget and use. From red dots to magnifiers, prisms, holographic, and scopes.

  • Best Budget Red Dots (Under $200)
    BY Eric Hung, Published Mar 26,March 26, 2017 68 Comments

    Quickly find out the best budget Red Dot for your rifle as we review Primary Arms, Holosun, and Vortex with tons of torture tests (drop/temperature/water). One of them barely makes it out.

  • Best 3x Magnifiers (Under $200)
    BY David Lane, Published Dec 5,December 5, 2017 35 Comments

    Have a red dot or holo and want to reach out? We bought the most popular 3x magnifiers and tested clarity, eye relief, mounts, and bang-for-the-buck.

  • How to Choose a Rifle Scope
    BY , Published 1 second ago

  • Best Backup Iron Sights (BUIS)
    BY Brandon Harville, Published Aug 20,August 20, 2017 25 Comments

    Optics break, batteries die, and scopes fail. A pair of these backup iron sights (BUIS) will make sure you have working sights at all times.

  • Best Offset Iron Sights
    BY Brandon Harville, Published Feb 23,February 23, 2018 25 Comments

    Need a quick transition from a magnified scope to close-up targets? Check out offset irons which give you a nice sight picture with a quick rotation.

  • Best Holographic Sights
    BY Eric Hung, Published Apr 29,April 29, 2018 42 Comments

    Looking at holographic sights? We bought the most popular ones and tested them for months to find our winner. Complete with real views and videos.

  • Best 1-6x Scope
    BY Eric Hung, Published May 6,May 6, 2018 47 Comments

    1-6x scopes are perfect for almost anything. We have some of the most popular in-hand and tested through years of competitive use. Find out our best picks through several price points.

Chapter 5

AR-15 Upgrades & Accessories

Unless you spec-ed out your AR-15 completely…chances are it can improve to meet your needs.  We’ll cover all the essential upgrades from triggers to handguards.  Plus a roundup of accessories to make your AR-15 really perform.

  • Overall

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • Best AR-15 Upgrades: 2020
      BY Eric Hung, Updated Jan 18,January 18, 2017 75 Comments

      Find out the best AR-15 upgrades across the entire platform and different budgets. Learn why we chose each item and how they perform in our test builds.

    • Best AR-15 Furniture & Accessories: 2020
      BY Eric Hung, Published Feb 23,February 23, 2016 58 Comments

      Find the best AR-15 furniture and accessories to make your rifle perfect for your end-use -- from buttstocks, handguards, grips, slings, bipods, and more.

    • Building a Featureless AR-15
      BY Eric Hung, Published Mar 11,March 11, 2016 233 Comments

      Quickly learn what makes a rifle "featureless," how to build a featureless AR-15, the benefits, and top mods for grips, stocks, and muzzle devices.

    • AR Caliber Conversion Kits
      BY Travis Pike, Published Apr 28,April 28, 2019 37 Comments

      Want something other than 5.56 in your AR? We go over the best calibers and their conversion kits to make your AR feel like a new gun.

    • Best AR-15 Magazines
      BY Annette Evans, Published Dec 18,December 18, 2017 35 Comments

      If you're a new AR-15 owner, or an old hand looking for recommendations, here's everything you need to know about picking the perfect entry-level mags.

  • Individual Upgrades

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • Best Handguards: Drop-In & Free-Floating
      BY Eric Hung, Published Oct 24,October 24, 2017 59 Comments

      Looking for the best AR-15 handguard for your purpose and budget? We cover free-floating and drop-in versions...and even some cutting-edge carbon fiber variants.

    • Lightest AR-15 Handguards
      BY Eric Hung, Published Feb 23,February 23, 2017 26 Comments

      Want the lightest AR-15 Handguard possible? We cover different materials from carbon fiber to magnsium. Plus our pick for the best-bang-for-the-buck rail.

    • Best Lightweight BCG’s
      BY Eric Hung, Published Apr 26,April 26, 2017 41 Comments

      Want to really reduce your double-tap split times? We've tried the most popular lightweight BCGs on the market and know which are the best after thousands of rounds.

