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…after the list we’ll deep dive into individual parts, the best manufacturers, and more about each rifle choice.
THE QUICK LIST
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High-End Pick
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Bang-For-The-Buck High-End
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Entry Level Pick
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Best Premium PSA AR
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Budget Pick
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Law Enforcement Pick
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Upgraded Pick
Table of Contents
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How We Tested the Best AR-15 Rifles
For this article, we gathered a bunch of AR-15s we’ve personally shot, reviewed, and owned here at Pew Pew Tactical. All rifles that made this list had to have a few things in common to earn a spot in our recommendations:
- Must reliably fire, meaning no more than a single malfunction in our testing of 500 rounds or more.
- Ergonomics must work for most shooters.
- Must have a price tag that the average consumer can stomach. (We might add a few high-end options, but most of our recommendations come in at a reasonable price point).
We also tend to prefer AR-15s that work with a variety of magazines and aftermarket mags because that makes life easier.
The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on body size and experience level. Every review rifle undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of practice ammo and heavier match-grade ammo at 50 and 100 yards with a 5-25x scope (unless otherwise noted). (Although most of the guns listed have seen well over 1,000+ rounds through them.)We require all AR-15s to be tested with at least 3 magazines to assess compatibility, and we use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to measure average trigger pull.
Guns with hands-on reviews have been linked so you can see more details.
AR-15 Comparison Chart
| Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Overall Length (Collapsed) | Weight | Gas System | Price |
| Daniel Defense DDM4 | 5.56 | 16″ | 32.25″ | 6.2 lbs | Mid-Length | $1,826 |
| BCM Recce-16 | 5.56 | 16″ | 32.5″ | 6.1 lbs | Mid-Length | $1,559 |
| PSA PA-15 | Multiple Calibers | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Starts at $479 |
| PSA Sabre | Multiple Calibers ( 5.56, .300 BLK, etc.) | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Starts at $849 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III | 5.56 | 16″ | 35″ | 6.52 lbs | Mid-Length | $699 |
| Colt LE 6920 | .223/5.56 | 16.1″ | 32″ | 5.95 lbs | Carbine | $1,055 |
| Lead Star Grunt | 5.56 | 17″ | N/A | 5.6 lbs | Mid-Length | $799 |
| Faxon ION | 5.56 | 16″ | 32″ | 4.95 lbs | Mid-Length | $1,625 |
| Aero Precision M4E1 | 5.56 | 16″ | Upper only | N/A | Mid-Length | Starts at $645 |
| Daniel Defense MK18 SBR | 5.56 | 10.3″ | 28.625″ | 5.85 lbs | Carbine | $2,150 |
| Aero EPC 9mm | 9mm | 16″ | Upper only | N/A | Carbine | $585 |
| Stag 15 L | 5.56 | 16″ | N/A | N/A | Mid-Length | $774 |
Best AR-15 Rifles for General Use
1. Daniel Defense DDM4 – Best High-End AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- High-quality CNC and coating of all parts
- Individually MPI tested barrel and BCG
- Great thing handguard with Picatinny on top and MLOK on the sides
- 100% reliable and around 1 MOA accuracy with good ammo
- Highly regarded brand for resale purposes
Cons
- On the steeper end of AR-15 prices
- Pistol grip angle more geared towards close shooting
- Trigger could be better
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32.25-35.875
- Weight: 6.2lbs
- Mounting System: M-LOK
It might be just because my first AR-15 10 years ago was a DD, but mine has never failed me, even after 8k rounds.
My overall pick for a high-end AR-15 goes to the 16-inch DDM4 V7 which sports a free-float handguard and a softer-shooting mid-length gas system.
We’ve been testing it extensively, and the quality shows even in a sea of ARs.
Check out our full video and article here of the DDM4 V7 here.
And in the current firearm craze…they are still pumping them out weekly, although I recommend getting on their email notification.
If you want to go on the shorter side, try out the 14.5-inch carbine gas system DDM4 A1 with a permanent muzzle device that brings it to 16 inches.
If you like the front sight block (FSB) options, look at the 16-inch DDM4 V1, which also has a slightly softer shooting mid-length gas system.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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See all their rifles which include lightweight barrels and different lengths. (And if you’re from California…they have compliant versions, too.)
If you want more from DD, we have a list of all their guns we’ve tested, so check that out.
2. Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) Recce-16 – Best Bang-For-The-Buck High-End AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great bang-for-your buck AR that competes with the DD but saves a little $$
- Solid build quality with a nice finish
- Amazing reliability (we had no issues)
Cons
- Supply is limited and it’s frequently out of stock
- Tiny bit of muzzle climb while shooting
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: 32-1/2″ (Collapsed), 35-1/2″ (Extended)
- Weight: 6.1lbs
- Mounting System: M-LOK
Daniel Defense has the quality, but what if you want to save a few hundred?
BCM in my mind is the best bang-for-the-buck for top-tier stuff based on the several that my friends use and that I have extensively shot.
Lately, supply has been limited.
For my overall recommendation, I would get the 16″ with MCMR Handguard (M-LOK).
We spent a lot of time with it and now have a full review here.
Plus full video review too:
However, more often than not the full guns are always out of stock.
But have no fear…BCM has the uppers usually in-stock.
I would splurge for the MK2 upper which beefs up the upper receiver as well as the BFH barrel (barrel, forged, hammer). I’d personally keep the regular profile barrel unless you really want it light.
Once you’re in the upper page, definitely get their gold-standard BCG. For charging handle I like the ambi medium.
I would also keep the flash hider instead of the comp unless you’re going for low recoil at the cost of a much louder gun.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Need a lower? Check out our Best AR-15 Lowers.
3. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) PA-15 – Best Entry Level AR-15
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Pros
- Affordable and wallet-friendly for budget buyers
- Lots of options (barrel sizes, gas lengths, calibers, etc.)
- Entry-level friendly — perfect for newbies
Cons
- Budget means some imperfections on the finish
- Some caliber offerings can be a little picky on ammo, but the standard 5.56 eats just about everything
Specs
- Caliber: Varies (5.56, .300 BLK, etc.)
- Gas System: Varies based on configuration
- Barrel Length: Varies based on configuration (7.5″ to 20″ available)
- Overall Length: Varies based on configuration
- Weight: Varies based on configuration
- Mounting System: M-LOK
Balling on a budget? PSA makes everything in-house…turning raw materials into the finished AR-15 of your dreams. Find complete rifles (a lot of the time with free-floating rails) for around $600.
Reputation is great too for rifles that simply work. Sometimes you’ll see some complaints about shipping times when there’s a large number of orders.
I’ve finished testing three PSA rifles. Full review here.
And…now with a video review too!
They have a lot of complete rifles…and they go in and out of stock frequently as people gobble them up. But whatever you’re looking for…16-inch FSB or 18-inch free-floating rail with Magpul MOE furniture? They’ve got the variant.
