The Best AR-15s: Everything You Need to Know

America's rifle is a universe of performance potential, but navigating the Black Rifle World takes a little preparation to find your perfect AR. We break it all down.

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Products are selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases from a link. How we select gear.

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Updated

Oct 2023

The Palmetto State Armory PA-15 is the best AR-15 for most people. Over the years, I’ve put nearly every kind of AR to the test, and time and time again, PSA comes out on top with a solid mix of value and availability — with a huge array of models, calibers, and feature sets across the PA-15 line.

AR-15 Comparison

The AR-15 platform gets a lot of attention, and for good reason, it is one of the most reliable and versatile firearms ever created. A modern sporting rifle is my go-to for almost any shooting activity home defense, distance shooting — you name it.

Both long and short-barreled rifles are all possible with a single AR-15, which is why it’s one of the most popular semi-automatic rifles available today.

Invented by a renowned team of engineers who were looking to change the dynamic of what constituted small arms at the time, the gun has gone on to be known and respected around the world. This article is part of our Guide to Everything AR.

There’s an ideal AR out there for everyone, and below is my list of the best AR-15 rifles, which takes into account quality, reliability, ergonomics, and our real-world experience.

Our Top Picks

Displaying 1 - 1 of 10

Awards

Price

Overall Rating

Description

Rating Categories

Accuracy

Ergonomics

Features

Fit & Finish

Reliability

Value

Badge

$650.99 at Palmetto State

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49

All-in-all PSA continues to use its massive component infrastructure to deliver fun, high-quality products, and their PA-15 is no different.

8/10

7/10

6/10

9/10

9/10

10/10

Badge

$2024 at Daniel Defense

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44

It’s hard to get too much of a good thing with Daniel Defense. They rarely disappoint, and the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 holds that line impressively.

8/10

7/10

7/10

8/10

8/10

6/10

Badge

$919.32 at Palmetto State

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44

Few AR-15s have impressed me in the pure “bang for the buck” category as the Lead Star Grunt. They've really packed a lot to like in a sub-$1,000 rifle.

7/10

8/10

8/10

7/10

7/10

7/10

$1116.99 at Palmetto State

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39

The Saint Victory builds on SA’s impressive SAINT semi automatic rifle with serious attention to detail, a full-length 15″ M-Lok riddled handguard and a nickel boron-coated flat-faced trigger right out of the box.

7/10

6/10

6/10

6/10

7/10

7/10

Badge

$880.99 at Palmetto State

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41

The Ruger SFAR, or "Small Frame Autoloading Rifle", in .308 that is nearly the same size as a traditional 5.56 caliber AR-15.

7/10

6/10

6/10

8/10

7/10

7/10

Badge

$930.99 at Palmetto State

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34

A new, high-quality AR-15 designed for competition shooting with top-notch parts.

8/10

5/10

6/10

6/10

5/10

4/10

Badge

$549.99 at Palmetto State

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45

The AM-15 is a fantastic budget AR with a 16-inch 4150 Chrome Molybdenum Vanadium Steel barrel that ends in an A2-style birdcage.

8/10

7/10

6/10

6/10

9/10

9/10

Badge

$999.99 at Palmetto State

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48

The Aero M4E1 is chambered in .223 Wylde, which gives you the option of running 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem flawlessly.

8/10

8/10

8/10

8/10

9/10

7/10

$927.99 at Palmetto State

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41

Diamondback’s DB15 has been totally redesigned, and if you simply add up the price of the components they incorporated into the new gun it’s easy to see how much value they packed into their new AR.

7/10

7/10

7/10

7/10

7/10

6/10

$1023.99 at Palmetto State

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53

The M400 SDI XSeries gives you competition performance in a common tactical design.

9/10

9/10

8/10

9/10

9/10

9/10

NameSelectionPrice
PSA PA-15
Best Value
$599
Daniel Defense DDM4
Best Premium AR
$2,024
Lead Star Grunt
Best Mid-Range Package
$919
FN M4 Carbine
Best M4 Build
$1,749
Springfield Saint Victor
Also Great
$1,116
COLT LAW ENFORCEMENT Carbine
Also Great
$1,049
Ruger SFAR
.308 Pick
$880.99
S&W M&P 15 Volunteer XV Pro
Mid-Range Runner-Up
$930
Anderson AM-15
Budget Pick
$589
Aero Precision M4E1
.223 Wylde Pick
$999
Diamondback DB15
Also Great
$1,342
BCM RECCE-16 MCMR
RECCE Rifle Pick
$1,443

Our Selection Criteria

Build Quality

We assess the quality of the materials used in the rifle’s construction, including the receiver, barrel, and other key components, as well as how well the rifle is put together.

Accuracy

We bench-fire test rifles using various types of ammunition at different distances to evaluate accuracy and precision.

Ergonomics

We evaluate the overall design and ergonomics of the rifle, including weight distribution & balance.

Overall Value

We evaluate the rifle’s price relative to other rifles in its class and assess whether it offers good value for money.

More on our testing process

The Best AR-15s

1. Editor’s Pick: Palmetto State Armory PA-15

Palmetto State Armory PA-15

$650.99

Palmetto State Armory PA-15

Badge

49

EXCEPTIONAL

Based On 23 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy8/10
Ergonomics7/10
Features6/10
Fit & Finish9/10
Reliability9/10
Value10/10

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Action: Semi-automatic

Barrel: 16 inches

Caliber: 5.56×45mm NATO

Gas System: Direct impingement

Grip: Magpul MOE

Trigger: Palmetto State Armory Mil-Spec

Sights: Magpul MBUS Sight Set

Weight: 6.5 pounds

What we liked:

  • Solid availability
  • Serious bang for the buck
  • Lots of PSA products to choose from
  • 1:7 barrel twist rate is good middle ground

What we didn’t:

  • There are higher-quality builds available
  • Not a drastic improvement over previous-gen PSA ARs
  • Controls can run a touch loose

A quality (and customizable) workhorse AR

While the PSA PA-15 doesn't have the fit and polish of other ARs, it doesn't come with the premium price tag either.
While the PSA PA-15 doesn't have the fit and polish of other ARs, it doesn't come with the premium price tag either.