    • Best AR-15 Muzzle Brakes & Compensators [Hands-On]
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jan 20,January 20, 2019 56 Comments

      Want less recoil and vertical movement? We hands-on test some of the best muzzle brakes for recoil reduction, side blast, sound levels, and reticle movement.

    • Best Drop-In Triggers
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jul 24,July 24, 2017 189 Comments

      Looking for the perfect AR-15 trigger? We cover the most popular from drop-in to upgraded mil-spec. Plus video of each trigger pull and fastest split times.

    • Best Piston Conversion Kits
      BY Matthew Collins, Updated Oct 14,October 14, 2017 89 Comments

      Everyone and their mom makes a piston AR-15 now. We go over the pros/cons of going piston, the best piston AR-15 uppers, and also the best conversion kits.

    • Best Barrels
      BY Eric Hung, Published Dec 13,December 13, 2017 72 Comments

      Looking for the best AR-15 barrels? We cover our favorite manufacturers that we use in our own builds. Plus specific barrel models to suit your end purpose.

    • Best BCG's
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jun 8,June 8, 2017 103 Comments

      Choosing a BCG for your next rifle build doesn't have to be a chore. We cover the best-in-class bolt carrier groups for mil-spec, low-mass, slick coatings, exotic materials, and more.

    • Best Carbon Fiber Barrels
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Mar 3,March 3, 2018 26 Comments

      Carbon Fiber barrels are one of the most amazing advancements in firearms since rifled barrels and select-fire. We took a look at what makes these barrels so great, why they perform so much better than other barrels, and who makes the best ones.

    • 10 Best AR-15 Charging Handles
      BY Travis Pike, Published May 9,May 9, 2018 50 Comments

      There are dozens of AR-15 charging handles out there. We hands-on tested almost all of them and chose our favorites for specific AR build needs.

    • Best Folding AR-15
      BY Travis Pike, Published Nov 13,November 13, 2018 16 Comments

      Need a super compact folding AR-15? We go over the most popular options from complete rifles to folding stocks. See if any of them are right for you.

    • Best Featureless Grips
      BY Eric Hung, Published Apr 10,April 10, 2019 26 Comments

      We've been shooting featureless in CA for years. Here's our favorite grips that shoot great, look semi-normal, and will keep your AR & AK legal.

    • Best AR-15 Grips
      BY Ken Whitmore, Published Aug 11,August 11, 2019 39 Comments

      Having the right AR-15 grip is super important. We hands-on test some of the most popular and choose our overall winner, KISS grip, and long-range pick.

  • Accessories

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • Best Flashlights for Your Rifle
      BY Eric Hung, Published Apr 9,April 9, 2017 94 Comments

      We hands-on test some of the most popular AR-15 flashlights. Complete with tons of pictures, beam patterns, abuse tests, mounting options, and more.

    • Best AR-15 Bipod
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Mar 24,March 24, 2018 28 Comments

      Looking for the best bipod for your hunting rifle or AR-15? We cover what makes a great bipod and a few of the most popular ones out there that we owned or shot with extensively.

    • Best AR-15 Mag Lock
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jun 29,June 29, 2018 15 Comments

      Want to be California fixed mag compliant in 2018? We review the AR MagLock and Patriot Pin combo to be the best new bullet button. Plus full install pics!

    • Best Vertical Grips
      BY Sean Curtis, Published Oct 9,October 9, 2018 42 Comments

      Want more control of your AR-15? We hands-on review some of the most popular options from traditional vertical grips to angled and even some special foregrips.

    • 7 Best AR-15 Lasers
      BY Eric Hung, Published Nov 20,November 20, 2018 40 Comments

      Want the fastest acquisition in low light? We hands-on review 6 of the most popular green & red lasers for brightness, zero, ergonomics, price, and more.

Chapter 6

AR-15 Complete Rifle Reviews

  • 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington / .223 Wylde

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • Springfield Saint
      BY Lexi Olsen, Published Feb 15,February 15, 2018 41 Comments

      The Springfield Saint is another addition to the ever-growing AR-15 market, but is it worth your time and money? We'll take a closer look and help you make the right choice!

    • Best RECCE (Recon) Rifles
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Jan 22,January 22, 2018 15 Comments

      Recon or "recce" rifles are some of the most versatile and flexible weapons platforms around. Learn what makes these rifles so special, and why they're so popular with the military, law enforcement, and competition shooters.