For the truly budget-conscious, go for the Freedom Carbine…otherwise, I’d prefer a 16-inch mid-length with rails (are you getting tired of me saying that)?
Depending on the market…you might be better off ordering a complete upper and complete lower separately. Something about an 11% tax on complete long guns. All you’ll have to do is connect them together with two pins. Easy peasy.
If you decide to go this route, you’ll be able to have a bigger selection of furniture and rails (and the ability to get a sub $500 rifle). Check out Best AR-15 Uppers for my personal picks.
Make sure to get one WITH bolt carrier group (BCG) and charging handle (CH).
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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 three PSA uppers right here.
What’s your take on PSA? Give them a rating below.
4. PSA Sabre – Best Premium PSA AR-15
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Premium features but at a decent price point
- Great accuracy with practice ammo
Cons
- 20″ Sabre we tested struggled with steel cases
- Slightly heavier than other AR-15s
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 & .300 BLK (.223 Wydle uppers available)
- Gas System: Varies based on configuration
- Barrel Length: Varies based on configuration
- Overall Length: Varies based on configuration
- Weight: Varies based on configuration
- Mounting System: M-LOK
While we’re on the topic of PSA, the company recently upped its game with a new “premium” line of AR-15s called the Sabre.
And if you’re looking at the math for true best bang-for-the-buck AR-15 parts…this might be what you’re looking for…
Compared to their normal line, the Sabre packs these upgrades:
- Hammer-forged FN barrel
- Microbest BCG with Sprinco extractor spring
- Hiperfire RBT trigger & JP reduced power springs
- Sabre compensator (pinned if you get the 13.7″ version)
Plus, it just feels overall a nicer product in hand when shooting.
There’s also a 20″ variant as well as a standard 16″.
However I’m a big fan of the 13.7″ pinned version because it gets you the shortest overall length without any SBR headaches. The only knock on this version is that it still has the high-pitched *tingggg* of effective flash hiders.
But we go all over it (and you can hear it for yourself) in our complete review of the PSA Sabre line…and video.
5. Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III – Best Budget AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Decent entry level AR-15 at a nice price, budget-wise
- Can be easily upgraded and customized
- Has some updated features over its predecessor, the Sport II
Cons
- Not ambidextrous, sorry lefties
- No QD
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56×45 mm
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: 35″
- Weight: 6.52lbs
- Mounting System: M-LOK
Smith & Wesson is another well-known name, albeit probably more known in the revolver and handgun world. Following up their very successful Sport II, the Sport III takes the helm as S&W’s go-to AR-15.
Though the Sport III occupies a nice area budget wise, coming in sub $1K, it’s still a really nice AR-15 with decent features. However, lefties should be aware that there are no ambi controls.
We did encounter an issue with the first rifle that Smith sent out to us, experiencing some feeding issues around the 150-200 round count mark. We sent that rifle back to Smith, got a new one, and had no issues whatsoever.
This isn’t a premium build, but if you’re dipping your toes into the AR-15 realm, it’s a decent place to start.
You can learn more in our full written review or by watching the video below!
6. Colt LE 6920 – Best Law Enforcement AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Classic AR design
- Usually easy to find online and in stores
- Durable
Cons
- Shorter carbine length gas system
- Over $1K
Specs
- Caliber: .223/5.56
- Barrel Length: 16.1″
- Overall Length: 32.0″ – 35.5″
- Weight: 5.95lbs
- Mounting System: Picatinny Rail
Good ole Colt has one of the best entry levels AR-15s and the LE6920 is always on the list that I recommend to my friends who want something they can find at their local gun store.
Colt stopped production of civilian rifles at the end of 2019 but as of now they are back…and we are glad they are!
It might have the shorter carbine gas length barrel, but it will eat anything and keep on truckin’.
Or you can opt for the OEM version and follow our AR Furniture Guide to make your very own without the difficult assembly.
7. Lead Star Grunt – Best Upgraded AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Good reliability – ran well during testing
- Closeout pricing right now
- Longer 17″ handguard is nice
Cons
- Availability is tough right now with most models OOS
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 17”
- Overall Length: 32.25-35.875
- Weight: 6.2lbs
- Mounting System: M-LOK
Lead Star is a hidden gem that got its start from crazy cool competition ARs and pistol caliber carbines.
Their 5.56 Grunt brings what they’ve learned into an affordable package that needs no upgrades.
Super reliable and accurate (1 MOA) out of the box with a nice muzzle brake, trigger, charging handle, and furniture.
It’s a solid deal at around $1000…and it’s easier to see in stock (unlike their custom competition rifles)!
Full written review here and, of course…a video, too!
8. Faxon ION – Best Lightweight AR-15
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super lightweight and easy to manage
- Really nice value
- Easy to customize
Cons
- Very loud
- AR pistol version we tried had a few light primer strikes
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 (Other calibers available)
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 16” (Pistol lengths also available)
- Overall Length: 32″
- Weight: 4.95lbs
- Mounting System: 13″ M-LOK Handguard
Looking for something super lightweight with no mods necessary out of the box?
Check out the Faxon ION from the famed barrel manufacturers.
Coming in at sub 5-pounds, the ION has a lightweight barrel with an integrated brake that brings it to a 16-inch carbon fiber handguard, lightweight BCG, and more.
Plus a really nice tactile 45-degree safety and single-stage Hiperfire trigger.
Check it out in action:
Then check out our full review and video of both the rifle and pistol variants.
9. Aero Precision M4E1 – Best DIY AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Build it out how you want it
- Great general purpose AR
Cons
- You have to buy the upper and lower and build it out
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 (Other calibers available)
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 16” (Pistol lengths also available)
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: N/A
A well-known name if you’re into building your own AR (they make my favorite stripped upper+lower receiver).
Aero has its roots in years of aerospace manufacturing and makes almost everything in-house (a rarity nowadays).
I’ve tested a couple of their free-float uppers on their lowers and my best stamp of approval is that it’s now my home defense/SHTF rifle.
We have a full YouTube review now:
And you can check out my full written review here that goes over the full build as well as 100-yard accuracy groups.
Since we reviewed the M4E1, Aero opted to nix the full rifle and just offer the uppers and lowers. You can check out the rest of their Complete 5.56 Uppers.
Pair it with their AR-15 complete lower and you’ll never know the difference from purchasing a complete rifle.
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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).
10. Daniel Defense MK18 SBR – Best AR-15 Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Shorter length is great for home defense
- Super accurate with no issues hitting our targets
- Very nice build and construction
Cons
- Expensive
- We had to downgrade the magazine and not slam the mag into the magwell, otherwise we had feeding issues
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56
- Gas System: Carbine
- Barrel Length: 10.3”
- Overall Length: 28 5/8″
- Weight: 5.85lbs
Our absolute favorite that might be a little tinged with nostalgia and cool factor…is the Daniel Defense MK18 Pistol (or because of now you’ll have to get the SBR, short barreled rifle, version).
