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It’s frustrating to see a list of great guns that are all outside of your budget. Few things feel more elitist than being priced out of one of your favorite hobbies.
Social media and marketing may have you thinking you need to spend a lot to get quality. But we challenged that and asked a simple question…can you get a good AR-15 on a shoestring budget?
We put the work in and discovered a few options—all of which are well under $1,000. We tested these budget AR-15 options ourselves and put our resident experts to the task, describing their experiences and findings during the testing process. Everything you read below is from hands-on use, not manufacturer claims.
So read on!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Budget Workhorse
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Upgraded Furniture Option
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Premium Budget Option
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Budget Banger
Table of Contents
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Budget AR-15 Comparison Chart
| Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Gas System | Price |
| PSA PA-15 | 5.56 NATO | 16″ | 32″ | 7 lbs | Direct impingement, carbine length | $449 |
| Radical RF-15 | 5.56 NATO | 16″ | 32.25” – 35.87” | 6.91 lbs | Direct impingement, mid-length | $419 |
| IWI Zion-15 | 5.56 NATO | 16″ | 33” – 36.25” | 6.9 lbs | Direct impingement, mid-length | $874 |
| Andro Corp ACI-15 Bravo 16 | 5.56 NATO | 16″ | 32.25” – 35.87” | 6.44 lbs | Direct impingement, mid-length | $399 |
How We Tested the Best Budget AR-15 Rifles
Every rifle in this article was hands-on tested by three staff members of the Pew Pew Tactical Team — all of whom bring years of shooting experience to the table. (You can read more about them in our Meet the Experts below!)
Our goal with this testing was to assess each of these rifles based on ergonomics and furniture, features, extended use durability, accuracy testing, and overall performance via live fire at the range — all while balancing the premise of affordability by keeping the price point under $1,000.
This guide is primarily aimed at new and intermediate shooters who want an AR-15 they can trust to be accurate and reliable, but who don’t want to spend over $1,000 to achieve that. We zeroed in on AR-15s that we’ve previously tested, owned, or have long-term experience with.
Round Count & Reliability Testing
Each affordable AR-15 underwent a minimum of 500 rounds of testing during our evaluation. That said, some rifles, like the PSA PA-15 and Radical RF-15, have had 1,000+ rounds through them due to some of our testers personally owning these ARs.
We use commonly available magazines (PMAGs, Hexmags, etc.) to ensure functionality across various magazines.
Any malfunctions or issues were logged as they happened.
Accuracy Testing
To evaluate the accuracy of cheap AR-15s, we shot five-round groups in a prone position using the CTK P3 Ultimate Gun Vise to eliminate shooter error. Targets were placed at 100 yards.
Our analysts used 77-grain Nosler and 55-grain AAC 5.56 loads to demonstrate how each rifle performed across commonly used bullet weights.
Groups were measured and marked on the targets after each firing session.
Meet the Experts
This article was the culmination of input from Editors & Senior Review Analysts, Scott Murdock and Wyatt Sloan, as well as Content Producer & Lead Review Analyst, Sean Curtis.
Sean Curtis was a law enforcement officer for 22.5 years, during which time he held various roles, including SWAT Team Commander and firearms instructor. In the course of his career, he completed multiple trainings related to the AR-15 — such as 40-hour SWAT, Tactical Rifle, Witness Protection, and High Risk Warrant Service. Additionally, he attended AR-15 armorer courses taught by JDS Tactical and Sons of Liberty Gun Works. Since retiring, Sean has also completed a Carbine Mastery course with Tactical Performance Center and is a certified AR-15 instructor through USCCA.
These courses, combined with his experience as an AR-15 instructor, have given him a unique insight into how AR-15s function and what features are worth splurging on or passing on.
Pew Pew Tactical editor and senior review analyst Scott Murdock also contributed to this article. In addition to being an AR-15 owner (including a build with parts from this list!), Scott has completed several carbine courses, including instruction at AMTAC Shooting, Full Spectrum Warrior, and Vortex Edge. As a Marine, Scott trained with and competed with the M16 and M4.
He taps into that experience and an eye for good deals to bring readers buying advice that will stretch their dollar further and get them products they can trust.
Input from this article also came from Pew Pew Tactical Editor & Senior Review Analyst Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor, USCCA-certified AR-15 shooting fundamentals instructor, a former competitive shooter, and an avid hunter. Wyatt also has previous experience as a home-based FFL and personally owns over 200 firearms – including over a dozen AR-15s.