    • Palmetto State Armory
      BY Eric Hung, Published May 20,May 20, 2018 115 Comments

      Is PSA worth it? We test three rifles over many years and many rounds...we review their fit, finish, accuracy, reliability, and more.

    • Palmetto State Armory AR-15 Pistols
      BY Eric Hung, Published Sep 16,September 16, 2018 35 Comments

      Want an affordable and tough complete AR-15 pistol or upper? We review PSA's 7.5" & 10.5" pistols for fit/feel, reliability, accuracy, & recoil (videos).

    • LWRC International - DI Rifle Complete Review
      BY Sean Curtis, Published Sep 27,September 27, 2018 22 Comments

      A complete and hands-on review of the LWRC International DI Rifle. From CQB to long-range, lets find out just how good this premium AR-15 really is!

    • LWRCI DI and IC SPR Review
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jun 11,June 11, 2019 36 Comments

      Looking at getting an LWRCI AR-15? We hands-on review both the DI and IC-SPR for reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, value, and more.

    • Lionadi AR-15 Review
      BY David Lane, Published Apr 2,April 2, 2019 1 Comment

      Want a custom built AR but don't want to build it yourself? Lionadi can help by assembling your choice of parts. No tools or elbow grease required.

    • Sig Sauer M400 Review
      BY Ken Whitmore, Published Mar 2,March 2, 2019 36 Comments

      Looking for a great AR-15 that's a cut above budget starter rifles? We hands-on test Sig's M400 Tread for reliability, accuracy, worth-it-ness, and more.

    • Block 1.5 SOPMOD M4 Review
      BY Derrick Campbell, Published May 11,May 11, 2019 2 Comments

      Want to clone one of the best known M4 configurations? We've got you covered with our complete build list for the Block 1.5 SOPMOD.

    • Aero M16A4 Clone Complete Rifle
      BY Travis Pike, Published Aug 14,August 14, 2019 1 Comment

      Want the closest thing to a M16A4? Travis clones his issued modern musket to make the most ballistically advantageous AR-15 build.

    • Cheapest AR-15 Complete Rifle and Builds
      BY Travis Pike AND Wyatt Sloan, Published Dec 29,December 29, 2018 41 Comments

      Want a reliable AR-15 for not a lot of cash? We cover the cheapest (but not cheaply made) complete AR-15s and build parts so you can pew pew on a budget.

  • Alternitive Calibers

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • New Frontier Armory C9 Review
      BY John Currie, Published Jun 25,June 25, 2019 8 Comments

      Looking for an ergonomic 9mm AR-15 PCC or pistol? We hands-on review the New Frontier Armory C-9 & G-9 with tons of rounds downrange and a full video too.

    • Palmetto State Armory (PSA) 9mm PX-9
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jul 5,July 5, 2018 21 Comments

      Looking for a cost-effective and reliable 9mm AR-15? We review Palmetto State Armory's PX-9 lower and 16" 9mm upper for reliability, accuracy, and more.

    • Stag Arms 9mm Review
      BY Eric Hung, Published Mar 12March 12, 2018

      Looking for an out-of-the-box 9mm AR-15? Or a builders kit with all the important bits? We review the fit/feel, accuracy, reliability, and more of Stag Arms' 9mm AR-15.

    • Aero Precision M5E1 16" .308
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jun 3,June 3, 2017 35 Comments

      Ready to upgrade to big boy .308 AR-10's? We review Aero Precision's M5E1 rifle from reliability, to fit & feel, accuracy, and bang-for-the-buck value.

    • Palmetto State Armory .224 Valkyrie
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jul 26,July 26, 2018 25 Comments

      Want a 1300 yard AR-15? We review PSA's .224 Valkyrie upper for reliability, accuracy, and worth-it-ness. Plus pics and videos of our long range shots.

Chapter 7

AR-15 Parts and Component Reviews

See what we think about the most popular AR-15 complete rifles, uppers, upgrade parts, and more.  We run them through some intensive range sessions, competitions, and torture testing to see if they are up to snuff.