Tested and fielded by SOCOM for years…it’s probably the closest you’ll get without diving deep into a clone build.
You can also get the upper and putting it on another lower receiver. However note your local and federal laws because it will become an SBR.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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It’s a little heavy with quadrails…but it’s nearly indestructible and has a perfect 10.3-inch barrel that keeps going all day for sub-300-yard engagements. And oh yea…it excels in CQB.
Check out our MK18 full review where we get to use a full-auto receiver on it…as well as a nice Silencer Central suppressor.
And of course, with all that testing we have a sweet video:
“]11. Aero EPC 9mm – Best Pistol Caliber Carbine
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Shorter length is great for home defense
- Super accurate with no issues hitting our targets
- Very nice build and construction
Cons
- Expensive
- We had to downgrade the magazine and not slam the mag into the magwell, otherwise we had feeding issues
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: N/A
Again we have a full article on the best pistol caliber AR-15s but our favorite is the Aero EPC in 9mm.
Like other Aero’s it’s a great bang-for-the-buck option and has the all-important last round bolt hold open (LRBHO) feature that’s missing from more affordable options.
As well as other niceties.
Though it’s more oriented as a build-your-own option…there’s plenty of complete uppers and lowers to choose from.
We extensively tested the 16-inch for the full Aero EPC review.
And are currently having a great time with the 8.3″ version too which gives a great middle-ground for maneuverability, rail space, and balance.
Check out the full video as well:
12. Stag 15 L – Best Left-Handed AR
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great for lefties with controls where they need to be
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
- Often out of stock and tough to find
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: N/A
Stag Arms has been making left-handed ARs for a long time and offers lifetime guarantees regardless of the original owner or even number of rounds fired.
Check the ejection port on the left side. And though you can’t see it in the picture below…the safety and other controls are on the right side.
My best buddy has been running his for years for both plinking and even competition.
Check out our Best Left-Handed ARs for more in-depth info.
Why the AR-15?
The AR-15 is one of the most popular sporting rifles for many reasons. Here’s what we think are the top reasons:
Used by the US Military
Or rather, it looks like the M4s and M16s used by the US military.
The civilian AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle compared to the automatic/select fire capabilities of some of the military versions.
That means one press of the trigger is a single PEW! instead of a fully automatic where a single press of the trigger will be a continuous stream of PEW! PEW! PEW! until you let go.
Shootability
The AR-15 is very light recoiling when chambered in its native 5.56x45mm round. And is also very ergonomic when compared to other popular rifles such as the AK-47.
Check me out dumping 10 rounds on a PSA…
Modular Design
The AR-15 consists primarily of two large segments: the lower receiver…
And the upper receiver, which can be swapped out in a matter of seconds.
The AR-15 can fulfill roles such from a long-range precision rifle to close-quarters combat (CQB) carbine by just switching out the “upper” and mating it with the “lower.”
Only the lower is the serialized firearm, so with one lower, you can have several uppers to fulfill any role without additional paperwork.
The lower holds the trigger mechanism and for the most part, you can swap out the upper for even different calibers, from the .22LR to .300 BLK and even .50 Beowulf.
There are also tons of aftermarket products to customize the look, feel, and performance of your AR-15 to match your personality and intended use.
However, there’s a prevailing stigma (especially online) of putting too much possibly unnecessary stuff on your gun, and making you a “mall ninja” or being too “tacticool.”
In my opinion…it’s your gun and your money, so do what you want to do as long as it’s still safe and legal. But…the above AR might have gone a little overboard!
We’re also very obsessed…so here’s a (partial) selection of our upgraded uppers.
See all our suggestions at Best AR-15 Upgrades.
Want to get a glimpse of how easy it is to take apart and clean too?
Still with me?
AR-15 History
Eugene Stoner developed the AR-15 as a lightweight 5.56x45mm version of the 7.62x51mm AR-10 while working at Armalite during the 1950s. The lighter bullet enabled infantrymen to carry more rounds. And that’s always a good thing!
Naming Conventions
In 1959, Armalite sold the AR-10 and AR-15 rights to Colt. The “AR” actually stands for “Armalite” and not the common misconception of “Assault Rifle.”
After some tweaks, Colt introduced the M16 which was select-fire (automatic) and mostly had a 20-inch barrel.
The M4 came about in the 90s and had a 14.5-inch barrel with a carbine gas system. Carbine just means that it has a shorter barrel than the rifle version and can either be pronounced “car-BEAN” or “car-BYNE,” but my preference is for the “bean” version.
The AR-15 is the civilian semi-automatic version of the select fire M4. 1 press = 1 PEW!
Colt owns the rights to “AR15” and “AR-15,” so most other manufacturers have slightly different names, but the general public still refers to the general pattern as AR-15’s.
Now, one big question coming up…
AR-15: To Build or To Buy?
For a first AR-15, we would heavily suggest buying a complete rifle from a reputable manufacturer.
Or at the very least, get a complete upper (Guide to Best Uppers) and build your own lower. It’s like Legos for big kids and you can see our recs at Best AR-15 Lowers.
Now there are also options to simply get a complete upper AND a complete lower. This way saves some money too since companies are charged an 11% tax on complete firearms.
Buying complete eliminates a lot of possible headaches by having a solid warranty behind your gun. Plus, if you’re just starting off, you probably don’t know what you like/want, so I recommend just going with a standard configuration.
A factory gun doesn’t cost that much more than building your own (and nowadays it’s likely less), and you’ll get a much better resale value if you ever decide to part ways (or upgrade).
However, there’s something very satisfying about building your own “franken-gun” or “M4-gery,” but we recommend doing it for a 2nd or 3rd AR-15. It’s not terribly difficult and you’ll get to choose every component in your gun.
But we think you’ll make better decisions after spending time with a factory gun first.
If you’re curious, check out our How to Build an AR-15 Lower Receiver and Upper Receiver articles just to see your future.
Next, we dive into the various parts of the AR-15 before putting it all together and recommending specific combinations based on your intended use.
All About AR Barrels
We begin the breakdown of the AR-15 system by covering the various characteristics of barrels (the thing that bullets come out of).
Now the real fun is going to start!
Barrel Chambering
The barrel chamber means the part of the barrel where the cartridge sits before firing (ie, what ammo it can shoot).
Since this is a beginners’ guide, we’ll focus on the most common 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington. There are tons of other chamberings from .22LR to .50 Beowulf, and a slew of new .30 caliber offerings.
The 5.56 is the more common choice compared to .223 since it gives “looser” tolerances and can withstand the higher pressures of the 5.56 round.