While he loves the AR-15 platform, he loves budget guns even more. The majority of his ARs come in well under the $1,000 mark. His experience as an instructor and budget gun enthusiast gives him the ability to properly evaluate budget AR-15s without sacrificing performance.
Best Budget AR-15 Rifles
1. Palmetto State Armory PA-15 – Best Budget Workhorse
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Lots of options (barrel sizes, gas lengths, calibers, etc.)
- Reliable
- Good accuracy
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- One forward QD
- Antiquated furniture
The Bottom Line
"Nobody gives you more out-of-the-box configurations than Palmetto State Armory. If you want the usual 5.56 NATO/16-inch barrel AR-15, they’ve got it. If you want different furniture, an upgraded trigger, or an oddball cartridge, they probably have it in stock. In addition to complete rifles and pistols, they also sell uppers and lowers separately. This is a great way to get something that feels unique without actually assembling it piece by piece." - Scott, PPT Editor & Sr. Review Analyst
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Gas System: Direct-Impingement, carbine-length
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32”
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Country of Origin: United States
Palmetto State Armory is arguably the heavyweight when it comes to producing budget guns that run. The PA-15 is an excellent example of a good value at a low price.
We’ve been using a PA-15 in various forms for many years and have experienced good performance out of the model. This workhorse gets the job done.
During testing, I shot a 1.33-inch group of five using 55-grain AAC ammunition. In addition, none of us had any malfunctions during our 500-round run.
The 15-inch free-floated rail covers a 4150V CMV barrel that does a great job of providing accuracy. There’s MLOK and Picatinny aplenty for you to mount most accessories to.
Furniture is on the budget side, as you would expect, with an A2 grip and M4 carbine-style stock. These work, but can also be easily replaced with upgrades that improve ergonomics and function.
Controls are very mil-spec, as are all the rifles in this category. Interestingly, there is only one QD slot at the muzzle end of the rail, so plan accordingly if you intend to mount a sling.
I noticed the trigger on the PA-15 had a couple of pauses before it broke while shooting for accuracy. This smoothed out the more we shot the rifle.
The PA-15 is inexpensive, accurate, and can be easily upgraded without breaking your budget. It comes in an array of variations too, so the world is your oyster.
This rifle is made in America and comes with a full lifetime warranty. Pricing ranges (depending on model) between $400-$500.
We have previously reviewed the PA-15, so be sure to head to that article for more details! Or see what other firearms PSA has in its lineup in our full look at (almost) every PSA gun.
2. Radical Arms RF-15 – Upgraded Furniture Option
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Multiple calibers, configurations, & barrel lengths available
- Reliable
- B5 Systems furniture provide better ergos and function
Cons
- Castle nut not staked
- RPR rail heats quickly
The Bottom Line
“Radical sells the RF-15 at a great price, including upgraded B5 Systems furniture that enhances ergonomics and functionality. While the castle nut wasn’t staked and the RPR rail heated up quickly, this rifle had the best trigger of those we tested. The RF-15 represents an excellent value for people who want to get out shooting without spending money on upgrades.” - Sean Curtis, Content Producer & Lead Review Analyst
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Gas System: Direct-Impingement, mid-length
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32.25” – 35.87”
- Weight: 6.91 lbs
- Country of Origin: United States
I’ve been using a Radical RF-15 since 2018 and have had a great experience with it. I was lucky enough to tour the facility years ago and watch my Blue Line rifle being built.
The version we selected for this piece is an RF-15 SOCOM with a 15-inch RPR rail and a 16-inch barrel. The price is often around $400 for this Texas-made rifle.
I’ve got a few cases through mine with zero problems and have had good performance, but we didn’t let that speak for this model. We tested the rifle with 500 rounds to ensure reliability and conducted MOA testing for accuracy.
The RF-15 proved to be wholly reliable for the 500 rounds tested, and its accuracy met military standards, although it produced larger groups than the other rifles.
My best group came from shooting 77-grain Nosler, and that measured 2.3 inches. With 55-grain AAC, I saw an average of 3.6-inch grouping when shooting five shots at 100 yards.
Radical uses a 16-inch 4140 CMV barrel with a Melonite finish, and it’s covered by a free-floated, 15-inch rail. The forend includes MLOK in the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions as well as Picatinny along the entire top.
Notably, there is no QD anywhere on the RPR rail, but the B5 Systems furniture includes one in the B5 Bravo stock. This is a welcome upgrade at this price point, along with the B5 Type 23 grip.