  • Uppers & Lowers

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • 7 Best Stripped AR-15 Upper Receivers
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jun 12,June 12, 2016 20 Comments

      Not sure what AR-15 stripped upper receiver to get? We go through our personal go-to mil-spec receiver, lightweight, and just plain cool options.

    • Aero Precision M4E1 16” Mid-Length (Fav Upper)
      BY Eric Hung, Updated Nov 7,November 7, 2017 42 Comments

      Find out why the Aero M4E1 is the best "bang for the buck" rifle with our in-depth review on look/feel, reliability, upgrades, accuracy, and more.

    • Best 3-Gun AR-15s
      BY Annette Evans, Published Jul 23,July 23, 2017 18 Comments

      Building your own AR-15 for 3-Gun can be daunting. Here's our favorite out-of-the-box best AR-15's for 3-Gun competition across all price points.

    • Best Precision Long Range AR-15s
      BY Annette Evans, Published Aug 7,August 7, 2017 9 Comments

      Want an AR-15 that really reaches out there? These are our top picks for precision long range shooting rifles in the AR-15 platform.

    • Best Piston Uppers
      BY Matthew Collins, Updated Oct 14,October 14, 2017 89 Comments

      Everyone and their mom makes a piston AR-15 now. We go over the pros/cons of going piston, the best piston AR-15 uppers, and also the best conversion kits.

    • Best Glock AR-15's
      BY Eric Hung, Published Mar 3,March 3, 2018 55 Comments

      Got a pistol? Got a AR-15? Enter the AR-9 platform! Find out why they are great defensive guns and a couple of our favorites.

    • Radical Firearms Complete Upper
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Apr 26,April 26, 2018 62 Comments

      We review a dirt-cheap Radical Firearms upper that we got for $200. Is it the best bang-for-the-buck AR out there? Or is it headed for the back of the safe?

    • Best AR-15s in .22 LR
      BY Randy Bauman, Published Jun 21,June 21, 2018 34 Comments

      Training, plinking, or fending off an army of squirrels -- an AR-15 in .22 LR has a lot of uses! From full rifle to conversion, we can help you find the one!

    • Best AR-15 Pistols
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jul 1,July 1, 2018 117 Comments

      Want to build or buy an AR-15 pistol? We cover the legality, best individual parts, our go-to complete builds, and best pistol uppers.

    • PWS MK116 Mod 2-M Complete Upper
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jul 11,July 11, 2018 5 Comments

      Want to upgrade to a piston AR? We review PWS' most popular long stroke piston upper (MK116 Mod 2-M) for reliability, shootability, accuracy, and more.

    • Best 7.62x39 Uppers
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Dec 15,December 15, 2018 32 Comments

      Want to combine the accuracy of an AR-15 with the power of an AK-47's .30 caliber round? We cover the most popular 7.62x39 AR-15 uppers and complete rifles.

    • Best 9mm AR-15 Uppers
      BY Brandon Harville, Published Dec 22,December 22, 2018 25 Comments

      Easily make your AR-15 shoot 9mm? We cover the best 9mm uppers to convert your familiar AR to cheaper shooting pistol calibers.

    • PWS Diablo Review
      BY Eric Hung, Published Mar 25,March 25, 2019 2 Comments

      Does going super short make sense with a piston? We hands-on test the PWS Diablo for reliability, accuracy, shootability, and more...with pics and video!

    • Best AR-15 Pistols
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jul 1,July 1, 2018 117 Comments

      Want to build or buy an AR-15 pistol? We cover the legality, best individual parts, our go-to complete builds, and best pistol uppers.

    • Best Side Charging Uppers
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Feb 24,February 24, 2019 37 Comments

      Want an AR-15 upper that is unique, but in a practical way? We dive into the pros and cons of side-charging AR-15s, how they work, and the best models.

    • Best Stripped Receivers
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jun 12,June 12, 2016 20 Comments

      Not sure what AR-15 stripped upper receiver to get? We go through our personal go-to mil-spec receiver, lightweight, and just plain cool options.

    • Best 6.5 Grendel Uppers
      BY Ken Whitmore, Published Jan 23,January 23, 2019 53 Comments

      Thinking of a 6.5 Grendel AR-15? We hands-on shoot 5 of the most popular uppers available so you'll know which to get for your purpose and budget.

