In years past, bolt-action rifles held a significant lead in long-range precision over their semi-automatic counterparts. But things are vastly different today.
Thanks to the availability of computerized machining and 3D printing coupled with the modularity of the AR-15 platform, the market is bursting at the seams with quality builds at various price points.
The ability of the AR-15 platform to print sub-MOA groups downrange has narrowed the lead in precision between it and the bolt-action. What a fantastic time to be alive!
Depending on your skill level, choosing a long-range AR-15 is somewhat of a “chicken or the egg” debate. Investing money in a precision rifle can quickly start racking up costs, and if you are beginning your journey, how will you know what you want before you lay down that hard-earned cash?
Well, we’ve got you covered with a list of our favorite AR-15s for long-range precision. There is a little something for every budget, so keep reading to check out our picks!
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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OG precision AR-15
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Best Budget Precision AR-15
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Best Overall Precision AR-15
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Standalone Upper Option
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Best Duty Precision AR-15
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Best Bang for the Buck
Table of Contents
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Best Long-Range AR-15s Comparison
| Caliber | Barrel Length | Twist Rate | Barrel Material | Weight | Price | |
| Seekins Precision DMR | .223 Wylde, 6mm ARC | 16″ or 18″ (.223 Wylde), 22″ (6mm ARC) | 1:8 | 416 stainless steel | 8.2 lbs | $1,545 |
| PRI Mark 12 Mod 0 Gen III | 5.56 NATO | 18″ | 1:7, 1:8, 1:9 | 416 stainless steel | ~8 lbs to 8.5 lbs | $2,200 |
| BCA BC-15 6.5 Grendel 20″ | 6.5 Grendel | 20″ | 1:8 | 416 stainless steel | 8.75 lbs | $409 |
| JP Enterprises JP-15 Precision Rifle | .223/5.56, .22 ARC, 6.5 Grendel, .300 BLK | 13.5″ – 22″ | 1:7, 1:7.5, 1:8 | 416 stainless steel | 5.9 lbs – 9.8 lbs | Starting at $2,099 |
| Aero Precision M4E1 20″ Upper | 5.56 NATO | 20″ | 1:7 | 4150 CrMoV w/ QPQ finish | 4.1 lbs | $579 |
| Daniel Defense MK12 | 5.56 NATO | 18″ | 1:7 | Cold hammer-forged stainless steel, DLC finish | 7.41 lbs | $1,949 |
| CMMG ENDEAVOR Mk4 5.56 18″ | 5.56 NATO | 18″ | 1:7 | 416 stainless steel | 7 lbs | $1,284 |
How We Chose the Best Long-Range AR-15s
Multiple members and writers on the Pew Pew Tactical team have spent a decent amount of time punching paper with AR-15 rifles. We use them for just about everything, including long-range shooting, competition, hunting, recreational shooting, home-defense, and testing at media events.
With so much time behind the AR platform, we have learned what works for specific situations and what doesn’t. Combined with our hands-on experience and industry research, we compiled a list of our favorite long-range AR-15s.
Our picks for this list are based on accuracy, features, quality, reliability, and overall value.
Best AR-15s for Long-Range Precision
1. Seekins Precision DMR – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Timney 3 lb single-stage trigger
- Adjustable cheek riser
- 5R rifling
Cons
- Length of pull requires spacers to adjust
Specs:
- Caliber: .223 Wylde, 6mm ARC
- Barrel Length: 16″ or 18″ (.223 Wylde), 22″ (6mm ARC)
- Twist Rate: 1:8
- Barrel Material: 416 stainless steel
- Weight: 8.2 lbs
Seekins Precision produces AR-15s that not only deliver precision but also have aesthetically unique lines that will set them apart from all others on the firing line.
Their DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) is available in .223 Wylde/5.56 NATO with a 16 or 18-inch barrel. They also offer a 6mm ARC version with an 18-inch barrel. All barrels are 1:8 twist, 416 stainless steel, and 5R rifled.
Also standard is a 15″ SP3Rv3 M-LOK handguard. This handguard’s design provides a flat bottom section reminiscent of a benchrest rifle and allows for the mounting of an ARCA rail or gives you a rock-solid surface for resting over a bag.
