There’s a perfect AR-15 out there for you and we’ll help you find it.
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…we’ll deep dive into individual parts, the best manufacturers, and more about each rifle choice.
And we’ve actually hands-on tested all these guns…unlike most other sites out there that copied us.
Here’s a sneak peek of our favorites…but also scroll to “Best AR-15 Rifles” for more info on each!
Summary of Our Top Picks
High-End PickOur favorite high-end AR-15 that's built like a tank and battle proven.
Entry Level PickPalmetto State Armory (PSA) Complete AR-15s
Most affordable AR-15 that goes boom when needed.
Also Great High-End PickSave a little from the DD and go with a BCM, but seldom in stock.
Budget PickSmith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II 5.56 NATO
What you'll find in most gun stores and sells like hotcakes.
Table of Contents
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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.
Admit it…there’s a little coolness factor in holding the symbol of America’s might.
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 AR’s are direct impingement instead of piston.
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).
SBR’s 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. For the best out-of-the-box competition ARs…click here.
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.
Best AR-15 Rifles
Alright, what you’ve been waiting for…some of my specific recommendations are based on personal experience of my team.
Just because it’s not here doesn’t mean it’s not good, and just because I like it, doesn’t mean you will too.
You can online order them to your shop which should have an FFL (Federal Firearms License) to process everything. But I would also recommend touching them in hand if possible at your local gun store.
1. Daniel Defense DDM4
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.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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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-inch.
If you like the front sight block (FSB) options, look at the 16-inch DDM4 V1 which also has the slightly softer shooting mid-length gas system.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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See all their rifles here which include lightweight barrels and different lengths.
And if you’re from California…they have compliant versions too.
2. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) PA-15
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)?
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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).
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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 3 PSA uppers right here.
What’s your take on PSA?
3. Aero Precision M4E1
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).
For best overall value in rifles, I’m liking their AC-15M 16-inch mid-length that has everything you want (including the mid-length gas system, at the same price as the other affordable models from S&W).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
It’s kinda weird that their full rifles don’t have this combo…but you’re in luck since you’ll get to save the full firearm tax.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If it’s out of stock or you like other handguards…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.
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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).
4. PSA Sabre
PSA is upping their game with their 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.
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But we go all over it (and you can hear it for yourself) in our complete review of the PSA Sabre line…and video.
5. Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) Recce-16
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.
I would get their mid-length 16-inch MID16 Mod 0 with a polymer handguard for something with an FSB.
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For my overall recommendation, I would get either the Recce 16 (~$1600).
We spent a lot of time with it and now have a full review here.
Plus full video review too:
Snag yours here…
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Or just its upper if you already have a lower.
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6. FN 15 Patrol Carbine
Looking for something with a “classic” feel?
The FN 15 has got it with its quadrail, FSB, and mil-spec furniture.
Superbly reliable, accurate, and soft shooting in our tests. Although you probably want gloves if you’re going to comfortably grip that rail.
And all from a super trusted name in the AR world.
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Check out the full written review here…as well as our video review!
7. Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II
Another well-known name, albeit probably more known in the revolver and handgun world.
More budget-friendly but also one of my top recommendations for an initial AR-15.
And one you’ll likely be able to feel hands-on at your local shop.
Their entry-level 16-inch carbine gas M&P 15 Sport II sells like hot cakes for good reason.
We had some slight hiccups like trigger pins walking out and a hot handguard…but overall it’s still a great budget AR.
There are different variations based on sights and accessories…but we like the one with an included red dot.
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Full review here and also our YouTube video!
8. Colt LE 6920
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!
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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.
9. Lead Star Grunt
Lead Star is a hidden gem that got its start from crazy cool competition ARs and pistol caliber carbines.
Their new production 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)!
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Full written review here and of course…a video too!
10. Faxon ION
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:
Snag it here:
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Then check out our full review and video of both the rifle and pistol variants.
11. Daniel Defense MK18 SBR
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.
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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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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:
12. Aero EPC 9mm
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 all the things needed for your specific build:
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Check out the full video as well:
Left-Handed AR-15s
Now you don’t have to worry about brass flying into your face or getting an ambidextrous safety.
Stag Arms
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.
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My best buddy has been running his for years for both plinking and even competition.
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.
Conclusion
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.
524 Leave a Reply
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..
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.
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.
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.
This answered my question , shop firearms online with no card required 213-536-9129 sales@masterpiecefirearm
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.
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?