    • PSA 22LR Upper Review
      BY David Lane, Published Aug 13,August 13, 2019 12 Comments

      Want to train on the cheap? We hands-on review the PSA .22LR AR-15 upper for a complete drop-in solution that is reliable, accurate, and affordable.

    • Best Ambi Lowers
      BY Travis Pike, Published Aug 31,August 31, 2019 22 Comments

      Want a fully ambidextrous AR-15 lower? We've got you covered with several of our favorites. Plus the necessary parts to do a conversion on a standard lower.

  • Upgrades/Accessories

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • Best AR-15 Trigger: Hiperfire
      BY Eric Hung, Published Aug 28,August 28, 2016 18 Comments

      "Bro...are you shooting full-auto?" That's what someone asked my friend after shooting a competition rifle stage. His secret? His new Hiperfire trigger.

    • Superlative Arms Adjustable Gas Block
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jan 31,January 31, 2017 40 Comments

      Why is the Superlative Arms the best gas block on the market? Find out how its 3-in-1 adjustability works, how much recoil reduction is there, and more!

    • Faxon 14.5" Pencil Barrel with Attached Muzzle Brake
      BY Eric Hung, Published Mar 5,March 5, 2017 8 Comments

      Want the lightest/shortest AR-15 barrel? The Faxon 14.5" Pencil is the answer at 18 oz. We quickly cover accuracy, general shootability, cost, and more.

    • Ballistic Advantage Premium Hanson Barrel
      BY Eric Hung, Published May 31,May 31, 2018 9 Comments

      I review Ballistic Advantage's Hanson barrel after 3 years and 3000 rounds for accuracy, fit & feel, and bang-for-the-buckness.

    • Tyrant CNC: Pistol Grip & Handstop
      BY Eric Hung, Published Sep 11September 11, 2017

      "Dude...that is so cool looking!" Tyrant CNC's grip and handstop do look cool... but do they have the performance to back it up?

    • Franklin Armory Binary Trigger
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Mar 26,March 26, 2018 34 Comments

      The Franklin Armory Binary Trigger allows a shooter to simulate full-auto fire without the expense and NFA restrictions of a truly fully-automatic lower. Find out more about this cool piece of engineering (and see why it might be going away forever).

    • BSF Carbon Fiber Barrel
      BY Eric Hung, Published May 16,May 16, 2018 5 Comments

      Looking for bull barrel accuracy in a lightweight package? Something that looks sweet plus is the most affordable carbon fiber barrel in its class? Check out our full review of BSF's 16.5" Wylde barrel.

    • Trimney AR-15 Trigger
      BY David Lane, Published Dec 9,December 9, 2018 2 Comments

      Looking for the best AR-15 triggers? Timney has got them with their Competition and Calvin Elite models. We review for split times, pull weight, and more.

    • Best Bolt Carrier Group
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jun 8,June 8, 2017 103 Comments

      Choosing a BCG for your next rifle build doesn't have to be a chore. We cover the best-in-class bolt carrier groups for mil-spec, low-mass, slick coatings, exotic materials, and more.

    • Best AR-15 Flash Hiders
      BY Travis Pike, Published Feb 26,February 26, 2019 27 Comments

      Don't want to be blinded by your AR-15? We go over how flash hiders work, how to pick one, and the best ones out there.

    • Best AR-15 Muzzle Brakes
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jan 20,January 20, 2019 56 Comments

      Want less recoil and vertical movement? We hands-on test some of the best muzzle brakes for recoil reduction, side blast, sound levels, and reticle movement.

    • Best AR-15 Magazines
      BY Annette Evans, Published Dec 18,December 18, 2017 35 Comments

      If you're a new AR-15 owner, or an old hand looking for recommendations, here's everything you need to know about picking the perfect entry-level mags.

    • Best 9mm AR-15 Barrels
      BY Travis Pike, Published May 28,May 28, 2019 3 Comments

      Building a 9mm AR-15 pistol caliber carbine? Finding the right barrel is crucial. Here's a couple of our favorites we've used in our own builds.

    • Best Suppressors in 5.56
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jun 17,June 17, 2019 42 Comments

      Looking for the best AR-15 suppressor? We cover a few of the most popular cans specifically for 5.56 as well as some multi-cal options.

