There’s a perfect AR-15 out there for you, and we’ll help you find it — whether you’re looking for a beginner AR-15 or you need something a bit more high-end.
By the time you’re done with this guide, you’ll know everything about how the AR-15 works and how different configurations affect performance.
There might be some jargon in there you don’t understand.
But don’t worry…after the list we’ll deep dive into individual parts, the best manufacturers, and more about each rifle choice.
THE QUICK LIST
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Beginner AR-15 Pick
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Budget Pick
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High-End AR-15
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Bang-For-The-Buck High-End
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Best Premium PSA AR
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Law Enforcement Pick
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Upgraded Pick
Table of Contents
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How We Tested the Best AR-15 Rifles
For this article, we gathered a bunch of AR-15s we’ve personally shot, reviewed, and owned here at Pew Pew Tactical. All rifles that made this list had to have a few things in common to earn a spot in our recommendations:
- Must reliably fire, meaning no more than a single malfunction in our testing of 500 rounds or more.
- Ergonomics must work for most shooters.
- Must have a price tag that the average consumer can stomach. (We might add a few high-end options, but most of our recommendations come in at a reasonable price point).
We also tend to prefer AR-15s that work with a variety of magazines and aftermarket mags because that makes life easier.
The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on body size and experience level. Every review rifle undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of practice ammo and heavier match-grade ammo at 50 and 100 yards with a 5-25x scope (unless otherwise noted). (Although most of the guns listed have seen well over 1,000+ rounds through them.)We require all AR-15s to be tested with at least 3 magazines to assess compatibility, and we use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to measure average trigger pull.
Guns with hands-on reviews have been linked so you can see more details.
AR-15 Comparison Chart
| Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Overall Length (Collapsed) | Weight | Gas System | Price |
| Daniel Defense DDM4 | 5.56 | 16″ | 32.25″ | 6.2 lbs | Mid-Length | $1,826 |
| BCM Recce-16 | 5.56 | 16″ | 32.5″ | 6.1 lbs | Mid-Length | $1,559 |
| PSA PA-15 | Multiple Calibers | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Starts at $479 |
| PSA Sabre | Multiple Calibers ( 5.56, .300 BLK, etc.) | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Starts at $849 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III | 5.56 | 16″ | 35″ | 6.52 lbs | Mid-Length | $699 |
| Colt LE 6920 | .223/5.56 | 16.1″ | 32″ | 5.95 lbs | Carbine | $1,055 |
| Lead Star Grunt | 5.56 | 17″ | N/A | 5.6 lbs | Mid-Length | $799 |
| Faxon ION | 5.56 | 16″ | 32″ | 4.95 lbs | Mid-Length | $1,625 |
| Aero Precision M4E1 | 5.56 | 16″ | Upper only | N/A | Mid-Length | Starts at $645 |
| Daniel Defense MK18 SBR | 5.56 | 10.3″ | 28.625″ | 5.85 lbs | Carbine | $2,150 |
| Aero EPC 9mm | 9mm | 16″ | Upper only | N/A | Carbine | $585 |
| Stag 15 L | 5.56 | 16″ | N/A | N/A | Mid-Length | $774 |
Best AR-15 Rifles
1. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) PA-15 – Best Beginner AR-15
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Pros
- Affordable and wallet-friendly for budget buyers
- Lots of options (barrel sizes, gas lengths, calibers, etc.)
- Entry-level friendly — perfect for newbies
Cons
- Budget means some imperfections on the finish
- Some caliber offerings can be a little picky on ammo, but the standard 5.56 eats just about everything
Specs
- Caliber: Varies (5.56, .300 BLK, etc.)
- Gas System: Varies based on configuration
- Barrel Length: Varies based on configuration (7.5″ to 20″ available)
- Overall Length: Varies based on configuration
- Weight: Varies based on configuration
- Mounting System: M-LOK
Balling on a budget? PSA makes everything in-house…turning raw materials into the finished AR-15 of your dreams. Find complete rifles (a lot of the time with free-floating rails) for around $600.
Reputation is great too for rifles that simply work. Sometimes you’ll see some complaints about shipping times when there’s a large number of orders.
I’ve finished testing three PSA rifles. Full review here.
And…now with a video review too!
They have a lot of complete rifles…and they go in and out of stock frequently as people gobble them up. But whatever you’re looking for…16-inch FSB or 18-inch free-floating rail with Magpul MOE furniture? They’ve got the variant.
For the truly budget-conscious, go for the Freedom Carbine…otherwise, I’d prefer a 16-inch mid-length with rails (are you getting tired of me saying that)?
Depending on the market…you might be better off ordering a complete upper and complete lower separately. Something about an 11% tax on complete long guns. All you’ll have to do is connect them together with two pins. Easy peasy.
If you decide to go this route, you’ll be able to have a bigger selection of furniture and rails (and the ability to get a sub $500 rifle). Check out Best AR-15 Uppers for my personal picks.
Make sure to get one WITH bolt carrier group (BCG) and charging handle (CH).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And for lowers, you can choose whatever style you like. I prefer the Magpul editions with either the MOE buttstock or the ACS-L.
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Again…full review of three PSA uppers right here.
What’s your take on PSA? Give them a rating below.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III – Best Budget AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Decent entry level AR-15 at a nice price, budget-wise
- Can be easily upgraded and customized
- Has some updated features over its predecessor, the Sport II
Cons
- Not ambidextrous
- No QD
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56×45 mm
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: 35″
- Weight: 6.52lbs
- Mounting System: M-LOK
Smith & Wesson is another well-known name, albeit probably more known in the revolver and handgun world. Following up their very successful Sport II, the Sport III takes the helm as S&W’s go-to AR-15.
Though the Sport III occupies a nice area budget wise, coming in sub $1K, it’s still a really nice AR-15 with decent features. However, lefties should be aware that there are no ambi controls.
We did encounter an issue with the first rifle that Smith sent out to us, experiencing some feeding issues around the 150-200 round count mark. We sent that rifle back to Smith, got a new one, and had no issues whatsoever.
This isn’t a premium build, but if you’re dipping your toes into the AR-15 realm, it’s a decent place to start.
You can learn more in our full written review or by watching the video below!
3. Daniel Defense DDM4 – Best High-End AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- High-quality CNC and coating of all parts
- Individually MPI tested barrel and BCG
- Great thing handguard with Picatinny on top and MLOK on the sides
- 100% reliable and around 1 MOA accuracy with good ammo
- Highly regarded brand for resale purposes
Cons
- On the steeper end of AR-15 prices
- Pistol grip angle more geared towards close shooting
- Trigger could be better
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32.25-35.875
- Weight: 6.2lbs
- Mounting System: M-LOK
It might be just because my first AR-15 10 years ago was a DD, but mine has never failed me, even after 8k rounds.
My overall pick for a high-end AR-15 goes to the 16-inch DDM4 V7 which sports a free-float handguard and a softer-shooting mid-length gas system.
We’ve been testing it extensively, and the quality shows even in a sea of ARs.
Check out our full video and article here of the DDM4 V7 here.
And in the current firearm craze…they are still pumping them out weekly, although I recommend getting on their email notification.
If you want to go on the shorter side, try out the 14.5-inch carbine gas system DDM4 A1 with a permanent muzzle device that brings it to 16 inches.
If you like the front sight block (FSB) options, look at the 16-inch DDM4 V1, which also has a slightly softer shooting mid-length gas system.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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See all their rifles which include lightweight barrels and different lengths. (And if you’re from California…they have compliant versions, too.)
If you want more from DD, we have a list of all their guns we’ve tested, so check that out.
4. Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) Recce-16 – Best Bang-For-The-Buck High-End AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great bang-for-your buck AR that competes with the DD but saves a little $$
- Solid build quality with a nice finish
- Amazing reliability (we had no issues)
Cons
- Supply is limited and it’s frequently out of stock
- Tiny bit of muzzle climb while shooting
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: 32-1/2″ (Collapsed), 35-1/2″ (Extended)
- Weight: 6.1lbs
- Mounting System: M-LOK
Daniel Defense has the quality, but what if you want to save a few hundred?
BCM in my mind is the best bang-for-the-buck for top-tier stuff based on the several that my friends use and that I have extensively shot.
Lately, supply has been limited.
For my overall recommendation, I would get the 16″ with MCMR Handguard (M-LOK).
We spent a lot of time with it and now have a full review here.
Plus full video review too:
However, more often than not the full guns are always out of stock.
But have no fear…BCM has the uppers usually in-stock.
I would splurge for the MK2 upper which beefs up the upper receiver as well as the BFH barrel (barrel, forged, hammer). I’d personally keep the regular profile barrel unless you really want it light.
Once you’re in the upper page, definitely get their gold-standard BCG. For charging handle I like the ambi medium.
I would also keep the flash hider instead of the comp unless you’re going for low recoil at the cost of a much louder gun.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Need a lower? Check out our Best AR-15 Lowers.
5. PSA Sabre – Best Premium PSA AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Premium features but at a decent price point
- Great accuracy with practice ammo
Cons
- 20″ Sabre we tested struggled with steel cases
- Slightly heavier than other AR-15s
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 & .300 BLK (.223 Wydle uppers available)
- Gas System: Varies based on configuration
- Barrel Length: Varies based on configuration
- Overall Length: Varies based on configuration
- Weight: Varies based on configuration
- Mounting System: M-LOK
While we’re on the topic of PSA, the company recently upped its game with a new “premium” line of AR-15s called the Sabre.
And if you’re looking at the math for true best bang-for-the-buck AR-15 parts…this might be what you’re looking for…
Compared to their normal line, the Sabre packs these upgrades:
- Hammer-forged FN barrel
- Microbest BCG with Sprinco extractor spring
- Hiperfire RBT trigger & JP reduced power springs
- Sabre compensator (pinned if you get the 13.7″ version)
Plus, it just feels overall a nicer product in hand when shooting.
There’s also a 20″ variant as well as a standard 16″.
However I’m a big fan of the 13.7″ pinned version because it gets you the shortest overall length without any SBR headaches. The only knock on this version is that it still has the high-pitched *tingggg* of effective flash hiders.
But we go all over it (and you can hear it for yourself) in our complete review of the PSA Sabre line…and video.
6. Colt LE 6920 – Best Law Enforcement AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Classic AR design
- Usually easy to find online and in stores
- Durable
Cons
- Shorter carbine length gas system
- Over $1K
Specs
- Caliber: .223/5.56
- Barrel Length: 16.1″
- Overall Length: 32.0″ – 35.5″
- Weight: 5.95lbs
- Mounting System: Picatinny Rail
Good ole Colt has one of the best entry levels AR-15s and the LE6920 is always on the list that I recommend to my friends who want something they can find at their local gun store.
Colt stopped production of civilian rifles at the end of 2019 but as of now they are back…and we are glad they are!
It might have the shorter carbine gas length barrel, but it will eat anything and keep on truckin’.
Or you can opt for the OEM version and follow our AR Furniture Guide to make your very own without the difficult assembly.
7. Lead Star Grunt – Best Upgraded AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Good reliability – ran well during testing
- Closeout pricing right now
- Longer 17″ handguard is nice
Cons
- Availability is tough right now with most models OOS
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 17”
- Overall Length: 32.25-35.875
- Weight: 6.2lbs
- Mounting System: M-LOK
Lead Star is a hidden gem that got its start from crazy cool competition ARs and pistol caliber carbines.
Their 5.56 Grunt brings what they’ve learned into an affordable package that needs no upgrades.
Super reliable and accurate (1 MOA) out of the box with a nice muzzle brake, trigger, charging handle, and furniture.
It’s a solid deal at around $1000…and it’s easier to see in stock (unlike their custom competition rifles)!
Full written review here and, of course…a video, too!
8. Faxon ION – Best Lightweight AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super lightweight and easy to manage
- Really nice value
- Easy to customize
Cons
- Very loud
- AR pistol version we tried had a few light primer strikes
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 (Other calibers available)
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 16” (Pistol lengths also available)
- Overall Length: 32″
- Weight: 4.95lbs
- Mounting System: 13″ M-LOK Handguard
Looking for something super lightweight with no mods necessary out of the box?
Check out the Faxon ION from the famed barrel manufacturers.
Coming in at sub 5-pounds, the ION has a lightweight barrel with an integrated brake that brings it to a 16-inch carbon fiber handguard, lightweight BCG, and more.
Plus a really nice tactile 45-degree safety and single-stage Hiperfire trigger.
Check it out in action:
Then check out our full review and video of both the rifle and pistol variants.
9. Aero Precision M4E1 – Best DIY AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Build it out how you want it
- Great general purpose AR
Cons
- You have to buy the upper and lower and build it out
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 (Other calibers available)
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 16” (Pistol lengths also available)
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: N/A
A well-known name if you’re into building your own AR (they make my favorite stripped upper+lower receiver).
Aero has its roots in years of aerospace manufacturing and makes almost everything in-house (a rarity nowadays).
I’ve tested a couple of their free-float uppers on their lowers and my best stamp of approval is that it’s now my home defense/SHTF rifle.
We have a full YouTube review now:
And you can check out my full written review here that goes over the full build as well as 100-yard accuracy groups.
Since we reviewed the M4E1, Aero opted to nix the full rifle and just offer the uppers and lowers. You can check out the rest of their Complete 5.56 Uppers.
Pair it with their AR-15 complete lower and you’ll never know the difference from purchasing a complete rifle.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Make sure you don’t choose the M5 (different caliber) or Pistol (unless you’re building a pistol). M4E1 complete lowers are also great and come with upgraded buttstocks, grips, and better aesthetics on the lower (in my opinion).
10. Daniel Defense MK18 – Best AR-15 Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Shorter length is great for home defense
- Super accurate with no issues hitting our targets
- Very nice build and construction
Cons
- Expensive
- We had to downgrade the magazine and not slam the mag into the magwell, otherwise we had feeding issues
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56
- Gas System: Carbine
- Barrel Length: 10.3”
- Overall Length: 28 5/8″
- Weight: 5.85lbs
Our absolute favorite that might be a little tinged with nostalgia and cool factor…is the Daniel Defense MK18 Pistol (or because of now you’ll have to get the SBR, short barreled rifle, version).
Tested and fielded by SOCOM for years…it’s probably the closest you’ll get without diving deep into a clone build.
You can also get the upper and putting it on another lower receiver. However note your local and federal laws because it will become an SBR.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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It’s a little heavy with quadrails…but it’s nearly indestructible and has a perfect 10.3-inch barrel that keeps going all day for sub-300-yard engagements. And oh yea…it excels in CQB.
Check out our MK18 full review where we get to use a full-auto receiver on it…as well as a nice Silencer Central suppressor.
And of course, with all that testing we have a sweet video:
“]11. Aero EPC 9mm – Best Pistol Caliber Carbine
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Shorter length is great for home defense
- Super accurate with no issues hitting our targets
- Very nice build and construction
Cons
- Expensive
- We had to downgrade the magazine and not slam the mag into the magwell, otherwise we had feeding issues
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: N/A
Again we have a full article on the best pistol caliber AR-15s but our favorite is the Aero EPC in 9mm.
Like other Aero’s it’s a great bang-for-the-buck option and has the all-important last round bolt hold open (LRBHO) feature that’s missing from more affordable options.
As well as other niceties.
Though it’s more oriented as a build-your-own option…there’s plenty of complete uppers and lowers to choose from.
We extensively tested the 16-inch for the full Aero EPC review.
And are currently having a great time with the 8.3″ version too which gives a great middle-ground for maneuverability, rail space, and balance.
Check out the full video as well:
12. Stag 15 L – Best Left-Handed AR
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great for lefties with controls where they need to be
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
- Often out of stock and tough to find
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: N/A
Stag Arms has been making left-handed ARs for a long time and offers lifetime guarantees regardless of the original owner or even number of rounds fired.
Check the ejection port on the left side. And though you can’t see it in the picture below…the safety and other controls are on the right side.
My best buddy has been running his for years for both plinking and even competition.
Check out our Best Left-Handed ARs for more in-depth info.
Why the AR-15?
The AR-15 is one of the most popular sporting rifles for many reasons. Here’s what we think are the top reasons:
Used by the US Military
Or rather, it looks like the M4s and M16s used by the US military.
The civilian AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle compared to the automatic/select fire capabilities of some of the military versions.
That means one press of the trigger is a single PEW! instead of a fully automatic where a single press of the trigger will be a continuous stream of PEW! PEW! PEW! until you let go.
Shootability
The AR-15 is very light recoiling when chambered in its native 5.56x45mm round. And is also very ergonomic when compared to other popular rifles such as the AK-47.
Check me out dumping 10 rounds on a PSA…
Modular Design
The AR-15 consists primarily of two large segments: the lower receiver…
And the upper receiver, which can be swapped out in a matter of seconds.
The AR-15 can fulfill roles such from a long-range precision rifle to close-quarters combat (CQB) carbine by just switching out the “upper” and mating it with the “lower.”
Only the lower is the serialized firearm, so with one lower, you can have several uppers to fulfill any role without additional paperwork.
The lower holds the trigger mechanism and for the most part, you can swap out the upper for even different calibers, from the .22LR to .300 BLK and even .50 Beowulf.
There are also tons of aftermarket products to customize the look, feel, and performance of your AR-15 to match your personality and intended use.
However, there’s a prevailing stigma (especially online) of putting too much possibly unnecessary stuff on your gun, and making you a “mall ninja” or being too “tacticool.”
In my opinion…it’s your gun and your money, so do what you want to do as long as it’s still safe and legal. But…the above AR might have gone a little overboard!
We’re also very obsessed…so here’s a (partial) selection of our upgraded uppers.
See all our suggestions at Best AR-15 Upgrades.
Want to get a glimpse of how easy it is to take apart and clean too?
Still with me?
AR-15 History
Eugene Stoner developed the AR-15 as a lightweight 5.56x45mm version of the 7.62x51mm AR-10 while working at Armalite during the 1950s. The lighter bullet enabled infantrymen to carry more rounds. And that’s always a good thing!
Naming Conventions
In 1959, Armalite sold the AR-10 and AR-15 rights to Colt. The “AR” actually stands for “Armalite” and not the common misconception of “Assault Rifle.”
After some tweaks, Colt introduced the M16 which was select-fire (automatic) and mostly had a 20-inch barrel.
The M4 came about in the 90s and had a 14.5-inch barrel with a carbine gas system. Carbine just means that it has a shorter barrel than the rifle version and can either be pronounced “car-BEAN” or “car-BYNE,” but my preference is for the “bean” version.
The AR-15 is the civilian semi-automatic version of the select fire M4. 1 press = 1 PEW!
Colt owns the rights to “AR15” and “AR-15,” so most other manufacturers have slightly different names, but the general public still refers to the general pattern as AR-15’s.
Now, one big question coming up…
AR-15: To Build or To Buy?
For a first AR-15, we would heavily suggest buying a complete rifle from a reputable manufacturer.
Or at the very least, get a complete upper (Guide to Best Uppers) and build your own lower. It’s like Legos for big kids and you can see our recs at Best AR-15 Lowers.
Now there are also options to simply get a complete upper AND a complete lower. This way saves some money too since companies are charged an 11% tax on complete firearms.
Buying complete eliminates a lot of possible headaches by having a solid warranty behind your gun. Plus, if you’re just starting off, you probably don’t know what you like/want, so I recommend just going with a standard configuration.
A factory gun doesn’t cost that much more than building your own (and nowadays it’s likely less), and you’ll get a much better resale value if you ever decide to part ways (or upgrade).
However, there’s something very satisfying about building your own “franken-gun” or “M4-gery,” but we recommend doing it for a 2nd or 3rd AR-15. It’s not terribly difficult and you’ll get to choose every component in your gun.
But we think you’ll make better decisions after spending time with a factory gun first.
If you’re curious, check out our How to Build an AR-15 Lower Receiver and Upper Receiver articles just to see your future.
Next, we dive into the various parts of the AR-15 before putting it all together and recommending specific combinations based on your intended use.
All About AR Barrels
We begin the breakdown of the AR-15 system by covering the various characteristics of barrels (the thing that bullets come out of).
Now the real fun is going to start!
Barrel Chambering
The barrel chamber means the part of the barrel where the cartridge sits before firing (ie, what ammo it can shoot).
Since this is a beginners’ guide, we’ll focus on the most common 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington. There are tons of other chamberings from .22LR to .50 Beowulf, and a slew of new .30 caliber offerings.
The 5.56 is the more common choice compared to .223 since it gives “looser” tolerances and can withstand the higher pressures of the 5.56 round.
Here are some general safety guidelines for using different cartridges in different barrels:
- With a 5.56 barrel, you can shoot BOTH 5.56 and .223
- With a .223 barrel, you can ONLY shoot .223
- Hybrid chambers such as Wylde are for specific precision purposes but can shoot both
Barrel Length: Long & Strong
Federal law states that the minimum barrel length of a rifle must be at least 16-inches. This includes muzzle devices, such as flash hiders, muzzle brakes, or compensators. However, if the device is to be included in the length, it must be permanently attached.
For example, you can have a 14.5-inch barrel and permanently pin/weld a muzzle device to make it over 16-inches to make it compliant. Please note, there are some state/local laws that might govern the types of devices allowed, and even having a 14.5-inch barrel might be illegal without appropriate paperwork.
Therefore, we recommend beginners get at least a 16-inch barrel so they can switch out muzzle devices to their liking. Most common lengths include 16-, 18- and 20-inches.
So which one do you choose?
Having a longer barrel doesn’t necessarily mean more accuracy. You can get plenty of accuracy out of 16-inches since it is shorter and therefore stiffer and less susceptible to barrel whip (movement of the barrel during shooting).
However, a longer barrel gives you higher velocity since there’s more room for all the powder to burn. And faster-moving bullets give the environment (gravity and wind) less time to affect the trajectory of the bullet.
The average 16-inch barrel is good for up to 400-yards, but after 300-yards, the standard 55-grain projectile becomes more susceptible to environmental factors.
For longer distance, you would want a heavier and longer projectile such as 62gr, 77gr, or 80gr bullets.
Lastly, there’s also the issue of portability…shorter barrels are easier to move and weigh less.
So many things to think about!
Barrel Twist Rate
Another number you’ll see when looking at barrels is the twist rate of the rifling.
This is denoted as 1 x number (1×9) which means “one twist per 9 inches”. In general, the longer a projectile, the faster the twist is needed (a smaller number in the twist since that means one turn happens in a shorter length).
Below is a great chart to show you the ideal bullet weight for the twist of a barrel.
The most common AR-15 twist rate is 1:9 since 55gr is the most commercially available while the most common mil-spec twist is 1:7 since they need to stabilize longer/heavier tracer rounds.
Barrel Material
There are a lot of numbers and scary sounding words out there when related to barrel material, and we’ve done our best to simplify it:
- 4150: Steel used in mil-spec barrels
- 4140: Steel with 10% less carbon than 4150
- Chrome Molybdenum Vanadium, Chrome Moly, or CMV: Same as 4140
- Stainless Steel: More accurate but shorter lifespan
For the average shooter just go with the 4140/CMV. Unless you’re firing full-auto a lot, you probably would not reap any benefit from 4150. Except for a lighter wallet…but that probably doesn’t count as a benefit.
Barrel Lining
- Chrome Lined: Coating that makes your barrel last longer at the price of a slight decrease in accuracy. You’ll see a gray ring around each end.
- Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC): Also known as Tennifer, Melonite, or Nitride. Treats the surface of the barrel instead of a coating for possibly better accuracy but with additional cost.
- None: No coating.
Real round counts will differ based on a lot of factors (heat, environment, your definition of “accuracy,” etc), but you can expect around 10-20k before you have to re-barrel.
You still there?
Barrel Testing
Good, here’s some more acronyms manufacturers will throw at you.
- MP: Magnetic Particle tested, magnetizing the barrel and using fine iron particles to detect cracks/defects
- HP: High Pressure tested
- None: No testing. You get what you pay for.
You might run into the use of “batch tested” which really doesn’t mean much. The manufacturer may test 1 out of 10 barrels or 1 out of 100K barrels. For a home defense rifle, we recommend getting a barrel that is both MP & HP tested.