Here are some general safety guidelines for using different cartridges in different barrels:
- With a 5.56 barrel, you can shoot BOTH 5.56 and .223
- With a .223 barrel, you can ONLY shoot .223
- Hybrid chambers such as Wylde are for specific precision purposes but can shoot both
Barrel Length: Long & Strong
Federal law states that the minimum barrel length of a rifle must be at least 16-inches. This includes muzzle devices, such as flash hiders, muzzle brakes, or compensators. However, if the device is to be included in the length, it must be permanently attached.
For example, you can have a 14.5-inch barrel and permanently pin/weld a muzzle device to make it over 16-inches to make it compliant. Please note, there are some state/local laws that might govern the types of devices allowed, and even having a 14.5-inch barrel might be illegal without appropriate paperwork.
Therefore, we recommend beginners get at least a 16-inch barrel so they can switch out muzzle devices to their liking. Most common lengths include 16-, 18- and 20-inches.
So which one do you choose?
Having a longer barrel doesn’t necessarily mean more accuracy. You can get plenty of accuracy out of 16-inches since it is shorter and therefore stiffer and less susceptible to barrel whip (movement of the barrel during shooting).
However, a longer barrel gives you higher velocity since there’s more room for all the powder to burn. And faster-moving bullets give the environment (gravity and wind) less time to affect the trajectory of the bullet.
The average 16-inch barrel is good for up to 400-yards, but after 300-yards, the standard 55-grain projectile becomes more susceptible to environmental factors.
For longer distance, you would want a heavier and longer projectile such as 62gr, 77gr, or 80gr bullets.
Lastly, there’s also the issue of portability…shorter barrels are easier to move and weigh less.
So many things to think about!
Barrel Twist Rate
Another number you’ll see when looking at barrels is the twist rate of the rifling.
This is denoted as 1 x number (1×9) which means “one twist per 9 inches”. In general, the longer a projectile, the faster the twist is needed (a smaller number in the twist since that means one turn happens in a shorter length).
Below is a great chart to show you the ideal bullet weight for the twist of a barrel.
The most common AR-15 twist rate is 1:9 since 55gr is the most commercially available while the most common mil-spec twist is 1:7 since they need to stabilize longer/heavier tracer rounds.
Barrel Material
There are a lot of numbers and scary sounding words out there when related to barrel material, and we’ve done our best to simplify it:
- 4150: Steel used in mil-spec barrels
- 4140: Steel with 10% less carbon than 4150
- Chrome Molybdenum Vanadium, Chrome Moly, or CMV: Same as 4140
- Stainless Steel: More accurate but shorter lifespan
For the average shooter just go with the 4140/CMV. Unless you’re firing full-auto a lot, you probably would not reap any benefit from 4150. Except for a lighter wallet…but that probably doesn’t count as a benefit.
Barrel Lining
- Chrome Lined: Coating that makes your barrel last longer at the price of a slight decrease in accuracy. You’ll see a gray ring around each end.
- Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC): Also known as Tennifer, Melonite, or Nitride. Treats the surface of the barrel instead of a coating for possibly better accuracy but with additional cost.
- None: No coating.
Real round counts will differ based on a lot of factors (heat, environment, your definition of “accuracy,” etc), but you can expect around 10-20k before you have to re-barrel.
You still there?
Barrel Testing
Good, here’s some more acronyms manufacturers will throw at you.
- MP: Magnetic Particle tested, magnetizing the barrel and using fine iron particles to detect cracks/defects
- HP: High Pressure tested
- None: No testing. You get what you pay for.
You might run into the use of “batch tested” which really doesn’t mean much. The manufacturer may test 1 out of 10 barrels or 1 out of 100K barrels. For a home defense rifle, we recommend getting a barrel that is both MP & HP tested.
You know…just in case.
Barrel Forging
- Cold, Hammer, Forged (CHF): Process that creates a more durable barrel
- Barrel, Forged, Hammer (BFH): Same as CHF
- None: No extra process
CFH and BFH reduce accuracy a little but you gain a much more durable barrel. If you plan on shooting thousands of rounds a year, it might be worth the extra cost and push you towards a 20k+ round count.
Barrel Contours
Shape and thickness of the barrel will have a decent effect on the overall weight. And if you haven’t seen this quote yet on forums…“ounces equal pounds and pounds equals pain.”
- CAR (Colt Automatic Rifle): Just a specific family of AR-15/M-16 rifles from the 70’s. Now just a general term for carbine-length rifles before the advent of the M4.
- Heavy (Bull): Stiffer and heavier but more accurate. Can take a lot of heat before shooting groups start to suffer. Normally used for precision builds. .936-inches in diameter.
- Medium (Government or M4): All around balance. M4 contour has a cutout for grenade launchers. .750-inches in diameter.
- Light/Pencil: Lighter but more susceptible to heat from rapid firing. .625-inches in diameter.
For the average plinker, Medium or Light barrel contours will work great.
And to make it more fun…some manufacturers also have their own versions too.
Barrel Feed Ramps
This is an integral part of the upper receiver and you want it to be a proper match with your barrel.
The jury is still out whether or not they help reliability, but the main thing is to match up the ramps with your receiver. If you’re buying from the factory, this should not be a problem. But you still might want to check.
Curious what can befall ARs? Check out Most Common AR-15 Failures (And How to Fix Them).
AR-15 Gas Systems
Now that you’re a pro with AR-15 barrels, we’ll go into the gas system.
There are two major types, Direct Impingement (DI) and Piston. DI is the original design while piston only really became popular within the last few years.
Direct Impingement vs Piston
An AR-15 works by directing the hot gas behind the bullet into the gas tube (where the triangular front sight block is above) which then uses the gas to either move a piston or send it directly back (direct impingement).
When the force is applied, it makes the bolt unlock, move back, expel the spent casing, and strip a new cartridge into the chamber.
The vast majority of ARs are direct impingement instead of pistons.
Pros of Piston:
- Cleaner since dirty gas is vented away
- Should be more reliable in bad environments (water, dust, etc)
Cons of Piston:
- Costs more than traditional DI system
- Weighs more and puts weight in front (although getting better each year)
- Proprietary parts unique to each manufacturer
- Less accurate
Unless you’re needing to shoot coming out of water or in very dusty environments with limited ability to clean, a direct impingement system will work fine. If that’s you…here’s our review of the Best AR-15 Piston Uppers.
With proper maintenance, a DI AR-15 is a very reliable weapon and what the military uses.
Direct Impingement Gas System Lengths
The gas system length refers to the distance to the gas hole, or where the triangular “front site base” or FSB sits on each barrel above.
The rifle-length gas system is traditionally used for 18-inch or longer barrels, but there is the oddball “Dissipator” model which has a rifle length system on a 16-inch barrel.
For 16-inch barrels, the primary choice is between carbine and mid-length gas systems.
We believe the mid-length has the advantage since it allows a longer sight radius if using a front sight base (which doubles as the front sight).
It also gives you more possible handguard/rail space since the handguard goes from the upper receiver to the front sight base.