Long an AR component producer, Palmetto State has made an impact as an AR-15 manufacturer. Palmetto State’s PA-15 mil-spec AR-15 uses standard components but I love how they pair a 4150 Chromoly 16-inch, cold hammer-forged barrel with a classic A2 pistol grip, carbine-length gas system, and melonite finish for some throw-back goodness.

Beyond the components, PSA owns the production behind these ARs, so I can generally always find a few in stock in various configurations, which can be a rarity given the kind of surge in demand for ARs (and firearms in general) in times of crisis.

I really appreciated the classic look and feel of the A2 birdcage & nitride-coated, chrome moly vanadium barrel. The 1/7 twist is just right too. Who doesn't love the classic front sight paired with the M4 cutout? You know, in case you need to mount an M203 grenade launcher.
I really appreciated the classic look and feel of the A2 birdcage & nitride-coated, chrome moly vanadium barrel. The 1/7 twist is just right too. Who doesn't love the classic front sight paired with the M4 cutout? You know, in case you need to mount an M203 grenade launcher.

Flaws worth noting

Holy mil-spec Batman. The pride of West Columbia S.C.
Holy mil-spec Batman. The pride of West Columbia S.C.

My main issue with the PSA is its carbine-length gas system paired with the 16-inch barrel which tends to over-gas the gun. I wouldn’t say it’s a major flaw, but an adjustable gas block will help dial the rifle to your liking if you find it too snappy.

Sure, you’ll be able to power through the cheapest ammo available (and given recent trends *cheap* is probably the wrong word), but I found it produced a forward (2 or 3 o’clock) ejection pattern out of the box.

Not a killer, but something that we’d like to tune out to get it humming like a Singer.

I’ve also had a PSA BCG freeze up on me without proper maintenance. Not unique to the PSA rifle, but one of the few instances when that has happened to me.

A fun, functional middle ground

The PSA PA-15 Grip uses a Magpul MOE, which is more than adequate but not particularly special.
The PSA PA-15 Grip uses a Magpul MOE, which is more than adequate but not particularly special.

The 1:7 twist rate barrel gets 62 & 77-grain ammo to the target in a tight group – but also performs well with 55-grain. Paired with a halfway decent LPVO, I can ring 8-inch steel from a standing position at 75 and 100 yards all day long.

As with all classic A2 birdcages, there are no ports on the bottom so you’ll avoid kicking up dust when firing prone.

All-in-all PSA has produced an outstanding rifle and continues to use its massive component infrastructure to deliver fun, high-quality products. Sure, there are higher quality, better-designed ARs out there, but for a first AR or a 5th, I think the PSA hits the sweet spot of value and performance. For more check out our PA-15 long-termer review.

The lightweight handguard limits rail space, but makes the PA-15 feel light and agile in hand.
The lightweight handguard limits rail space, but makes the PA-15 feel light and agile in hand.

2. Premium Pick: Daniel Defense DDM4V7 Mil Spec AR-15

$2024

Daniel Defense DDM4 AR-15 Rifle

Badge

44

EXCEPTIONAL

Based On 96 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy8/10
Ergonomics7/10
Features7/10
Fit & Finish8/10
Reliability8/10
Value6/10

Other Sellers:

guns
primary arms
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palmetto state armory

What we liked:

  • Incredible build quality
  • Gold standard for reliability
  • Mid-length gas system makes for softer shooting
  • California compliant options

What we didn’t:

  • Trigger feels heavier than it should
  • Vertical grip is mounted in an awkward location from factory and limits hand position options

A top-tier AR if there ever was one

Daniel Defense's DDM4 in it's natural habitat.
Daniel Defense's DDM4 in it's natural habitat.

The company that made AR rail systems famous has produced some of the most popular rifles now for a generation. A long-time favorite of mine, the Daniel Defense DDM4, especially the V7 series gun, uses a cold hammer forged government profile barrel that does away with quad Picatinny rails in favor of a lightweight M-LOK rail.

Long one of our favorite AR-15 manufacturers, I’ve run Daniel Defense guns for years now, and they’ve proven their reliability time and time again.

The folks at Daniel Defense were kind enough to send me one of their DDM4s to spend some quality time with, which you can read more about in our DDM4 V7 review.

Up close and personal with the Daniel Defense DDM4. It feels light in hand.
Up close and personal with the Daniel Defense DDM4. It feels light in hand.

Durable Reliability

Daniel Defense is a fan of heavy phosphate coatings and hardened steel gas blocks, which gives their AR-15 rifles a one up on the competition when it comes to durability.

I’ve put a few hundred rounds through this test rifle, and it hasn’t complained once.  Beyond reliably chewing though Sellier & Bellot 55 grain M193 like a champ, the DDM4 spits brass at a near-perfect 4 o’clock from the shooter. It’s so consistent I can hear casings landing on one another behind me after a few rounds. It’s just a remarkably well-tuned rifle.

Close up of the DD rail/handguard. I found mounting accessories was a pleasure with the DD. The vertical grip is an, uh, interesting choice, but doesn't limit it's usability.
Close up of the DD rail/handguard. I found mounting accessories was a pleasure with the DD. The vertical grip is an, uh, interesting choice, but doesn't limit it's usability.
I ultimately found a forward grip to be the most comfortable, but YMMV.
I ultimately found a forward grip to be the most comfortable, but YMMV.
The DDM4 has a number of sling mounts on the handguard which is a nice touch.
The DDM4 has a number of sling mounts on the handguard which is a nice touch.