You know…just in case.
Barrel Forging
- Cold, Hammer, Forged (CHF): Process that creates a more durable barrel
- Barrel, Forged, Hammer (BFH): Same as CHF
- None: No extra process
CFH and BFH reduce accuracy a little but you gain a much more durable barrel. If you plan on shooting thousands of rounds a year, it might be worth the extra cost and push you towards a 20k+ round count.
Barrel Contours
Shape and thickness of the barrel will have a decent effect on the overall weight. And if you haven’t seen this quote yet on forums…“ounces equal pounds and pounds equals pain.”
- CAR (Colt Automatic Rifle): Just a specific family of AR-15/M-16 rifles from the 70’s. Now just a general term for carbine-length rifles before the advent of the M4.
- Heavy (Bull): Stiffer and heavier but more accurate. Can take a lot of heat before shooting groups start to suffer. Normally used for precision builds. .936-inches in diameter.
- Medium (Government or M4): All around balance. M4 contour has a cutout for grenade launchers. .750-inches in diameter.
- Light/Pencil: Lighter but more susceptible to heat from rapid firing. .625-inches in diameter.
For the average plinker, Medium or Light barrel contours will work great.
And to make it more fun…some manufacturers also have their own versions too.
Barrel Feed Ramps
This is an integral part of the upper receiver and you want it to be a proper match with your barrel.
The jury is still out whether or not they help reliability, but the main thing is to match up the ramps with your receiver. If you’re buying from the factory, this should not be a problem. But you still might want to check.
Curious what can befall ARs? Check out Most Common AR-15 Failures (And How to Fix Them).
AR-15 Gas Systems
Now that you’re a pro with AR-15 barrels, we’ll go into the gas system.
There are two major types, Direct Impingement (DI) and Piston. DI is the original design while piston only really became popular within the last few years.
Direct Impingement vs Piston
An AR-15 works by directing the hot gas behind the bullet into the gas tube (where the triangular front sight block is above) which then uses the gas to either move a piston or send it directly back (direct impingement).
When the force is applied, it makes the bolt unlock, move back, expel the spent casing, and strip a new cartridge into the chamber.
The vast majority of ARs are direct impingement instead of pistons.
Pros of Piston:
- Cleaner since dirty gas is vented away
- Should be more reliable in bad environments (water, dust, etc)
Cons of Piston:
- Costs more than traditional DI system
- Weighs more and puts weight in front (although getting better each year)
- Proprietary parts unique to each manufacturer
- Less accurate
Unless you’re needing to shoot coming out of water or in very dusty environments with limited ability to clean, a direct impingement system will work fine. If that’s you…here’s our review of the Best AR-15 Piston Uppers.
With proper maintenance, a DI AR-15 is a very reliable weapon and what the military uses.
Direct Impingement Gas System Lengths
The gas system length refers to the distance to the gas hole, or where the triangular “front site base” or FSB sits on each barrel above.
The rifle-length gas system is traditionally used for 18-inch or longer barrels, but there is the oddball “Dissipator” model which has a rifle length system on a 16-inch barrel.
For 16-inch barrels, the primary choice is between carbine and mid-length gas systems.
We believe the mid-length has the advantage since it allows a longer sight radius if using a front sight base (which doubles as the front sight).
It also gives you more possible handguard/rail space since the handguard goes from the upper receiver to the front sight base.
It should also theoretically offer a smoother/softer shooting rifle since the increased distance will allow gas pressure to lower before going back into the rifle.
But, this is influenced by a lot of other factors including gas port size, buffer, and spring combinations.
Gas Blocks
For the majority of this article, you’ve been seeing the front sight base (FSB) style gas block which combines the front sight with the gas block.
For years I’ve been recommending this style for beginners for the ease of already having a front sight, robustness (the FSB is pinned to the barrel), and cost-efficiency of a non-free-floating barrel.
You can also choose to grind down the FSB to fit a free-floating barrel later.
BUT…there are many AR-15s that now offer low-profile gas blocks that enable a factory install of a free-floating barrel.
Some of these gas blocks are also adjustable so you can choose just the right amount of gas to make your rifle/ammo combination run smoothly without unnecessary recoil.
If you know you’ll want to add stuff to your AR…skip the headache of grinding down the FSB or getting a new upper…and start off with a free-float handguard.
Handguards
Front sight blocks almost always force you to utilize non-free-floating handguards.
This means that the two-piece handguard touches the barrel at the FSB and can add some inconsistency in force that makes it slightly less accurate.
But for non-competitive shooters, you’ll be fine with a non-free-float. There are some aluminum variations, but most are polymer which still work great and are more affordable.
The above Magpul MOE Handguards for Carbine or Mid-Length still allow you to add Picatinny rails on the slots to attach accessories or use their new M-LOK attachment system directly.
Picatinny rails were the gold standard of rail attachments and look like raised rectangles. Below is an example of a “quad-rail” since there are Picatinny rails on all four sides.
The big con was its weight.
And of course, you’ve seen the free-floating handguards for low-profile gas blocks. This allows more consistency in your shots since there’s nothing touching the barrel along the handguard. Those usually cost $100 to $200 more but allow tons of rail space.
And also save you a bunch of weight.
I prefer M-LOK over KeyMod, and so does the military now.
If you can’t wait to see handguard upgrades, check out Best AR-15 Handguards.
Now for some serious stuff…
AR-15 Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)
How the BCG Works
Essentially the engine that runs the AR-15. The bolt is housed within the bolt carrier and together they make up the bolt carrier group (BCG).
It moves back when you pull the charging handle back.
And when you let go of the charging handle, the BCG moves forward, strips a round out of the magazine, and puts a round into the chamber.
When you pull the trigger, the hammer releases and strikes the back of the firing pin which is also in the BCG.
The firing pin hits the cartridge’s primer which sparks the gunpowder and sends the bullet down the barrel. Then the gas system comes into play.
Watch it below:
Semi-Auto vs Full-Auto BCG
The BCG comes in semi-auto (SA) and full-auto (FA) varieties. Having a full-auto BCG does not instantly make your gun automatic. Normally it is used to slow down the cycling rate due to its increased mass (see the right ends of the BCGs below).
Note that they should be overall the same size but the bottom FA is shrunk in the picture.
The full-auto has a shroud to protect the firing pin from hitting the hammer during re-cocking. You can see the right-most BCG has more of the firing pin exposed and less weight on the bottom, making it a semi-auto version.
It doesn’t really matter which one you get, but most higher-end manufacturers will put in the FA BCG. Most guns are over-gassed so they can run a larger variety of ammunition, so the additional mass and firing pin protection are advantageous.
What do I mean by over-gassed?
In an ideal world, the gas block would send back the bare minimum amount of gas to move the BCG back so it can eject the spent casing and strip another round.
However, there’s the problem of weaker ammo which would produce less gas, and also the crud that accumulates and can slow everything down.
Therefore, manufacturers usually let a much larger amount of gas cycle through to brute force through the issues. A heavier BCG and shrouded pin minimize the negative effects of a lot of gas.
There are also lighter BCGs for competition guns…but don’t worry about that for now! Unless you want to here.
BCG Coatings
One of the newest crazes is to have coated BCG’s that are supposed to make them easier to clean, require less lubrication, and run longer between cleanings.
Nickel boron is the flavor of the week along with Titanium Nitride, Hard Chrome, and Black Nitride.
If you’re running your gun hard constantly or use a suppressor which deposits more gunk back into your BCG, you might benefit from a coated BCG. Otherwise, keep your regular BCG clean and lubed and it will run just fine.
Or…check out our Best BCG’s article for our favorite picks.
Buffer Tubes, Triggers, & More
Buffer Tube
This comes up more when you are building a lower from scratch. Just go with Mil-Spec instead of Commercial since it is stronger. Also, make sure to match up the carbine/rifle lengths according to your barrel.
Triggers
I’d stick with the standard Mil-Spec trigger initially. It may be a little gritty at first but will become better with use.
I like it for its reliability.
More precision rifles will use aftermarket single-stage or two-stage triggers.
However, I will say that the first upgrade I would do to a rifle would be upgrading the trigger. Just stick with the stock one first…if only so you can fully appreciate an upgraded one!
Can’t wait?
Check out our Best AR-15 Triggers list. Hands down…getting a better trigger is the best upgrade you can do to shoot more accurately.
Optics/Accessories/Furniture
Again, we recommend getting used to your iron sights, stock muzzle device, and standard furniture before jumping into upgrades.
You likely won’t know what you need until you get adequate range time.
But of course, we’ve got a guide (and lots of testing) for that too…check out:
AR-15 Intended Purposes
We’ll cover the four main flavors, each with its own pros and cons.
M4gery
Known lovingly as the “M4-gery” (M4 + Forgery), this is the most common AR-15 type which seeks to mimic the M4 military carbine.
While the M4 has a 14.5-inch barrel with a carbine length gas system, most AR-15s of this variant will use a 16-inch barrel and a mix of carbine and mid-length gas systems.
Most will have collapsible buttstocks so you can adjust your length of pull and eye relief.
M4gery’s span many varieties.
The first rifle is more bone stock, with a carry handle, non-free-floating handguard, carbine gas system, and a front sight base.
While the BCM flattop upper receiver with a 1913 (Picatinny) rail on top, the new M-LOK rail on the sides, free-floated handguard, mid-length gas system, and low profile gas block.
Precision/Varmint/SPR/DMR
Varmint/precision builds likely will have an 18- or 20-inch barrel of the heavy contour variety for extra stability and velocity. The twist rates and materials may also change for more accurate combinations (1×8 or 1×7 and non-chrome-line or stainless steel).
Oh…and get ready for some more acronyms such as Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) and Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). Basically…longer barrel.
Precision AR-15s will also most likely have free-floated handguards and heavier buttstocks. You’ll want to add a scope and probably a bipod too. Get ready for a much heavier rifle!
SBR/Pistol Builds
We won’t be covering much of them in this guide, but if you do go this route, be extra sure of your state/local laws since you’ll be going with sub-16-inch barrels. Traditionally this is known as a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) which requires paperwork and a tax stamp.
And for a few short years there were “pistol braces” that allowed for sub-16″ barrels without applying for an SBR. However as of June 1, 2023 these are no longer valid…but there’s several injunctions in the works. Check out the current status of Pistol Braces and the ATF.
Both make the tradeoff of a shorter, lighter, and easier-to-handle weapon. But the drawbacks include much-decreased velocity and increased muzzle blast (people around will HATE you).
SBRs and AR pistols are best suited for under 100 yards.
Competition Builds (3-Gun)
Competition guns are specifically tailored race rifles for 3-Gun (rifle, pistol, & shotgun) or other competitions.
Normally you’ll see longer barrels and gas systems coupled with big brakes/compensators to reduce recoil and enable faster follow-up shots. Almost everything else in the system is customized to the shooter.
Best out-of-the-box competition ARs.
Pistol Caliber Carbines
Another new entry to the field is pistol caliber carbines (PCC). They are also known as AR-9s and I’m pretty sure you can guess what they are!
ARs that give you the same ergonomics you’re used to but that take pistol mags and ammunition.
Now you don’t have to double-up on mags and ammo. Plus you can compete in pistol competitions because the ammo won’t destroy the targets like fast rifle rounds.
Check out our list of Best AR-9s: Pistol Caliber AR-15s.
Featureless Builds
It brings me great sadness to have to add this for 2017+.
But featureless rifles make it legal for residents of CA and NY (and probably more) to own AR-15 style firearms with accessible magazine releases.
The biggest differences you’ll see are no pistol grip, non-adjustable buttstock, and no flash hider. For more, check out our Featureless Rifles page.
Best AR-15 Manufacturers
Love it or hate it…people really want these groupings. These are my personal point of view and fluctuate through the years as I gain more experience.
Drumroll, please…
Top Tier AR-15 Manufacturers
These are our perceived top-quality manufacturers who don’t cut corners and can produce near 100% reliable guns (or they have an awesome marketing budget).
If you’re looking for the best service grade (mil-spec) AR for self or home defense, we recommend going with one of these top-tier companies that stand behind their product.
- Bravo Company (BCM)
- Daniel Defense (DD)
- Larue
- Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT)
- Noveske
- Rainier Arms
- Yankee Hill Machine
Mid Tier Manufacturers
These are great guns that might start out range plinking guns until they’ve proven themselves. We recommend putting at least 1,000 rounds through with varying conditions, ammo, and magazines before you trust a gun with your life.
The below is not an exhaustive list, especially with all the builders out there.
Budget Manufacturers
Nothing wrong with these guns either, they are great starter ARs because of their affordability and are perfectly capable of being reliable. Just test them out first.
Price
For a top tier, expect to pay $1,300 to $2,000 for a complete rifle, while mid-tiers can start around $900. Intro AR-15s are attainable for around $500 now thanks to Palmetto State Armory.
Remember, you’re paying for the quality of materials, quality control, and R&D. Ok…and probably marketing too.
Featureless Rifles
For the folks in CA and NY.
There has been a lot more activity here (Springfield and LWRC) but I’m holding off on adding everything until I can review them in hand.
The easiest is to buy a featureless at your local gun store or turn your current one following our Featureless Guide.
Building?
If you really want to build your lower…
I’d recommend looking at our Best Lower Receivers article and then following How to Build a Lower Receiver.
But my advice is still…buy a complete rifle! Or at least two complete halves.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Lead writer for this article is Pew Pew Tactical CEO and Founder Eric Hung. As founder of PPT, he has researched and written over 250 articles on firearms and gear and fired thousands of rounds through a variety of AR-15s (including a bunch from his personal collection). Eric is an NRA-certified pistol instructor and a USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor and uses his knowledge of the AR platform in competition.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is 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. She uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical. She also owns a handful of AR-15s in her collection that she enjoys taking to the range.
Final Thoughts on the Best AR-15s
I know we’ve gone over a lot, and your journey to getting an AR-15 has just begun. So think of all the criteria you want (including price point) and start looking.
And once you do get one, let me know how it runs, and then check out the rest of the AR-15 Definitive Guides. For more rifle goodness, head to our round-up of the Best Rifles!
Latest Updates
November 2024: Removed FN 15 Patrol Carbine (discontinued) and Smith & Wesson Sport II. Added Smith & Wesson Sport III.
613 Leave a Reply
A MOST EXCELLENT ARTICLE, ESP. FOR THOSE SHOOTERS WHO HAVE NEVER OWNED ONE BEFORE !!! MY SHOOTING CAREER BEGAN IN THE MID-50'S (I AM NOW 74) AND WAS HEAVILY TRAINED ON B/A, LEVERS, PUMP SHOTGUNS, & REVOLVERS. HOWEVER, AT THE "2021-USMC BIRTHDAY GALA & CHARITY AUCTION" I BID $1,250 ON A RIFLE BUILT BY "RICHMOND TACTICAL" IN BROOKSHIRE, TX. & IT'S MODEL IS THE "EL CUCUIY".
I gotta say, your tier list is kind of skewed. It is not how I'd organize it. Decent article, though. Check out ADM. They make good stuff.
Its not the gun - its the shooter
DD. Ha! I have seen lots of LE agencies buy those only to send them immediately back for repairs. The quality went down
This is why the gun community suckkkkkks. Especially for AR15s. It's the world's largest cesspool of low IQ keyboard warriors who absolutely must ensure that everyone knows they are THE expert on all things bang and anyone who thinks otherwise is a moron. This guy put a list together based on his own opinions he's not attacking anyone's choice. Read down the comments and all you get is crap slinging and long rants about the same old bs. It's the same everywhere. No one cares what Reddit told you. No one cares what your favorite guntuber thinks. No one cares how popular you are on ARFCOM. This should be a community of respect and comradery instead it's just cringe idiots everywhere arguing about nothing. It's getting old AF.
no spikes tactical?
I have two Anderson ARs, one a factory build and one customized. They cost about $500 and $750, respectively. I’ve fired well over 1,000 rounds through each without an issue. I’d highly recommend Anderson for the budget option.
DD as the high end pick? That's a JOKE.
Actually, I consider my KAC and my LMT to be top tier. My DDs and BCMs are more upper-mid tier.
Down the list, for a low tier, I have a PSA CHF/Premier level that is some of their best stuff. All I did to that was put a Rave 140 trigger in it, and at 3 lbs, it's a great weapon.
For a quick upper/lower combo, I have an 11.5" Aero S One with a nice PSA SBA3 lower, with a Timney Impact trigger. That's all I need in a pistol, something that I'm confident will go BANG all the time. Also, 11.5" is the shortest barrel that has good velocity and doesn't punish the moving parts.
Well, unless you burn the big bucks for a Q LLC Boombox, Honey Badger, or similar quality.
But $3-5K? Ouch.
After watching lots of videos and reading stacks of reviews and articles on AR15's I bought one. Out of ALL of these items, I NEVER read or found anything negative about the BlackOut Defense DTL. Your article doesn't mention this rifle, why? Thanks
I said nothing about gun safety or gun trafficking in any of my posts. I am very much FOR gun safety and AGAINST gun trafficking.
The fact that you call me a profane name demonstrates that you aren't a serious poster.
You probably do have something to say that would contribute to the dialog. Why not post a thoughtful response?
Why no mention Anderson AR15 Utility Pro. I think this is a great first AR gun to learn from. Yes, I know you think it’s cheaply made, but if you break it down it does have quality parts on it. I just bought one with a lot of videos, reviews and You Tube channels range shooting. The last one I saw, they shot 1,000 rounds through it on automatic. It did not break down, of course the barrel heated up, no failures. All different shows of different experience stated they found a new AR under $550. I paid $429 at Sportsman Warehouse. I can’t wait to shooting it. Check out the shows on You Tube, they show all different AR platforms and pistol and rifle. There are 4-5 shows on Anderson AR15 from cleaning to adding parts to shooting. Watch the shows.
Very happy to finally discovered PPT. Thousands of enthusiasts have been enjoying and absorbing the exhaustive amount of research. I’m hooked!
That article, Eric, is the best I've read in a very long time on the AR style rifles. Concise and to the point. Videos were informative to watch. My first AR was a Colt LE. Only changes/adaptations were the butt stock (Hogue), a straight pistol grip (Bravo Company), a vertical grip that contained a internal bipod, and an Aimpoint red dot. My next AR was the Springfield Armory Saint. Same mods with exception of the red dot, a Sig Romeo5 and Juliet 3X magnifier. These rifles used on the job as a police officer. Uncle Sam provided basic training with the M16 and M16/M203 way back in the day. Keep up the great articles! I don't care if your picks don't include mine as the quality of the information is what is important and greatly appreciated.
I am very surprised that there was no mention of the HK variant. True, the full automatic is not available to civilians but nonetheless this is a very reliable firearm in its semi-automatic configuration. Can you explain why?
Is a Anderson AR-15 a good gun?
The Warrior Poet Society is a good review on it. I don’t have one, so I can’t speak to the rifle personally, though.
I applaud your choice to say car-BINE. I have a DVD copy of a 1952 movie called “Carbine” Williams (the…inventor?…of the genre, or did he just make it work right?), starring Jimmy Stewart as The Man. Since Carbine Williams himself was the technical consultant on the movie and they call him car-BINE throughout I’m going to have to assume that car-BINE is the correct pronunciation of his name. Since car-BEAN is in such common use I guess this will never be corrected.
When you talk about the BEST AR, you left out LWRC, who make the finest and widest range of ARs around. They pioneered Piston action ARs. I also must disagree with what you have said regarding the piston system being less accurate: I find my LWRC to be very accurate and above all easy to clean!!! I was a grunt with M16A1 and the damn thing was always jamming because of carbon fouling. After firing that POS it took an average of 2 HOURS or more before my soldiers could clean them well enough to be accep-0table for return to the arms room. That's why the Army is no going to the XM-7, a piston operated, specialized 6.8 round. Anyone who has to depend on the DI weapons in combat will tell absolute tales of horror when the damn thing failed because it was dirty. Any comments from other combat Vets?
He also left out
the best A.R. 15 of the year in 2020
The IWI Zion AR15
IWI stands for
Israeli weapon industry
The A.R.15 carried by the Israeli army
IWI Zion-15 Review –
Our Rifle of the Year Award iwi-zion-15-review
"Will", and all of the variations on that name that he uses, is clearly an anti-gun troll on a mission. He would never say the things he says if he had any interest in regular folks having 2nd Amendment rights.
At present there are 590 comments on this article. (Mine will be 591.) It's going to take me a LONG time to sift through all of "Will's" posts to get to actual comments!
You mentioned the Aero Precision PC Caliber Carbine for $314. I thought, I might want one of those. So I clicked on the link, and all I found was a bunch of parts, no complete rifle. Then as I scrolled down through the article, I saw all of the parts that are needed for a complete AR-15. There is no way I would even attempt to buy all the correct parts and then put it together myself!
Then I don't have time to read yours :)
If you don't like the constitution, change it...there is a process. Otherwise, over-reaching governments shall not take away the God-given rights of the people.
I love the Constitution. It guarantees my right to freedom . The gun culture in America has brought that into danger. We need safe storage laws. We need to stop selling modern infantry rifles meant for killing people on the battlefield quickly and in large numbers to anyone with $500. We need safety training requirements before people buy weapons. We need to enable the TAF so it can find and prosecute America's thriving gun traffickers. We need safe storage. We need to stop selling semi auto pistol people killers to anybody with a few hundred bucks. In short, we need a responsible gun culture. And we do not have that. Which is why, America has the WORST per capita gun violence problem on earth. By a large margin. The social media gamers and ignoramus MAGAs on this site keep denying it. I don't argue with liars. I simply state the facts. Worst per capita gun violence rate in the world AND the most guns per capita in the world. They're a correlation there. We need gun safety legislation and responsible understanding of what modern infantry rifles are. Pew Pew ??? How cite a way to describe a 5.56 round that can blow a child head apart.
You said there was a correlation between most guns per capita and worst gun violence per capita. Correlation does NOT equal causation.
Why are you so full of hate? You made an assumption that one thing equaled another without considering any other outside factors. That lacks any critical thinking skill. Happy new year!
Jackass with a keyboard !!!! So. You're opposed to gun safety. Lets guess.. You're A a MAGA b. an election denier c. a rethuglican d. an uneducated clown e. a lousy shot....that should cover everything....feel free to as=dd however... Perhaps you should run along to your tiki torch book burning...cheers pencilneck.
And oops !!!! I forgot to read your ignorant hate filled drivel rambo...cheers. don't pee your pants
Another weak crybaby that probably thinks it’s brave for a boy to pretend to be a girl and beat up on biological girls. Read this guys comment and understand immediately why a coward like this never has and never will understand why the second amendment ends with “ shall not be infringed “.
William Fraser:
Some of the things you have listed would probably be good, except for the fact that there are many in the American government that use "common sense gun laws" as cover to totally disarm the people. New York City is a prime example. The founders knew that, and that's why they said that our right to own and carry guns "shall not be infringed".
Your post above illustrates what I am talking about - you want to eliminate semi-automatic pistols that cost a few hundred bucks. By doing so, you would be eliminating the most basic handguns. In other words, you aren't talking about "responsible gun ownership", but rather taking away all guns from all private citizens.
All of the steps you have listed in your post show that you aren't interested in "common sense gun laws", but rather the total disarming of the American people.
The United States has the only constitution in the world that guarantees an unrestricted right to own and carry guns. Why would the founders put such a thing in the original constitution? Because they really did believe in a government of, by, and for the people. They trusted the regular folks to manage their own affairs with as little government interference as possible.
Also, it's a lot more difficult for a dictatorship to take over when so many private citizens are armed. That's what they meant by "well-regulated militia" - a militia was a group of private citizens WHO OWNED GUNS, who would show up as needed, fight WITH THEIR OWN GUNS, then go back home WITH THEIR OWN GUNS. A posse in the Old West was an example of a well-regulated militia, because it was run by the sheriff, but it was private citizens who were armed WITH THEIR OWN GUNS. And once they caught the crook, they went home WITH THEIR OWN GUNS. They never handed them over to the sheriff.