It should also theoretically offer a smoother/softer shooting rifle since the increased distance will allow gas pressure to lower before going back into the rifle.
But, this is influenced by a lot of other factors including gas port size, buffer, and spring combinations.
Gas Blocks
For the majority of this article, you’ve been seeing the front sight base (FSB) style gas block which combines the front sight with the gas block.
For years I’ve been recommending this style for beginners for the ease of already having a front sight, robustness (the FSB is pinned to the barrel), and cost-efficiency of a non-free-floating barrel.
You can also choose to grind down the FSB to fit a free-floating barrel later.
BUT…there are many AR-15s that now offer low-profile gas blocks that enable a factory install of a free-floating barrel.
Some of these gas blocks are also adjustable so you can choose just the right amount of gas to make your rifle/ammo combination run smoothly without unnecessary recoil.
If you know you’ll want to add stuff to your AR…skip the headache of grinding down the FSB or getting a new upper…and start off with a free-float handguard.
Handguards
Front sight blocks almost always force you to utilize non-free-floating handguards.
This means that the two-piece handguard touches the barrel at the FSB and can add some inconsistency in force that makes it slightly less accurate.
But for non-competitive shooters, you’ll be fine with a non-free-float. There are some aluminum variations, but most are polymer which still work great and are more affordable.
The above Magpul MOE Handguards for Carbine or Mid-Length still allow you to add Picatinny rails on the slots to attach accessories or use their new M-LOK attachment system directly.
Picatinny rails were the gold standard of rail attachments and look like raised rectangles. Below is an example of a “quad-rail” since there are Picatinny rails on all four sides.
The big con was its weight.
And of course, you’ve seen the free-floating handguards for low-profile gas blocks. This allows more consistency in your shots since there’s nothing touching the barrel along the handguard. Those usually cost $100 to $200 more but allow tons of rail space.
And also save you a bunch of weight.
I prefer M-LOK over KeyMod, and so does the military now.
If you can’t wait to see handguard upgrades, check out Best AR-15 Handguards.
Now for some serious stuff…
AR-15 Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)
How the BCG Works
Essentially the engine that runs the AR-15. The bolt is housed within the bolt carrier and together they make up the bolt carrier group (BCG).
It moves back when you pull the charging handle back.
And when you let go of the charging handle, the BCG moves forward, strips a round out of the magazine, and puts a round into the chamber.
When you pull the trigger, the hammer releases and strikes the back of the firing pin which is also in the BCG.
The firing pin hits the cartridge’s primer which sparks the gunpowder and sends the bullet down the barrel. Then the gas system comes into play.
Watch it below:
Semi-Auto vs Full-Auto BCG
The BCG comes in semi-auto (SA) and full-auto (FA) varieties. Having a full-auto BCG does not instantly make your gun automatic. Normally it is used to slow down the cycling rate due to its increased mass (see the right ends of the BCGs below).
Note that they should be overall the same size but the bottom FA is shrunk in the picture.
The full-auto has a shroud to protect the firing pin from hitting the hammer during re-cocking. You can see the right-most BCG has more of the firing pin exposed and less weight on the bottom, making it a semi-auto version.
It doesn’t really matter which one you get, but most higher-end manufacturers will put in the FA BCG. Most guns are over-gassed so they can run a larger variety of ammunition, so the additional mass and firing pin protection are advantageous.
What do I mean by over-gassed?
In an ideal world, the gas block would send back the bare minimum amount of gas to move the BCG back so it can eject the spent casing and strip another round.
However, there’s the problem of weaker ammo which would produce less gas, and also the crud that accumulates and can slow everything down.
Therefore, manufacturers usually let a much larger amount of gas cycle through to brute force through the issues. A heavier BCG and shrouded pin minimize the negative effects of a lot of gas.
There are also lighter BCGs for competition guns…but don’t worry about that for now! Unless you want to here.
BCG Coatings
One of the newest crazes is to have coated BCG’s that are supposed to make them easier to clean, require less lubrication, and run longer between cleanings.
Nickel boron is the flavor of the week along with Titanium Nitride, Hard Chrome, and Black Nitride.
If you’re running your gun hard constantly or use a suppressor which deposits more gunk back into your BCG, you might benefit from a coated BCG. Otherwise, keep your regular BCG clean and lubed and it will run just fine.
Or…check out our Best BCG’s article for our favorite picks.
Buffer Tubes, Triggers, & More
Buffer Tube
This comes up more when you are building a lower from scratch. Just go with Mil-Spec instead of Commercial since it is stronger. Also, make sure to match up the carbine/rifle lengths according to your barrel.
Triggers
I’d stick with the standard Mil-Spec trigger initially. It may be a little gritty at first but will become better with use.
I like it for its reliability.
More precision rifles will use aftermarket single-stage or two-stage triggers.
However, I will say that the first upgrade I would do to a rifle would be upgrading the trigger. Just stick with the stock one first…if only so you can fully appreciate an upgraded one!
Can’t wait?
Check out our Best AR-15 Triggers list. Hands down…getting a better trigger is the best upgrade you can do to shoot more accurately.
Optics/Accessories/Furniture
Again, we recommend getting used to your iron sights, stock muzzle device, and standard furniture before jumping into upgrades.
You likely won’t know what you need until you get adequate range time.
But of course, we’ve got a guide (and lots of testing) for that too…check out:
AR-15 Intended Purposes
We’ll cover the four main flavors, each with its own pros and cons.
M4gery
Known lovingly as the “M4-gery” (M4 + Forgery), this is the most common AR-15 type which seeks to mimic the M4 military carbine.
While the M4 has a 14.5-inch barrel with a carbine length gas system, most AR-15s of this variant will use a 16-inch barrel and a mix of carbine and mid-length gas systems.
Most will have collapsible buttstocks so you can adjust your length of pull and eye relief.
M4gery’s span many varieties.
The first rifle is more bone stock, with a carry handle, non-free-floating handguard, carbine gas system, and a front sight base.
While the BCM flattop upper receiver with a 1913 (Picatinny) rail on top, the new M-LOK rail on the sides, free-floated handguard, mid-length gas system, and low profile gas block.
Precision/Varmint/SPR/DMR
Varmint/precision builds likely will have an 18- or 20-inch barrel of the heavy contour variety for extra stability and velocity. The twist rates and materials may also change for more accurate combinations (1×8 or 1×7 and non-chrome-line or stainless steel).
Oh…and get ready for some more acronyms such as Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) and Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). Basically…longer barrel.
Precision AR-15s will also most likely have free-floated handguards and heavier buttstocks. You’ll want to add a scope and probably a bipod too. Get ready for a much heavier rifle!
SBR/Pistol Builds
We won’t be covering much of them in this guide, but if you do go this route, be extra sure of your state/local laws since you’ll be going with sub-16-inch barrels. Traditionally this is known as a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) which requires paperwork and a tax stamp.