Availability continues to improve

Despite intermittent inventory & availability crunches (in-demand AR-15 manufacturers like Daniel Defense have not been immune to limited inventory), they’re still meeting demand pretty consistently, so if you can’t find the gun of your choice in stock sign up for their newsletter alerts and before long you’ll be at the front of the line.

Note the DD stamp on the BCG -- this kind of care is a hallmark of DD ARs
Note the DD stamp on the BCG -- this kind of care is a hallmark of DD ARs

The DDM4 is the smaller-caliber 5.56 NATO brother to the 7.62/.308 AR-10 DD5. And it’s an outstanding rifle and an example of the kinds of rifles that have made Daniel Defense a household name (of sorts); it feels like a high-end watch and runs, points, and performs as well as anything on the market today.

Yup, that's all it takes to impress me.
Yup, that's all it takes to impress me.

I find the DDM4’s grip a solid, pointable beast that offers more real estate than the Magpul MOE grip, and it has only recently been supplaneted by the Lead Star’s slimmer, stickier overmolded grip as my favorite.

The Daniel Defense DDM4 grip is more robust than typical AR grips and always felt controllable and fun to shoot.
The Daniel Defense DDM4 grip is more robust than typical AR grips and always felt controllable and fun to shoot.

I could go on and on about the DDM4 — it’s a great rifle and absolutely worth considering if you’re in the market for a premium AR. It’s hard to get too much of a good thing with Daniel Defense. They rarely disappoint, and the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 holds that line impressively.

3. Runner-Up: Lead Star Grunt

$919.32

Lead Star Grunt AR-15

Badge

44

EXCEPTIONAL

Based On 8 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy7/10
Ergonomics8/10
Features8/10
Fit & Finish7/10
Reliability7/10
Value7/10

Other Sellers:

guns
primary arms
brownells

What we liked:

  • Lots of nice upgrade touches
  • Light!
  • Great trigger
  • Quality furniture

What we didn’t:

  • Can’t run a suppressor without replacing the handguard
  • Muzzle brake is “capital L” Loud

Few AR-15s have impressed me in the pure “bang for the buck” category as the Lead Star Grunt. It’s not attempting to re-write the book or change the game in any sense, but Lead Start has really packed a lot to like in a sub-$1,000 rifle that will go bang every time you pull the trigger.

All the Upgrades

Lead Star may be familiar to the competition set, they’ve been cranking out precision-focused PCCs for some time, and their entry into the world of full-bodied rifles benefits from their precision PCC experience, letting the Grunt stand out amid the sea of 5.56 ARs available within a Benjamin of a grand.

The Grunt standing at the ready.
The Grunt standing at the ready.

If the Golden Age of 5.56 AR-15 rifles is truly upon us, the Grunt surprised me on a few fronts. The first is just how light and nimble it feels in hand. From the full-length 17-inch handguard to what is now my favorite AR grip (displacing the DD DDM4), everywhere I turned the Grunt over-delivered — especially for what is typcally considered a mid-tier rifle.

The handguard borrows from Energizer -- it just keeps going and going.
The handguard borrows from Energizer -- it just keeps going and going.

The Grunt being Lead Star’s entry into the (hyper-competitive) world of home defense, duty, and range rifles, it’s competing with a lot of options, but there are a few touches that helped the Grunt stand out.

It’s incredibly soft shooting — even with rapid firing — thanks in part to Lead Star’s unique muzzle brake, which leans on their 9mm brake design, using ports on top of the brake in addition to a pre-chamber to help keep muzzle rise to a minimum and extending their innovative approach to controlling a PCC to world of the 5.56 rifles.

The Lead Star "Ravage" muzzle brake is fantastic, but the way the handguard swoops in beneath it prevents you from running a can.
The Lead Star "Ravage" muzzle brake is fantastic, but the way the handguard swoops in beneath it prevents you from running a can.
While not ambi, the lower is CNC machined from forged aluminum, making them precise and tight in all the right ways.
While not ambi, the lower is CNC machined from forged aluminum, making them precise and tight in all the right ways.
More 17-inch M-LOK goodness.
More 17-inch M-LOK goodness.
The overmolded Grunt Combat Grip is on the slimmer side, but really felt at home in my hand -- not to mention it pointed like it was AKC certified.
The overmolded Grunt Combat Grip is on the slimmer side, but really felt at home in my hand -- not to mention it pointed like it was AKC certified.

Another area that impressed me was the trigger — it’s a slender girl, with zero — like zero zero — uptake. Super snappy six pounds in weight and breaks when you intend it to. Straightforward reset and predictable as can be. Just a delight.

Loved the trigger on the Grunt
Loved the trigger on the Grunt
Charging handle isn't ambi, but it's got a nice, oversized lever that makes actuation easy enough.
Charging handle isn't ambi, but it's got a nice, oversized lever that makes actuation easy enough.

This being my first time with a Lead Star AR-15, I was incredibly impressed and thought it would clearly make a solid go-to AR for a beginner or seasoned enthusiast.

Shortcomings

The Grunt was great on a lot of fronts, but I didn’t appreciate that the handguard, while lovely, runs out under the muzzle brake, preventing me from testing this with a suppressor.

That fact was made doubly painful by the muzzle brake itself, which — while effective — is supremely loud. This rifle will make you few friends at the range.

4. Best M4 Build: FN M4 Carbine AR-15

$1749

Other Sellers:

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Build Quality:
Accuracy:
Ergonomics:
Value:

What we liked:

  • US military-grade
  • Deep AR expertise
  • Standard service rifle of the U.S. Army
  • Chrome lined barrel

What we didn’t:

  • 16″ barrel is your only option
  • Expensive
My personal FN M4 rifle, side view. Sling loop, vertical grip, Knights Armament quad-rails? Check, check check.
My personal FN M4 rifle, side view. Sling loop, vertical grip, Knights Armament quad-rails? Check, check check.