You are anti-Second Amendment, and no one here cares what you think
This is the poorest ranked guide. KAC SR-15 blows this junk out of the water. No mention of CheyTac either. Great guide for Walmart enthusiasts
Thanks for reading and for your feedback. We update articles frequently with new picks as we test stuff out, so if you don't see what you like, check back again later. Thanks!
Sir- Springfield Amory Saint Victor- runs all day, not a single glitch.
Upgrade the silly grip, throw on larger mag release, maybe a Raptor charging handle. LOVE this bang stick!
WHY, no mention of SONS OF LIBERTY GUN WORKS??? Others follow this same absence of mentioning or RATING. SOLGW make some very awesome real-life-duty weapons, and from what I have been able to garner - none of the companies you have listed, or any other for that matter - SUPPORTS OUR CONSTITUTION LIKE THEY HAVEW PROVEN TO DO, NO OTHER COMPANY SUPPORTS THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THEY DO (giving you a replacement weapon if yours is lawfully taken (or not) by the ANTI SECOND AMENDMENT GOVERNMENT. I believe a companies actions should be just as much accounted for as quality when rating weapon manufacturers!
As an avid AR-15 enthusiast, I can vouch for the rifles listed here. The customization options for AR-15s are almost endless, and it's important to choose one that fits your intended use. Personally, I prefer the versatility of the "Jack-of-All-Trades" option mentioned – having a balance between accuracy, weight, and accessory compatibility is key.
Welcome to the land of the ignorant fact denying gun nuts. So you guys are attacking my veteran status. Classic ignoramus tactic . But , as usual you display ignorance, NRA gun sales propaganda and of course hatred. Again. America has the worst per capita gun violence rate on earth. The ATF is completely emasculated thanks to NRA lobbying. The ATF rarely if ever prosecutes a gun trafficker. You stupid are so pathetically misinformed about America's gun violence ce epidemic its sickening. Glad you don't like my Marine Corps service. Of course you don't like it. Stupid to the end right MAGA.? BTW President Biden won the 2020 election and your hero the traitor liar is going to JAIL........bwahahahahahahaaaz. get a good psychiatrist gomer.
I'm retired military Gilligan, try fighting a war without a gun. Trump 2024!
Chill with the "veteran status" BS. I did 26-plus years and I never use it as a shield. Nobody gives a rat's ass but you do you and go to 10 different restaurants on Veteran's Day just so people will thank you for your service because you need it for your ego.
Again. America has the WOSR per capita gun violence rate in the world. Your comment reflects the fact that you are so propagandized by the gun industry's partner, the NRA, that you don't care that all of us. are more likely to. be gunned down in the USA than any nation on earth. I'm a USMC infantry officer fro. the Vietnam era, a championship shooter and a qualified range officer. Again. America has the worst per capita gun violence rate on earth./ Easy access to firearms is the cause. The 2nd Amendment guarantees our states can have armed militias. They do. The gun owners are NOT a well organized militia and private militias are illegal under the US Constitution. Your attitude and your insistence simply guarantee more gun violence in America. So. you may not care about America's gun violence problem ,b ut Ido. And , by the way, I never "debate" with p[eople incapable of logic who simply rep[eat falsehoods. This isn't a "debate". You are opposed to gun safety ANDyou support policies enabled by the NRA that guarantee that the gun violence epidemic will continue in America. congratulations clown.
The right of the people shall not be infringed. That means everybody, not just the militia. The US Supreme Court has settled this several times. People means everybody. The reason there is so much gun violence is because the liberals have decided to defund law enforcement and turn criminals back out on the street which makes no penalty for wrong doing. You are the clown, and there is no debate about that!
Rubbish......you are anti gun safety and likely a dangerous gun owner.
FO, And that doesn't mean fuel oil!
Hey loser. I don't think big Al said anything about opposing common sense gun safety legislation. It's obvious you just want to sit on here and troll everyone.
FO, and that doesn't mean fuel oil!
I think you need to see a psychiatrist
You are so stupid! there are usually only two types of Democrats, Evil and stupid. I believe that you might be the exception, you seem to be BOTH! I am sure glad that you are not making any laws in this country. Maybe you should seek employment in North Korea or Russia. Their people are disarmed and look how much better off they are. You would fit right in!
yawn,,,,,,,,eins, zwei, drei,,,don't think, just buy more ammo and oppose gun safety .....the eras real clients, gun manufacturers depend on your opposition to gun safety.....gomer
Colion Noir debunked (and continues to debunk) your per capita gun violence claim. Also, your troll skills are weak.
Thank you for the review and guide.
Thanks for this, very informative. Moving the f*ck out of CA to Nevada and look forward to purchasing my first AR-15. US ARMY (Ret) here. AATW!
"Guns everywhere" with minimal safety laws is why America has the worst per capita gun violence rate on earth. And you can insult me until you are blue in the face but it will not alter this fact . Imagine a gun range with no safety rules. Does that sound safe to you ?? If it does then we don't need to discuss this further. Because invariably, the only feedback I get to gun safety posts is denial, threats and anger.
I think by denial, threats and anger you mean actual logical arguments.
Once again. No facts. No logic. America has the worst per capita gun violence rate on earth. America has an unsafe, gun culture and little law enforcement of gun trafficking due to NRA anti ATF GOP legislation . Such as, the ATF is prohibited from using any computerized gun serial # registries. Thats illegal thanks to the NRA. So it shouldn't be surprising that the ATF rarely if ever is able to prosecute gun traffickers. Say thank you to the NRA for that.. Cheers.
You must be ATF
I I am ATF good news !!!!!!!!!! you have NOTHING TO FEAr as the NRA and the gun manufacturers lobby has cut the ATFs balls off by blocking them from having a modern computer system capable of tracking gun serial #s so they can actually catch America's thriving gun traffickers who supply criminal, Mexican cartels and domestic terrorists. The ATF barely makes half a dozen cases against gun trafficking every year. So no worries . You're safe. Well, as safe as anyone can be in a nation with the HIGHEST BY FAR gun violence rate in the world. And what have you done to democratically encourage gun safety legislation that can reduce the gun violence ??????Nothing. Thanks a lot. My kids are less safe. And so are yours. And everyone else's ....And go by the way of the worst 17 mass murders in recent history in the US, 11 were committed with AR 15s. And thats because it is a modern infantry style rifle designed t kill as many enemy combatants on the battlefield as fast as you can shoot. Some "Sport" rifle. Keep making believe it's not a military rifle. My Marines carried it in 1973. And it went into use in the US military in 1966. Just a little history for the little "pew' "pew" LETHAL infantry rifle popular around the world.
The US gun industry has an excellent marketing campaign.
drink some more koolaide and spend more time hanging with the people you hate! I'm not sure what "SPECIAL STANDING" BEING IN THE SERVICE - YOU THINK GRANTS YOU! iT IS WONDERFUL TO SERVE YOUR COUNTRY, BUT SORRY TO INFORM YOU it doesn't make special, and it sure as hell doesn't make you smater, YOUR COMMENTS ATTEST TO THAT
Clown says what ??I don't "debate" ignorant anti gun safety boobs
I haven't seen a single logic and fact based argument from any one of you.
Frankly you are incapable of it if you're in denial even that America has a severe gun violence problem.
Is that what you think ??? Stand and Fight ???? I know what that means. Come and Take it...I know what that means. That said, your complete and total denial that America has a gun violence epidemic that is the worst in the world and your complete refusal to keep chiugging extremist right wing guns everywhere propaganda is clear. Which is why my hair stands on end whenever I am on a public range standing next to clowns like you. And just for the record, you have not made a single point that refutes anything I posted. Fact free clown.. I actually support our right to own firearms. However I also support policies that will reduce our horrific gun violence problem. You don't. because you're an ignorant clown. cheers rambo
You think ??? But no actual facts ?? As expected. Have a nice dangerous day MR anti gun safety. Not impressed.
Go drink a bud light .......
Kiss my ass MAGA traitor
I love Bud Light..and gun safety... NoRANow, MomsDemandAction,Brady Group for Gun Safety,
But let's not be real and talk about how MOST of that gun violence is done by gang bangers illegally handling firearms or individuals committing suicide. Let's also not mention certain demographics and cities where the majority of this violence takes place. You come on here spewing your anti- gun nonsense but expect others to listen to you when you're coming with completely biased opinions trying to convince people it's fact. One thing you'll learn about true Patriots unlike yourself (yes i know you claim to be one) is that we know the truth and we know the law! If you'd like to debate with truth and actual facts, I'd be glad to make you look stupid. I'll come by here daily to see if you're still spewing your anti-gun message and typing in disguise trying to fool everyone that you're an American loving Marine. Haha what a joke!
WRONG. Half of gun violence is suicides. Gun suicide is often accompanied by gun homicide against family members, schoolmates, coworkers. Gun suicide also has mass murder associated with it. YOU, are more likely to be shot in America than any nation on earth. Yes, poverty ridden areas have more gun violence and minorities. No, gun homicide is not confined to just that group. You are revealing that besides being completely uninformed about gun violet statistics you are also apparently an ignoramus regarding race. Which is par for the course in this venue. #NoRANow,MomsAGainstGunVilnce,BradyLawCenter, Gun safety laws work. Not that you clowns will ever admit that. You threaten to bear arms against our government only because you're too stupid to participate in our democracy. And your traitor hero, Mango Mussolini is going to JAIL for attempting to steal the votes of 81 million Americans..
So my very first sentence that said gang violence and "suicide" was missed by your reading?
You bring politics into this discussion which is hilarious because your politics is the EXACT reason why America has a gun problem.
Dealing with recidivism is the absolute key to solving violence.
71% of gunshot victims had previous arrest records.
64% had been convicted of a crime.
Victims had an average of 11 prior arrests. 1, 2
63% of victims had criminal histories and 73% of that group knew their assailant (twice as often as victims without criminal histories). 3
74% of homicides during the commission of a felony involve guns.
Then you want to try to continue the lie that there's no correlation between race and gun violence?
Fact: Misuse of guns is highly centralized in major metro areas, within poor neighborhoods (typically street gang infested) and thus highly among young black males. Please don't make me come back with the actual numbers because it's obvious. If you removed the top 5 one cities and the hang violence in America, we do down to #189 on the list of violent counties. The gun violence is very centralized among a certain race and demographic. Sure you can look at TOTAL gun statistics to prove your point but you said it yourself, that includes suicide which accounts for over half!
If you want to have a real conversation about the"gun issue" in America, you have to remove your emotion and come with facts. Id be glad to have this debate with you but your emotion has you sounding like you're from the UK. You're "facts" sound like those you hear from English citizens who have only read and heard the bias media stories that our country puts out.
What exactly are you trying to solve with your comments? Are you trying to protect Americans and save lives? Are you getting to put down legal gun owners and convince people to stop buying guns? Please tell me what your biggest issue is and what you're trying to prove and accomplish. I'm honestly willing to listen but only if you come with unbiased facts.
Hang on. Let's go to gun suicides. Are you saying we should discount gun suicides from gun violence rates ??????/ Gun suicide is often accompanied by gun homicide. You really need to do some reading about gun violence. Furthermore, people who shoot themselves are committing gun violence, whether you like it or not.
B. There is nothing hilarious about gun violence.
C.The AR 15 IS the favorite weapon used by 11 of the past 17 worst mass shootings. Not hilarious. Semi automatic pistols are the most commonly used mass murder weapons. As they are for suicides. Easily concealed, very effective. The AR 15 is designed by Eugene Stoner et all to be able to kill the maximum number of enemy combatants on the battlefield as quickly as possible using lighter ammo which allows the rifleman to carry more rounds. It is a deadly weapon and it was not designed for "sport".
D. The fact remains. America has the WORST per capita gun violence rate on earth. You're saying those 15 or 20 vets who blow their brains out every day don't count ?? The presence of a handgun during an emotional crisis is a deadly combination. Sorry you don't like those facts. But they are facts....
E. finally. Gun violence on US military bases is very rare,. Why ?
Users are safety trained. Weapons are under lock and key when. not in use. Ammo is stored separately under armed guard or lock and key.
We have criminals. Criminals have guns. In America. They mostly DON'T have them in other democracies. SURELY you understand. that we have an enormous gun violence problem. If you're in denial even about that, the you are part of the problem. And don't friggin insult me bitch
I have a Smith Trophy gold medal in my house . an Sig Ar 10, and 03A3 and a Winchester Model 70. 0302,0845,4915
Democrats destroy America they never take out gind to defin us from evil I sr 15 is notevilmits s dam blessing to fight evil whit fuck joe biben s democrats devils trump 24 we keeping our guns to death dies us part of it was not for out and they done invalided our ssss lock losd defin.
If your trying to say that it's too easy to get a gun in America and that having more guns on the street is the problem then let's look at that.
About Gun Facts and Our Projects
Gun Policy Topics
Crime and Guns
Basic to the debates on gun control is the fact that most violent crime is committed by repeat offenders. Dealing with recidivism is key to solving violence.
71% of gunshot victims had previous arrest records.
64% had been convicted of a crime.
Victims had an average of 11 prior arrests. 1, 2
63% of victims had criminal histories and 73% of that group knew their assailant (twice as often as victims without criminal histories). 3
74% of homicides during the commission of a felony involve guns. 4
Most gun violence is between criminals. This should be the public policy focus.
Myth: Gun violence is widespread in America
CRIME AND GUNS - Firearm Homicides in the U.S. by age, race, urbanization - 2016
Bureau of Justice Statistics - crime gun sources
CRIME AND GUNS - Firearm Homicide and Ownership Rates by State 2019
Fact: Misuse of guns is highly centralized in major metro areas, within poor neighborhoods (typically street gang infested) and thus highly among young black males.
Myth: Criminals buy guns at gun stores and gun shows
Fact: Less than 1% of crime guns are acquired at gun shows, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. 5
Fact: In total, about 10-11% of crime guns come from retail sources 6, where background checks are conducted. About 2.3% of guns used in violent crime come from retail sources. 7
Fact: Only 7.3% of traced guns were recovered from the individual who first bought the gun. 8
Fact: One study 9of adult offenders living in Chicago or nearby determined that criminals obtain most of their guns through their social network and personal connections. Rarely is the proximate source either direct purchase from a gun store, or even theft. This agrees with other, broader studies of incarcerated felons.
Fact: Another city-wide study, 10 this one in Pittsburgh, showed that 80% of people illegally carrying guns were prohibited from possessing guns, and that a minimum of 30% of the guns were stolen.
Fact: Other common arrangements include sharing guns and holding guns for others. 11
Myth: Crime guns come from retail
Fact: The Bureau of Justice statistics concludes that only 10% of crime guns come from retail (purchased by the perpetrator) while 43% come from street sources.
Fact: One academic analysis 12 could find no state level association between retail sales of guns or changes in crime rates.
Myth: Guns are not a good deterrent to crime
Fact: Guns prevent an estimated 2.5 million crimes a year or 6,849 every day. 13 Most often, the gun is never fired and no blood (including the criminal’s) is shed.
Fact: Property crime rates are dropping (especially burglaries). The chart shows the legal handgun supply in America (mainly in civilian hands) relative to the property crime rate. 14
Fact: Every year 400,000 life-threatening violent crimes are prevented using firearms.
Fact: 60% of convicted felons admitted that they avoided committing crimes when they knew the victim was armed. 40% of convicted felons admitted that they avoided committing crimes when they thought the victim might be armed. 15
Fact: Felons report that they avoid entering houses where people are at home because they fear being shot. 16
Fact: 59% of the burglaries in Britain, which has tough gun control laws, are “hot burglaries” 17 which are burglaries committed while the home is occupied by the owner/renter. By contrast, the U.S., with more lenient gun control laws, has a “hot burglary” rate of only 13%. 18
Fact: Washington DC has essentially banned gun ownership since 1976 19 and has a murder rate of 56.9 per 100,000. Across the river in Arlington, Virginia, gun ownership is less restricted. There, the murder rate is just 1.6 per 100,000, less than three percent of the Washington, DC rate. 20
Fact: 26% of all retail businesses report keeping a gun on the premises for crime control. 21
Fact: In 1982, Kennesaw, GA passed a law requiring heads of households to keep at least one firearm in the house. The residential burglary rate dropped 89% the following year. 22
Fact: A survey of felons revealed the following: 23
74% of felons agreed that, “One reason burglars avoid houses when people are at home is that they fear being shot during the crime.”
57% of felons polled agreed, “Criminals are more worried about meeting an armed victim than they are about running into the police.”
400,000 crimes are prevented with firearms every year ???????????
BULLSHIT gun industry propaganda...despite the fact that fox likes to p[ost gun owner segments defending themselves, the fact it's, gun owners are MORE likely to get shot than those who aren't OOOPPPPPSSSSS.
I love the guns everywhere propaganda you cite ???
But America STILL has the worst per capita gun violence rate on earth and gunfire is the leading cause of death among American children....
Love to see you explain that away ..Should be fascinating.
120 plus American die daily from gun violence. America needs much better gun safety laws.
You oppose that... Which is just stupid..
Troll
this is great ,so helpful "Fact: Another city-wide study, 10 this one in Pittsburgh, showed that 80% of people illegally carrying guns were prohibited from possessing guns"
80% of people illegally carrying guns were prohibited from carrying guns"??!!!!!! Well no kidding...80% of people who can't have guns by law had guns ???.. Wow. Thats the stupidest argument yet.
"
Fact: One academic analysis 12 could find no state level association between retail sales of guns or changes in crime rates....
.one analysis ??
JEEPERS !!!! Another non fact cited by an uneducated, gullible mind..
States with stricter gun safety laws have lower gun violence rates.....STATES,,not cities.STATES.....yes inner gun violence among the urban poor is off the page bad...
Yes most street crime guns aren't from retail. CORRECT. They're stolen and trafficked into the inner cities. Gun stores are ofter the targets of break ins.
This fact in no way changes the fact that America has the worst gun violence rate on earth or that the NRA has GUTTED the ATF with legislation backed by guns everywhere GOP legislators that prevents the ATF from tracking trafficked firearms. As a result, American firearms traffickers are flourishing and the NRA and the GOP has enabled that.. Thats a pretty simple concept to understand.
By the way, I haven't heard the "Ar 15 is a sport rifle" story yet ?? When are you going to explain that claim ??? Because my Marines were carrying Armalite based M-16s in 1973.. And I qualified as an expert six times with it.
When are you going to claim Eugene Stoner was designing "sport" rifles when he started making AR rifles for the Air Force. would be a great fairy tale.
Your cut and paste gun industry "facts" are c.r.a.p.
American gun deaths are increasing annually. That does not fit your "narrative". Why ? If it's not clear to you that your cut and paste list of "facts" is gun lobby propaganda then you're not very bright.
The worst per capita gun violence rate in the world and it's getting worse.
That does NOT fit your claims, which you got from a gun magazine. BTW, the NRA gets tens of millions of dollars in advertising fees from gun and ammo manufacturers who sell infantry style weapons to Americans under the pretense that they may have to use them against our own government. If you can't handle working with others peacefully in a democracy, you threaten them with gun violence. And that is a MAJOR part of the NRA's platform. I'm thinking you are a MAGA, and likely a white supremaicst as your accounts blaming our gun violence problem on blacks and minorities fits that narrative. But statistics don't lie and 75% of gun violence is unrelated to gang bangers and urban poor. We have a gun safety problem and its directly related to selling military style weapons, not legislating safe storage of guns and ammo, a right wing narrative suggesting Americans need guns to attack our nations representatives and elected officials and hatred for anyone who suggests we need to change direction on guns if we are to stop the growth of gun violence. All nations have criminals and mental health problems. But it is in America where people with this kinds of issues can act out their anger with firearms violence. You guys can post your fake gun industry "stats" on how owning guns makes you safer but the facts show that those who own guns are more likely to engage in gun violence and more likely to die from gun violence. When I see some jackass walking through the grocery store with a tee shirt that proclaims he's carrying I do not feel safer. I feel endangered by a stranger carrying a lethal device and who could, in an instant turn that weapon against those around him. Guns everywhere and a gun carrying population is a violent population. And the statistics clearly show that. No other nation even comes close in the level of gun violence.
I actually had a guns guy tell me that the AR 15 round is less lethal than a 7.62 round . Thats a very complicated issue technically but the bottom line was the guy was claiming the 5.56 "pew pew" round isn't lethal. "it's designed to wound not kill " was the claim. IDIOTIC..... a combatant can carry more rounds because they're lighter, it has a higher muzzle velocity meaning the wounds it inflicts are horrific. Total rubbish. Yet there is an army of guns everywhere gun owners out there making claims like that.
So than ks for all the ugly comments about me but the fact is we have a gun violence problem and the presence of more military style weapons designed for killing people is making it worse.
Post all the gun industry rubbish you want. Our gun violence epidemic is a national disgrace and I'm not hearing squat from any of you guys addressing that. All I hear is anger and denial. And NRA/gun industry misinformation. America is NOT a fascist state .It is a DEMOCRACY. And until the gun industry and guns everywhere proponents abandon the white supremacist narrative falsely blaming America's gun violence problem solely on minorities, blacks and career criminals it will get worse.
And nobody here can stop that until they start accepting that gun violence in. America is a real problem that affects all of us nd that anger and more guns isn't going to fix that. It sucks won you guys threaten others.
You are too angry and you have tunnel vision. The fact is you will never see a gun free USA and your fellow citizens enjoying and practicing there rights should not be on your to do list. There are real problems that need attention. The only time I argue with a fellow citizen is when they try to take something from me and wake up anyone (government) who keeps secrets from you isn't your friend.
I don't propose a gun free America. I simply am pointing out that America has the worst gun violence rate on earth . Whether its sucide hoimide or accidents.
Therefore, I conclude, correctly that America needs better gun safety legislation. Pretty basic. And although I like the fact that Mr NRA gun propaganda is opposed to communist rat bastards, as am I, he has posted the most long winded denial of America's gun violence epidemic I have ever seen. I don't have to "debate" him because he has failed to explain how America's current gun safety laws (or more appropriately lack of gun safety laws ) hasn't prevented our having the worst per capita gun violence rate in the world. Completely failed despite all the stuff he posted. If all that is true and prevents gun violence as he says, then why doesn't America have the worst gun violence rate on earth ?? Why are rednecks running down black kids out for a jog and shooting them. Why are our presidents, congressmen and women and police officers getting shot . Lack of gun safety laws. Hamstringing the ATF. Irresponsible extremist gun industry propaganda telling us that semi automatic weapons of war are "sport" guns. Handguns legally hidden away in everyones waistband. We have th most firearms per capita on earth. And we have the worst gun violence problem. Without adequate safety legislation this will continue. Wm And nothing Mr Gun Violence expert communist killer has changed that,. he can cite pro gun garbage till he is blue in the face but he has NOT shown a single solution EXCEPT more guns. Guns are the problem when they are not safely handled, sold, advertised for sale, safety owner trained and not sold to civilians as devices for killing other civilians. Weapons of war belong in the hands of registered, safe, responsible, safety trained, insured owners. Otherwise, we should all go out and buy bulletproof cars and body armor because this BS isn't going to stop. And Jan 6 will be a mild problem compared to the next time misinformation filled right wing extremists decide to try to overturn another election they lost. Cheers Communist killer. Take your medication.
I'm glad you don't like communist rat bastards.But no, fully half of gun deaths in America daily are gun suicides. !5 or 20 are veterans. Every day. The other 45 or 50 aren't. And yes gang bangers and urban poor minorities commit a disproportionate share of gun homicides. But not MOST. Not even half. Gun suci8des are often accompanied by gun homicides against family, coworkers, classmates, crowds, LGBTQ people, jews, minorities. Come and Take it is a call to violence and it breeds anti gun safety disdain for gun safety efforts. When I go to a public rifle range, the hair on the back of my neck stands on end because I have very little confidence in the stability, competence, safety awareness of the people alongside me. We have a serious gun safety problem. We also have 40 or 60 million AR 15 owners out there who are getting a daily does of misinformation and extremism on Fox, and other right wing propaganda sites. Americans who watch those shows know less about current events than people who don't read the news at all. Fact based journalism is present here. Time, Newsweek, USAToday,BBC, WallStreetJournal, LATimes,NYTimes,WashingtonPost,MSNBC, CBS,CNN,Times-Picayune. Please, please, read fact based news. Accurate gun violence statistics are available here; BradyLawCenter ,MomsDemandAction,#NoRANow. The TAF has been blocked by NRA lobbyists from even having modern computer records of gun serial #s. They rarely if ever catch American gun traffickers as a result. It's not just gang bangers.....please read up on this. Gun safety efforts can't change unless people such as yourself examine the facts on gun violence .Thanks
stfu
why does America have the worst per capita gun violence rate on earth ??