And for a few short years there were “pistol braces” that allowed for sub-16″ barrels without applying for an SBR. However as of June 1, 2023 these are no longer valid…but there’s several injunctions in the works. Check out the current status of Pistol Braces and the ATF.
Both make the tradeoff of a shorter, lighter, and easier-to-handle weapon. But the drawbacks include much-decreased velocity and increased muzzle blast (people around will HATE you).
SBRs and AR pistols are best suited for under 100 yards.
Competition Builds (3-Gun)
Competition guns are specifically tailored race rifles for 3-Gun (rifle, pistol, & shotgun) or other competitions.
Normally you’ll see longer barrels and gas systems coupled with big brakes/compensators to reduce recoil and enable faster follow-up shots. Almost everything else in the system is customized to the shooter.
Best out-of-the-box competition ARs.
Pistol Caliber Carbines
Another new entry to the field is pistol caliber carbines (PCC). They are also known as AR-9s and I’m pretty sure you can guess what they are!
ARs that give you the same ergonomics you’re used to but that take pistol mags and ammunition.
Now you don’t have to double-up on mags and ammo. Plus you can compete in pistol competitions because the ammo won’t destroy the targets like fast rifle rounds.
Check out our list of Best AR-9s: Pistol Caliber AR-15s.
Featureless Builds
It brings me great sadness to have to add this for 2017+.
But featureless rifles make it legal for residents of CA and NY (and probably more) to own AR-15 style firearms with accessible magazine releases.
The biggest differences you’ll see are no pistol grip, non-adjustable buttstock, and no flash hider. For more, check out our Featureless Rifles page.
Best AR-15 Manufacturers
Love it or hate it…people really want these groupings. These are my personal point of view and fluctuate through the years as I gain more experience.
Drumroll, please…
Top Tier AR-15 Manufacturers
These are our perceived top-quality manufacturers who don’t cut corners and can produce near 100% reliable guns (or they have an awesome marketing budget).
If you’re looking for the best service grade (mil-spec) AR for self or home defense, we recommend going with one of these top-tier companies that stand behind their product.
- Bravo Company (BCM)
- Daniel Defense (DD)
- Larue
- Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT)
- Noveske
- Rainier Arms
- Yankee Hill Machine
Mid Tier Manufacturers
These are great guns that might start out range plinking guns until they’ve proven themselves. We recommend putting at least 1,000 rounds through with varying conditions, ammo, and magazines before you trust a gun with your life.
The below is not an exhaustive list, especially with all the builders out there.
Budget Manufacturers
Nothing wrong with these guns either, they are great starter ARs because of their affordability and are perfectly capable of being reliable. Just test them out first.
Price
For a top tier, expect to pay $1,300 to $2,000 for a complete rifle, while mid-tiers can start around $900. Intro AR-15s are attainable for around $500 now thanks to Palmetto State Armory.
Remember, you’re paying for the quality of materials, quality control, and R&D. Ok…and probably marketing too.
Featureless Rifles
For the folks in CA and NY.
There has been a lot more activity here (Springfield and LWRC) but I’m holding off on adding everything until I can review them in hand.
The easiest is to buy a featureless at your local gun store or turn your current one following our Featureless Guide.
Building?
If you really want to build your lower…
I’d recommend looking at our Best Lower Receivers article and then following How to Build a Lower Receiver.
But my advice is still…buy a complete rifle! Or at least two complete halves.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Lead writer for this article is Pew Pew Tactical CEO and Founder Eric Hung. As founder of PPT, he has researched and written over 250 articles on firearms and gear and fired thousands of rounds through a variety of AR-15s (including a bunch from his personal collection). Eric is an NRA-certified pistol instructor and a USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor and uses his knowledge of the AR platform in competition.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical. She also owns a handful of AR-15s in her collection that she enjoys taking to the range.
Final Thoughts
I know we’ve gone over a lot, and your journey to getting an AR-15 has just begun.
So think of all the criteria you want (including price point) and start looking.
And once you do get one, let me know how it runs, and then check out the rest of the AR-15 Definitive Guides. For more rifle goodness, head to our round-up of the Best Rifles!
Latest Updates
November 2024: Removed FN 15 Patrol Carbine (discontinued) and Smith & Wesson Sport II. Added Smith & Wesson Sport III.
610 Leave a Reply
DD. Ha! I have seen lots of LE agencies buy those only to send them immediately back for repairs. The quality went down
This is why the gun community suckkkkkks. Especially for AR15s. It's the world's largest cesspool of low IQ keyboard warriors who absolutely must ensure that everyone knows they are THE expert on all things bang and anyone who thinks otherwise is a moron. This guy put a list together based on his own opinions he's not attacking anyone's choice. Read down the comments and all you get is crap slinging and long rants about the same old bs. It's the same everywhere. No one cares what Reddit told you. No one cares what your favorite guntuber thinks. No one cares how popular you are on ARFCOM. This should be a community of respect and comradery instead it's just cringe idiots everywhere arguing about nothing. It's getting old AF.
no spikes tactical?
I have two Anderson ARs, one a factory build and one customized. They cost about $500 and $750, respectively. I’ve fired well over 1,000 rounds through each without an issue. I’d highly recommend Anderson for the budget option.
DD as the high end pick? That's a JOKE.
Actually, I consider my KAC and my LMT to be top tier. My DDs and BCMs are more upper-mid tier.
Down the list, for a low tier, I have a PSA CHF/Premier level that is some of their best stuff. All I did to that was put a Rave 140 trigger in it, and at 3 lbs, it's a great weapon.
For a quick upper/lower combo, I have an 11.5" Aero S One with a nice PSA SBA3 lower, with a Timney Impact trigger. That's all I need in a pistol, something that I'm confident will go BANG all the time. Also, 11.5" is the shortest barrel that has good velocity and doesn't punish the moving parts.
Well, unless you burn the big bucks for a Q LLC Boombox, Honey Badger, or similar quality.
But $3-5K? Ouch.
After watching lots of videos and reading stacks of reviews and articles on AR15's I bought one. Out of ALL of these items, I NEVER read or found anything negative about the BlackOut Defense DTL. Your article doesn't mention this rifle, why? Thanks
I said nothing about gun safety or gun trafficking in any of my posts. I am very much FOR gun safety and AGAINST gun trafficking.
The fact that you call me a profane name demonstrates that you aren't a serious poster.
You probably do have something to say that would contribute to the dialog. Why not post a thoughtful response?
Why no mention Anderson AR15 Utility Pro. I think this is a great first AR gun to learn from. Yes, I know you think it’s cheaply made, but if you break it down it does have quality parts on it. I just bought one with a lot of videos, reviews and You Tube channels range shooting. The last one I saw, they shot 1,000 rounds through it on automatic. It did not break down, of course the barrel heated up, no failures. All different shows of different experience stated they found a new AR under $550. I paid $429 at Sportsman Warehouse. I can’t wait to shooting it. Check out the shows on You Tube, they show all different AR platforms and pistol and rifle. There are 4-5 shows on Anderson AR15 from cleaning to adding parts to shooting. Watch the shows.