Best known for their SCAR-series rifles, FN has also been one of the biggest AR-15 manufacturers when it comes to making M4/M4A1 carbines for the US Armed Forces for the past two decades and consistently delivers thousands on open contracts every year.

Battle-proven M4/M4A1s

Yes, this is exact same rifle used by U.S. troops across the globe (giggle switch notwithstanding).

KA rail cover forge mark. Press the metal tab to remove the cover.
KA rail cover forge mark. Press the metal tab to remove the cover.

Their semi-auto M4 Collector Series guns, with a 16-inch, 1:7 chrome-lined, cold hammer forged barrel, is about as close as you can get to the Army’s standard rifle on the commercial market without talking to a recruiter. I’ve always appreciated FN firearms for their attention to detail and build quality, and the M4/M4A1 from FN holds that line beautifully.

Pressing the tab on the rail cover enables you to slide it off, revealing the rail space beneath.
Pressing the tab on the rail cover enables you to slide it off, revealing the rail space beneath.

5. Springfield Armory Saint Victor 5.56 AR-15

$1116.99

Springfield SAINT Victor 5.56 NATO

Performance Scores
Accuracy7/10
Ergonomics6/10
Features6/10
Fit & Finish6/10
Reliability7/10
Value7/10

Other Sellers:

guns
primary arms
brownells

What we liked:

  • Fantastic bang for the buck
  • Solid upgrade over base SAINT rifle
  • Nickel boron-coated flat-faced trigger makes for smooth, consistent pulls
  • Smooth-top handguard makes it comfortable to use without gloves

What we didn’t:

  • Tough to get your hands on one
  • Short rail up top

From the M1A/M14 to the AR

Springfield Saint Victor, compared to Saint AR pistol
Springfield Saint Victor, compared to Saint AR pistol

Cleverly taking on the old U.S. Army’s defunct Springfield Armory name in the 1960s and making a name for themselves with semi-auto M1A variants of the classic M14, Springfield Armory, Inc. has been around the block when it comes to ARs and is now one of the go-to AR-15 manufacturers for many people thanks to their mix of approachability, quality, and price competitiveness.

No need to bust out the punches - the SAINT comes with a flat-faced trigger.
No need to bust out the punches - the SAINT comes with a flat-faced trigger.

An improvement over the base SAINT rifle

The 15-inch handguard runs almost the full length of the 16-inch barrel, and features a smooth top, eliminating the rail of previous versions (no gloves needed!) but keeping all the M-LOK mounting slots & Springfields proprietary 2-part muzzle brake.
The 15-inch handguard runs almost the full length of the 16-inch barrel, and features a smooth top, eliminating the rail of previous versions (no gloves needed!) but keeping all the M-LOK mounting slots & Springfields proprietary 2-part muzzle brake.

The Saint Victory builds on SA’s impressive SAINT semi-automatic rifle with serious attention to detail, a full-length 15″ M-Lok riddled handguard, mid-length gas system, a nickel boron-coated flat-faced trigger right out of the box, and a B5 SOPMOD stock that incorporates a QD sling mount and ergo cheek weld.

Also new in this latest version: a QD end plate. Let your sling dreams run wild!
Also new in this latest version: a QD end plate. Let your sling dreams run wild!

6. Also Great: Colt Law Enforcement 6920 Carbine AR Rifle

$1049

Colt Law Enforcement Carbine

Other Sellers:

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Build Quality:
Accuracy:
Ergonomics:
Value:

One of the original AR-15 manufacturers, Colt has certainly not abandoned American’s Rifle. Colt’s baseline M4 series gun, the LE2920 is one of the most encountered AR-15 rifles in the trunk of police cars from coast-to-coast.

Beneath the handguards we see the mid-length gas system.
Beneath the handguards we see the mid-length gas system.

Something of an old-school semi-automatic rifle, it has classic rounded handguards which can put a crimp in the plans of those who want to hand a dozen accessories from their gun, but the LE6920 screams “Mil-Spec” with its 16-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, fixed front sight, and Magpul MBUS BUIS.

Bolt markings on the Colt, which designate the possible sub-contractor who produced the bolt itself.
Bolt markings on the Colt, which designate the possible sub-contractor who produced the bolt itself.

7. .308 Pick: Ruger SFAR

$880.99

Performance Scores
Accuracy7/10
Ergonomics6/10
Features6/10
Fit & Finish8/10
Reliability7/10
Value7/10

Other Sellers:

guns
primary arms
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Specs

  • Caliber: .308/7.62 NATO
  • Barrel Length: 16.1 inches (carbine); 20-inches (rifle)
  • Overall Length: 34-37.25 inches (carbine); 38-41.25-inches (rifle)
  • Weight: 6.8 pounds, unloaded (16-inch carbine); 7.3 pounds (20-inch rifle)
  • Magazine Capacity: 20+1 standard SR-25 pattern.

What we liked:

  • Ruger has delivered when it comes to a light AR-15-sized carbine that comes with the ability to fire the much more ballistically satisfying .308 Winchester.

What we didn’t:

  • The innovative series of venting holes in the upper receiver, barrel extension, and bolt carrier leave the user with a very dirty rifle, especially when using a suppressor, while the factory-installed muzzle brake is sure to make no friends on the range– particularly when shooting indoors
While not an AR-15 in the classic sense, the SFAR is smaller and lighter than most AR-10s -- making it nearly the same size as a traditional 5.56 caliber AR-15.
While not an AR-15 in the classic sense, the SFAR is smaller and lighter than most AR-10s -- making it nearly the same size as a traditional 5.56 caliber AR-15.

Billed not as an AR-10 but rather a Small Frame Autoloading Rifle in .308 that is nearly the same size as a traditional 5.56 caliber AR-15, Ruger’s SFAR is turning some heads.