And no, I will not stop talking about gun safety. Sorry.
No
HK MR556 There is a solid reason that the HK 416 is used all over the world by the best of the best when it comes to taking out the bad guys. Yes I have been collecting HK'S since the mid 1980's. When it comes down to protecting God, country, and family it does not get any better!!!
Hmmm... How LWRC is not on this list is a real question to ask and be answered... considered far superior to the Daniel Defense options in my opinion.
Hey Jay, thanks for the comment. We have several members on staff who like LWRC, but unfortunately, we have limited space so we have to make some tough decisions. That said, we update these articles regularly with new models, so check back regularly. Thanks for reading!
I don’t see Rock River in here, why is that??
Pew Pew Tactical says:
"The AR-15 is one of the most popular sporting rifles for many reasons."
TACTICAL, definition : adjective: tactical...relating to or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military end..,,,,,(of weapons) done or for use in immediate support of military operations.
The AR 15 is a military rifle optimized for use on the battlefield to kill numerous human beings quickly. Eugene Stoner started making survival rifles for the military while at LockHeed. Pew Pew uses uses a military term in their company name. I suggest they change their name to Pew Pew Sport . Of the 17 worst mass shootings since 1994, TEN were with an AR 15.
Gun makers have succeeded in tyrannizing American society for their profits......and America has the WORST per capita gun violence rate on earth. Most of the Ar 15 owners at ranges I observe shoot groups from a bench at 100 yds that are 2 to 3 feet across. Yup. They will hit you at that range if they have an entire magazine. But it is NOT a sport rifle. As Pew Pews very name tells you, it is a military rifle that has proven to be enormously effective on the battlefield. Buy as many as you can now. As the slaughter in America continues, Americans are going to demand gun safety regulations. You don't have to agree with gun safety regulations. But the typical law abiding gun owner story, isn't holding up as our well regulated militia committed 45000 gun homicides, gun suicides and accidental shootings or police shootings in 2020 alone. Sorry you don't like that. But that is NOT a well regulated militia. Thats a mob with guns. No matter how COMPETENT you think YOU are.
It’s not the gun or guns. It’s the criminals who get their hands on them illegally. No mass shooter has obtain their AR-15 or any gun legally. That’s like saying it’s my pencils fault for writing curse words. Or it’s the knife’s fault because someone stabbed someone else. Makes no sense. Stop letting the democrats think for you
Its'. The . Guns. America has more guns per capita than any nation on earth. America has the highest per capita gun violence rate on earth. Those two facts are inseparable no matter how many times you repeat gun industry claims. All nations have criminals. All nations have the mentally ill. In America those two groups have unregulated access to firearms. Gun safety laws work. America's unregulated gun culture is not working. America needs gun safety legislation or the killing will only get worse. If you are opposed to gun safety, you only ensure the killing will continue. And you will be subjecting your fellow citizens to the threat of increased gun violence interrupting their lives. THAT is not a right...
Look up the definition of criminal..."someone who has committed a crime". Stripping legal, law-abiding citizens of their right to defend themselves against those that will ignore these laws, does not make sense.
YOU do NOT have the "right" to possess a weapon of war capable of killing dozens of your fellow citizens in just a few seconds. Sorry. Americans now live in constant fear of gunfire. CRIMINALS can get weapons because CITIZENS are buying them and then selling them to CRIMINALS. There are BNO LAWS that PREVENT this activity and the ATF has been emasculated by the GUN LOBBY. YOU need to read up on gun safety because you do NOT know ANYTHING about it. IF you don't support better GUN SAFETY REGULATION and REGULATION of the gun industry then you are saying that guns, which are associated with death are not to be required to have SAFETY laws. Thats like suspending all traffic laws and allowing the tobacco industry to sell their products free of health efforts to prevent lung disease. Tobacco, if used as advertised, KILLS people. Therefore it was TAXED and REGULATED until TOBACCO use declined. If CARS had no SEATBELETS and there were no stop signs, traffic lights or speed limits we ALL would be in great danger anytime we went outside . The same is true of firearms. An untrained, unregulated, unsafe fire arms owning population means more gun deaths, not fewer. The easier it is for YOU to get firearms, the easier it is for CRIMINALS , or the mentally dangerous to get firearms. Easy access to guns means that someone in a brief moment of emotional instability can act out and kill themself, or the people around them, or both. We have these types of shootings occurring DAILY. Our kids have to do LOCK DOWN drills in school because of the threat posed by America's unregulated, guns everywhere, military style rifles and pistols. Gun safety laws will work to lower the death and injury toll. OR, we can keep repeating the gun industriy's sales pitch for more and more guns and we can watch the death toll continue to climb. WAKE UP. USE LOGIC. A "well regulated militia" of gun owners that commits 45000 homicides, suicides, accidental deaths and mass shooting deaths per year is NOT a well regulated militias. Its a mob. And private militias are ILLEGAL under the Constitution anyway. If you want your kids to gro9w up in a society ruled by fear of gun violence all day, every day, keep repeating the gun industry advertising sales pitches that the NRA sells to you everyday. OR, start supporting GUN SAFETY. AMERIC A has more gun deaths per capita than ANYWHERE on earth by a HUGE margin. AND, we own the most guns per capita in an unregulated environment.
There are so many things wrong in your diatribe I don't know where to start. Your first sentence is not correct. I appreciate your passion, but that's it. You simply assume I know nothing about laws, the constitution, gun safety, criminality or anything else. I made a simple comment about criminals and guns, which is extremely valid in the real world that we live in. Depriving law-abiding citizens of firearms is not a fix for all of the problems you listed. Also, your insane use of randomly using all capital letters does not really do you any favors. It made your rant nearly unbearable to read. I normally enjoy discourse, but not when it's delivered hysterically.
Not a diatribe einstein. Clearly you know zip point crap about gun safety ..
And clearly you don't care that America is the deadliest nation on earth for gun violence. So as you meander around with your auto pistol you are MORE likely to die in a gun violence incident statistically. And thats a fact big boy. Go learn something about gun violence before you come online with insults and ignorance cowboy.
Ozzy. You do not know ANYTHING about gun violence or gun safety measures. AND significantly, you provide ZERO evidence to support your denials. We're done here rambo. Oh . 11 years USMC infantry officer. Smith Trophy team captain 1976. I'd throw you the F off my rifle range if you wandered onto it you stupid gun violence promoting pile o9f MAGA BS. Adios
I dont believe a word of it, Corporal Klinger. Thank your for the laughs..
One could kill dozens of people with a handgun. Using capital letters doesn't make you correct.
Unregulated??? This comment alone disqualifies you from ever speaking on the subject!!!
You must be kidding right ?? No permit carry of semi auto pistols is legal in Texas. If you don't understand how safety legislation free America's gun culture is, then you are completely fact free. And, frankly I never "argue" with gun violence supporters like you because you are so drunk on NRA gun sales propaganda and anti democracy gun violence threats that its impossible to have a logical discussion. Example A ? your response is completely fact free. You simply made an ad hominem remark , knocked over all the chess pieces on the board, the crapped on it and flew away. your reposes has zero logic or facts. And if you do not understand that America has an extremely severe gun violence problem , if you can't admit even that, there's no basis for a logical discussion. Is there. So, with that in mind you won't be getting any further feedback until you say something based on facts. (So sick of unsafe gun "expert" clowns promoting anti safety legislation.) like you.
Think about your response for a second. Does that make sense ??
Sorry patriot but that is a logical fallacy sir. People don't use butter knives to kill each other because firearms are so much better at it. As long as America has an unregulated, unsafe gun owning public, with unlimited access to firearms designed for killing human beings as most automatic pistols and rifles are, the killing will continue at an unprecedented pace. The claim that gun safety laws won't work makes no sense at all. Certainly, you understand at least that. You can learn about gun safety at everytownForGunbSafety, BradyLaw Center, #NoRANow, MomsDemandaction or any of the many gun safety web sites. Shooters are often NOT criminals until they kill someone. Gun suicide, which accounts for 0 deaths daily, is often accompanied by gun homicide against family members, classmates, coworkers. The gun and firearms industry has created a for profit deadly gun culture in America with claims like the one you just made. Well regulated militias do not commit 45000 gun homicides and suicides and mass murders and accidental shootings which is what happens in America every year. Three times that number are wounded annually. Thats insane. Please, support gun safety by learning about how the gun industry has done everything it can to prevent even the most basic gun safety practices ...The NRA is there to sell guns for its supporters, which is the gun and ammo industry .
Yes they have . MANY mass shooters purchased their weapons legally. Whoever told you that is a liar.
EXACTLY ! to my knowledge, Stoner made the ARMALITE RIFLE for civilian use, but once the military realized its civilian success, they formatted it for their use. Many people today are willing to let others think for them without fact-checking for themselves. I would suggest looking up the FBI records/reports on some of these stated facts, and you will find Patriotfrom the south knows of what he speaks. I must remind you'all WHO WAS IT THAT WAS CAUGHT RUNNING GUNS TO MEXICO (with no charges) - THE SAME PEOPLE MANY ARE GETTING THEIR SUPPOSED FACTS FROM........................ AMAZING
WRONG AGAIN. Eugene Stoner designed the AR 5 and AR 6 as survival rifles for the USAF. THEN he used that knowledge to make the AR 15 WHICH shortly thereafter had two million on orders, ALSO from the US Air Force. You have twisted the truth by suggesting STONER wasn't working for the military and Lockheed when he started designing the Armalite rifles . He was. The fact that he attempted to sell AR 15s for civilian use is an attempt to hide that fact that the rifle experienced very little sales UNTIL the Air Force had it modified and ordered two million of them.
I actually had a "gun expert" tell me that the AR 15 is designed to wound not kill and that the military uses the 7.62 cartridge for weapons that kill. Another lie. Soft tissue damage from the AR 15 round is devastating and creates horrific wounds. Thats why MY Marines carried the M 16 when I was an infantry platoon cdr in 1976 and 1977. The AR 15 is a devastating infantry style semi automatic rifle with the automatic selector switch and the batyonet stud removed. And I really am disgusted listening to you morons claim otherwise. 10 of the last 17 big mass murders were conducted with the AR 15 because it is extremely good at killing large numbers of enemy combatants on the battlefield quickly. The "s[port" rifle designation is a gun industry sales title and it is based on distorting the truth. The M 16 , M4 and other weapons based on the AR 15 original design are enormously popular with armed forces worldwide as well as insurgents . It is a very effective military rifle. Pew Pew Tactical even admits this in their name. Tactical refers to "relating to or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military end." Thats from Websters dictionary....its why police use the weapon. It is VERY effective against human beings. So, lets stop telling gun industry lies here. Americans own over 430 million firearms, 20 million of them are semi auto rifles like the AR 15.
when, you decide you want to do something about America's gun violence problem,. you can go to any one of numerous gun safety we sites and learn about the causes of gun violence and the ways it can be reduced in America. OR, you , your family and everybody else in America can con time to live oil a country where we are 25 times more like to be shot, than any other nation on earth. You are not helping gun safety by repeating anti gun safety gun industry lies and sales propaganda based on fear. Gun safety does not entail banning all guns. If none of this works for you, then you are beyond logic.
Now, since you haven't said anything honest I am not responding to any further comments so as not to dignify lies and gun industry propaganda.
And no, your private militia isn't legal. Read the Constitution
Amen Brother...
You’re an idiot if you really believe what you say! Look at the countries that have outlawed fire arms they have more crimes committed by guns because the criminals don’t follow the rules that the law abiding citizens do which makes the citizens sitting ducks
America has the WORST per capita gun violence rate in the world. I Ama former USMC infantry officer with 11 years of service. My MOS's are 0302(infantry officer) , 4915 (range officer) and 0845 (naval gunfire spotter). I captained the 1976 Smith Trophy Marine Corps rifle team champions. I'm an idiot ???? I believe in gun safety. maybe you should stop chugging extremist gun industry right wing guns everywhere BS. You have not offered a SINGLE IDEA to reduce gun violence in America, which is the WORST in the world. I'm an idiot ???? At least I'm capable of logic gut bag......
What you say is very far from reality. I live in Puerto Rico where we have laws to regulate weapons and every day people are killed and all those deaths are from illegal weapons that are obtained in the underworld. If you look at it from another point in Puerto Rico we only live 3 million people and every day someone is killed compare that with the United States that the population is more than 300 million. For the criminal there are no laws, there are no regulations because they are going to get what they want and commit the crime anyway. The problem is not the weapons.
Kilo. The TAF is working with microfiche records in the fight against illegal firearms. And that is because the NRA pushed through laws in the 1980s preventing the ATF from having a modern gun serial 3 registry for all firearms in America. As a result, the ATF rarely if ever prosecutes gun traffickers and even more rarely succeeds in getting a conviction in America. So no, gun violence involves 150 -200 deaths daily in America. 1/3 to 1/2 are gun suicides. Gun. suicide attempts are almost always successful and are often accompanied by gun homicides against co workers, family members or even just anybody. You can learn about gun safety and how you can help at #NoRANow, AnytownForGunSafety, MomsDemandAction, BradyCenterforGunSafety. Or, you can remain part of the problem, which is what the gun industry prefers.
Primary Weapons systems should be apart of this article. Their rifles are incredibly reliable, great for suppressors, and relatively unique with their long stroke gas piston too. I never meet anyone who has a PWS that only has one. People always have multiples and I think that says something about their quality.
Besides Stag and Rock River who manufacturers left-handed AR 15 ?
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Where are knights armament, lwrc, radian, and geissele ranked?
Rock River & Stag Arms are budget arm ? I thought PSA was the King of budget and Delton that Prince.
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Really disappointed the Barrett REC7 didn't make the list.
I am getting back into firearms. I soooooo appreciate such a deep overview. I find the assault rifle category so complicated for me, so I truly appreciate the effort I'm sure this article took to create.
Wut iz assault rifle?
Not sure why you left out LWRC from the top tier list. I believe their rifles are on par with any other rifle on your top tier list. Their full ambi set up is excellent and the newerish DI system with MLok handguns is great. I was recently at a rifle shooting all day outdoor class and noticed 2 or 3 other shooters also had LWRC rifles and they all loved them.
Recently saw a review that the AR platform is one of the most returned/consignment firearm platforms at this time in our nation's history. Moral of the story is to check used stores first for some of the aforementioned quality ballistic tools.
I have a Springfield Saint Victor w/ the 10 inch barrel and have never had a better shooting AR.
Where the f is the 6920
Exactly!
Daniel Defense are a bunch of sell outs. Don't buy their shit if they're not going tonsupport 2A...
You lost me at "ultimate".
Geissele Automatics - Super Duty Rifle (URGI - is USASOC selection), is not on this list??
Please do a review on a zev billet rifle 556 . I have one and absolutely love it. I would like to see what you think of it.
Best intro article I have ever read. BZ to you and your staff.
Your reviewers are outstanding, John C and Johnny. I learn so much from both of them. The written material is also very informative. Your presence in the gun world is invaluable. Your channel serves as a resource for information. I always research what Pew Pew has to say about rifles, accessories, and ammo.
Top tier. No LWRC or HK? Rock River on low tier? Come on guys. I know it's a huge subject, I know. I was born into a house with a 1967 purchased Colt SP-1. From military, OIF/OEF 11B, PA Governor's 20. Civilian competitor, firearms instructor. And countless firearms schools including Gunsite Academy 556 Advance Carbine E-ticket. Here goes. Out of the box: Colt 6720 light weight. Change following: add Midwest Industries light weight handguard and flashlight. Sig Romeo red dot, and a HyperFire EDT trigger if you like. If I was going overseas as a contractor: LWRCI M-6 Enhanced Carbine, necessary optics, PEQ, ect. Maybe a better trigger, all depending on mission. Favorite ammo? Mk 262, or Hornady 75 gr, Superformace Match. I'm not going into a National Match rifle, let's just say 1/6.5 twist barrel. Going long, go heavy! In the end, quality doesn't have to be super expensive. I've shot lots of Anderson and PSA rifle that were great. Aero Precision is my go to for builds, never a problem.
Harold thank you for your thoughts and expertise. Would you be interested in guiding me on my first AR purchase? I want a GREAT gun with precision components. I know NOTHING about AR's and the endless options and components.
I'm sorry but y'all got me messed up listing FNH as mid tier. they might not have the fancy furniture out the box, but the guts and reliability are just as good if not better than a lot of the top tier list
No mention of the Springfield Armory Saint series??
No db-15? Diamondback has made a solid line of products, all at great prices and looking sexy AF
I was shocked to see the majority of the top ARs he put on the list even there. I mean really? No lwrc? No Noveske?... Really? For someone who has to use one of these for a living on almost a daily basis I would say you possibly have a lack of exposure to operational quality weapons versus student at paper civilian models. I might be able to get behind Daniel Defense, however it's the top end of the mid grade at best, it is not top quality and comes shirt of many field ops standards when it comes to durability and longevity unless you purchase their berry top shelf. Personally, I carry an LWRC Me SPR-IC....named "piston driven perfection" by the industry for a reason. I was a DI guy all the way until I picked up one of these a few years ago and to be honest I question the statement that accuracy is a con when it comes to these types of weapons. I can shoot faster and more accurately with less crap in the. Haber than before. My 2 cents. If Eric is purely writing this from a civilian and sporting point of view then I can get his choices, as many of them seem to be based on economy rather than quality in construction. 500rnd a year guy vs. 15000rnd a year guy.
Hey Will, thanks for reading! We meant to disrespect to any brand not on this list but this was a hands-on list so if the brand/model you prefer isn't here, it just means we haven't hands-on tested it yet. But we are constantly working to review new stuff and update older articles with our findings. Thanks for reading!
Agreed 100%. LWRC FTW
PSA'S quality control is terrible. You are more likely then not to get an AR with problems. Poor fit and finish. They just cover their ass with the warranty. Who wants to keep sending a new rifle back and forth for some hack to screw up and scratch up even more. If you want a good budget AR and only have about 650, go with Smith and Wesson Sport 2.
weird because all the rifles ive got from them and lowers and uppers have been just find. friends of mine also buy from psa and none of them have ever had a problem with them that would cause them to send them back.
I agree With John. I sent my PSA PA10 back three times before they finally had it functioning correctly. The thing was so over gassed it didn’t give the empty case time to get ejected before the next round came forward and jammed with the empty. My S&W Sport 2 has been flawless through 500 or so rounds.
not the best ARs, tons of junk
When I bought my first AR coming up in 10 years ago, I knew nothing about the platform, took some rather dubious advice and went super cheap. I bought a DPMS Oracle. Now DPMS made some fine guns, but the Oracle wasn't one of those. It was a mix of Mil Spec and Civi parts, and a total mess. Two years and parts that cost me nearly the total of what I paid for the Oracle to begin with ($490), and I had a decent gun, but the only thing left of the original gun, are the Upper and Lower Receivers (and the detente and springs), everything else has been replaced with better grade parts. It was a good learning experience, but if I'd had a well written and researched article like this one, it would have saved me some money and some headaches.
Now, I'm on my 5th 80% build. Currently building an AR 10 in 6.5 Creedmore, my other 4 builds are in 5.56 and .300 AAC.
One .300 AAC is a pistol, the other an SBR (took almost a full year to get the approval, but I wanted to stay within the Unconstitutional Laws concerning SBR's and SBS's). That gun, built with PSA parts, and a Norinco 80% Lower, is my Home Defense Gun. Loaded with 220 gr Subsonic HP's, it does well in BG. Good expansion, no over penetration. One of these day I'll apply for a Suppressor Stamp, but that's not high on my Retiree's budget priority list right now. Or maybe I'll try one of those Non NFA Sound Mitigators from Witt Manufacturing.
Thank You Pew Pew, for this article. I wish it had been around 10 years ago, but it is what it is. I'm saving your article for the next time I get asked what AR would you recommend questions.
Keep on Pew Pewing!
This article is absolutely a labor of love and maybe the best single article I’ve seen on the AR platform. No issue with any of your observations and preferences, though I would put my Springfield Armory Saint (with BCM furniture and some upgrades/accessories that I added) as head and shoulders above the S&W Sport. I actually shopped them head to head and found the S&W to be kind of chintzy, rattley and kind of cheap/plastic feeling.
Great article, hats off to PewPew Tactical team. Lots of content which can surely help beginners navigate into the AR-world, keep it going with the good stuff!
You have a picture of a JP Rifle but don't list it as a Tier 1 rifle. John Paul has forgotten more about the AR platform then most will ever know. For decades this was THE competition AR, fire control all others were compared to. Any three gun competition you would see a line of JP or JP variants in the rack. Have over 25k rounds through a CTR02 and the thing is still as accurate as ever. If you have the money spend it on a JP.
The Savage MSR 15 lineup is wayyy underappreciated . 5R rifling in a good quality barrel, forged lower, a great handguard, mid length gas system, a history of Savage quality
I luv my HK MR556 & DDM4V5s. Charms. I think the article isn't terrible but skewed some along with personal preferences.
The overview about the difference in Ar15 and M4 is inaccurate.
99% of Military M4 are NOT fully automatic. They have a three round burst. One trigger squeeze, three rounds, another trigger squeeze, another three rounds.
The video of the guy shooting automatic bursts in prone, is not shooting an M4, M16 or an AR15.
With so much misinformation out there regarding guns you would think you guys would know better. Politicians and celebrities say stuff like this and the uneducated masses latch onto it and spread it.
Undoubtedly there is some new AR15 enthusiast reading this article expecting accurate information and taking your incorrect info as gospel.
Do better. But if I just got into guns at the age of 25, maybe I wouldn't know any better either.
Actually you are wrong, and you are extremely wrong for someone telling someone else they made a mistake.
The Army has been swapping out a lot of the M16s and M4s for M4A1s for years now...
"Conversion of M4s to the M4A1 began in 2011, as part of the Product Improvement Program, which included the conversion of 300,000 M4 carbines to the M4A1"
"Three hundred conversions can be done per day to equip a brigade combat team per week, with all M4A1 conversions to be completed by 2019."
99% my ***.
I stand corrected about the 99%...at the time of my last date in service...it would have been accurate.
It seems they've edited the article, by the way. The incorrect claims of M4 (not M4A1) being full auto is gone. Also the video of a guy shooting a M249 with M4 description is gone.
My original point still remains the same. I'm just a commenter, I can be wrong with little consequence. But an author of the page should be accurate.
About to purchase my first AR. From everything I've seen and read, a great budget AR is the Ruger AR556 so I'm probably gonna go with that. Its already got the freefloat rail with mlok. With adding a good optic and some other mods, I see no reason the Ruger can't become a great mid level 1500 - 1800 dollar gun that is reliable.
Springfield Armory Saint Victor is a kick @$$ unit, with great reliability, accuracy, and great features. The fact that it's not on this list is highly suspect. I've used 3...no failures, jams, etc.
I am willing to bet, it's the politics involved. Tons of people I've seen are still mad.
I will admit they make good AR-15s though.
Geeesh! Where does my "Springfield Saint Victor" fall on your list" ???
I always thought it was at least a little better than an M&P.....
First, and for now only, AR15 is a Diamondback DB-15. It came with the FSB style, but I've since replaced it with a 15" full flowing hand guard. Great gun so far. Have, I'd guess, around 500 rounds through it, with really no issues.
I love PSA. However, PSA makes the list and Ruger does not? That doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If you are favoring companies that let you buy uppers, lowers, and parts, then I get it. But otherwise, Ruger is at least of equivalent quality with PSA.