Very happy to finally discovered PPT. Thousands of enthusiasts have been enjoying and absorbing the exhaustive amount of research. I’m hooked!
That article, Eric, is the best I've read in a very long time on the AR style rifles. Concise and to the point. Videos were informative to watch. My first AR was a Colt LE. Only changes/adaptations were the butt stock (Hogue), a straight pistol grip (Bravo Company), a vertical grip that contained a internal bipod, and an Aimpoint red dot. My next AR was the Springfield Armory Saint. Same mods with exception of the red dot, a Sig Romeo5 and Juliet 3X magnifier. These rifles used on the job as a police officer. Uncle Sam provided basic training with the M16 and M16/M203 way back in the day. Keep up the great articles! I don't care if your picks don't include mine as the quality of the information is what is important and greatly appreciated.
I am very surprised that there was no mention of the HK variant. True, the full automatic is not available to civilians but nonetheless this is a very reliable firearm in its semi-automatic configuration. Can you explain why?
Is a Anderson AR-15 a good gun?
The Warrior Poet Society is a good review on it. I don’t have one, so I can’t speak to the rifle personally, though.
I applaud your choice to say car-BINE. I have a DVD copy of a 1952 movie called “Carbine” Williams (the…inventor?…of the genre, or did he just make it work right?), starring Jimmy Stewart as The Man. Since Carbine Williams himself was the technical consultant on the movie and they call him car-BINE throughout I’m going to have to assume that car-BINE is the correct pronunciation of his name. Since car-BEAN is in such common use I guess this will never be corrected.
When you talk about the BEST AR, you left out LWRC, who make the finest and widest range of ARs around. They pioneered Piston action ARs. I also must disagree with what you have said regarding the piston system being less accurate: I find my LWRC to be very accurate and above all easy to clean!!! I was a grunt with M16A1 and the damn thing was always jamming because of carbon fouling. After firing that POS it took an average of 2 HOURS or more before my soldiers could clean them well enough to be accep-0table for return to the arms room. That's why the Army is no going to the XM-7, a piston operated, specialized 6.8 round. Anyone who has to depend on the DI weapons in combat will tell absolute tales of horror when the damn thing failed because it was dirty. Any comments from other combat Vets?
He also left out
the best A.R. 15 of the year in 2020
The IWI Zion AR15
IWI stands for
Israeli weapon industry
The A.R.15 carried by the Israeli army
IWI Zion-15 Review –
Our Rifle of the Year Award iwi-zion-15-review
"Will", and all of the variations on that name that he uses, is clearly an anti-gun troll on a mission. He would never say the things he says if he had any interest in regular folks having 2nd Amendment rights.
At present there are 590 comments on this article. (Mine will be 591.) It's going to take me a LONG time to sift through all of "Will's" posts to get to actual comments!
You mentioned the Aero Precision PC Caliber Carbine for $314. I thought, I might want one of those. So I clicked on the link, and all I found was a bunch of parts, no complete rifle. Then as I scrolled down through the article, I saw all of the parts that are needed for a complete AR-15. There is no way I would even attempt to buy all the correct parts and then put it together myself!
Then I don't have time to read yours :)
If you don't like the constitution, change it...there is a process. Otherwise, over-reaching governments shall not take away the God-given rights of the people.
I love the Constitution. It guarantees my right to freedom . The gun culture in America has brought that into danger. We need safe storage laws. We need to stop selling modern infantry rifles meant for killing people on the battlefield quickly and in large numbers to anyone with $500. We need safety training requirements before people buy weapons. We need to enable the TAF so it can find and prosecute America's thriving gun traffickers. We need safe storage. We need to stop selling semi auto pistol people killers to anybody with a few hundred bucks. In short, we need a responsible gun culture. And we do not have that. Which is why, America has the WORST per capita gun violence problem on earth. By a large margin. The social media gamers and ignoramus MAGAs on this site keep denying it. I don't argue with liars. I simply state the facts. Worst per capita gun violence rate in the world AND the most guns per capita in the world. They're a correlation there. We need gun safety legislation and responsible understanding of what modern infantry rifles are. Pew Pew ??? How cite a way to describe a 5.56 round that can blow a child head apart.
You said there was a correlation between most guns per capita and worst gun violence per capita. Correlation does NOT equal causation.
Why are you so full of hate? You made an assumption that one thing equaled another without considering any other outside factors. That lacks any critical thinking skill. Happy new year!
Jackass with a keyboard !!!! So. You're opposed to gun safety. Lets guess.. You're A a MAGA b. an election denier c. a rethuglican d. an uneducated clown e. a lousy shot....that should cover everything....feel free to as=dd however... Perhaps you should run along to your tiki torch book burning...cheers pencilneck.
And oops !!!! I forgot to read your ignorant hate filled drivel rambo...cheers. don't pee your pants
Another weak crybaby that probably thinks it’s brave for a boy to pretend to be a girl and beat up on biological girls. Read this guys comment and understand immediately why a coward like this never has and never will understand why the second amendment ends with “ shall not be infringed “.
William Fraser:
Some of the things you have listed would probably be good, except for the fact that there are many in the American government that use "common sense gun laws" as cover to totally disarm the people. New York City is a prime example. The founders knew that, and that's why they said that our right to own and carry guns "shall not be infringed".
Your post above illustrates what I am talking about - you want to eliminate semi-automatic pistols that cost a few hundred bucks. By doing so, you would be eliminating the most basic handguns. In other words, you aren't talking about "responsible gun ownership", but rather taking away all guns from all private citizens.
All of the steps you have listed in your post show that you aren't interested in "common sense gun laws", but rather the total disarming of the American people.
The United States has the only constitution in the world that guarantees an unrestricted right to own and carry guns. Why would the founders put such a thing in the original constitution? Because they really did believe in a government of, by, and for the people. They trusted the regular folks to manage their own affairs with as little government interference as possible.
Also, it's a lot more difficult for a dictatorship to take over when so many private citizens are armed. That's what they meant by "well-regulated militia" - a militia was a group of private citizens WHO OWNED GUNS, who would show up as needed, fight WITH THEIR OWN GUNS, then go back home WITH THEIR OWN GUNS. A posse in the Old West was an example of a well-regulated militia, because it was run by the sheriff, but it was private citizens who were armed WITH THEIR OWN GUNS. And once they caught the crook, they went home WITH THEIR OWN GUNS. They never handed them over to the sheriff.
You are anti-Second Amendment, and no one here cares what you think
This is the poorest ranked guide. KAC SR-15 blows this junk out of the water. No mention of CheyTac either. Great guide for Walmart enthusiasts
Thanks for reading and for your feedback. We update articles frequently with new picks as we test stuff out, so if you don't see what you like, check back again later. Thanks!