Debuted in late 2022 as Ruger’s move to replace their 7.62 NATO/.308 caliber SR-762 piston rifle, the sub-7-pound/34-inch SFAR came in much lighter than the SR-762’s chunkier 8.6 pound/38-inch size while still offering the same 16.1-inch barrel. c

Ruger pulled off the tiny miracle via tweaks in the bolt carrier group and via trimming ounces wherever possible, such as cutting back on the top rail and going with an ultralight skeletonized free-floating handguard.

The venting holes in the upper receiver, barrel extension, and bolt carrier leaves the user with a very dirty rifle.
The venting holes in the upper receiver, barrel extension, and bolt carrier leaves the user with a very dirty rifle.

This gas-impingement actioned AR-15-sized .308 still offers an adjustable Magpul MOE SL stock and matching grip, a two-chamber muzzle brake to tame recoil, and a handguard slathered in M-LOK accessory slots.

The 16.1-inch barreled carbine only has two short Picatinny rails on the top of the upper receiver and handguard while the 20-inch model runs a full top Pic rail but comes in at 7.3 pounds, unloaded.

For use with suppressors, the SFAR features a 0.750-inch 4-position rotary-regulator gas block to dial in the gas as needed to match functionality. Finally, it has five sling swivel QD cups. 

The 16.1-inch barreled carbine only has two short Picatinny rails on the top of the upper receiver and handguard.
The 16.1-inch barreled carbine only has two short Picatinny rails on the top of the upper receiver and handguard.

The safety selector switch and bolt release are on the left of the lower while the magazine release button is on the right– as with just about every AR-15. They work as advertised. The charging handle is ambi.

The SFAR in its 16-inch format is probably the lightest commercial .308 autoloader on the market other than the much more expensive POF-USA Revelation. The Magpul furniture is comfortable and easy to use without adding extra weight.

The safety selector switch and bolt release are on the left, while the magazine release button is on the right-- as with just about every AR-15.
The safety selector switch and bolt release are on the left, while the magazine release button is on the right-- as with just about every AR-15.

Firing the 16-inch carbine on three different range days with an assortment of 500 hunting, military surplus, and target loads, I found the SFAR to run 400:400 without a suppressor mounted.

However, when the suppressor was mounted (we used a Dead Air Sandman-S), things went off the rail until I experimented and dialed in the gas regulator to match the ammo.

The SFAR ships sans sights but has a top Picatinny rail on the upper receiver and handguard for optics, a red dot sight, and/or bolt-on irons.

Charging handle is ambi.
Charging handle is ambi.

Both SFAR models ship from the factory with the Ruger Elite 452 trigger that delivers a smooth, crisp 4.5-pound 2-stage trigger pull. The rifle is also compatible with standard AR-15 packs which means it can be easily swapped out.

I found the SFAR to be almost sub-MOA accurate with match loads from the bench at the 100-yard mark. This stretched as I moved targets and switched to milsurp loads but the carbine was still capable of hitting gongs out to 500 yards.

Both SFAR models ship from the factory with the Ruger Elite 452 trigger, a nice touch.
Both SFAR models ship from the factory with the Ruger Elite 452 trigger, a nice touch.

The SFAR is compatible with mil-spec AR-15 trigger groups, receiver end plates, charging handles, pistol grips, and adjustable stocks– which means you can switch up just about anything you want outside of the barrel, BCG, handguard, and receivers. 

Want more on the SFAR? Check out our hands-on review.

8. Also Great: S&W M&P 15 Volunteer XV Pro

Smith Wesson Volunteer XV CTA

$930.99

S&W M&P 15 Volunteer XV Pro

Performance Scores
Accuracy8/10
Ergonomics5/10
Features6/10
Fit & Finish6/10
Reliability5/10
Value4/10

Other Sellers:

guns
primary arms
brownells

Back when revolvers were the main game in handguns, Smith and Wesson never tried to put Colt underwater by over-building their guns, but they did offer wheel guns that brought 99% of what Colt did to the table and for less money.

The Volunteer series is a serious step-up for S&W's AR line.
The Volunteer series is a serious step-up for S&W's AR line.

About a decade ago Smith and Wesson applied the same concept to the AR-15 by bringing their M&P15 line to market.

Priced affordably, they hit all the high points you look for in a quality AR in the sub-$1,000 price range. The M&P-15 is a great rifle that punches way above the mid-tier pricing, but their new M&P 15 Volunteer XV Pro really impressed me. This isn’t your ordinary AR-15.

We found the Volunteer sub-MOA from a bench out of the box.
We found the Volunteer sub-MOA from a bench out of the box.

The new Volunteer series from S&W is designed for competition and performance right out of the box. S&W partnered with some larger named brands to build an AR-15 with high-quality parts for those competitive shooters who want a reliable and accurate gun to shoot.

The XV Pro has a 16-inch 5.56 NATO barrel with an internal and external Armornite finish. The 15-inch M-LOK forend is made of aluminum to cut some of the weight out of the gun. The rifle has a mid-length gas system, and the barrel is topped off with a Primary Weapons Systems 556 muzzle brake, which really helps with control if being a touch loud.

One of the best features is the ambidextrous Radian Raptor charging handle for easy left or right-handed manipulations — it’s so easy to manipulate and looks fantastic.

S&W also outfitted the rifle with a flat-faced trigger, 2-inch M-LOK rail sections included, a B5 Systems P-Grip 23 pistol grip, and a B5 Systems SOPMOD stock.

Up front you get a Primary Weapons Systems 556 muzzle brake.
Up front you get a Primary Weapons Systems 556 muzzle brake.

The level of detail Smith & Wesson put into developing this rifle to be comfortable and competitive doesn’t go unnoticed. Simply top the gun off with your favorite LPVO, and you’re ready to race.

All the rifle needs is an LPVO and you're ready to race.
All the rifle needs is an LPVO and you're ready to race.