The best AR is one that you design, spec parts for, procure parts for, and build yourself for your unique fit, style and needs. No factory built AR will ever compare to what you build for yourself.
Wilson Combat?
Isn't that more expensive then DD?
It is, and like so many say here "its all in what you like and what you can afford"
just keep in mind:
for every 1500 or 2000 dollar ar 15 out there
theres another one that can be built or bought that will for most or almost all intents and purposes be 90 percent as good for half the price
with the only real difference between them being perhaps a little less barrel life and a little less accuracy and a little less ability to do a sage dynamics 500 round burn down or get through a 1500 round 2 day carbine class without breaking a bolt or an ejector or extractor pin
in most cases for most people it more sense to save 750 or a thousand dollars up front on the rifle and spend 150 or 200 on a premium bolt carrier group and use the rest on an optic and ammo
Totally agree. Very good points.
This list is more interesting for what is excluded than what is included. Cannot take this seriously.
Agree completely. SA Edge is great weapon with fantastic trigger. POF as well,
Once again, POF doesn't make your "top tier" list? You can't be serious.
IWI Zion 15... Great gun.
As an owner of components and completed firearms I believe that Sons of Liberty Gun Works should be included on the top tier list. As for Palmetto State Armory I don't feel they belong on the mid tier list and should be on the budget list. I have experienced numerous quality control issues with PSA regarding parts and build quality.
Never had any problems with the PSA brand other than availability. That is just me.
Again, Knights Armament missing from your list and all the same “belly button” / trendy AR’s included. Same ol Same ol.
No Radian or LaRue? Seems this is the list of "best cheap AR-15's." There's other excellent brands that have never been mentioned. Please expand your horizons from the few you always review.
The overview on the platform itself was phenomenal, will be referring newbies to this for a primer. The list itself of "Best ARs of 2021" seems overly geared towards site sponsors/manufacturers that I'm sure paid for advertisement placement considering their objective quality/history. If it was titled "Best ARs for Beginners" I think it would be truer/more accurate.
Hey Max! I can assure you we did not receive any money to put anyone on this list. These are guns we have hands-on experience with.
Great article, ton of info! I shared it with my fellow 2A Patriots.
I have a very diverse stable to include a few custom-builds, but my LWRC is my go-to in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
Excellent article. I'm a shotgun guy and knew just about nothing when it comes to sport rifles. With this article under my belt I would now feel confident making a first purchase.
Clear, concise and thorough. Thanks...
I continue to wonder why you guys don't ever seem to mention Geissele Automatics.
What a great find for education! Hey where do you personally rank Colt and Springfield from a tier perspective?
that r85 treated am15 vid 5,530 round with no oil "ever" just soap&water or throw it in the creek to clean it the anderson vid way ,,, smiley face...
Thank you for this information. It takes a lot of time to put something like this together and for a new to AR’s person it was great. I picked up my first AR from a friend because I liked shooting it, but was not really sure what I had or the technical stuff behind it. At least I am putting rounds through something and learning. I am looking for a second rifle now and your tutorial has been great! Thank you again.
Hi,
I'm new here so I have couple newbie questions. Btw, very good article! I've been looking for AR-15 for a long time and now I finally want to buy it. Why are there so many manufacturers that can produce the same weapon? (for example I can buy glock only from GLOCK manufacturer and REX Zero 1 only from AREX manufacturer) but here there are lot of them... The OEM version of AR-15 is the COLT right? I wan't to buy an original version of AR-15. I've been told that COLT produce M4A1 for the USA Army, that's why I think that the closest rifle to the USA army's rifle I can buy is right from COLT. Am I right? And the last but not the least question... there are so many different manufacturers, so many different models... Is the model LE6920 known to all manufacturers? I see that there are the new version of LE6920 called CR6920, but I can't find it on the original COLT website, but you can buy it on some other pages and it's also from COLT. Anyway... I want to buy COLT AR-15 Carbine CR6920 and I need your help. Thank you for your time and I can't wait to see your answer. Thanks!!!
..and is COLT AR-15 CR6920 a military clone of M4A1? Thanks.
Anyone got deets on the rifle second to left with the tan upper in the picture at the start of the article?
Upper is an Aero M4E1 threaded upper with an ATLAS R-ONE rail (likely 12") with what looks like a BattleComp 1.0 on the end. Lower is also Aero—probably just a regular Gen 2. Optic is an Aimpoint COMPM3 in a LaRue LT129 mount. Hexmag, Ergo Grip, MFT stock, Inforce WML. Photo's too small for me to make out anything identifiable on the selector, charging handle or trigger, and I don't think I've seen anything that looks like what he's got going on with his bolt release.
Lead star grunt 100 percent speck and build good as the 2000 are out there love the grunt well build as well
Grunt lead star up.with the best out there 100 percent millspeck great made ar. Shoots supper title and upper lower is supper title. Love the star
Interesting article. I would have thought that I might see Knights Armament mentioned in the TOP tier. I also think that even though it is a variation, the HK mr556 would get a mention as well. Some of the brands you mention are not even close to either of the ones I mentioned. I do agree that DD makes a great gun. I just purchased a DD mk18 law tactical and cant wait to try it out. Overall good info. Keep up the good work.
6920 beats all.mitlary speck no other makes mitlary spec but first models of 6920 none lead star rocks as well all good lots good stuff out there some same as others just names on them good shooting
What happened to LWRC rifles?
I love my Springfield Saint Edge - incredibly accurate and so easy to clean and shoot.
For someone who knows nothing about AR-15s but wants to learn, this article is extremely informative, well-written and interesting. Thank you.
Ranier doesn’t manufacture so they shouldn’t even be on the list and Anderson is 100% not a mid tier brand on par with FNH or Sig.
Where is anyone getting an Aero lower for 200??? They're 350 everywhere I check (Portland metro area, Oregon)
from Aero directly, if you're eagle-eyed and quick on the online checkout. I picked up a complete M4E1 lower (with just buffer tube no stock) for $200. it's going great in my BRN-180S build. (Portland resident also)
Just curious where you'd place current Colt/CZ CR-6920.. Your original article had Colt LE-6920 as a Top-Tier class and now that they're again selling to civilians...wondered where you see them compared to the ones from a few years ago. I bought one of the earlier LE6920s during the "Trump Slump" when they were offered at great prices and I absolutely love it!
Best of the best only made mitlary full speck out there the early ones or real spec newer not you tell by the new code square on side that one not good as first real runs they made on same full auto line as mitlary le6920 nother beats one
What???
Thoughts on Radical Firearms AR15's?
So the m-16 can be flipped to fully automatic huh... M-4 too??? Dang my unit must have off brand
Great article! I would like to print this off in it's form. Is that possible?
what would you recomend - honestly interested in your opinion.
Sorry, 5.56? Bullpup Travor is FAR superior. More concealable, easily broken down and cleaned, and beyond ergonomic. An Adults weapon. And since the ADULTS are running it now, ammo and firearms will be widely available AGAIN just like when he was VP. HAW HAW!
First introduced in the US in the spring of 2014, the Tavor SAR won immediate acclaim and achieved record sales as the first bullpup centerfire rifle to win large acceptance in the US market, due largely in part to its pedigree as the battle proven carbine of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Shut the fuck up
Best overall guide I’ve read.
Thanks!
No mention of CMMG. Reason(s)?
Hi Eric,
great guide and thanks for that amazing overview. I am from Germany and I love your site. Always a great inspiration and source of knowledge!
The USA ist for sure the biggest and most important AR15 market. Nevertheless we also have in the meanwhile some manufacturer in Germany. It would be so interesting to know your opinion about some producer especially like HERA Arms and Dynamic Arms Research! Would be great to read something about them from your perspective!
Lol the FN15 Patrol Carbine apparently went from $899 - $2,299!
What are your thoughts on Q and their honey badger, in particular?
Nice and educative article. But not even mentioning KAC while talking about the top tier manufacturer is kind of weird no ?
Any suggestion for an AR-15 in 9mm that would be California compliant?
I think Franklin Armory might have some.
Psa mid tier and rock river and stag are bottom of the barrel? none of this info is reliable if that’s the consensus here
Wrong fbi us marshals dea tested 11 well top known ars they when with rra why only one pasted there torched test for the record rra is not at low in or feds wount not picked it over lots u think or top notch do the math rra rocks fbk lifes depend on a gun that run in any condition s true faxs
You recommend stag arms?
I do. I have a Stag model 8 that I've had for 10 or 12 years. Shoots great, never a hitch of any kind.
Hi Eric,
I noticed that you said you use the Aero Precision M4E1 5.56 Mid-length Upper (Atlas Handguard) and Aero Precision Complete AR-15 Lower for your personal Home Defense, yet you have them as mid-tier. Why? TIA
What is your opinion about Patriot Ordinance Fabricators (POF)? They make an AR15 in 7.62x51 called the Revolution.
5.56 vs 7.62 H&k if you were buying one of these which would you prefer? H&K is a good Brand Barret also makes good quality AR's there are plenty more LWRCI your thoughts on these 3 anyone?
So...I read this article thoroughly and tried aligning your recommendations along with your "Top Tier AR" list. I then contacted those manufacturers and asked what they recommended for a new AR owner...here are the weapons each company recommended, but I would like to know what you (Eric?) would choose from this list from 1-5? Thanks for any advice...this is a tough/expensive decision.
*Bravo Company (BCM)* - One of our *BCM RECCE-16 *weapon systems may
suit you best as an “all-round” weapon system for both range trips
and home defense: https://bravocompanymfg.com/carbines/recce16.php
*Daniel Defense (DD) *- *DDM4 V7 or V7 LW* /Ammo: Any .223 or 5.56
will work fine. Find a soft tip 62 grain or heavier if you want
for protection:
https://danieldefense.com/ddm4rv7r-lw-02-128-02241-047.html
*Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) *- *BLACK DIAMOND® Specter XL Carbine
/*cheaper ammo I recommend it in 5.56, If you want a little more
stopping power 300 Blackout / comes with iron sights you can use as
a backup to a red dot or scope you can put on the firearm. I would
recommend a green laser for the side of the hand-guard to make
target acquisition easier / As for a suppressor a Resonator-K would
be my recommendation:
https://yhm.net/black-diamond-specter-xl-carbine.html
*Noveske - *The best option for all your requirements is 100%
the*GEN 4 Infidel /* It is extremely reliable, it’s longer barrel
makes it deadly accurate, and it uses extremely interchangeable
mil-spec AR-15 parts. This is a rifle that will be carried on from
generation to generation. It comes with a 100% ambidextrous lower,
so if any of your kin shoots lefty they will have a much easier time
shooting this rifle compared to non-ambi rifles:
https://noveske.com/products/13-7-gen-4-infidel-rifle
*Rainier Arms - oddly...they recommended the same Bravo Company
weapon above! If you're looking for a once and done setup, a *BCM
Recce-16*, Aimpoint Patrol reddot, Magpul PRO Backups, and a bunch
of ammo and magazines will have you pretty well setup to do anything
you need with the rifle:
https://www.rainierarms.com/bcm-recce-16-mcmr-rifle
Thanks Mike, helpful work you've done.
I put lead star grunt up against a above and 6920 e colt 100 spect tons ars out there lots made by same company s people buying names when one company makes for five Sox others true fack
What's your thoughts on Barrier Defense out of Orlando, FL?
I am in the market for a mid-tier to high-end AR 15 and I came across a company name POF ( Patriot Ordance Factory) specifically the new minuteman AR 15 selling right now about $1,700. There is very little information on this company and this gun. Anyone has any infomation will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I don’t know about them but I would look at the Geissele Super Duty rifle. It’s about $300 more (unless you’re military/leo) and they’re a bit tough to come by but worth the extra money. I’ve never felt a rifle so smooth.
Precisely! After extensive research purchased a Geissel Super Duty, pronounced Guys-lee.
Pof is great mostly piston operated and mostly billet recievers. Shot them alot smooth and reliable. If I was gonna buy a compete gun it would be in my top 5.
Hi I need some advise please. I am new to guns I purchased Taurus PT111 Millennium G2 9mm Luger Pistol for conceal and my daughters friend gave me a .38 special for house protection. Now I am told to get a rifle/shotgun/AR for house they are better then the 38 special so I'm confused which to get a rifle/shotgun/AR. I never shot any of them but I can learn as I am with this Taurus. Please help me understand the difference between the 3 guns as well as which is best for a beginner. Thank you very much Debra
A gun safe or other secure location is needed for each. Shotgun are ideal if for home defense and they are a ton of fun at outdoor ranges to shoot trap. Also shotgun ammo is easy to find and depending on the size of the shot, is less likely to penetrate walls compared to a rifle round. AR platforms would be my next choice. You can do a lot of protecting with a 30 round magazine. They are a little trickier to clean and ammunition is currently in short supply. Rifles would be my last recommendation as the tend to be for longer range shooting and most home defense would be less than 10 yards.
First off get rid of that taurus and get a quality pistol to carry.
That Taurus is a piece of junk. Might as well just throw it at the intruder.
All you need is a recoding of the shotgun cycling on your phone to play and you will hear widows shattering from the person(s) leaping out. Twelve gauge.
Hi Debra,
AR and shotguns are usually much better as primary weapons for home defense compared to a Taurus G2 pistol or a revolver, despite their large size. Suggest you to go to a range and ask the instructor to teach you the differences and how to load and shoot them. And you can still keep your pistol or revolver in the holster as a secondary weapon for home defense.
AR and shotguns are usually much better as primary weapons for home defense compared to a Taurus G2 pistol or a revolver, despite their large size. Suggest you to go to a range and ask the instructor to teach you the differences and how to load and shoot them. And you can still keep your pistol or revolver in the holster as a secondary weapon for home defense.
I rarely see anything about Windham Weaponry Ars. What's up with that?
This is very true! Clearly they do not through money at gunbloggers.
Hey. Knights is an awesome platform
What do we know about modern material NJ based AR-15 builder
Just need v tac sling and mounts for POF model P-415. Can't seem to get an answer ,part # etc. Recommendation? Thanks.
Surprised HK MR 556 A1 wasn't mentioned .
How about Windham Weaponry? Are they any good?
probably one of the best AR15 i have owned
How do you rate the Springfield Edge Series? Looks like a great value for money at that price point. I shot about 200 rounds on the DD V11 and love it, but not comfortable spending that much for a first AR.
This was a great article to read through. I will check out more of your stuff. I went with the Springfield Armory Saint Edge for my first AR platform. Searching for an optic now and will check out your reviews. Have you done any reviews on the Saint, adding to list or not?
Eric, I’ve enjoyed reading your articles and have learned quite a bit from them. Thank you!!! I did not follow your “buy a complete AR first” advice, as I have always loved to tinker and couldn’t pass up the fun of building my own. Doing several weeks of research - reading and talking to experienced AR builders both helped a lot - delayed my start, but was definitely the right approach.
Would I make a few different choices if I were starting over? Of course I would. But would I have learned enough to make better choices if I just bought and started shooting a complete rifle? I really don’t think so.
My advice is not to worry about it too much. If you are reasonably handy and enjoy building other stuff, you’ll almost certainly enjoy assembling an AR. There is a wonderful comfort that comes from fully understanding how your gun works, and you just don’t get that same level of knowledge from field stripping and cleaning a gun... you need to be intimate with all its parts. You can mostly get that from pictures and videos of people doing builds. Still, as helpful as those are, they don’t quite get you to that full, 3-dimensional understanding you get from building it yourself!
I felt the exact same way and am waiting my PSA build kit to get delivered tonight!
Surprised Savage MSR 15 was not mentioned. Mr. Gunsngear gave it rave reviews.
Savage has great AR’s and the MSR 15 Recon is fully equipped with 223 Wilde chamber, free float Mlok handguard, 5 R rifling, and Magpul furniture. Like Mrgunsandgear I’m shooting sub MOA with a Primary Arms ACSS 1x8 scope and paid $675 on sale before Covid!
Having carried an M4 throughout my career in the Army (to include in Iraq and Afghanistan) I told myself I'd never by a DI AR (runs too hot and gets too damn dirty; pain to clean, too, IMHO). I now own three piston ARs: a POF and two Rugers and couldn't be happier. I can't believe POF didn't make your list. What a phenomenal rifle (and what we should be carrying in harm's way). As soon as this Afghan tour is over I'm getting a POF Revolution (piston).
Good Article... What do you think of Savage ARMs AR 15?? They own Black Hawk and with the Savage's rifle experience and Black Hawk I would think the Savage Recon Model AR15 would be a winner??
Eric,
Great article, thanks for the information.
POF AR's never make the cut?
What's up with that?
Thanks.
Dave
No mention of JP Rifles? They have some of the most innovative rifles and parts on the market.
Mind blowing to have no mention of POF. The innovation of parts by Frank and Co. puts POF on a pedestal thats unmatched for price IMO. The Renegade Plus is THE BEST 5.56 carbine out there for the price ($1600-1800). I have DD's, BCM's, LWRC's, etc and the POF Renegade + absolutely blows them all out of the water. Not saying I don't love those too... POF just has patented parts like the e2 chamber, heat sink barrel nut, keyless NP3 coated BCG w roller cam pin, fully ambi billet lower, straight gas tube, Dictator 9 position adjustable gas block, flat face 3.5lb single stage trigger etc for $1750 in a Bronze Cerakote. I also have a 12' POF Pistol that's incredible too. I'm officially on the POF Patriot Train ;-) #WWG1WGA
Good point
thanks for the info, I like those parts, I'll check them out
What no SR15?
What seems to be the best AR platform gun that is a 338 caliber
If you mean .338 Lapua, that cartridge is too long. AR 15 platforms can accommodate a roughly 2.25” cartridge overall length and the AR 10 accommodates a little over 2.8”. The .338 Lapua COL is around 3.68”.
So you got me thinking about this so I did go out and find some companies making AR style guns that chamber .338 Lapua. Don’t know if they can be customized with AR parts from other companies.
Excellent article! I read every word and reviewed most of the links as well. I'm new to the AR platform and truly appreciate the information here.
great info!! for i have been researching and looking into the purchase of a AR, this has defenintly helped me out!
I have a Daniel Defense DD M-4 V1 with a 6x48 ACOG ( yeah I know it’s freaking heavy ) and a H&K MM556A1 with a 4x32 ACOG. They are vastly different platforms and I’ve never had any type of malfunction with either. I have a question for Eric if you would care to answer.
where does windham fit in? i expected it to be mentioned.
Yeah, me too. I just bought a Windham HBC. Its a nice rifle, I was curious if this would be considered mid-tier rifle.
Great thorough article once again, thanks for doing these reviews!
Regarding your precision group, what is your opinion on quality/accuracy (not price) of Wilson Combat overall, and specifically on their Super Sniper?
Thank you so much for all the info, I went out and browsed for rifles at 8 different gun shops, ran into a buddy of mine who’s experienced with building rifles, I knew what I wanted, he helped me put it together and could never be happier, it was a great learning experience and I really appreciate the engineering behind a rifle. Thanks again for your advice and time, especially in these times.
Can you give me some background on Franklin armory and their AR-15 with Binary Firing System (BFS). The rifle is an appealing package for the BFS system, but I have not found much information about their actual craftsmanship.
Are the Franklin AR's quality rifles? And how do they compare with most commonly reviewed manufacturers.
How can you not have a Knight's AR on this list? Or an LMT? Even a Radian, which is really catching on...
Where does the Springfield Saint Edge fit into the evaluations of "Top Tier," "Mid Tier,' and "Budget" Ar-15s? Any evaluation of it as a weapon for occasional target shooting, and home defense? I read all the good reviews of it & got one; my son is considering getting one as his first AR-15, also for the above-mentioned purposes.
I was fortunate to make a substantial ammo purchase before the quarantine and our dear governor shuttered sporting good/ammo and firearm stores. Dude behind the counter told me a bill was being considered in the senate to prohibit the online purchase and home shipping of firearm components - they’ll have to go through an ffl like lowers. I checked leginfo.ca.gov to verify but was unable to, though it sounds like typical California... what it would probably mean is another fee for instant background check, more taxes, you’ll need a realid/passport/birth cert.
if anyone reading this fabulous page is considering purchasing components to do their own build, get on it stat.
Oh, and if you’re a first timer, you’d be surprised how far you could get in your build by yourself with minimal experience or tools. Take the remainder of the parts to a local gunsmith for completion and support small local businesses
Error in my first post...windham was spawned from bushmaster, not blackout.
Any opinion on windham weaponry's ARs? I own one for my first ar. Carbon fiber. Upgraded to quad rail and foregrip. Low weight and same manufacture as former blackout rifles, which I had heard were reputable firearms. I've shot prob 1500 rounds or more, no issues so far. I've not seen any mention of this brand. Have you tested them?
I will put either of my PWS long stroke piston guns up against anything on any of your tiers. They will have no issues shooting against DD, Larue, and LWRC.
I have heard so many good reports about pws. The person who wrote this article is obviously bias against piston ARs. When talking about the best ARs to not have HK anywhere on the list is really flawed. For me the top 7 would look something like (not in any specific order) hk, bcm, dd, pws, lwrc, colt, and noveske.
I would agree with all but Colt. Id replace Colt with Larue or Wilson or simply the word custom. I can certainly frankenstein an AR with components from all the top guys.
You're exclusion of the Ruger MPR is most disconcerting
It's essentially interchangeable with the S&W M&P Sport and I wouldn't recommend that tier of rifle for anybody except for a first time AR buyer.
Taking triggers and optics out of the equation, what makes a $1.7K DD so much better than a $500-700 Aero, PSA, etc? Forgive my ignorance. I'm trying to understand better.
Fit, material quality, origin of materials, SHTF reliability, but also brand name. It's like comparing a Bushnell TRS to an Aimpoint or EOtech. The higher you get in cost the more likely you are to get past the point of diminishing returns, but there's a reason service members and competitive shooters aren't using Smith and Wesson or Ruger rifles. It's the same reasoning behind why some will buy a Corolla- because it's efficient and gets them places the same as any other car, but others want an Audi because they can afford it, admire the prestige of the brand, and because people like nice things.
Thank you for the thoughtful and polite response Frank. When you say past the point if diminishing returns, is that poor performance/failure/etc. down the road? Might be changing subjects a little but In mentioning Smith & Wesson, does that include the M&P series? Is that marketing only or is the M&P series better than none M&P firearms? Others such as yourself that have a better understanding and/or more experience are great to share thoughts and opinions. Thank you.
Smith & Wesson makes a reliable rifle and is used by many law enforcement agencies, but the fit and finish is mediocre. I’d recommend the Aero Precision M4E1 above any Colt or Smith & Wesson.
Colt should have been dropped from the 2020 update.
Kind of surprised you guys put Aero Precision in the "mid level" with PSA. I think they are much nicer then PSA rifles, and honestly my Aero is indistinguishable from my BCM in terms of quality and fitment.
No mention of POF Firearms? What is your opinion?
It's like when you see a "Best sportcars" article and they don't mention Ferrari.
On point !! Now that I own a POF, there simply isn’t any other manufacturer Im interested in buying from and I own a DDM4V7. Is POF not available to these guys or are they living somewhere where you can’t see the sun...???
Any thoughts on Knights Armament?
In my opinion they make some of the best
rifles on the market
Best but not affordable
How does the diamondback ar-15 stand out? Is this a good quality ? And how many rounds can it shoot ?
We haven't tested them yet, but the feedback we've heard hasn't been great. It's super budget for a reason. Most of the issues I've heard are QC related. If you're looking for a starter rifle, I would highly recommend Palmetto State Armory.
Rock river is budget but Colt is high tier and S&W is mid??? My $1000+ RRA is budget? This is like how pew pew suggested I buy AR500 armor and Safelite. What a joke!
>> This is like how pew pew suggested I buy AR500 armor and Safelite. << What are you talking about ???
Piston AR-15 types are as accurate, are more accurate than the non-piston types! It does not matter what anyone's opinion is concerning such. This is a fact.
Ruger MPR ranks up among the top tier. you can spend hundreds, even thousands but you won't be getting any better than the Ruger MPR.