Sir- Springfield Amory Saint Victor- runs all day, not a single glitch.
Upgrade the silly grip, throw on larger mag release, maybe a Raptor charging handle. LOVE this bang stick!
WHY, no mention of SONS OF LIBERTY GUN WORKS??? Others follow this same absence of mentioning or RATING. SOLGW make some very awesome real-life-duty weapons, and from what I have been able to garner - none of the companies you have listed, or any other for that matter - SUPPORTS OUR CONSTITUTION LIKE THEY HAVEW PROVEN TO DO, NO OTHER COMPANY SUPPORTS THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THEY DO (giving you a replacement weapon if yours is lawfully taken (or not) by the ANTI SECOND AMENDMENT GOVERNMENT. I believe a companies actions should be just as much accounted for as quality when rating weapon manufacturers!
As an avid AR-15 enthusiast, I can vouch for the rifles listed here. The customization options for AR-15s are almost endless, and it's important to choose one that fits your intended use. Personally, I prefer the versatility of the "Jack-of-All-Trades" option mentioned – having a balance between accuracy, weight, and accessory compatibility is key.
Welcome to the land of the ignorant fact denying gun nuts. So you guys are attacking my veteran status. Classic ignoramus tactic . But , as usual you display ignorance, NRA gun sales propaganda and of course hatred. Again. America has the worst per capita gun violence rate on earth. The ATF is completely emasculated thanks to NRA lobbying. The ATF rarely if ever prosecutes a gun trafficker. You stupid are so pathetically misinformed about America's gun violence ce epidemic its sickening. Glad you don't like my Marine Corps service. Of course you don't like it. Stupid to the end right MAGA.? BTW President Biden won the 2020 election and your hero the traitor liar is going to JAIL........bwahahahahahahaaaz. get a good psychiatrist gomer.
I'm retired military Gilligan, try fighting a war without a gun. Trump 2024!
Chill with the "veteran status" BS. I did 26-plus years and I never use it as a shield. Nobody gives a rat's ass but you do you and go to 10 different restaurants on Veteran's Day just so people will thank you for your service because you need it for your ego.
Again. America has the WOSR per capita gun violence rate in the world. Your comment reflects the fact that you are so propagandized by the gun industry's partner, the NRA, that you don't care that all of us. are more likely to. be gunned down in the USA than any nation on earth. I'm a USMC infantry officer fro. the Vietnam era, a championship shooter and a qualified range officer. Again. America has the worst per capita gun violence rate on earth./ Easy access to firearms is the cause. The 2nd Amendment guarantees our states can have armed militias. They do. The gun owners are NOT a well organized militia and private militias are illegal under the US Constitution. Your attitude and your insistence simply guarantee more gun violence in America. So. you may not care about America's gun violence problem ,b ut Ido. And , by the way, I never "debate" with p[eople incapable of logic who simply rep[eat falsehoods. This isn't a "debate". You are opposed to gun safety ANDyou support policies enabled by the NRA that guarantee that the gun violence epidemic will continue in America. congratulations clown.
The right of the people shall not be infringed. That means everybody, not just the militia. The US Supreme Court has settled this several times. People means everybody. The reason there is so much gun violence is because the liberals have decided to defund law enforcement and turn criminals back out on the street which makes no penalty for wrong doing. You are the clown, and there is no debate about that!
Rubbish......you are anti gun safety and likely a dangerous gun owner.
FO, And that doesn't mean fuel oil!
Hey loser. I don't think big Al said anything about opposing common sense gun safety legislation. It's obvious you just want to sit on here and troll everyone.
FO, and that doesn't mean fuel oil!
I think you need to see a psychiatrist
You are so stupid! there are usually only two types of Democrats, Evil and stupid. I believe that you might be the exception, you seem to be BOTH! I am sure glad that you are not making any laws in this country. Maybe you should seek employment in North Korea or Russia. Their people are disarmed and look how much better off they are. You would fit right in!
yawn,,,,,,,,eins, zwei, drei,,,don't think, just buy more ammo and oppose gun safety .....the eras real clients, gun manufacturers depend on your opposition to gun safety.....gomer
Colion Noir debunked (and continues to debunk) your per capita gun violence claim. Also, your troll skills are weak.
Thank you for the review and guide.
Thanks for this, very informative. Moving the f*ck out of CA to Nevada and look forward to purchasing my first AR-15. US ARMY (Ret) here. AATW!
"Guns everywhere" with minimal safety laws is why America has the worst per capita gun violence rate on earth. And you can insult me until you are blue in the face but it will not alter this fact . Imagine a gun range with no safety rules. Does that sound safe to you ?? If it does then we don't need to discuss this further. Because invariably, the only feedback I get to gun safety posts is denial, threats and anger.
I think by denial, threats and anger you mean actual logical arguments.
Once again. No facts. No logic. America has the worst per capita gun violence rate on earth. America has an unsafe, gun culture and little law enforcement of gun trafficking due to NRA anti ATF GOP legislation . Such as, the ATF is prohibited from using any computerized gun serial # registries. Thats illegal thanks to the NRA. So it shouldn't be surprising that the ATF rarely if ever is able to prosecute gun traffickers. Say thank you to the NRA for that.. Cheers.
You must be ATF
I I am ATF good news !!!!!!!!!! you have NOTHING TO FEAr as the NRA and the gun manufacturers lobby has cut the ATFs balls off by blocking them from having a modern computer system capable of tracking gun serial #s so they can actually catch America's thriving gun traffickers who supply criminal, Mexican cartels and domestic terrorists. The ATF barely makes half a dozen cases against gun trafficking every year. So no worries . You're safe. Well, as safe as anyone can be in a nation with the HIGHEST BY FAR gun violence rate in the world. And what have you done to democratically encourage gun safety legislation that can reduce the gun violence ??????Nothing. Thanks a lot. My kids are less safe. And so are yours. And everyone else's ....And go by the way of the worst 17 mass murders in recent history in the US, 11 were committed with AR 15s. And thats because it is a modern infantry style rifle designed t kill as many enemy combatants on the battlefield as fast as you can shoot. Some "Sport" rifle. Keep making believe it's not a military rifle. My Marines carried it in 1973. And it went into use in the US military in 1966. Just a little history for the little "pew' "pew" LETHAL infantry rifle popular around the world.
The US gun industry has an excellent marketing campaign.
drink some more koolaide and spend more time hanging with the people you hate! I'm not sure what "SPECIAL STANDING" BEING IN THE SERVICE - YOU THINK GRANTS YOU! iT IS WONDERFUL TO SERVE YOUR COUNTRY, BUT SORRY TO INFORM YOU it doesn't make special, and it sure as hell doesn't make you smater, YOUR COMMENTS ATTEST TO THAT
Clown says what ??I don't "debate" ignorant anti gun safety boobs