Seekins has also rounded this build out with a crisp Timney single-stage 3-lb trigger and an adjustable gas block to tune the rifle for the preferred ammo or use with a suppressor.
These rifles aren’t cheap, but they are some of the best precision ARs you can buy off the shelf.
2. PRI Mark 12 Mod 0 Gen III – OG Precision AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Douglas barrel
- Carbon fiber handguard
- PRI gas buster charging handle
- Full length top "swan rail"
Cons
- Expensive
- Proprietary rail sections for handguard
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 18″
- Twist Rate: 1:7, 1:8, 1:9
- Barrel Material: 416 stainless steel
- Weight: ~8 lbs to 8.5 lbs
Many consider the Precision Reflex Industries Mark 12 to be the original AR-15 when it comes to Special-Purpose Rifles for long-distance engagements.
This rifle is offered only in 5.56mm caliber, with twist rates ranging from 1:9 to 1:7 in different models to accommodate the shooter’s ammunition needs.
The classic PRI carbon fiber is extremely rigid without adding unnecessary weight. You can place rail sections exactly where needed, keeping everything else clean and helping to manage weight further.
Although it might look strange, the tubular nature of the handguard makes for a very wide and stable footprint when shooting from a support bag or pack.
While some may prefer the collapsible stock version, the A2-style stock provides a rock-solid platform for shooting at a distance.
In addition to getting an excellent rifle that was built for precision tasks, PRI’s customer service is top-notch and incredibly helpful!
3. BCA BC-15 6.5 Grendel 20″ – Best Budget Precision AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Extremely affordable
- M-LOK handguard
- Solid accuracy
Cons
- Cheap furniture
- Mil-spec trigger
Specs:
- Caliber: 6.5 Grendel
- Barrel Length: 20″
- Twist Rate: 1:8
- Barrel Material: 416R stainless steel
- Weight: 8.75 lbs
BCA, Bear Creek Arsenal, is known for their extremely affordable rifles. And to be honest, the one I tested was a bit of a sleeper hit for me. With an ultra-low MSRP and solid performance, my curiosity was piqued.
It is chambered in 6.5 Grendel and features a 20” 416R stainless barrel, rifle-length gas system, and 1:8 twist rate. Bear Creek does cut costs in other areas, as shown by a very basic collapsible stock and mil-spec trigger.
The free-floating handguard is rigid and capable of accepting MLOK accessories. The handguard is fairly close to the thicker profile barrel on this model, so make sure any mounting screws for accessories don’t contact the barrel.
However, I was shocked that it achieved respectable 3-round center-to-center groups, averaging 1.04 MOA, with the tightest being 0.611 MOA, utilizing Nosler 123-grain Custom competition cartridges.
I also tested some Hornady 123-grain SST, which didn’t group as tightly. The average center-to-center group for the Hornady was 1.51 MOA, with the tightest measuring 1.36 MOA. I would have preferred 5-round groups, but at current ammo prices, my budget was limited.
This is a no-frills, entry-level AR-15, but it may pleasantly surprise you while saving some of your hard-earned cash for ammo, your scope, and accessories.
What do you think of the BCA? Rate it below!
4. JP Enterprises JP-15 Precision Rifle – Best Overall Precision AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Thermo-Fit barrel
- Extremely customizable from the website
- Ultra-high quality
- Tuneable match trigger
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- The number of options can be overwhelming
Specs:
- Caliber: .223/5.56, .22 ARC, 6.5 Grendel, .300 BLK
- Barrel Length: 13.5″ – 22″
- Twist Rate: 1:7, 1:7.5, 1:8
- Barrel Material: 416 stainless steel
- Weight: 5.9 lbs – 9.8 lbs
JP Enterprises is known for extreme quality, and when you select one of their rifles, it is built to order, ensuring you get the configuration you want.
The JP-15 is available in .223/5.56mm, .22 ARC, 6.5 Grendel, and .300 Blackout. Other calibers are available in different models.
For any AR-15-style system, proper barrel and receiver alignment helps maintain consistent accuracy for the rifle.
Each JP-15 features Thermo-Fit™ barrels and receivers in which the receiver is heated up to provide just enough tolerance to slide over the barrel extension and, once cooled, lock the barrel and receiver together, providing a solid and consistent mating of the two components.