I agree I have approx 1000 rounds thru my ruger556 mpr. With hornady frontier fmj I'm getting around 1 to 1.5 moa at 100yds. With hornady frontier 75gr bthp match I m getting .6 to .75 moa at 100 yds. Not bad for a 599 dollar rifle. This is using a riton mod 7 4x20x50 scope using Caldwell steady rest on a bench.
I didn't see CMMG or Giessele listed in your "Best" list, yet those two have come highly recommended to me, looking to buy my first (but keepable) AR-15. Thoughts?
Take a long look at the Savage MSR 15 Recon before buying. Fully featured and more accurate than almost all of the rifles listed here. And less than $1,000.
Did you test all the rifles listed here and compared it to the Savage? I highly doubt that.
S&W Mid-Tier, but Rock River budget? The same Rock River Arms to whom you would pay $900+ for a standard 16 inch absolute basic AR15 Carbine?
Yeah, the same RRA I paid $1200 for that has never had a misfeed for me in a couple thousand dirty rounds and puts a 3/4” grouping at 50 yrds with a 1x red dot while still being able to bump fire from my belt. THAT RRA lol
You forgot Spike's Tactical, probably the best complete ARs or finished upper/lower combos on the market. But I'll get back to them in a minute.
I've been buying/building/shooting AR platform guns since '67, as a Marine Corps armorer in The 'Nam. I have quite a few complete guns and finished upper/lower combos, from an old pre-ban Bushy Dissipator to my mainstay top-tier ARs. Bottom line, I know this subject very well.
In My Not-So-Humble Opinion, Larue Tactical is the best out there, but you'll pay a lot more for their complete rifles than the rest of the high-end companies, because places like Gunbroker simply don't have a supply of their stuff at discounted prices. You're better off buying one of their Ultimate Upper Kits and a separate stripped lower. Then Larue becomes affordable.
The downside to Larue is that although the MBT-2S trigger is a good trigger, if you want a GREAT trigger, you'll have to buy one and swap it in.
Other than Larue, I tell people that their best bets are Spike's Tactical, Daniel Defense, or Bravo Company Manufacturing. Next to them, LWRC, Patriot Ordnance, LMT, and Colt are very good. I haven't seen enough of the Rainier and Yankee Hill guns to have a definitive opinion, but the few I've seen so far are good. I wouldn't put Noveske in the top tier any more since the old man died. Enough said.
However, when looking at top-tier guns, only Spike's has the combination of an excellent trigger, bolt carrier group, and barrel, your top three concerns. They also have the forged/billet upper/lower combo, your next criteria.
I looked at ALL the top-of-the-line guns last year and bought two Spike's rifles. I planned buying the Spartan Rifle with the "Battleworn" finish and bought one, but one week later I saw one of their 125 rifle limited edition Pipe Hitter's Union Battleworn Joker Rifles, so I snagged it up! The only real difference between the two is that the Spartan has a 12" handguard and the one on the Joker has the more desirable 13.2" guard. Both of these rifles were $1500 all in.
The only things I've changed on these guns are the muzzle devices. The existing Spike's R2 muzzle brake on both of them is a great device for recoil, but not as suitable for my purposes as my favorite, the Primary Weapons Systems FSC556 flash-suppressing compensator, which kills much more flash as well as 58% of the recoil.
The R2 wasn't tested, but the recoil feels the same as the FSC556. At about $100 each, delivered, that was a great investment.
Okay. I could say a lot more, but that is the essence of my 2 cents worth.
Can’t help you didn’t mention Knight’s SR15 or Radian’s Model 1, have to admit I find those exclusions odd when mentioning the best.
Youre absolutely right. I was thinking the same exact thing.. It's so strange that their info is so detailed and in depth, but they didn't even mention KAC or Radian.
Thanks for including information about left-handed guns. You are thorough and service oriented.
From what I’ve read in ar-15 magazine there are 4 types of feed ramp
Very good info and content. I have one question which came to mind while looking at the rifle length receiver and the M4 receiver. My question is where the difference is. I could tell the difference in the feed ramps but what is the difference in rifle verses M4 barrels? Is it how for the barrel protrudes into the receiver?
If you were ready to buy a gas piston driven AR complete rifle which ones would you recommend?
I have a Barrett Rec 7 in a 5.56. I fantastic out of the box rifle.
This reply is a little late, but my Adams Arms P-Series rifle has been fantastic.
Have been looking for a look alike Vietnam AR-15. Smooth fore arm and stock. However with updated
operation. Is there such a thing? and what would be the estimated cost.
You will find an m16a1 clone and parts at Palmetto State Armory and Windham Weaponry. Definitely more but that’s what comes to mind first.
Excellent article, I just wish I had read it before purchasing a locally available AR-15 Carbine. Mine is from Diamondback Arms. Haven’t fired it yet but I’ll let you know later what I think.
Several companies on the mid tier list need to be swapped out with a few on the budget tier list.
I would agree. I have a Ruger SR-556, not to be confused with the AR-556, that, tho a bit heavy, is the finest AR I have. And I have two Colts and a DD.
As for the preferred pronunciation of carbine: "Carbine" Williams was asked by a California vineyard owner how he pronoubced it. He answered the man with another question, he asked the man if he grew his grapes on veens or vines? So if "Carbine" Williams pronounced it car-byne, that's good enough for me.
My research pointed me toward the Ruger 556 MPR. Too many good features in a sub &100 gun and for me a great start with only add ons to worry about and nothing to switch out.
Spectacular article. Thank you for explaining this so well. Going to reread it and begin my purchasing adventure.
Free Float the handguard. A good trigger is nice, but free float the handguard.
For me, at least, they seem to shoot better. ( group, instead of pattern. )
Thanks this helped me to make my decision.
Not even an honorable mention on Windham Weaponry?? Rock solid quality, lifetime transferrable warranty. Broaden your horizons dude.
No Word about awesome JP?
Jerry
Great article. Good job bro.
Eric - Just a few comments and a question:
Regarding the "barrel forging" as you call it. There are two types. They are Cold Hammer Forged and Button Pulled. They are significantly different from one another and aren't close to being the same.
Cold Hammer Forged barrels produce a much more durable barrel because the material is hammered around a mandrel to form the rifling. This compression of the material makes a lattice structure that gives it the longevity. CHF barrels don't tend to need a hardening step because the machine "hammering" does that.
BFH stands for Button-Forged and Hardened because Button-Forged barrels need to go through a hardening process after they've been rifled. Button Forged barrels are manufactured by pulling the "button" through the barrel to form the rifling. The Button cuts the barrel on the inside, removing material. Button forged barrels can have internal defects that cause the manufacturer to scrap the barrel immediately.
"Barrel Life" depends on numerous things. The quality of the barrel (CHF v. BFH), Material, and how it's fired (automatic v. 3 round burst v. semi-auto). Other things that can affect the barrel life is the type quality of the rounds you use. If you're using 80-gr junk rounds, you'll heat up your barrel more than if you are using 62-gr high performance rounds.
My question for you:
- When you say that a Piston system is less accurate than a Direct Impingement system, what sort of accuracy difference are you talking about?
Keep this shit to yourself. I came here to read an article about my hobby, not to read some dumbass comment that stereotypes everyone on the left. This is the type of crap that makes me believe every Trump supporter is a drooling troglodyte.
...and then you do exactly the same thing... Ha!
How did the original AR...Armalite, not make this list? Surely, they are far better quality weapons than a garbage PSA.
I am in love , i have found my new love.
Great article. After reading it I know nearly all I need to know to get into an AR rifle.
Thank you
I have looked into the Springfield Saints, the Victor, Free float, or edge (that one is a little out of my price range). I am looking for something reliable, potentially for home defense, with a free float hand guard while not breaking the bank. Would these be a good option?
Hi Eric, thank you so much for the wealth of information! I was wondering if you have ever heard of Bear Creek Arsenal? Their prices are unbelievable. Thanks for any input you can offer!
I've never heard anything overwhelmingly positive about BCA. A lot of reports about having to send back 3+ uppers to finally get one that worked, not even shot well but just functioned correctly. Barrels are very hit and miss, QC problems. Some times you can get one that is sub-MOA, a lot of times they are 5+ MOA - and this is coming from very experienced shooters that I trust. I've never used them personally but I don't plan too either, better to spend a little more but get something you know works.
Thank you David!
Thank you Eric. I now feel I can go out, look at the different choices, and ask the important questions
before I make my investment in an AR.
Glad I could help you out, Ken!
Very good article, taught me alot, but
What about the AR9?
Nice article, But you haven't mentioned Core rife. This was my first AR15. Why no commit. I understood they are a quality MFG. My first sport rifles where Ruger 30 ranch and SKS which was cheap hunting rife for a young family man on a budget. Had both the rifle and the carbine. They were lots of fun for a group of broke young guy's just getting started.
I'VE BEEN LOOKING AT WILSON COMBAT AR PLATEFORM FOR A "HIGH END" RIFLE. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INSIGHT ON THE QUALITY OF THE RIFLE OF WILSON FOR THE COST? I ask because I don't see much reviews of this particular brand of AR.
Wilson Combat makes very high-quality products. Their rifles, 1911s, and Berettas are all well respected in tactical and competition communities. If they are worth the price depends on you, you're paying a lot for the name and the reputation - but you know for a fact that your rifle is going to be top-tier.
I’m looking for an all-around optic that will be good for coyote hunting but also work for closer in tactical purposes
I would go with the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x!
Does anyone have any pro's and con's on the Ruger AR 556 ?
I bought mine a few weeks ago and love it. My only issue with it so far is after a few mags in succesion it gets a little hot, but that is probably just the stock handguard not handling heat well (and this is after runnign about 120 rounds throuhg in under 15 minutes). Other than that accuracy has been great, and it has been very reliable, I would definitely reccomend it for the price.
I bought one about 3 years ago. I paid full retail(649.00) because I did not do my homework first. At the time I didn't want to spend 850.00 for a Springfield Saint but within the first 3 months I spent around 500 bucks swapping all the furniture, springs, and an assortment of other accessories. I'm not a hunter and no plans on becoming a sniper anytime soon so the Ruger gets the job done for me. With all that said, I want to buy about 10 more AR's after reading some of these comments from people that know a lot more than me about quality AR's.
As usual, no respect for Black Rain Ordnance. I love mine, it screams quality and is very accurate.
I also have a Black Rain Ordnance and it really gets my goat that no one ever has any comments on this fantastic weapon!!
Wonder why there’s no mention of Radian Model 1 or Battlearms Development on this site, is this stuff up to date?
Excellent article! A couple of points- there are only a very few companies that make the actual parts. So anything above $650. For an AR just means more middle men, or more options.
The diffetence in the guns is in the detail. Anything milspec means the lowest quality, cheapest to manufacture, lowest accuracy standard, minus 20%, gun, and parts. As you get what you pay for, once out of the milspec parts bin, inspect, and look for the greater attention to detail. Example- matched upper/lower receiver sets that WON'T open unless BOTH pins are removed. Huge difference in reliability/accuracy. Example- try a Jewell, geissele, or other top end trigger. All triggers have the same internal parts. The only difference is quality, and attention to detail. Avoid a milspec trigger at all/any cost!
I didnt see anything about Barrett. Their rec7 is equivalent to the DD for the same price.
From a ddmv11 owner , Barrett is very much equivalent if not better than dd
Aero rifles hard to get, AC15,,
You can buy upper, and lower separate, and have the rifle?
Missing magazine, maybe sights?
Thanks
what are your thought about the Heckler and Koch rifles, they weren't mentioned
HK is hard to find in the USA and very pricey when you do. They are well made and reliable, but grossly overpriced for the product delivered.
Their pistols are a much better value though.
How about Patriot Ordonance Factory AR (POF- USA) ?
How about POF-USA ?
Hi Eric - thanks for the article, good points you raised but I got recently my hands on my new best friend; KAC SR-15 E3 Mod 2 & Elcan Specter DR Dual Role 1,5x/6x scope on top of it and I am in love (pls don't tell my wife...). After almost 1K rounds the gun has had zero problems what so ever and the only thing I am contemplating improving is the trigger, although Knights original trigger is not bad at all. Ryker Grip is an accessory I can recommend for every AR shooter, although it needs some tweaking (grip tape) before it works properly. Just wondering why KAC SR-15 was not chosen on your top tier list, but a great gun whether listed or not. Best regards from Finland, Mikko.
Wow . I did not see Ruger ar15? 556-223 . It is right there with the m&p. Ill shoot mine against any shooter with a m&p. So made Ruger was not concidered
hi. i am interested in your opinion of windham weaponry's ar offerings. i dont often see them reviewed. i live in the state of NY, so i have a thordsen stock which is completely comfortable and effective, tho i wish it were a bit longer. i know that the new ones can be lengthened, but what about the old ones?
I don't know about the Thordsen stock, I've never used one. But I can say that Windham Weaponry is good to go - although not under the same name, they have a long history of producing great rifles for a decent price.
If you Google their name a bit you can find the full story, but the short version is that the people in charge of WW made an outstanding product, Remington bought their company, fired everyone, moved the company and ran it into the ground, so the people that ran the old company reopened under the Windham Weaponry name with basically the same personnel as before the sale and started up their business again.
They are good to go!
Definitely check out Core Rifle Systems. I have a Grey Cerakoted TAC IV and love it. Precision AR with tight tolerances. I upgraded the BCG to nickel boron and love it. The forge their own barrels as well. A lot of Pew Pew for the buck.
You have not mentioned POF. Woder why?
Hi Mario, we haven't had any experience besides a few rounds through at a range day to have a solid opinion.
Understand. I have POF Renegade Plus. Superb quality and so many " extras " make this one really worth to take a closer look.
Hey Eric, and everyone else. Great article.. My coworkers and I enjoy reading your stuff. We are all well seasoned shooters with prior service backgrounds. We may not always agree with you but we for sure appreciate you having a voice and using it effectively. I’ve read all the comments as of 9/2/2018 @ 8:31 a.m. and there is no shortage of options. To the fella who commented on the Mini 14 being a viable contender, I’d say absolutely. Ever heard of Michael Platt? I’m not in any way glamorizing this individual or the shootout and in the end he got what was coming to him but it speaks to the Mini’s reliable platform.
Back on topic. In my opinion if you can perform any of the following:
• Hang a picture on a wall
• Insert a key into the ignition
• Dress yourself
• Open a soda can
You should have no problem building an AR with the proper tooling, especially when you consider the vast amount of detailed instructions available on YouTube alone. I agree with the satisfaction that comes with completing your own build and I mean placing your hands on each individual part, not pinning an upper to a lower. But I must warn you, when you are finished with your first build and you see the fruits of your labor... you will build another. This is a contagious lifestyle for which I have found no cure, possibly because I haven’t looked. Buy tools that are dependable, accurate and that will last. There are a few steps that one can take while assembling that only take minutes but that will improve accuracy on the big end. One example is lapping the upper receiver before installing the barrel in order to gain equal contact between the upper receiver and barrel extension. I have a cheap AR I put together using no name leftover parts and a $70 16” Bear Creek Arsenal 1:8 .223 Wyld Barrel. This thing is a shooter. Yes it’s ugly, no the colors don’t match and I may have $300 in it but it has been 100% reliable with a medley of Ammo and in most cases it shoots laser beams and has only gotten better over time. This is a builders market as there are many more options available to the builder and don’t be fooled into believing that more money equals better accuracy.
Practice basic shooting fundamentals and build your skills from there.
My departing advice to anyone new to the AR scene.
Keep your rifles simple and purpose built. Keep in mind one rifle can play many roles. You don’t need a bunch of stuff attached to your platform. Work on being effective with the minimum. You don’t need a high dollar rifle to be effective. You don’t have to look like the Blackwater operators to be effective and most important you don’t need either to have fun with whatever you choose. Most of us are fortunate enough to live in states that allow us to make our own decisions so take advantage of the “privilege” while you can. Find what works for you, take a friend shooting, practice practice practice, put some Ammo away and when the wolf comes knocking your experience and equipment will serve you well.
Great advice there...especially on not needing a high dollar rifle or looking like a full-blown operator.
Thanks for the great read Eric. it has helped me out trying to narrow down my first AR15 purchase. I am OK with being in the 1500 range and was looking at the Falkor Defense The Standard, do you have any experience or thoughts on Falkor?
Hi Anthony, so glad I could help out!
I haven't had the opportunity to use any of their ARs, the only thing I've heard about them is that they make an AR-10 in .300 Win Mag. Sorry!
Eric, I see you didn't name Armalite as a good company to buy an AR from. They are now moving to a new Factory location. Do you have any comment on them at all?
Well written, and very informative. I've been involved with shooting and hunting for sometime now, but I've never caught the AR bug until recently. Thanks for helping me with the basics
You didn't include Ruger on your list. Why?
Ruger is on the list under "Mid-tier". The Ruger 556 and Ruger MPR are great budget rifles and two of main ones I recommend for people looking to get their first AR-15.
Sorry but I will double post .Having both a ruger 55.6 and mpr (both great rifles) I think the mpr should be on your best bang for the buck list.try one out
I have the Ruger MPR and it’s been serving me well.
I have both a ruger 55.6 and mpr .both great rifles. The mpr should be considered on your best bang for the buck list with all the upgrades over the standard 55.6
mt inspection has nothing to do with x-rays .
Why do I never see Knights armament sr15 on these lists?
Knights Armament rifles are great rifles. They are also an innovative company, they were one of the first really perfect the AR-10 and they won the military contract for it also. The main reason they aren't on the list is simple price. At $2,500 their AR-15 is out of reach for most people and does not return good value at all. While well made, reliable, and good rifles - they are nothing special. You can get the same reliability, build quality, and durability from rifles half or less the price.
BCM..top tier...lol...really!....lol!
Yeah I laughed as well.
For those new to AR, go with a COLT. You are more likely to get your money out of it later - other brands just dont hold value as well at a gun show. It’s a known commodity. COLT is not as high quality as the pimp’ed out DD, but people like used COLT rifles - like of like a S&W 44 mag versus other brands. Colt is Iconic.
and if you have no intention of selling it?
I own a CMMG MK 4 in 300AAC Blackout 16 inch barrel and a Ruger 5.56, I love them both.
I'm wanting to upgrade to a "premium " weapon but I can't decide on the Daniel Defense , Bravo Company , LWRC and Wilson Combat ( how were they left off your list).
I'd like it in 300AAC Blackout to be used for hog hunting. Any recommendations? Thanks.
Go with Daniel defense. I own the ddm4v7 and I love it. It’s a good amount of money but I think it is well worth it!
How in the heck did the Ruger AR 556 MPR not make this list. That is just crazy.
Another good AR-15 maker is Rock River Arms. I hear they make a great, all-round AR-15 and they also make specifically engineered left-handed models as well, right down to the barrel twist. Keep in mind those parts are engineered, thus proprietary, for those left-handed models, as mentioned in their notice, but it's great there is another southpaw option out there.
Twist based on shooter's dominant hand has been a debunked myth for decades. I would strongly question trusting any product being sold based on that claim.
Hi Eric can you explain why you and the military prefer M LOK over KEY MOD hand guards. The Barret Rec 7 is is a very good AR 15 so i think Barret should have been included in the list of top tier manufacturers. Good article keep up the good work.
USSOCOM Published Their Testing Results and it basically boils down to M-LOK attachments were much stronger than Keymod. Also, since they now have USSOCOM's support the market is shifting heavily to using M-LOK over Keymod.
Thanks for the info
Hi Pew Pew, you have excellent articles posted, lots of good info. 30 years ago I got a good deal on a slightly used Colt SP-1, put a couple hundred rounds thru it, cleaned it and stashed it away. Decided now I want one to use, I ended up with a Radical RF15, I like the M-Lok free-floating guard, makes it easy to modify the gun. Good review and bad on-line, I read em, went back and talked to dealer, he's sold some to guys that have put a beating on them with no issues. He had cheaper guns there, he had some way more expensive. Do some reading and looking and buy the one you like. It's like anything else, I have friends that love their XYZ truck, I wouldn't ever buy one. Went to a show yesterday and was looking at all the parts and pieces, looks like fun to build one, wont be cheaper than buying a complete low end gun but it would be mine! thank you!!
Hi Eric, I'm new to the AR15 and looking to buy one. I probably am not looking to build my first. I live in CA so I need to have the ugly version (featureless) I've heard really good things about Sionics. What are your (or anyone else) thoughts on them? Quality & Customer Service appear to be excellent. Thank you for your time!
I've never handled a Sionic but I haven't heard bad things about them. I think they are more focused on Law Enforcement though. I'm not sure they even make a CA approved AR-15.
They wouldn't be my first choice for someone that was getting their first AR-15, but I don't think they would be a bad choice either.
Thanks for your i put David. They do have a CA legal version, I was looking at them in the shop last week. No pistol grips, one piece stock or fin and no muzzle blast suppressor. I've seen some good reviews of them, was just curious.
Curious as to why RRA is low tear?
Personally, I wouldn't really think of them as low tier - just not the best and not something that I would look to for top quality. There have been QC issues that I've heard cropping up with their rifles that would lead me to consider other manufacturers first. However, if the price was right I would roll the dice and pick one up.
Excellent article. Keep up the good work.
Brilliant plain English article
Great article and very informative. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Have you ever heard of Radical Firearms? I'm looking at buying my first AR-15. So I've been trying to read up and look at the best way to do it.
I just picked up a Radical RF15 a couple weeks ago. Read good and bad reviews, went back looked it over and bought it. Only put about 150 rounds thru it so far, took it apart and everything looks good. Haven't shot for accuracy yet, still winter here. It has the M-Lok handguard so you can mount whatever you want wherever you want. With all the features I don't think you can go wrong.
I own the Radical Arms RF-15, and I f-ing LOVE this rifle! I would argue that for the price, the quality can't be beat - American Made, Fully MIL-SPEC, 4150V Melonite Barrel, Free Float Barrel, yada yada.. And Personally, this rifle just feels absolutely perfect in my hands and when shouldered.. it's hard to describe really just how right this rifle feels.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 5 STARS.
Concur. No issues other than my eye dominance trying to sight it in and that's on me. Add a .22lr conversion kit, and you get two for one ballistic tool set.
Great article, thanks.
Long article but such a great read! This may be one of the best entry level articles i've read during my research. You really break everything down, define abbreviations and terminology that first time buyers can understand. Also the abundance of pictures and references and videos you talk about are also super relevant and concise. This was a great article, thanks for writing and I'm excited now more than ever to start shopping around for my first.
You're so welcome, glad we could help out.
Armalite makes the best ar15 bolt with 40% less stress during firing.
The best rifling for 62 grain is 1/9. when is the last time you fired tracer?
You never need a hammer forged barrel unless you're competition target shooting..
Save your money and get an Armalite the best choice for your money in either ar15 or ar10.
Most people by these firearms for homeland defense. Ideally you should choose lighter, sleeker, less moving parts with the goal of Designated Marksman. Ideally used in dynamic target acquisition. Ar15's are amazingly accurate rifles but the 5.56 is at maximum capable of Designated Marksman....barely. Definitely not a sniper.rifle.
I recommend getting a Gas Piston and eliminating the bolt gas rings, the port door assembly and the forward assist. Also get a free float Mlok. get rid of the MBUIS and get a cheap C-More copy. Palmetto State Armory has the sleekest upper receiver.
The best gas pistons are Bushmaster, Ares or Superlative...Period
I've recently been introduced to Patriot Ordinance Factory AR15s - specifically I shot the Puritan model (now discontinued). I was wondering, where on your list POF might come in, and why? Thank you! And thanks for the article!
I have heard great things about POF as well. Your ranking?
Excellent article. Well written with lots of useful information.
Great article...however, Eric, you should know better than to say by permanently adding a muzzle device at least 1.5" in length to a 14.5" barrel will make it a 16" barrel. If you don't...I'll tell you....... THE THREADS... a muzzle device will need to be at least 2.21" long to make a 14.5" barrel extend to 16" "Permanently" by ATF definition means pinned and welded or silver soldered. Don't do this without knowing what you're doing...
Thanks Tom!
Is Colt Firearms still in business?
I was planning to buy 2 Colt LE6920's oem2's to pick up shooting with my daughter when tax return comes in.