As a con, I listed the RF-15 doesn’t have a staked castle nut. This is something you can do with proper tools, but it helps prevent the castle nut from backing off over time.
During testing, we noted the RPR rail warmed up pretty quickly during sustained fire. Controls are mil-spec standard, though the RF-15 had one of the best triggers in the group.
All said, this is a good rifle for the ~$400 price point and already comes with upgraded furniture. Radical firearms are made in Texas and come with a lifetime warranty.
What do you think of the RF-15? Rate it below!
3. IWI Zion-15 – Premium Budget Option
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Sub-MOA accuracy
- Reliable
- Improved ergos and function with B5 Systems furniture
Cons
- Hot rail with extended fire
- Most expensive on list
The Bottom Line
"The IWI Zion-15 pushes the limits of what we consider a budget rifle, but it has the features and performance to back up the price tag. Accuracy was great during testing. I have no doubts that the duty-grade internals will hold up to high round counts. The up-spec furniture feels great. Overall, the Zion-15 is noticeably more polished and sorted than the rest of the rifles here. If anything, it'll make you think twice before buying anything more expensive." - Scott Murdock, Editor & Senior Review Analyst
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Gas System: Direct-Impingement, mid-length
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 33” – 36.25”
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Country of Origin: United States
The IWI Zion-15 represents a heavy hitter in this budget category. It’s a little more expensive than the others at $800-$900, but it is arguably duty-ready.
Although IWI is an Israeli company, it has a US-based manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. This is where the Zion-15 is made.
As noted, this rifle is more expensive than the others on the list; however, it remains a great value.
The Zion-15 comes with a 16-inch 4150 CMV barrel covered by a 15-inch free-floated rail, replete with M-LOK all around. However, while the forend doesn’t have QD, IWI includes an MLOK adapter in the box.
This matches the QD in the Bravo Systems stock. A Type 23 grip from the same company also graces the build.
Controls are mil-spec, and the trigger is good with repeatable performance. We completed a full review of this rifle and found its performance to be excellent.
During the initial review, we had one failure to lock back on one magazine, but this never happened again. Accuracy was excellent, with 77-grain Nosler providing the best five-shot group at 0.97 inches.
While the rail did get hot, we were testing in late August in Central Texas. I finally wore a glove to continue testing.
The Zion-15 represents the most refined choice on this list. It’s a rifle that really doesn’t need any upgrades and is supremely competitive in this price category.
IWI provides a limited five-year (from date of purchase) warranty on its firearms.
I’ve previously reviewed the Zion-15 and have a lot more thoughts, so check out our full review or watch the video review below.
4. Andro Corp Industries Bravo 16 – Budget Banger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Great performance & low price
- Sub-MOA accuracy
- Reliable
Cons
- Hot rail with extended fire
- Antiquated furniture
The Bottom Line
"The ACI-15 Bravo 16 is one of the best values currently available. Typically coming in at the lowest price on this list, the rifle is reliable and still shot sub-MOA accuracy with factory ammunition. While the furniture is outdated, and the trigger is mil-spec, the gun is a blank page. You can upgrade to your heart’s content and not break the bank.” – Sean Curtis, Content Producer & Lead Review Analyst
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Gas System: Direct-Impingement, mid-length
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32.25” – 35.87”
- Weight: 6 lbs. 6.7 oz.
- Country of Origin: United States
The Andro Corp Industries Bravo 16 had me scratching my head at first. I wasn’t expecting much from a rifle that you can routinely pick up for ~$360, but I was pleasantly surprised.
To begin with, the A2 grip and M4 carbine stock furniture are the cheap standard in this price range. While they are serviceable, you can improve ergonomics and function with simple upgrades.
The barrel is a 16-inch 4150 CMV with Melonite, and it’s covered by a 15-inch free-floated rail. The forend has M-LOK all around and is covered by Picatinny, which continues on the receiver and includes helpful T-markings.
Thankfully, there is a QD well on the receiver end of the rail, but the M4 carbine stock doesn’t have one. I used a clip to get my sling on the M4 carbine stock.
Controls are mil-spec standard, and the trigger left something to be desired, with multiple pauses felt during accuracy testing. In spite of this, the Bravo 16 grouped an impressive 0.96 inches with 77-grain Nosler.
Reliability was very good with no malfunctions. There was one Hexmag magazine that failed to drop, however.