    • Best AR-15 and AK Pistol Braces
      BY Brandon Harville, Published Feb 10,February 10, 2018 57 Comments

      Not sure which pistol brace to get...or the legalities? We cover the top choices for AR-15 and AK braces with an emphasis on price and usability.

  • Optics & Scopes

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • Best Budget Red Dots (Under $200)
      BY Eric Hung, Published Mar 26,March 26, 2017 68 Comments

      Quickly find out the best budget Red Dot for your rifle as we review Primary Arms, Holosun, and Vortex with tons of torture tests (drop/temperature/water). One of them barely makes it out.

    • Riton Mod 5 1-4x Review
      BY Eric Hung, Published Aug 12,August 12, 2016 2 Comments

      The perfect scope for hunters: clear glass, first focal plane, illuminated reticle, and affordable pricing. Plus comparison pictures vs other scopes.

    • Red Dot Vs. Holographic Sight
      BY Eric Hung, Published Oct 21,October 21, 2018 61 Comments

      Not sure which type to get? We cover everything from technology to field of view, acquisition speed, reticles, power, durability, and more.

    • Best AR-15 Scope & Optics
      BY Eric Hung, Updated Jan 9,January 9, 2018 164 Comments

      Find the best AR-15 scopes & optics for your budget and use. From red dots to magnifiers, prisms, holographic, and scopes.

Chapter 8

Building Your Own AR-15

It’s like adult Legos!  Learn how to choose the best parts for your budget and purpose, essential tools, and proper building techniques.  And for the even more adventurous…how to build your own 80% lower receiver.

  • Best Parts - Overview

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • AR-15 Parts List
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Mar 8,March 8, 2018 22 Comments

      Building an AR-style rifle is a great way to learn as a shooter, save money, and build a rifle that is distinctly yours. Here's all the parts you need, as well as info on choosing specific parts, and some gear we recommend.

    • Best AR-15 Upgraded Parts
      BY Eric Hung, Updated Jan 18,January 18, 2017 75 Comments

      Find out the best AR-15 upgrades across the entire platform and different budgets. Learn why we chose each item and how they perform in our test builds.

    • Best AR-15 Furniture
      BY Eric Hung, Published Feb 23,February 23, 2016 58 Comments

      Find the best AR-15 furniture and accessories to make your rifle perfect for your end-use -- from buttstocks, handguards, grips, slings, bipods, and more.

    • Best Lower Parts Kits
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Sep 4,September 4, 2018 28 Comments

      Are AR-15 lower parts kits all the same? They might not be exciting but are critical parts to keep your rifle running. Here are some of our favorite kits.

    • Best AR-15 Barrels
      BY Eric Hung, Published Dec 13,December 13, 2017 72 Comments

      Looking for the best AR-15 barrels? We cover our favorite manufacturers that we use in our own builds. Plus specific barrel models to suit your end purpose.

    • Best AR-15 Barrel Twist Rate
      BY Ken Whitmore, Published Sep 19,September 19, 2018 39 Comments

      Will the wrong AR-15 rifle twist rate hinder accuracy? We put this common myth to the test so you know the best twist rate for your bullet weight.

    • Best AR-15 Triggers
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jul 24,July 24, 2017 189 Comments

      Looking for the perfect AR-15 trigger? We cover the most popular from drop-in to upgraded mil-spec. Plus video of each trigger pull and fastest split times.

  • Best Parts - Individual

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • Best AR-15 Lower Receiver
      BY , Published 1 second ago

    • Best AR-15 Upper Receiver
      BY Eric Hung, Updated Jan 23,January 23, 2017 160 Comments

      Quickly find the best AR-15 complete upper receivers for precision, standard, or CQB purposes. Plus our recommendations for best manufacturers and picks for all budgets.

    • Best Handguards: Drop-In & Free-Floating
      BY Eric Hung, Published Oct 24,October 24, 2017 59 Comments

      Looking for the best AR-15 handguard for your purpose and budget? We cover free-floating and drop-in versions...and even some cutting-edge carbon fiber variants.

    • Best AR-15 Barrels
      BY Eric Hung, Published Dec 13,December 13, 2017 72 Comments

      Looking for the best AR-15 barrels? We cover our favorite manufacturers that we use in our own builds. Plus specific barrel models to suit your end purpose.