The pistol grip is a nice touch that gives most shooters a more comfortable grip angle as it comes more naturally. S&W also includes Williams Gun Sight Company Folding Sights, which I highly recommend keeping on the gun as backup sights if anything were ever to fail.

I found the gun sub-MOA accurate with good-quality ammunition straight out of the box.

9. Budget Pick: Anderson MFG AM-15 Rifle

$549.99

Anderson Manufacturing AM-15

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Based On 47 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy8/10
Ergonomics7/10
Features6/10
Fit & Finish6/10
Reliability9/10
Value9/10

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Kentucky’s Anderson Manufacturing — lovingly referred to as the “Poverty Pony” in AR circles — is well known for lowers that cost less than a dinner for two. Still, their complete rifles are also solid performers. They manufacture all their components in Hebron, Kentucky, which helps them pass the savings onto you.

Their AM-15 is a fantastic budget AR is an inexpensive rifle with a 16-inch 4150 Chrome Molybdenum Vanadium Steel barrel that ends in an A2-style birdcage.

Despite what many folks would consider a “low expectation” rifle, the AM-15 runs a forged aluminum receiver that has been anodized, and the 1-8 twist barrel is parkerized, making for a gun that will hold up well over time. Some of the more subjective aspects — like charging handle feel — aren’t as polished as more high-end guns, but the Anderson is a reliable firearm that may very well win you over in time.

This rifle is a great choice for those who already have an optic picked out, as it includes a flat-top rail on the upper.

One thing I would like to see is some FSB, as the AM-15 does not have a front sight, but if you’re running an optics, it’ll do the trick. Also, the drop-in handguard does not have accessory rails, a common reality with sub-$700 ARs.

10. .223 Wylde Pick: Aero Precision AR15 M4E1 223 Wylde

$999.99

Aero Precision M4E1

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Based On 4 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy8/10
Ergonomics8/10
Features8/10
Fit & Finish8/10
Reliability9/10
Value7/10

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Aero Precision almost certainly has the most receivers in circulation, and Enhanced Series Upper Receiver is incredibly popular. Their complete rifles are just as reliable and impressive.

This Aero M4E1 is chambered in .223 Wylde, which gives you the option of running 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem. The 16-inch barrel has been bead blasted and is made from 416 stainless steel, and when paired with the low profile gas block and a mid-length gas system, runs as smooth as rifles costing considerably more. It’s a fun rifle to shoot.

The receiver is Aero’s Gen 2 lower, which boasts a flared magazine well and has a tension screw to keep the play out of the upper and the lower. I would have preferred the inclusion of iron sights and– given the flexibility of the .223 Wylde to shoot the longer-ranged .223 Remington — a muzzle brake of some kind, as the A2 feels out of place with the rest of the rifle’s build quality.

The addition of the Magpul STR Stock is great, as you get both a comfortable comb angle and storage for things like batteries to keep your optics running.

The M4E1 is set up to be a perforant hunting rifle, so a scope on top of the ample Picatinny rail would be more appropriate. The lightweight M-LOK handguard keeps weight down while providing room for all the accessories you could want to take into the field.

11. Also Great: Diamondback DB15 FDE Elite AR-15

$927.99

Diamondback Firearms DB15 Elite

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Performance Scores
Accuracy7/10
Ergonomics7/10
Features7/10
Fit & Finish7/10
Reliability7/10
Value6/10

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This year’s Diamondback’s DB15 has been totally redesigned, and if you simply add up the price of the components they incorporated into the new gun it’s easy to see how much value they packed into their new AR.

The inclusion of the 1-8 twist 16-inch 4140 Chrome Molybdenum Steel barrel,  forged 7075 T6 aluminum upper and lower both cerakoted in flat dark earth, an adjustable Adaptive Tactical EX Performance stock, and one of the most aggressive muzzle brakes I’ve seen on a factory rifle in years, it’s easy to see that Diamondback aimed this rifle squarely at those of us who want to spend around $1,000 on an AR without the need to upgrade it. The new DB15 does that in spades.

Many AR enthusiasts are happy to spend $700-$800 on a base gun, and slowly add better components over time to build or customize the rifle. That’s not something you’ll need to do with this gun — you buy it from the factory with all the bells and whistles you want.

12. RECCE Rifle Pick: Sig Sauer M400

SIG M400 Review - CTA

$1023.99

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Based On 9 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy9/10
Ergonomics9/10
Features8/10
Fit & Finish9/10
Reliability9/10
Value9/10

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Given SIG’s recent spate of military contract wins, their M400 line of ARs benefits from both the duty pedigree and SIG’s commitment to innovation. The M400 line has a few variants, from the budget-friendly Tread to the premium SIG M400-DH3, but my personal favorite (and the one we’ve got a good 2,000 rounds through) is the SIG M400-SDI XSeries, which strikes a balance between the Tread and DH3.

The M400 SDI takes the familiarity of the Tread/AR platform and marries it to the DH3’s competition focus, giving you a rifle that brings competition performance in a common tactical design.

The SIG M400-SDI XSeries strikes a balance between the budget-oriented Tread and premium DH3 M400 rifles.
The SIG M400-SDI XSeries strikes a balance between the budget-oriented Tread and premium DH3 M400 rifles.

The M400 is incredibly reliable, and M400-SDI XSeries adds a ton of nice upgrades over the Tread — like fully ambidextrous controls, ambi charging handle, and most importantly the sweet 2-Stage Matchlite Trigger that breaks right around 3.5 lbs.

Here you can see the SDI's 2-Stage Matchlite Trigger (rear) comparted to the plain jane Tread (front).
Here you can see the SDI's 2-Stage Matchlite Trigger (rear) comparted to the plain jane Tread (front).