But never in stock anywhere.
And if not Colt what is its equal in price and quality out there?
Thanks Aaron
I believe it's Remington that was recently in trouble. As far as I know Colt is still in business. There's a couple of suggestions I have in the article. Thanks Aaron!
Maybe we are getting them all up here in Canada. Seems to be easy pickings as I just picked one up @ Bullseye in London. Good article BTW!
Okay because I won’t be there
Dude jus take a 14.5 M4 barrel,,throw 2 crush washers and standard birdcage on,,pin it weld and your at 16.1 with the dowel test
Mr Hung,
Well written. This model will be my next purchase. Thank you for such clarity!
Looking at the Ruger AR-556
Glad we could help out!
Have any of the staff at Pew Pew had any hands on experience with the Ruger MPR? I've been researching this model for several months, and for the features included it seems to be a no-brainer entry level MSR.
18" medium profile barrel, 5R rifling, rifle length gas system, free float M-LOK handguard, Magpul grip and stock, Ruger 552 two stage trigger. The trigger alone retails for ~$150, and this rifle can be found in the $600-$650 range. I see no reason for anyone to buy an M&P Sport or DPMS Oracle when a rifle with these features is available sub-$700.
Great question. I was looking for them to mention this rifle as well, now that it's been out for awhile.
I don't know if any of us have personally used one, but one of my best friends picked one up a month ago and has been very pleased with it. I know the Ruger 556 is a solid AR15 with a good reputation and since the MPR is just the 556 with upgrades - I would expect it to be a great choice.
You are absolutely incorrect on the barrel and muzzle calculations. The barrel is measured with the bolt closed, a rod is inserted into the barrel until it stops on the closed bolt, then marked at the tip (excluding removable/non permanent muzzle. Anything less than 16" (which a 16" barrel is actually more around 14.5" when measured with out muzzle device and bolt fully closed) would be considered a short barrel rifle. So you cannot avoid this by using a removable muzzle device of any length on a standard 16" unless you want to pay for the $200 NFA tax stamp and wait around for a while to get the approval to build (cant legally build it until the paperwork is approved and you have received the tax stamp for the lower). Best route to go is to permanently attach (pin and weld) a muzzle device of 2" or more (you loose length of muzzle device when its threaded onto the barrel) to the barrel making the barrel from closed bolt to a length of 16" or more when checked with ATF approved rod length test. If its even less than 16" by even the slightest fraction of measurement, is it worth it to chance a 10k fine and 10 years away from your loved ones while your someone's' bitch in prison? Hope this description helps anyone. My references included the NFA Handbook (chapter 2) which is available on the BAFT website.
Thanks for the informative comments. I immediately checked my Bushmaster to confirm its length. Now I know how to do it properly.
Funk this guy bro. Bushmaster is a great brand. I gave right under a a 1000 for mine about 3 or 4 years ago. It still runs like a sewing machine. Xm15e2s rocks. Ask the Beltway Sniper
Eric, how would you rank the Aero AR15 M4E1 Complete Rifle, 16" 5.56 NATO Mid-Length as opposed to the AC15M against this list of recommendations?
It's a matter of personal taste...if you want something more traditional with a front sight post and regular handguard, go with the AC15M. But if you have an inkling of wanting to upgrade optics or hang put anything on your handguard...go for the M4E1. I'll be updating the article this week to reflect this.
Thanks that was well written and to the point. I appreciate the clear way you wrote it. A must read for first AR buyers.
You're so welcome, Gareth!
Bushmaster is bottom of the barrel?
I have a Colt and my Bushy runs just as well if not better
pardon my potential ignorance, but i have read in several guides that CHF produces a MORE accurate barrel. this has been my understanding for quite some time. did you mistakenly say less accurate? or, if not, can you help me to understand the basis for the assertion?
i don't mean to nitpick, only to better understand. thanks for article, and thanks in advance for any feedback.
Great beginner's buyer guide Eric!! I do want to point that a muzzle device of 1.5" in length will not bring a 14.5" barrel to 16" The threaded part of the barrel (approx .625") disappears into the muzzle device when installed, so the minimum length muzzle device needed is 2.125" Some manufacturers make them this precise length for this exact purpose. VG6 and Faxon among them.
Thanks again Eric!!
That's a good point, thanks Tom!
Disappointing not to find Knights, POF and Armalite on tier lists.
I've been trying to research AR15's for a while now with the intent to buy and this page/post has been the most useful so far. Thanks for being so thorough.
You're so welcome!
just bought a new LE6920 (magpul addition) but wondering about the quality - is it the same quality of the ones made before or have they cut corners and if so what upgrades can i make to bring it up to snuff
I think it's still fine...take a look at our AR-15 Upgrades.
Hi guys. I’m looking at an entry level “ar” somewhere between $500 to $800.
So far for the best $$$
Smith &wesson M&P15 sport II $499
Ruger 556 8500. $499
And last but not least on my list is the
Springfield saint at $749.
I’ve heard very good things about all of these so I’m really caught up in my decision making.
Any help will be greatly appreciated
Don't buy anything from traitors like Springfield or Rock River
Why are they traitors??
You left Armalite off your list. Great affordable rifle.
Definitely looking to update this list soon!
I am surprised you put Stag as a budget rifle seeing how they made a lot of parts for Colt (tier 1) for many years now. I would take a Stag over a Colt all day. Colt quality has declined and Stag has developed a great reputation for accuracy and durability. I own an LWRC, Daniel Defense and a Stag and my Stag is only slightly less a rifle than those 2. For the money you'd be hard pressed to find a better quality AR.
Any opinions over the Ruger? By the way, a great article.
first time in here I read over 4 hrs of information really liking this !!!
Glad we could help!!
Thanks for all the great info. That's a pretty good 15 minute lesson and gives me something to think about before buying.
You're so welcome, Christian!
Do you have any info on the Colt Expanse M4 AR-15 CE2000? I really want a Colt and I found this model for under $700.
Hi Greg, I don't have any experience with that particular model.
U failed tu mention d SPRINGFIELD SAINT IN D GOOD ARs Y ITS NOT ANY GOOD CAUSE I JUST GOT 1
Hi James, I don't have much experience from it besides shooting it once at SHOT. Springfield is a good company though.
I highly recommend the S&W M&P sport 2, it is cheap and really, really worths the price. I only recommend getting a new stock, the standard can hurt your skin.
Great information, Thanks!!!! Was wondering where Armalite falls in your list of manufacturers, budget, mid, or top tier?.
Lots of good info in article, Thanks! Have always used righty rifles, but now I want to work toward a suppressed AR. This will require the change to a lefty model. Already figure to get coated BCG and stainless barrel, but what manufacturers make suppressor ready lefty AR's?
Thanks again!
Hi Bert...that's a pretty specific question! You should be fine with a regular lefty AR that has a threaded barrel.
It's not the barrel or the rifle that makes it suppressor ready, it is the muzzle device. Many manufactures" sypressors will only fit their muzzle devices and some only fit one or two muzzle devices. The Gemtech "HALO" (among others) will fit an A2 birdcage. Personally i'd run a cheap muzzle device until you're ready to buy the suppressor and then match it with a good solid mount or brake that is made for the suppressor.
Where did you get your info?
Barrel material
Stainless is more accurate but not as long lasting? I think you got things backwards. And with todays steels and barrel makers the accuracy thing can go either way. Stainless handles higher temps better and lasts longer than chrome moly. It handles the water vapor better from suppressors as well without corroding.
Inspection
MP means Magnetic Particle inspection which is the same as MagnaFlux where they magnetize the barrel and place it in a solution of naptha and tiny particles of iron which have a dye that shows up under a black light. The particles collect anywhere there is a crack or a discontinuity in the metal and is absolutely nothing like x ray at all.
Hammer forged barrels can be just as accurate and can be longer lasting though it depends on material used and who does the work. Some are great, some not so great. Normally the forged barrels have better hardness and wear characteristics especially combined with nitriding.
Chrome plating doesn't help accuracy at all....it can actually degrade it. It does protect against corrosion and is the primary reason they chrome bores. It prevents damage when owners neglect their firearms. It is a crutch.
Thats as far as I got.....
Just bought the Ruger SR 556 Sporting Rifle, with the upgraded Trigger.
I own a number of Ruger weapons and this one is no disappointment!
There are more expensive AR's but I would rather save my money to increase my collection! Smile.
My recommendation is to think long and hard before grabbing that on-sale special.
I strongly recommend buying a Flat Top, honestly you're going to tinker with it anyway. :)
In my case, before cataract surgery I couldn't see the target well enough to aim... So, I bought a 4x scope. Which helped a lot, but, the Front "A" Frame sight was in the way.
So, I bought a couple of good quality flip up sights and a low profile gas-block, which the first (supposed) gun smith installed and broke the gas tube.
The second Gun Smith, also a principle at the SWGSA, got it working again.
You can see the dollars signs adding up, right?
OK, my first AR is a S&W M&P 15 Sport bought on sale at the now defunct Gander Mountain.
For a one hour drive and about the same price I could have gotten a Daniel Defense Flat top and two popup sights!
Didn't even know about Pew Pew (love the cat)
Thanks Mike! And yup...the dollar signs always add up in the world of guns...especially ARs!
I call BS on the lists. You have Rock River Arms at the bottom of the list. I own four of their LAR-15 models and they are all tack drivers. I also own a few Colt 6920's and a Bushmaster XM15-E2S . I would not place RRA far from the COLT. I actually like the fact the RRA's come with Heavy Barrels. I had to buy Colt HBAR uppers to add to the 6920's. One of the RRA LAR-15's has fired many thousands of rounds and I have never had a single issue with it. The RRA 2-stage triggers are a bonus as well. I'd take another look at the list. In more than a decade of trying to find an answer, not a single person has given me a reason why the RRA is dissed by anyone. I'd love to hear why YOU have them at the bottom. My guess is it is only because you grabbed someone else's list. This seems to be the ONLY reason anyone puts them at the bottom of their list. I love mine.
Rock River Arms in the lowest tier makes no sense to me either. I own a predator pursuit and it's one of the most accurate ARs I have ever shot--100% reliable as well. Just picked up a 10.5" upper for my SBR build based on my positive experiences with the predator pursuit--it is also rock solid. Seriously wondering why this manufacturer is getting disrespected here--what is this based on?
None of the "Top Teir" guns on this list have ever seen any real combat action or military trials testing.
Same for FN as mid tier, which he defines as unproven. But by whom, the author himself? He probably doesnt even realize FN makes nearly all the guns used or carried by our troops, including the M4 Carbine. FN should be top tier and those in the biz will more likely agree. He failed to mention HK but im sure if he did they would also label them as mid tier; despite the fact that the US military uses them as well.
Also No mention of LMT..... the king.
Absolutely! Many of those budget Rifles make top notch stuff. He has his tier list all wrong. My bushy has been 100 percent over the years including a 500 round course. My old RRA 16inch Predator Pursuit is about as accurate as you can get. I lusted after a Daniel Defense forever but couldn't justify it. Bought a full rail PSA upper with a CHF Barrel from FN and I'm very pleased.
Amen Bro !! I just shot my RRA for the first time last weekend. It came with an 18" Stainless Steel match grade barrel chambered in .223 Wylde with a 1 in 8 twist (guaranteed 3/4 M.O.A. at 10o yards), and a tw0 stage trigger. It has an Ergo-grip and more awesome equipment that I want to type in here. All for $875 Ask the D.E.A. and A,T.F why they chose Rock River Arms. My son bought the RRA AR-10 in .308 for deer hunting and it's equally amazing.
Very informative piece! I decided that I wanted to build my first AR so I understood it and built it exactly how I wanted (although I have lots of experience shooting them) and I couldn't be happier. I went with Sons of Liberty for the receivers and BCG. So far I'm very happy with them. Do you have any experience with the company? They offer a great warranty and customer service. I also exchanged my mil-spec trigger with a unit from Trigger Tech and I LOVE IT!!! I tried a bunch of different brands and I think its on par with the very best out there and runs a bit less expensive. I would be curious to hear your thoughts.
Didn't see Troy mentioned anywhere?
Iam going to be a first time AR 15 after my son who is in the military took me to a gun range for fathers day. First of all my son and i had a blast at the range and went through 10 boxes of ammunition. For me when it comes to buying anything is warranty warranty warranty from the company. I hate to say this but money is no object when it comes to buying a AR 15 for me if it costs a little more i will just save for a little longer. in your opion the best AR with the best warranty.
Hi Ray, good point. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I've never had to call in a warranty for any of my AR's. You might be better off searching for forum posts on how each company deals with warranty. Just take it with a grain of salt since most people with positive experiences don't post...but it's a good sign if other forum members jump into the company's defense.
Eric, I loved the information in your article. I hung on to every word...no pun intended. I will recommend this article to a friend who is just starting out like myself. There is one thing I would love clarity on. Your recommendation in the end, included two carbine styled AR's and one mid-length gas system rifles. In your article you stated the mid-length gas system you found to be preferable for beginners. Your reasons were longer sight distance, more handguard/rail space and most important smoother/softer shooting due to gas pressure. I look forward to your response before I make my first purchase.
Haha lol. Thanks for writing in and for sharing with your friend. Yup if you have the choice, go with the mid-length which tend to be a few bucks more expensive.
Hi Eric,
This was such an informative article. Thank you.
Against your advice, I built my first rifle. However, I had an experienced, professional gunsmith (a friend) looking over my shoulder and checking my work. I'd had also already shot many rifles, so I had a pretty good idea of what I liked and what worked for me. I realize that not everyone has that luxury. I was very fortunate to have come away with a great rifle and a ton of knowledge and experience from the build.
I did want to ask about your opinion or knowledge about two things:
1) Radical Firearms: They're a full service manufacturer (not just an assembler) out of Houston Texas that machines all their parts in-house. Their one-stop shop setup is what allows them to keep their prices low. They also provide firearms for a lot of the Police Dept's in Texas. So, what do you know about them, do you have an opinion about them and where would you place them on your tiers?
2) Black Rain Ordnance: I noticed that you didn't place them on your tiers. I've heard some really great things about them. What's your take on them?
Thank you for your time, in advance.
Dennis
Hi Dennis, glad your build came out great!
Regarding Radical and BRO...I simply don't have experience with them besides knowing Radical has some very affordable prices. But good to know that Radical's low prices come from being a one-stop shop.
Eric, lots of info, probably an over load, but thanks. So for us old guys who live in California and can't buy Black Guns, what is wrong with a Ruger Mini-14? Seems to me, one who who carried an M-14 for our Government, the Mini-14 will do everything a Black Gun will do and be legal in California?
Hey Jeff, I replied in email but this is probably good for others too. Nothing wrong with the Mini-14...it's just not the flavor of the year. And if you're in CA...it's definitely less "scary" and almost featureless already.
Hey Eric!
Thanks a ton for all that information! I've always steered away from semi-auto rifles, or rather AR-15's due to all that jargon and lingo - your article really made it all much easier to understand!
I think I want to buy/build a good 7.62x39 AR-15 platform. What would you recommend? Or would you recommend a different platform for that round? I'm attracted to the price of the round as well as the ballistics.
You're so welcome. I've though about building/buying a 7.62x39 but it seems more headache than it is worth. I'd just get an AK variant for that round.
It will be a cold day in hell before Daniel Defense and Bravo Company set higher standards than LWRC in my book. LWRC is the best precision gun manufacturer hands down, Pretty boys just want pogue rifles with as many attachments and aftermarket parts as they can fit, never mind putting rounds on target or buying a gun that doesn't need the trigger replaced out of the box. lmao
Hi Eric:
Great "Buyer's Guide"! You covered all the bases and kept the writing clear, concise and easy to understand. Very accessible article for those new to the AR game. Well done!
Cheers,
Charles
Love you guys.....✌✌❤❤❤
I am new to the AR-15 world but found your article filled with good information to help me make my first purchase.
My question is regarding the Colt LE6920 which I have almost decided to get. But what can be done about the front sight if I want to put a Red Dot on the Colt? Won't the front sight get in the way of the view? Any recommendations for this would be appreciated.
I am looking into buying my first ar-15. I have a military background, Marines, so I’m happy with fixed A2-style front, I’ll be shooting iron sights most of the time. This rifle is for self defense with plinking fun gun. I would like to shoot steel ammo, since I’m on a budget.
I got Aero precision mid Ar 15 I can pick for at brownell for good price like less than 550, good specs but maybe bad customer service. I got ruger 556 for 605 from my dealer, ok specs, good customer service and I don't have to pay ffl. Or Springfield saint for 750 also from my dealer. Which one would you pick?
Jason, which dealer is offering you the Springfield Saint for 750? that's a really good price.
I just wanted to give you guys a hat tip on the article: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/ar-15-buyers-guide-how-to-choose-your-first-ar-15/
I work for OpticsPlanet in the SEO dept. Damn! That's a great article. Great job to your team that put it together.
Lou Storiale
Thanks so much Lou! Really appreciate the kind words.
Thanks so much Lou!
Question. What is the highest quality ar 15 if money dosent matter?
It really depends on what you're looking for. At the super high-end, the best option would be to find a quality custom shop or gunsmith and have them build you exactly what you want. Asking for the "best AR" is a bit like asking "what's the best car?"
At the end of the day, its going to be the one that's the best at what you want to do, and the one you have the most fun with.
Being a left handed shooter, I wanted my first AR to be a lefty model. I bought a Stag Arms 3L. But after doing further research I learned that a lot of lefties buy just a regular AR. So now I am already looking for my second AR 15. I don't plan to compete or go hunting with them. I will probably just shoot at the local shooting ranges.
I will probably start chasing the 1" MOA at 100 yd... I will start thinking about getting a free floating handguard, lighter trigger, better scope, better barrel, etc..
So instead of upgrading a part by part, which can be fun but also frustrating, I will go for an expensive model probably.
I will shoot the Stag Arms first and see how it does. But I know I will always want a premium AR.
Good article, but your commentary on barrel "forging" is a bit misleading. Hammer forging is not a process to make barrels last longer. It is how they are made. They are literally hammered around a mandrel that forms the chamber, bore, and rifling of the barrel. The reason they last longer is the hammering created a more dense material. As far as them loosing accuracy, that is not accurate either. Compared to other methods it can actually create a more smooth surface because nothing is pulled or pushed through the barrel created marks in it. In hand lapped barrels that is corrected mostly.
Other types of barrels, are drilled, and either button rifled, single point cut, or broached. There are obviously pros and cons to all types, but Hammer forging can create extremely accurate and precise barrels.
Pretty good article for the uninformed, You have some very good info there. But, (there's always a but) You state that "Magnetic Particle tested, basically x-raying the material to see if there’s any hidden cracks or voids." They are nothing alike. In Mag Particle NDT (non destructive testing), the part is either directly magnetized or indirectly magnetized. Then a ferrous material is applied, either in a wet suspension or as dry powder. The cracks or irregularities then show up.
X-Ray is where the object is shot with a beam of either x rays or gamma rays since they have the shortest wavelength and can penetrate carbon steel easily, well they can penetrate almost everything. The rays pass through the object onto a special film that when developed any anomalies can be seen. Or you can even view them in real time now. Just like at your doctors.
I teach NDT at an Aviation school.
I've built 50+ AR's and have seen both flat commercial and slanted mil-spec. buffer tubes. I think Del-Ton made some of the flat commercial tubes.
Keep up the good work!
Great article
First, I dont buy the overwhelming internet "would you stake your life on a non mil spec AR?" Spent many years in the service with some heavy combat and I would have loved the reliability of some of my home AR's then the early M4's i used. There is a lot of subjective information that comes out on the AR builds, "I have to have 4150 blah blah blah". Look, in the real world here for self defense what are you really going to need? A gun that goes boom when you pull the trigger. Fact- you arent going to be shooting a 1000 rounds off when your house gets broken into. Find an AR that you are comfortable with and is made by a quality manufacturer. Yup for sure DD, BCM, Colt make great guns and i own them all. I also own a RRA. tactical Op 2 that I have literally beat the living Sheet out of and it keeps on ticking. I recently finished a 2 days fighting rifle class in pouring rain and mud for 2 straight 8 hours days. 1400 rounds and not a hiccup. Plain Jane Tac Op 2 with an eotech 512 on it and a sling. That is my 3rd such class with that rifle so In my book that is a pass and yea to get to my original point. I would stake my life on it whether its mil spec or not. Great read you have
Great article Eric!
After reading it, and researching the topic further I've narrowed my choices to two ARs...a Colt LE6920MPS or S&W M&P Mid MOE SL. I'm torn because I like the mid-length gas system on the S&W but the Colt's a Top Tier AR for same price (but with carbine length gas)
Would you help me break the tie in choosing one of these two? They both seem great and meet my budget but I can only buy one.
Thanks, N8
I'd flip a coin, lol! But if I had to choose between those two I'd go for the Colt if it's your first gun.
Any thoughts on the Savage MSR15? I'm looking for my first AR15 and this one seems to get pretty good marks for some of its features like the 223 Wylde chambering.
Eric,
Great article, thank you. I am just starting to read about AR's; I've never owned one. Any opinions about American Defense MOD2 or Noveske GenIII? Was initially between Larue and DD, but now I'm not so sure. Thank you for your time.
Dickie
Hey Dickie, Noveske has a great rep but I haven't heard of American Defense.
Hi Eric,
Awesome article. My first AR 15 was the M&P 15 Sport 2 and my wife has the M&P 15-22. we love the guns and so do our kids. Now I'm at the point where I'm studying up on what it takes to build one from scratch. One article I read suggested that a newbie like me build the lower but to buy a complete upper so there's less chance of messing things up. What's your take on that?
Thanks,
Francis
Hey Francis, the lower is pretty easy to complete if you know some of the tricks. The upper I recommend getting the correct tools so you have the right torque and also to secure the gas block correctly (those are the two main points of failure for my first few builds). Check out our how to build an upper and how to build a lower articles.
Hi Eric,
I am looking at the LWRC IC-A5, however they have not come out with any improvements for at least last years same model (maybe more I am not sure). I'm concerned about this; like cars, every year they improve. So, 1) what are your thoughts on this? and 2) what would be the equivalent AR from any other top Manufacture? (I did check some other manufactures links you listed, guess in my opinion, they weren't as up to par).
Thanks
Paul
Hey Paul, honestly there's not too much stuff to improve on the AR system...a lot of it is "improvement" for the sake of improvement. So I wouldn't take that as a negative.
Great Article. I have one question, where do you stand on building your first AR? I never owned an AR before but I've done a lot of research. In a perfect world I would like a 1/8 twist wylde 223 AR that is free floated in the price range of $500. Off the shelf guns won't come close to that price range (Savage MSR 15 Recon). I was thinking Palmetto State Armory by building the lower and getting a complete upper from them. What do you think of them?
I recommend buying your first AR, really knowing what you like/dislike, then going from there. PSA has some good budget products.
I purchased my DDM4V7 high quality gun and great piece of art to look at. My 1st shot was bulls eye hit at 35 yard,.5 inch group after followed shots right out of the box with Magpul sights. Being an engineer I did my through research and save up for this riffle. Like a high quality tool, buy it's once and count on it when needed.
Great article Eric!! I'm just a little confused about where the Colt LE6920 stands in your personal list. Do you rank it as top tier, mid, or low? Do you think a modern Le6920 is just as good overall as the older LE6920's from say 20 years ago? The reason I ask is because if heard people say that Colt has lost some of its quality that it is known for, due to their financial issues. What's your opinion on all that? I currently have a Colt LE6920 MP Edition on layaway. I'm an ex Army soldier from the 90's and I enjoyed shooting the Colt M-16A2 I was issued back then, and that's why I I'd likeep to own one. I currently have a S&W Sport 2 and so far after 500 rounds it's a flawless rifle!! Thanks bro!! -Joel
Hey Joel, I've heard of that too but unfortunately I don't have experience with the older ones. One of my best buddies started off with a newer one (on my rec) and loves it.
Rock River is in the bottom? I am glad that I have bought three, and built one, The predator pursuit, and the varmint both shoot 3/8 in groups with factory ammo, and you have them at the bottom of the list??