    • Best Piston Conversion Kits
      BY Matthew Collins, Updated Oct 14,October 14, 2017 89 Comments

      Everyone and their mom makes a piston AR-15 now. We go over the pros/cons of going piston, the best piston AR-15 uppers, and also the best conversion kits.

    • Best AR-15 Pistol Braces
      BY Brandon Harville, Published Feb 10,February 10, 2018 57 Comments

      Not sure which pistol brace to get...or the legalities? We cover the top choices for AR-15 and AK braces with an emphasis on price and usability.

    • Best AR-15 Charging Handles
      BY Travis Pike, Published May 9,May 9, 2018 50 Comments

      There are dozens of AR-15 charging handles out there. We hands-on tested almost all of them and chose our favorites for specific AR build needs.

    • Best AR- 10 Lowers
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Feb 14,February 14, 2018 18 Comments

      Building an AR-10 is a great way to get a great gun that shoots big bullets for a (relatively) small amount of money. These are the best lowers for building an AR-10 that won't disappoint.

    • Best AR-15 Stripped Lowers
      BY Cameron Corley, Updated Jan 26,January 26, 2017 93 Comments

      So many AR-15 lower receivers out there...how do you choose? We cover the types of aluminum, manufacturing process, and our top picks of the best lowers at all budgets.

    • Best AR-15 Bolt Carrier Group
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jun 8,June 8, 2017 103 Comments

      Choosing a BCG for your next rifle build doesn't have to be a chore. We cover the best-in-class bolt carrier groups for mil-spec, low-mass, slick coatings, exotic materials, and more.

  • How to Assemble an AR-15

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • How to Build an AR-15 Upper
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jul 24,July 24, 2016 40 Comments

      See how easy it is to build your own AR-15 upper receiver. Step-by-step with pictures, plus essential tools, recommended parts, tips/tricks, and two full builds.

    • How to Build an AR-15 Lower
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jul 17,July 17, 2016 159 Comments

      Don't want to mess up? Learn how to build an AR-15 lower receiver with 80+ pictures, tricks I learned the hard way, and recommendations of the best parts.

    • Best AR-15 Build Tools
      BY Brandon Harville, Updated Mar 8,March 8, 2023 11 Comments

      We've put together a list of tools you need to make your AR-15 building experience go a lot easier (and smoother)!

    • How to Build a M16A2 Clone
      BY Travis Pike, Published Oct 26,October 26, 2017 26 Comments

      Want to build your own civilian legal M16A2? There's a lot of parts and full kits out there...here's our picks best ones to get you started.

    • Dream AR-15 Builds
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jan 29,January 29, 2018 11 Comments

      We sat down recently to brainstorm the AR's we'd build if money, time, and other constraints were thrown out the window. These are the guns we came up with. Take a look, and let us know what you think!

    • How To Paint an AR-15
      BY David Lane, Published Mar 11,March 11, 2019 37 Comments

      Want to make your AR-15 unique? We cover paint and color choice, rifle prep, and camo spraying techniques. Plus lots of pictures and a full video tutorial.

    • Best AR-15 Learning Build
      BY Zac, Published Mar 5,March 5, 2019 7 Comments

      Looking for AR-15 inspiration? Follow one of our friends as he attempts his first AR-15 build. We'll cover part choices, tools needed, and lessons learned.

    • Building a Duty AR-15
      BY Ken Whitmore, Published May 25,May 25, 2019 13 Comments

      Not all AR-15s are equal. We cover the difference between a random AR and one suited for duty or patrol use. Plus our favorite build parts to get it done.

    • Building a Featureless AR-15 [CA Legal]
      BY Eric Hung, Published Mar 11,March 11, 2016 233 Comments

      Quickly learn what makes a rifle "featureless," how to build a featureless AR-15, the benefits, and top mods for grips, stocks, and muzzle devices.

  • 80% AR-15 Build

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

  • AR-15 Build Series

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

Chapter 9

AR-15 Alternative Cartridges

Chapter 10

Everything AR-10

  • General

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • AR-10 vs AR-15
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Mar 13,March 13, 2018 34 Comments

      The AR-15 and AR-10 rifles are two of the most popular and successful rifles in history. Find out the differences, pros/cons, and what's best for you.