The M400 SDI is an awesome rifle, and while it’s not cheap — often in the $1,200-$1,500 range, the fit and finish is fantastic, making it one of the few fully assembled rifles I would buy.

A Little AR History

In 1955 the Army was looking to replace its long-in-the-tooth service rifle, the M1 Garand, and were considering two alternative options – the Springfield T-44, which was little more than an updated version of the Garand, and the T-48 –  version of the 7.62×51 mm FN FAL.

Richard S. Boutelle and the AR-10 Rifle
Richard S. Boutelle and the AR-10 Rifle

ArmaLite, a subsidiary of the Fairchild Aircraft Company, produced a candidate rifle for consideration, with executive presidents Paul S. Cleveland and Richard S. Boutelle exploring innovative new ways to use the technology brought about by the aviation industry to create firearms.

Early Success

Their initial goal was to focus on creating sporting rifles for the commercial market with the hopes of catching the interest of the military leaders to generate DOD business.

Still, shortly after establishing the company, Armalite was invited by the U.S. Air Force to submit a rifle design to replace their survival rifle, which won the favor of Air Force top brass and ultimately became the MA-1 Survival Rifle.

This early Colt AR-15 model was tested by the U.S. Army in 1962. The service eventually adopted the carbine as the M-16
This early Colt AR-15 model was tested by the U.S. Army in 1962. The service eventually adopted the carbine as the M-16

The success of their work with the military prompted Armalite to abandon the commercial market and instead build guns for Uncle Sam.

The company’s top firearm designer, Eugene Stoner, worked with George Sullivan – both an Armalite founder and a chief patent counsel for Lockheed (who was also a life-long tinkerer working on some of his ideas in his own garage) and Chares Dorchester, one-half of Armalite’s founding duo, to create a 7.62 NATO-caliber battle rifle for an Army small arms test, the AR-10 (ArmaLite Rifle Model 10 – “Armalite Rifle” being the “AR” in “AR-15” – not “Assault Rifle” as is often erroneously claimed.)

This new design used a two-piece aluminum receiver, the latest technological advancements in plastics and alloys, and an action that incorporated a direct impingement gas system rather than some sort of piston.

It was also decidedly light at just under 7 pounds when empty.

The receiver could be made from lightweight aluminum because it locked into a steel extension that attached the barrel rather than directly to the receiver itself. Furniture was also crafted from futuristic plastics rather than the solid wood grips and forends that marched through the trenches of multiple World Wars.

The AR-15 Rises from the Ashes

While in the end, the Stoner’s rifle wasn’t adopted after those early tests — few were a fan of the charging handle design, and the Army elected to go with the more conventional T44, which entered service as the M14 in 1957 — Stoner’s direct impingement gas block design was soon modified. Scaled-down by ArmaLite engineers Robert Fremont and Jim Sullivan to use a 5.56mm NATO round and the AR-15 was born.

The Different Types of ARs

Comparing the AR-15 to the AR-10
Comparing the AR-15 to the AR-10

1963: Enter the M-16

The rifle known today as the AR-15 has gone through a number of iterations over the years, starting with Eugene Stoner’s original AR, the patents and rights to which were purchased from ArmaLite by Colt in 1959. Eventually, the U.S. Air Force became interested in the futuristic lightweight carbine and began buying a select-fire version of the rifle by 1961, a move the Army and Marines soon followed, with their AR-15 version of the gun later designated as the M16 in 1963.

Design features of a traditional M-16 include (from muzzle to buttstock) a three-pronged flash hider, 20-inch slim-profile barrel, extended handguards, a rifle-length gas tube & buffer tube, as all as that classic fixed stock.

1966: Enter the Consumer AR-15

Soon after, the rifle entered the consumer market as early as 1966, with Colt selling it as the semi-automatic AR-15 Sporter, which cost $194 when first introduced, a figure that adjusts to $1,500 in today’s dollars.

Colt Firearms debuted the AR-15 on the consumer market in 1966, a model later referred to as the SP-1. Colt still makes select-fire variants for law enforcement and military use as well as semi-auto ARs for the consumer market.
Colt Firearms debuted the AR-15 on the consumer market in 1966, a model later referred to as the SP-1. Colt still makes select-fire variants for law enforcement and military use as well as semi-auto ARs for the consumer market.

1992: Enter the M4

Since the gun’s debut during the Vietnam War, the military has gone through several generations of Mr. Stoner’s carbine, moving to the M16A1, XM177E1, M16A2, CAR-15, M16A4, M4, and M4A1, among others. All these versions of the AR shared a common purpose — improve on the original design.

An M4 configuration is shorter than a standard M-16 (technically an A2 configuration with a shorter handguard, shortened barrel, and relocated gas block) and builds on the XM177 and CAR-15 rifles that looked to pack more mobility and capability into the M-16 chassis.

A direct comparison between the AR-15 and the M4 (Air Force version of the XM177). The M4 offered much more modularity.
A direct comparison between the AR-15 and the M4 (Air Force version of the XM177). The M4 offered much more modularity.

Likewise, the AR-15s of today have morphed away from the original 1960s bench line to keep up with the times, many incorporating a variety of M4 features.

M4 design features include the now-standard birdcage flash hider, 14.5-inch barrel, shortened handguards with rail support, improved feed ramps, flat-top receiver, and an adjustable length, six-position stock.

If you’re interested in digging into these differences further we compare both the AR-15 and M4 as well as the AR-10 vs. AR-15.

Why the AR-15 Today?

Battle-Proven Modularity

By its nature, the AR-15 is lightweight and modular.

The military has fielded various models of the platform over the years in both shortened “Commando” varieties as well as heavy-barreled rifles geared for precision marksmanship at longer ranges.

Everything from uppers to lower, handguards and barrels can all be swapped and customized to your preferences.
Everything from uppers to lower, handguards and barrels can all be swapped and customized to your preferences.