Using the company’s rifle builder account, shooters can select specific trigger weights, buttstocks, handguards, and an LMOSTM (low mass) or SMOSTM (standard mass) operating system.
While the price tag may be eye-watering for some, look no further than JP Enterprises if you want the best of the best.
5. Aero Precision M4E1 20″ Upper – Standalone Upper Option
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Full-length top rail
- Integrated sling attachment points
- Affordable
Cons
- No BCG or charging handle included
- Not a complete rifle
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 20″
- Twist Rate: 1:7
- Barrel Material: 4150 CrMoV w/ QPQ finish
- Weight: 4.1 lbs
For those who want to release the hidden gunsmith inside, Aero Precision offers great “builder’s sets,” which allow building their precision AR-15 from scratch.
This allows the shooter to get everything they want from the gun and nothing they don’t. If you’re on a budget, it also allows you to buy parts when your pocketbook allows.
Aero’s M4E1 20-inch 5.56 carbine upper utilizes their 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel with a 1:7 twist to stabilize the heavier match bullets.
This upper also comes standard with Aero’s ATLAS R-One handguard, which has become one of my favorite handguards. I use them for a variety of builds. These handguards come in configurations with a full-length top rail or a section of the top rail removed, affording a thinner overall profile and allowing larger objective scopes to be mounted on the upper receiver without using higher mounts.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate shooter, Aero Precision is quite literally a one-stop shop for selecting components to build your long-range AR-15.
6. Daniel Defense MK12 – Best Duty Precision AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Geissele SSA match trigger
- Ambi charging handle
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Gas block is not pinned
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 18″
- Twist Rate: 1:7
- Barrel Material: Cold hammer-forged stainless steel, DLC finish
- Weight: 7.41 lbs
Next up is the Daniel Defense MK12. These guns are a civilian-available evolution of the Special Purpose Rifles used by the US military.
They feature an 18” Cold Hammer Forged barrel and are also finished in DLC (diamond-like coating) to enhance their durability and service life while maintaining accuracy.
The barrel’s twist rate is 1:7, making it capable of stabilizing the heavier 77-grain match-grade projectiles that have become very popular in long-range precision. The MK-12 also utilizes a rifle-length gas system, making it a very soft shooter.
Standard on this rifle is Daniel Defense’s iconic Picatinny rail system, which provides a rock-solid mounting surface for bipods, lasers, and lights. The handguard is 12 inches in length, and the gas block is easily accessible should shooters decide to switch it out later for an adjustable system.
The lower receiver features the Geissele SSA 2-Stage Trigger, which is widely regarded as one of the top triggers for the AR-15. Having a quality trigger come standard makes this a genuinely ready “out-of-the-box” for mounting a quality optic and punching tight groups at extended ranges.
7. CMMG ENDEAVOR Mk4 5.56 18″ – Best Bang for the Buck
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- ZEROED drop-in trigger
- 60/90-degree ambi safety selector
- Ambi mag release and charging handle
- ZEROED muzzle brake
Cons
- Non-adjustable gas block
- Fixed length of pull
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 18″
- Twist Rate: 1:7
- Barrel Material: 416 stainless steel
- Weight: 7 lbs
The CMMG Endeavor Mk4 is a rifle that is packed with features at a pretty reasonable price point.
Starting things off is the nitride-finished 18-inch 416 stainless steel barrel shrouded with their EML15 M-LOK handguard.
The barrel is equipped with a non-adjustable rifle-length gas system, which has an excellent recoil impulse for quick follow-up shots. It also comes standard with ambidextrous controls such as the safety selector, which can be configured as either a 60-degree or 90-degree throw, as well as an ambidextrous charging handle and magazine catch.
To further round out this quality build, CMMG utilizes their ZEROED drop-in trigger system, a single-stage trigger system with a 4 to 4.5 lb. trigger pull.
A fixed Magpul MOE stock provides a rock-solid platform for repeatable accuracy. The Magpul stock also affords a significant amount of surface area on the bottom to interface well with a rear support bag.
Overall, the CMMG Endeavor Mk4 is a feature-packed AR-15 that is quite capable out of the box. But it is at a price point that allows a little extra cash for upgrades you may want to add later, such as an adjustable gas block, stock, or any other attachments.