    • Best AR-10 Precision Stocks
      BY Eric Hung, Published Oct 31,October 31, 2018 15 Comments

      Want the most accurate AR-10? You'll want the best stock which has heft, adjustability, and a repeatable cheekweld. Here's our hands-on picks.

    • Best AR-10s
      BY David Lane, Published Nov 4,November 4, 2017 211 Comments

      The AR-10 is a grownup version of the AR-15. It's bigger, meaner, and louder. We'll show you the best AR-10s out there across all budgets.

  • Complete AR-10 Reviews

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • Best AR-10s For the Money
      BY David Lane, Published Nov 4,November 4, 2017 211 Comments

      The AR-10 is a grownup version of the AR-15. It's bigger, meaner, and louder. We'll show you the best AR-10s out there across all budgets.

    • Aero Precision M5E1 .308 Complete Rifle Review
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jun 3,June 3, 2017 35 Comments

      Ready to upgrade to big boy .308 AR-10's? We review Aero Precision's M5E1 rifle from reliability, to fit & feel, accuracy, and bang-for-the-buck value.

    • Palmetto State Armory PA-10
      BY Eric Hung, Published Jul 19,July 19, 2018 70 Comments

      A great .308 AR-10 for $600? We review Palmetto State Armory's AR-10 for reliability, accuracy, fit, & feel. Plus video of us hitting 600 yards easy!

    • Palmetto State Armory PA-65 (AR-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor)
      BY Eric Hung, Published Aug 30,August 30, 2018 17 Comments

      Supersonic at 1200 yards...the 6.5 Creedmoor round rocks. We review PSA's AR-10 version with 5 loads from 100 to 1250 yards. Plus tons of pics and videos.

    • Brownells BRN-10 Review
      BY Sean Curtis, Published Jan 22,January 22, 2019 5 Comments

      Looking at an AR-10...with a retro feel? We hands-on review Brownell's BRN-10 for accuracy, reliability, customization, looks, worth-it-ness and more.

  • AR-10 Lowers

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • Best AR-10 Lowers For Your Next Build
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Feb 14,February 14, 2018 18 Comments

      Building an AR-10 is a great way to get a great gun that shoots big bullets for a (relatively) small amount of money. These are the best lowers for building an AR-10 that won't disappoint.

  • AR-10 Individual Parts Reviews

    BY Pew Pew Staff, Published 1 day ago

    • Best AR-10 Barrels
      BY Travis Pike, Published Feb 28,February 28, 2019 23 Comments

      Looking to build a new AR-10? We cover the different patterns, interchaneability with the AR-15, and our favorite AR-10 barrels for accuracy and budget.

    • Best AR-10 Lowers
      BY Matthew Collins, Published Feb 14,February 14, 2018 18 Comments

      Building an AR-10 is a great way to get a great gun that shoots big bullets for a (relatively) small amount of money. These are the best lowers for building an AR-10 that won't disappoint.

Chapter 11

History & Education

Everything else that doesn’t fit!

  • How And Why The M16 Failed In Vietnam (And Is It Reliable Today?)
    BY David Lane, Published Sep 6,September 6, 2020 43 Comments

    How bad was the M16 during the Vietnam War? And can you trust it (and the civilian AR-15 variants) today? We cover it all.

  • Brief History of the M16
    BY Scott Dylan, Published Feb 26,February 26, 2018 18 Comments

    The M16 is one of the most iconic and prolific weapon's platforms on the planet. This rifle, despite a rocky start in the jungles of Vietnam, would go on to change the way nearly every Western nation outfitted their troops. Let's take a look at the storied history of the mighty M16.

  • What is an AR-15 Dissipator
    BY Travis Pike, Published May 4,May 4, 2015 19 Comments

    Learn what exactly is an AR-15 dissipator, its pros/cons, whether the design is still useful in this day and age, and recommended models.

  • AR-15 vs. M4
    BY Matthew Collins, Published Apr 25,April 25, 2019 30 Comments

    Want to know the difference between the AR15 for civilians and the military M4? We cover that plus a little history, similarities, and the best for you.