The Springfield Saint B5 takes an already great entry-level rifle and adds improved B5 systems furniture and an ultra-slim handguard with more M-LOK slots for user customization. Equipped with great features out of the box, the Saint B5 is perfect for home defense or sporting.

The Springfield Armory Saint AR-15 is a decent entry-level AR-15. It’s easy to use and can accept accessories like lights and lasers. It’s ideal for home defense or range days without totally breaking the bank.

The Sig M400 Tread is a great mid-level AR-15 for those looking for something above an entry-level rifle without breaking the bank. Good furniture, a quality barrel and twist rate, and a decent trigger make this rifle hard to beat its the price point.

The PWS MK116 Pro brings all the great features that PWS is known for to the consumer at a lower price point. This is achieved through the use of an extruded 6061 aluminum upper instead of the standard T6-7075 forged aluminum uppers of their other guns. The end result is still an extremely soft shooting rifle and reliable piston-driven AR-15 that is great for those looking to suppress their guns or who just want something a little different.

“Daniel Defense delivers a reliable, accurate AR-15 in the DDM4 V7 with enough extras to keep 5.56 fans interested. Though the pistol grip’s ergonomics are less than ideal, this rifle more than makes up for that with QD mounts, a threaded barrel, and an improved muzzle brake.” – John C.

The DDM4 V1 is a 5.56mm AR15 style rifle that is known to be reliable and accurate. The rifle features a 16in M4 profile barrel with a carbine length gas system. This rifle is pricey but the quality makes up for it.

“The DDM4ISR is a .300 BLK integrally suppressed rifle from Daniel Defense. It sports a 9 inch cold-hammer-forged barrel with an overall length of 16-inches. This gun features a Keymod handguard and handles just about as smoothly in a shoot house as it does out on the range. We had no problems whatsoever during our testing. This rifle loaded, fired, and ejected perfectly. The grip angle may feel odd to some, but overall it’s great once you get used to it.” – John C.

The S&W M&P Sport II was long considered the best budget starter AR-15, but those days are well behind us. These are well-built and reliable guns, but a lack of updates to the furniture, barrel twist rates, and gas system length has led to other guns in the same price bracket taking the place of the Sport II.