CMMG offers the Endeavor in black and six other Cerakoted finishes to make your rifle stand out.
Considerations Before Buying
The first and often overlooked consideration is “What is long range?” I grew up in a high desert area with few trees, rugged mountains, and lots of open space.
For my purposes, long-range usually starts at about 1,000 yards, give or take a couple hundred yards. After spending time in eastern states, I quickly learned that some shooters might consider long-range, somewhere between 400 and 500 yards, simply because of the density of trees or the limitations on their range access.
Equally important in determining what long-range means to you is what purposes you will be using the AR-15 for. Are you interested in hearing the sweet sound of lead connecting with steel? Or eliminating whistle pigs (ground squirrels for the uninitiated) from a different zip code?
Caliber
One of the first hurdles is choosing the right caliber. There is a vast sea of cartridges for AR-15 to be had, but most often, flavors of cartridges readily available in the AR-15 will be .223/5.56, .300 Blackout, 6mm ARC, .224 Valkyrie, and 6.5 Grendel. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses.
There are plenty of articles that focus on the pros and cons of each of these calibers to further help you decide between them, which can be found here: Best Alternative AR-15 Cartridges and Calibers – Pew Pew Tactical.
Barrel Length
Barrel length directly impacts velocity, which in turn affects a given round’s trajectory. In short, longer barrels in the 18 to 22-inch range push the bullet faster and are generally better suited for extended ranges.
Barrels will also have a designated twist rate, which gives the bullet stability and is measured in the distance in inches it takes for the bullet to rotate one full revolution. Heavier bullets are typically better for long-range shooting, and these rounds usually prefer a faster twist rate.
Finally, hunting applications include taking an ethical shot for putting some tasty food on the table or controlling predators. Determining the distances and applications you will use the AR-15 will play heavily into what cartridge and barrel combination you need to make the magic happen.
Optics
Once you’ve picked out a rifle, you need something to help you see those far-away targets. Choosing the right optic to reach out to extended distances is just as important as selecting the right AR-15 to mount it on.
Finding the right scope will take us down another deep rabbit hole, which will make this article way too long. Instead, you can check out our article on the Best Long-Range Scopes.
Meet the Experts
Heading up this article is PPT contributing writer Nick Stake. Nick is a retired law enforcement officer, having served as a detective sergeant, jail deputy, patrol deputy, field training officer, department range master, counter-sniper instructor, and handgun instructor. In addition to his extensive LEO career, Nick also owns a law enforcement consulting company and is an avid outdoorsman and recreational shooter.
Editing this article is one of our Editors, Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor with previous experience as a USPSA competitor, long-range shooting, and hunting. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He loves carrying a wide variety of handguns and, by necessity, has tried a wide variety of holsters.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
The world of long-range precision is vast, and selecting the right AR-15 for precision can be daunting.
Hopefully, we have provided you with some solid options to help you find your starting point or perhaps level up your game. Either way, hitting the range with any of the rifles on this list is sure to put a smile on your face.
What are your thoughts on AR-15s for long-range shooting? Let us know in the comments below! Not sold on the smaller calibers? Then check out our article on the 6 Best AR-10 Rifles!
Latest Updates
April 2025: Complete re-write with new product recommendations.
20 Leave a Reply
The best ones are the rifle that you assembled yourself and made it fit you well . put the finest parts you wanted into it .And worked with it till you make that shot ! That"s satisfaction personally to me 500 yards is about it . AS Gunny said on his show The Marines are the only ones that shoot them that distance .
Disappointing there is no mention of accuracy and ammo used to test accuracy let a lone publishing the results.
I’m sure all the rifles in this article are great with accuracy. I’d like to mention one I own that is an inexpensive, sub-MOA, reliable gun. It’s a Rock River Arms LAR15 Varminter in 223 Wylde. 18” cryo barrel with 1:8 twist. It has the RRA 2-stage match trigger and is otherwise stock. It was under $900 in 2003. It has an inexpensive Weaver Grand Slam 6x24x40 scope and will place 5 shots of 69gr Federal Gold match into a dime-sized grouping. Really accurate rifle.
I have 5 ARs in 5.56 and for the price point I am okay with their accuracy. For distance I have a .308 and it is MOA. However, I was never as exited about precision until I got my 6.5 Grendel from Atheris Rifle Co. 22" 416R stainless, 5R riflingoptical. I mounted a Sig Sierra BDX optic.