Thanks for making it simple. There are so many "buzz" words out there I was getting a headache. Do some plinking and target shooting nothing involved, I purchased a Bear Creek Arsenal as my first one. It is 7.62 x39. About to build a 5.56 from an 80% lower. Seems the best route to go for function and overall cost is a 16" mid-length with the attached front sight , regular barrel and BCG. If I add a scope or optics will the front sight be an issue? Should I get coated BCG and barrel? Very fine work you have done on this article!!! Neal
Hi Neal, glad I could help! You'll be able to see the front sight block in your optics but it's not too much of a problem (at least with non-magnified optics). Coated BCG's are slightly cleaner but tons of people have done without them for years. And for barrel if you mean chrome-lined it's up to you...gives a slightly higher round count.
The father of the AR is Eugene Stoner not Stone. Also, why dont you have any recommendations for CMMG, anderson manufacturing, and specifically JD Machine (formerly Kaiser Defense) which a lot of the top manufacturers use as their base lower. They are just as good if not better than your suggestions.
Lastly i would recommend adams arms piston uppers for their ease of use and easily disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. I myself have a JD machine lower mated with an Adams Arms carbine length piston upper which cost less than $800 total for the rifle.
Thanks for catching that mistake! And I try to get the majority of manufacturers but there's just so many out there. I do recommend Anderson for lowers (https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-ar-15-lower-receiver-for-any-budget-2016/)
Very informative! I never make a major purchase without research. I am considering buying my first AR 15 type rifle. This article was bookmarked soon as I found it. It not only answered many questions, but has been a reference to fall back on.
Do you have any background or info on Troy built guns? I'm finding very little info online.
Thanks for the great post!
Tim
Hi Tim, thanks! I haven't had personal experience with Troy besides their sights which are excellent.
I found this extremely informative if not a little intimidateing too. This is my first venture into buying an AR type rifle. I'm left-handed and researching the Stag Arms l2 or l3 models. I've saved your article in my favorites for future reference. I'm an avid shooter, mostly handguns, but feel out of my eliment when it comes to modern rifles. Thanks for getting me off on the right foot, or left foot in my case. Joe B.
I did not see Adcor mentioned. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Very nice write-up, thanks. I am helping a friend who is looking to purchase his first rifle and this gives great information.
Thanks so much Gary!
Great article:) Very helpful for newbies.
However, the link to 'Best AR-15 Upgrades Guide' actually links to 1911 upgrades. Other than that, good stuff!
Cheers, Paul
Thanks for catching that Paul!
If this is truly a new, original article as of 2017 you seem to have one glaring omission: The Ruger AR556 is a tough rifle to beat in terms of mechanical accuracy at almost any price these days (1 - 1&1/2MOA at 100yds if you do your part and absolutely SPANKED the KAC SR25 I had in the safe until a few months ago) and it's one of, if not THE best "budget" AR's out there these days... The M/P 15 Sport 2 isn't the rifle it was in Ver 1 (5R rifling that made it what it was) and really it's nowhere near the value the Ruger is these days.
As far as the others as advice to a first time ARb buyer (after over a decade of building them myself) I'd skip all the "big names" that want to charge you extra for a mid-range AR with their own (almost universally) junk furniture as an "upgrade."
Hi Eric,
Great article, thanks!
Do you prefer a M4gery style AR or a Flat Top? Can you explain why one is "better" than the other? Or is the only difference how it looks?
Thanks!
Hi Ken, thanks! I like a flat top vs the carry handle so I can put my choice of optic on it since I rarely use irons.
What a great article! I've been looking for something like this for about a year. Most guides make too many assumptions about what the reader knows but you spell it out perfectly! Pros and cons and personal opinion mixed in honestly! Thanks!
Thanks so much!!
What are the disadvantages of having a 55-grain bullet weight with a 1:8 or 1:9 twist rate?
Hey Matthew, 1:9 is the optimum twist for a 55gr bullet. If you go out of that range, it's possible that it doesn't spin it enough or too much so it's not stabilized in flight. Accuracy at distances might suffer.
1:8 will still stabilize 55gr rounds perfectly well and it gives you significantly better results with the lower GR. rounds then the 1:9 barrels do with the heavier rounds that are becoming much more common these days. IF you can honestly say you'll never shoot anything but 55gr .223 then 1:9 is acceptable but if it's a GP rifle then 1:8 is just a vastly better and more versatile option as it'll help with the heavier bullets and give more consistent accuracy across a broader range of bullet-weights and target distances. IMO 1:8 is the best all-around rifling for an AR these days...
Hello Eric, I like to have an nice barrel, CHF, 16" Mid-gas, Government, 1-7 twists, would you suggest FN Barrel or BCM?
Thank you
Hi Harvey, you can't go wrong with either!
I read your article and was considering a bcm recce, and a dd v11, however I ended up going with a Troy which I really like so far, are you familiar with Troy, what tier would Troy fall under? Also I have a friend that is selling his dpms sass, I think it is an lrt but need to verify. Even though a manufacturer is typically a low tier can they make higher end that would fall in the mid or high tier catigory? This ar-10 looks and seems nice but I have no experience with dpms and don't want to pay 1500 for a low tier gun.
Hey Lyle, I think you're sweating the tiers a little too much. Troy has a good rep but I have never tried/owned one. Shoot it a lot and build up that confidence! I personally have a DPMS 7.62 which has been great too when fed its favorite ammo. I'd ask your friend if it has been finicky. Not sure about the prices though.
Hi Eric,
You said that the Colt is one of the 3 entry AR-15s that you recommend to friends. What are the other two?
Thanks,
B
Hey Brian, depends on your definition of entry, but mine is anything under $1000...so that would be the S&W, Spike's, and Aero at the bottom of the list.
Ruger AR556 > Anything in it's price range and probably better then most AR's even a few hundred more... It's a LOT better then the mediocre M/P Sport II (the Sport I was a good rifle but the Sport II... meh, nothing special. They didn;t drop the price but they did drop the ONE big feature of the Sport I and seem to think that a forward assist and a dust-cover are equal to a quality barrel... they're not,) The lowers are all fairly interchangeable even on many of the high-end AR's and the barrel on the Ruger is better then anything Spikes, Smith & Worthless or the like.
If you want to get the most bang for your buck and don't want to build: Ruger AR556
Hey Blue, thanks for the insight. I had the chance to play with the Ruger at SHOT this year and it did feel/shoot very nice. I hope to get my hands on one for a longer test. Lol at Smith & Worthless!
Hi Eric. Thanks for the informative article. This helped me choose my first AR by pointing me towards a DD. Did further research on it and ended up getting the DDM4V11. Been very happy with it. I sometimes shoot at ASR too.
Awesome to hear, Martin!
Thank you for the very informative article. The new Springfield is out and based off the article I like what im seeing with the Saint from SFA. Any thoughts on it for a zombie end of world must have AR?
Hey Donnie, thanks for the comment. I've been seeing the name around a lot recently but haven't had the chance to play with one yet. Looking forward to SHOT show!
Hi Eric, looking to purchase my first AR and I'm leaning towards DD but not sure which DDM4 model to go with...any suggestions?
Hi Mike, I listed some of the variants in the article! For a first gun I like the one with the fixed sight base (FSB).
Hi! I like the article. Im looking into getting my first rifle and one of my friends who is a cop brought up the new AR from Springfield Armory the Saint. Do you have an opinion about that rifle as far as quality?
Hi Nathan, I don't have personal experience with any SA rifles but my first 1911 was one of theirs and it's still going strong!
Great article! Looking to purchase my first AR. Any tips on locating the BCM Mid 16 mod2? Everywhere around me just says "good luck". My local guy is pushing a CORE15. Any feedback?
Hi Dave...they do tend to sell out quickly. Best bet would be to see if there's any place to do a back-order. As for Core15...I've only heard of them but don't have an opinion. If you get one, please let us know!
Hi Eric great article. I was wondering why no mention about Wilson combat rifles and am looking into the AR platform and was wondering if you could recommend a top tier manufacture for a .300 blackout and will this shoot your standards 5.56/45mm & .223 home defence rounds. Thanks
Thanks! I have no experience with their rifles but they make some top-notch 1911 products that I own. If you get a .300 BLK upper it will not be able to shoot other calibers.
Hi Eric! Thanks for the article and greetings from Poland. In my country, the budget Mossberg MMR is becoming pretty popular, what's your opinion on this AR?
Hey Przemek, I haven't had any experience with the MMR but I love their shotguns! Let me know if you end up getting it.
I have been looking at a black rain ordinance in a 5.56/223, wondering what your thoughts are
Hi Aryn, replied to your email, but thought other readers might like my response too.
Haven't heard bad things about them but I haven't had the chance to see/hold/shoot one myself.
Let us know how it is if you end up getting a BRO.
Thank u for a very informative article. I wish I could find a page like this for everything that I have ever needed answers for. Thanks again and for what it is worth I saved the page and subscribed to your YouTube channel.
Glad I could help, Steve!
Very informative and simplistic enough for a beginner like me to understand.
THANK YOU!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Jo!
Hi Eric, I have been researching ARs for awhile now. I just came across an article in Tactical Life on the Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Typhoon. Have you come across one of these and if so, how do you rate them? What is interesting to me is that it already comes with many of the mods I had already earmarked for mine. Appreciate any info you have.
Roland
Hi Roland, thanks for your message. I've never heard of them yet but that doesn't mean they aren't good.
Eric, thanks for an excellent and informative article. Your BIO mentions that you have attended a number of training classes. Any in particular that you recommend for those new to the AR?
Hi Dakota, I've done mostly pistol and shotgun courses. For rifle I utilize the same safety/handling skills from the classes and practice in rifle competitions. I can personally vouch for ITTS (CA but sometimes they travel). But great idea for a future article of great training courses!
Practically a knuckle dragger when it comes to Ar-15's. I hear all the time about switching uppers, but is that only possible with a given type of gas control system?? Direct impingement vs piston. So maybe the question is, if I bought a piston type complete gun, can I switch on most any upper or must it also be of a piston type only???
Thank you very much Eric
You should be able to use any DI or piston upper with a "regular" DI lower since it doesn't play any part into the gas system. I'd still double check with some Google-fu in case you're looking at some proprietary systems.
Great article for a relative AR newcomer like me (I've been a Tavor bullpup guy up till this year) (*gasp*). This past summer, after reading numerous glowing reviews and with the grudging nod of approval from a lifetime AR friend, I picked up a Ruger SR-556 Takedown in 556, with the option of swapping out the barrel for a 300 Blackout barrel kit. It's a piston design, which is something I definitely prefer, with a free-floating barrel, and overall a great gun in the $1500 range (gun show price, by the way). It does have two interesting quirks, however, and that's that it has a 1:9 twist to the barrel (which you say is typical, but for the a purportedly mil-spec AR, I wasn't the only one who was surprised it isn't 1:7), and that when assembling the rifle for use from its broken down and carry-bagged state, you MUST install the bolt carrier group LAST. Otherwise, the BCG doesn't sit quite right in the upper when it meets with the barrel and you'll have a devil of a time running the charging handle and no magazine installed. It will still work if you load a magazine and charge, but if you want totally smooth operation 100% of the time, follow the instructions and put the boot in AFTER you've assembled the rifle from its taken down state.
Again, thanks for a great article!
Thanks for the insight! Haven't had the chance to try any piston AR's out yet. But good info to know.
Hey guys just wanted to tell you about the barrels being magnetic particle tested. It's know as MT tested. It's the induction of a magnetic field into the steel with an application of flourscent iron particles. What this means with a barrel that is crack will attracted those iron particles to the void allowing the inspector to see it. It's called magnetic flux leakage. X-Ray is different. We all the the standard medical x-ray. Same process just more iodization
Hi Robert, thanks for the insight into barrel testing!
I was wondering what your thoughts are on the Windham AR 15. A local dealer here seem to have some pretty good deals
Hi Joe, I've seen them on some sites but haven't heard much about them. I'd do more research before you take the plunge. If you get it, please let us know how you like it.
This is my 1st time to read your articles and really like the info you shared with 'us' newbies, in the AR platform. I built my very 1st AR-15, a Polymer80 lower, and a ATI 5.56/.223 NATO 16" barrel. I have since done a few mods, quad gas block, FireField site, Red Dot Laser, XML-T6 Flashlight lots of 30 round mags. [...] I love the way my AR shoots, it's very accurate, light weight. Do you have any info or ideas on this 'Kit' or the way I did things for the 1st time? All is appreciated...
Hi Forrest, thanks! Sounds like a great first build. If you're looking for your next upper, check out my Best AR-15 Uppers article too.
Great article Eric. I have to agree...Daniel Defense is top tier quality and function. A lil pricey, but worth every penny once you buy one. I bought the M4A1 and what a beautiful rifle! .....comes with nice case also. State of the art facility where these guns are made. Marty Daniel has you covered!!! If your on the fence, buy a DD -best AR out there.
Eric, great article. I am interested in an entry level (under $900) 300 Black Out for the extra punch in hunting. Do your recommendations hold for the guns, assuming they offer the 300 AAC? Also, looking at Wyndham Weaponry, are you familiar with that brand? Thanks so much.
Hi Will, thanks! I haven't had the chance to get a .300 Blk but I've done some research before and it seems awesome to have the capability of a .30 cal in the AR-15 platform that is basically made to be suppressed.
I haven't heard much about Wyndham so I have no opinion yet, but for now I'd say my recommendations should be a good starting spot as well for .300 Blk.
Oh by the way I love your website keep up the good work guys.
Thanks so much!
Do you ever have to clean the gas tube that runs back into the bolt assembly?
Hi Keith, thanks for the question. I've never cleaned it since it should be self-cleaning every time you shoot. The 30-50k PSI of hot gas probably does a better job than I ever could.
I'm debating between Colt 6920 and Spikes ST-15 Midlength. Both are about same price just under 900.
Any tips for a newbie? Thank you!
Hi John, out of those two I like the Spikes since it has the mid-length which should shoot a little softer. As far as I know Colt doesn't have any mid-lengths.
Thank you so much for the fast reply! I may actually hold off an save a little bit for a BCM. I have a tendacy to over analyze everything and become frozen around decision time!
Just want to let you know that I ordered the Spikes today! Thank you for your advice and this well informative article. I will let you know how it is in follow-up comment!
Awesome, keep us posted.
Hi Eric,
Hope all is well and thank you again for your articles and sharing your knowledge with us. I know it's over a year now from my original post, but I wanted to follow up.
I am definitely happy with my Spikes, but I am not thrilled. One of the things I don't like about it is that the gun seems "wiggle" a bit. People I spoke to said this normal, but I have shot other ARs that did not have this amount of wiggle and they seemed more solid to me. It's like the lower/receiver has some wiggle with the upper.
Is this normal in your opinion?
Hi John, thanks for bringing in your yearlong experience. It's "normal" but I'm with you...it's not ideal. It theoretically should not make a difference in function. You can look up the AR-15 accurizing wedge to help.
Agree that it shouldn't impact the function of the rifle itself, more concerned about its impact on me. A few times I had my target zero'd in on and the wiggle caused me to readjust my aim.
I have a few different manufactures on your list, but the one I take issue with is Stag. To put Stag on the "budget" list, but Colt as a tier one, isn't doing your homework. CMT (Stag is their house brand) has been making parts for the M4 since the Vietnam War, and I would bet there is a great chance nearly all of the rifles you have listed have some CMT (Stag) parts in them. You have S&W as a mid-tier......do you know who made S&W early AR style rifles? Stag did.
I don't work for Stag, nor am I involved in the firearm business at all - I just like it when folks do their homework. You can find Stag Model 1 or 2 with their "Plus Package" for around $850 - and that is a 100% "mil-spec", "tier-one" AR (according to the infamous chart) for less than any other mil-spec variant on the market. Oh, and a transferable lifetime warranty with them, including free barrel replacement if you shoot it out. IF a 6920 Colt (which I own a couple of) is "tier one", then so is a Plus Package Stag.
Hi Chris, thanks for the info! It's my own personal list and really appreciate your input which helps me out in the future and gives a different perspective to my readers.
Don't confuse original manufacturers to end products.
Just because CMT made the RAW product for a company doesn't mean there all equal.
Each company has to put the finishing touches on the product. Like finishing or quality control.
An example would be a company only checks every 25 gas blocks for proper sizing and machining.
When another company check every 10 or everyone.
The end product will very between company's . Some company's cut corns to save money. Some don't.
Cool info but it is a fact that a gas piston AR-15 is as accurate as one that isn't! I've owned both and my gas piston LWRC and RUGER 556 piston type AR-15 rifles were more accurate than any of the none piston rifles. LWRC is a half an inch MOA shooter. RUGER is a three fourth an inch MOA shooter. They never jam! Every non gas piston rifle that I ever owned would jam all of the time.
Thanks for the info Wayne! I hope to try out some piston AR-15's soon.
Try out the Sig 516 if you get the chance. You will fall in love with it, and you will probably put Sig in your top tier where it belongs.
Will do in the future (hopefully soon)...thanks for the rec!
I miss the H&K MR223/416 in your list. In my opinion it beats up everyone of your list - especially the poor one`s of colt. Just look for youtube to see a comparison firing test with a wet Colt M4 against a MR223/416 - The Colt explodes completely when firing the first round!
Hi Patrick, I do remember that video! I'll probably do a future list with piston AR's (where it will definitely make the list)...but for now I'm just including DI for first timer buyers.
Hi Eric,
Excellent article and very informative. I appreciate you taking the time to do a really deep dive on the AR-15. I've wanted one for a while, but the explosion in AR-15 variations has overwhelmed my ability to digest all the variations out there. Your article helped clear up a lot of the confusion. I noticed that you've got Colt crossed out on your list of top tier AR-15 manufacturers. Is that a typo? If not, could you explain why you've crossed Colt off of your top tier list?
Based on your article and a search of their website, I decided to look for a BCM Mid16 Mod2, but I can't find an online dealer with any in stock. In fact, I can't find an online dealer with ANY BCM products in stock. I suppose this is a combination of the overwhelming public demand to get an AR-15 before the gun control nuts get their way and a testament to the quality of BCM products.
Hi Tom, thanks for the keen eye! Turns out the specific link to Colt became a dud and your browser picked it up. I've gone through and fixed it.
Yup...it seems like there's always something political/tragic that's driving great products out of stock. Best of luck in finding one!
At the beginning of your article you stated the military version is fully automatic. That is entirely incorrect. It has semi and 3 round burst. Everyone I packed for 9 years did which was and m4, m16 A2, and m16 A4
You are absolutely right Marine. I am also a Marine 0311 Rifleman. 3 round burst and not full auto. Semper Fi brother...
Eric, great article and thanks for the information. I'm thinking of buying my first AR and have been looking at an Adams Arms product at a local gun dealer. Specifically the 16" Mid Tactical Evo Rifle. Do you have any experience with Adams Arms?
Hi Chuck, definitely heard of them and mostly for their piston gas system guns. Looks like the one you mentioned is piston so I'd so you're most likely in good hands!
P.S. $1700.00 budget
Eric,
Great informative article..been researching for months. Am looking to get my first AR.
Grew up around guns...but its baan a long while. 25 yeard.. Live in CA. So panther is out...Any reccomendations? 5.56/.223 or .308. (Light n cheap vs. Death behind a cinderblock wall at 150yrds. N expensive) Chrome vs. Chromoly...etc. plinking, deer..zombies..urban combat scenarios (aka decline of western civilization) etc.
Any suggestions? (CA)
Thanks!
Hi Fain, thanks for your comment! For a first AR I would heavily suggest the AR-15 (5.56/.223) instead of the AR-10 (7.62/.308) since the recoil will be much more controllable and you won't go bankrupt from ammo. Check out my recs for complete rifles in the article above.
Hi. I'm not sure if you're going strictly by price here but I strongly disagree with your placing RRA in the bottom tier of AR builders. I have owned or shot at least half a dozen RRA rifles or upper builds and every single one of them has had incredible fit and finish and will shoot sub 1" groups at 100yds all day. I've admittedly only shot their "higher end" rifles but I have a fair amount of experience with AR type rifles in general and have not found a better overall value yet. Do you have actual experience with RRA guns that differs from mine?
Hi Caleb, thanks so much for your message and experience with the value and performance of RRA. My list is definitely a little subjective and I take into account price, personal experience, online sentiment, etc. Hope to one day have a shootoff with all the rifles out there...
Great article learned a few things, been around ar's for at least 25 years. I will say of the 4 I currently have 2 Colts one being a car but the car meaning Colt accurized rifle
(its on the box) a Daniel Defense and a RRA in 308, the RRA is easily on par with the others. Bought new with a 26" barrel a 1/2 moa gun and liked it so much bought a 16" upper and made a 1 moa gun never had a issue with any of them. RRA rocks.
Hi Eric,
Great article, it was very informative, what tier would you considers "Nemo Firearms?" I have been looking and researching the 5.556 Tango 2. Any experience with this manufacturer? Thanks in advance!
Hi Xander, I've only heard of them but don't have any experience with them. Let me know what you end up deciding!
Hi Eric, thanks for the great article. I'm looking for a first AR for my son for his 18th birthday. The rifle will be used for recreational shooting and home defense (kept in my safe until he graduates from college!).
Here's my question: John is left-eye dominant so he shoots better left-handed. What is the difference between a RH and a LH rifle? If we get a LH model can I still still shoot it (I'm a RH shooter)?
Also, you didn't mention Bushmaster in your summary for a first affordably priced gun. Can you comment on that brand please?
Thanks again,
Kurt
Hi Kurt, you're welcome and thanks for your comment!
The difference between a RH and LH AR-15 rifle would be the placement of the ejection port (would be on the left side) and also the placement of the magazine release and safety lever (mag release would be on the left and safety lever would be to the right).
You can still shoot it just like John can shoot a regular RH gun. Only annoying thing would be the manipulations and the occasional brass flying into your face. I'd suggest an ambi-safety at least so it's not annoying to switch it on/off safe for either of you.
Bushmaster is good to go as an introductory gun!
Hello great article ! lots of great info. I was thinking of buying a DPMS GII Recon or GII Moe
Have you done any reviews on DPMS Porducts? If so which one would you recommend of these 2.
Thank you
Hi, DPMS should be good for the price...I've used a DPMS upper for my AR-10 which has run smoothly. I think it really depends on what handguard you like since the recon is a quad rail with flip up sights while the MOE has the standard Magpul plastic handguard and front sight block.
Eric,
Great article. Lot's of information. I'm new to guns, trying to learn as much as possible.
What are you thoughts on "Knights Armament" products?
Thinking about the AR "mod 2".
I'd consider them in the highest tier as well...can't go wrong with KAC!
Hey Eric
Excellent and informative article. I have been out of the market for years (kids &life), but have recently decided to reinvest. I am somewhat familiar with the AR platform buy as stated it has been about eight years since owning. Was curious what you would reccommend for a second AR? Buy or build? I have put a few .22's together which were relatively simple and have a pretty decent understanding of building. However I am torn with the idea of "M4gery" or having one , like a DDM4 finished and ready. Also you left the trigger department somewhat vague (no offense). For .22's (Ruger) that is a fairly integral portion of accuracy. Not that I'm looking to get involved in comp. shooting but I do like to hit what I'm aiming for! I do understand there are tons of variables when it comes to deciding what AR is right for each individual personally. So with that being said, what do you think is best for an all around AR platform that is reasonable to carry for reasonable distances, accurate, and dependable? And do you think it's best to build or buy?
Thanks
Hi Nate, thanks for your comment and suggestions! If it will be your first 5.56/.223 AR-15 (sounds like right now you only have.22 versions?) I would suggest going the Buy route with any of the suggestions I have at the end of this article based on your budget. You can always go ahead and upgrade the trigger (thanks for the insight) in your lower at a different time. I go over them somewhat in my Best AR-15 Upgrades article.
Man , I thought that PSA would have been rated better than you rated it. I have shot mine with a bump fire stock, used steel cased ammo, etc, and it hasn't missed a beat. It is mil spec as well, so I don't know why it's rated as a lower tier product