The Bravo 16 is regularly the least expensive on this list, but it performed well above expectations.
At this price, you can upgrade the furniture, trigger, add an optic, and probably still keep your investment under $500 all in.
Andro Corp Industries manufactures in Florida and provides lifetime warranties for its products.
Want to dive in further? Head over to my review of the ACI-15 Bravo 16, or press play on the video review below!
Final Thoughts
While this list isn’t exhaustive, we wanted to provide a number of good options for our readers to consider. There’s an array of price points and different features on most of these rifles.
If you want to start out with something inexpensive that you can customize, there are great choices here. We’ve got loads of articles on the best AR-15 furniture, triggers, and other accessories.
On the other hand, if you just want to grab something and go, you’ve got some great options too. Either way, you’re saving a lot of money and have the benefit of our research to point you in the right direction.
Which budget AR-15 are you picking up? Let us know in the comments below! And when you’re ready to move up to something even better, check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best AR-15s on the market!
11 Leave a Reply
I had a custom built "space gun" built on a Rock River Arms receiver with a krieger SS barrel 1 in 7 twist 20 inches long, Timney Trigger, and Gehmann apertures for shooting long distance. Only reason I sold it is that I no longer compete in rifle matches due to health issues. Cost was something like $2204 back in 2001 or so.
I kept my DPMS "service rifle" which is a tack driver and is 1 in 8 twist with a supposed "williams gage made barrel". I don't know, but it shot very well across the course (200,300, and 600 yards). It has a J&P trigger in it. Both of these rifles have a 20 inch barrel.
I do have more then one PSA, one with the 223 Wilde chamber, and another in 6.5 Grendel caliber.
ALL GOOD RIFLES. Never a problem with any of them.
I was even "blessed" with a good COLT M16 back in 1968 in Vietnam. It jammed once and when I hit the dirt to clear it, a burst of AK fire hit where I "was". But that's another story.
GOOD article. THanks.
Thank you so much for creating this review! Really helpful and well done. And thank you for pointing out what parts are easy to upgrade and what is good. I do have a question though on why the Andro ACI-15 can sell for under $400, but in California it is more than double the price. I understand there is a cost involve in making it either a fixed mag or the fin on the grip, but more than double the price? And before you say, "Move out of Cali!", and I get that but can't happen right now, does the labor and parts cost that much? With high sales tax and 11% added penalty tax, that adds up to a lot. Do the gun stores have to make it California compliant, or is that from the manufacturer? Thank you for your help in understanding this.
Hey Dana, thanks for your comment, and glad you found the article helpful! Pew Pew Tactical started in California and left partly because the restrictive gun laws made it harder to do our job. There is so much information involved in answering your question, I'm going to refer you to an article to hopefully get the most bang for your buck! https://www.pewpewtactical.com/featureless-ar-15-rifle/
I'm a huge fan of Radical Firearms. Quality build, amazing reliability, great customer support, and good accuracy.
Same Harry. As I referenced, I've been shooting a Blue Line RF-15 for years. It's a great value. Thanks for chiming in!
It would be nice if you could add a couple of options for those of us who live in states like NY or CA where there are restrictions on the features.
Not too many companies build full rifles to support restricted states, but we've got the skinny for you right here. https://www.pewpewtactical.com/featureless-ar-15-rifle/
What scope was used on the IWI Zion-15? I understand that the distance of the targets were 100 yards. Would this scope also be good at 10 yards, 25 yards, 50 yards, 100 yards, or even further out.
I have this IWi and love it.
Thanks,
Neil Gamerman
Hey Neil, thanks for your question. For MOA testing, we used the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56. This is a ridiculous piece of glass that helps me minimize my shortcomings as a shooter, and wring the most accuracy out of each gun I test. We also had a Primary Arms Plx 1-8 LPVO on the Zion-15 and that is far more reasonable for the distances you mentioned. Glad you love the Zion, it's a great rifle!
I own a Ruger AR 15 556 and a S&W Sport II which I purchased a year ago under $600 and both are accurate, reliable and great foundations to build upon. Even after adding upgraded furniture and drop in trigger packages, I came in well under $1000 on each. I don’t need a $2k AR, I need something that reliably goes BANG!
You know, reliability is one of the factors we're most concerned with too. I've had great experiences with the Ruger 556, though it's been a few years. The Sport III is also a great gun. When we reviewed it, the first one had some issues so we had to send it back. The second one was just about perfect though.