They advertised subMOA and they delivered. It took several months to get it because of supply side issues at the time but well worth the wait. Consistently under .5 moa with .313 the best. I am sure in the hands of a better shooter it would even better... eyes and finger aren't what they used to be.
Would like to see it reviewed by one of these platforms at some point.
Great choices !
Thanks for reading!
Wow. An article on precision rifles and no comparison chart showing actual accuracy at any range.
Thanks for the comment! That's a great suggestion and honestly, can't believe we didn't think about this one ourselves. Appreciate the feedback.
Please understand that I’m not a gunsmith, though I know several professional and two amateur gunsmiths who do very good work.
I’ve spent a lot on three different AR-15 platforms in 5.56mm, 6.5 Grendel, and 6.8 REM SPC. Of all of them, taking into consideration the design and function of the AR-15 platform, and using identical Vortex scope (Razor HD Gen II 1-6x24mm FFP scope with JM-1 BDC MOA reticle), about the best performance I’ve had (using both high-grade commercial and custom-loaded ammunition for the barrel twist) has been ~1.2 MOA… but never sub-MOA. Until I purchased a 20” Proof Research carbon-fiber wrapped barrel for 6.5 Grendel, I didn’t see sub-MOA performance, just tighter groups — measured by hand (the groups were 1.0 MOA).
It’s my belief that greater precision is possible with the AR-10 platform.
I found excellent performance in bolt-action rifles, especially those with Proof carbon-fiber wrapped barrels, right down to .57 MOA — but these rifles (including scope) have cost more than $20k, using custom-loaded ammunition.
YMMV.
Sub-MOA accuracy requires a more substantial rifle where bedding the barrel is possible, in my opinion.
Well Randy I'm a little late to "join the conversation" but since I just got this article delivered to my email inbox, I find your comment very interesting. I have been shooting Rock River 20" Match rifle in CMP (200 yards) and have been loving it. I"m talking iron sights - so the challenge is there for the best of us (and I'm certainly not that guy). However that rifle is a well made tight fitting upper/lower and it's just fun to shoot. The 2 stage trigger is very smooth. It was a bit on the high side $1200 a while back, but I went back for more RRA components later. Love shooting CMP.
Thanks for pointing out RRA. PS I also shoot 55gr Hornady "bagged bullets" - home loads using from Natchez Shooter Supply (roughly 12 cents per round) and for iron sight shooting....well I still use them.
BCA as a precision rifle, even as the cheap option, is laughable.
I just helped teach a long-range class last weekend. I have a Rock River Entry Tactical - bone stock. RR claims 1-MOA or less at 100 yards.
For the class I scoped the gun and zeroed with handloaded bulk 55 gr FMJ bullets at about 3100 FPS.
One hole groups at 100 yards. Using just the holdover dots in the the reticle I was able to place rounds on 300, 400, 520, 620 and 720 yard steel that is 14"Wx20"tall.
I was flirting with the 900 yard steel but the wind was giving me fits with the light bullets.
A good barrel and a good trigger make all the difference.
I have less than $1000 in the gun and optic and 500 yard hits are like a chip shot.
The 223 will force you to get very good at reading wind.
Who can afford these gold plated rifles? They're AR's for crying out loud, not M14's. Supposed to be a low bidder rifle for everyone.
Why comment just go buy your cheap guns , the article is for precision furled ?
Great article, but it probably should have included a section for rounds better suited for long range--notably 6.5 Grendel and .224 Valkyrie. The listed rifles seem to be some of the best in the business for .556, but you can do just as well if not better with a lower cost rifle chambered in Grendel (or Valkyrie), which are specifically designed for long range shooting.
1:7.7/1:8 is a perfect twist for a long range or precision ar15. 1:6.5/1:7 is good for single fed/ bolt action 223s that use 90 grain bullets.
Anything that fits in a magazine 1;8 can handle.
Isn't 1:7 a faster twist rate than 1:8?
Yes, meaning the bullet will leave a 1:7 barrel at a faster RPM than a 1:8 barrel
I enjoyed the article and learned some things.
Thank you and keep them coming
You're so welcome Terry!