Changing from a compact pencil barrel to another with a 20-inch HBAR will take under a minute, and you can easily change out buttstocks, pistol grips, and handguards with no more assistance or prior experience needed than a YouTube video, has made the AR-15 the equivalent of “legos for grown-ups”.

 

One Lower to Rule Them All

Couple this modularity with the fact only the lower receiver is serialized and you can build many ARs from a single lower without any additional paperwork. You

Building an AR to match your needs – either a personal defense pistol in .300 Blackout and paired with a red dot sight, .223 Wylde rifle, or long-range upper like the .224 Valk to bring out the potential in your big game hunting, AR-15 rifles give you a platform that can get it all done.

A variety of ARs, all of which use the same lower.
A variety of ARs, all of which use the same lower.

This has had the side benefit of allowing owners whose guns are “banned” under state gun laws to modify their AR to a compliant or “featureless” format that is still legal with little more than some research into basic AR-15 reviews or what AR-15 buying entails.

Massive Aftermarket

With the slate of aftermarket support, you can take your AR in whatever direction you want when it comes to colors, and accessories. and overall configuration.

Today it is estimated that more than 18 million such modern sporting rifles are in circulation among America’s gun owners, a figure that is perhaps underestimated but nonetheless points to how popular the AR platform has become.

This tremendous market means there are many fantastic manufacturers creating niche products designed for every need – everything from small brands knocking out updated mag releases to Magpul’s military-embraced furniture, there’s a product out there for every need.

Added to this are AR-15 and AR-9 style pistols, which are all just branches of the family that are increasingly in demand and generating new product innovations on the daily.

More than 5 Forges

A popular trope among the AR-15 community, as the market has exploded in the past 15 years and now includes dozens of top AR-15 companies along with scores of smaller ones, is that deep down inside, all the rifles have the same heart.

There is no “best budget AR-15” out there – even the top-tier ARs are all cut from the same aluminum cloth, so to speak.

The splintered "A" forge mark seen on this FN M4 upper receiver shows that the raw component was made by Anchor Harvey Aluminum, a popular forging company that is widely used in the firearms industry by gun makers large and small. It is, however, still an FN upper as the latter company machined and finished it into final production.
The splintered "A" forge mark seen on this FN M4 upper receiver shows that the raw component was made by Anchor Harvey Aluminum, a popular forging company that is widely used in the firearms industry by gun makers large and small. It is, however, still an FN upper as the latter company machined and finished it into final production.

This is because most manufacturers take pre-made aluminum forgings and, after milling them out to finished upper and lower receivers, add barrels, internal parts, and furniture to produce finished AR-15s.

The saying is that “all the AR receiver blanks come from just five forges,” setting up a strawman argument that all AR-15 upper and lower receivers are fundamentally the same when it boils down to it.

Unfinished AR lower and upper forgings
Unfinished AR lower and upper forgings

Brands & Manufacturers Add Value

The above argument is wrong in several ways, as there are dozens of forges– not “just five” although some forges do produce blanks for numerous AR makers at the same time– and it takes a good bit of work for quality producers like Aero Precision, River Rock Arms or Bravo Company to move from the basic aluminum blank to a finished product.

Each gun maker utilizes its own engineering specs and practices, finishing, and QC methods to craft a final product.

This tooling, such as making sure the bolt carrier group is open enough, the threads for the receiver extension/buffer tube are square, the lugs and pivot holes are within spec, and the flashing is cut away properly, is what makes a good receiver.

We cover buffer tube kits and adjustable gas blocks if you’re into gunsmithing.

AR Buyers Guide

There are a lot of pieces on any AR, and we’re not going to get into the weeds on barrel profiles, anodizing, gas systems, or anything that won’t *really* matter to most folks.

That said, there are some fundamental criteria that will help you get the right black rifle for you:

  1. Quality receivers
  2. The right barrel
  3. Functional furniture
  4. A trigger that feels right

1. Quality Receiver Construction

The fundamental thing to look for in a solid rifle receiver is the construction – specifically, the kind of aluminum used to craft the two piece AR receivers:

  • 7075 aluminum’s primary attribute is its strength. It’s not as corrosion resistant as 6061, but 7075 has tensile strength on par with steel.
  • 6061 aluminum offers a blend of durability and natural corrosion resistance. It doesn’t offer 7075’s strength, but it offers a more workable material that is often slightly cheaper.
Aluminum blanks waiting for the forge.
Aluminum blanks waiting for the forge.

Forged vs. Billet: Further, while forged receivers are standard in AR production, some gun companies make their own billet receivers in-house, milled from a raw block of aluminum.

Most billet receivers have thicker walls and are harder to get into a military spec due to the machining process behind them but are preferred by those using heavier rounds with a bit more spice, such as .350 Legend, .277 Wolverine, and 6.5 Grendel.

The upper receiver, of course, houses the heart and soul of the AR, the bolt carrier group or BCG. The BCG, in common direct gas impingement models, consists of the actual carrier itself– the largest part in which the rest of the components either ride on or attach to– the bolt assembly in the front, the gas key held to the top of the carrier with two screws, the bolt cam pin, firing pin, and firing retaining pin.

The typical bolt assembly further breaks down into the bolt itself, the ejector with its spring and roll pin, the extractor with its pin and spring, and a trio of gas rings.

Want to know how an aluminum blank becomes a receiver? Take a look at our deep dive into aluminum and ARs.

We’ve got guides covering the top AR uppers and best lowers for any AR build.

The Bolt Carrier Group

The upper receiver, of course, houses the heart and soul of the AR, the bolt carrier group or BCG.

The BCG, in common direct gas impingement models, consists of the actual carrier itself– the largest part in which the rest of the components either ride on or attach to– the bolt assembly in the front, the gas key held to the top of the carrier with two screws, the bolt cam pin, firing pin, and firing retaining pin.

The typical bolt assembly further breaks down into the bolt itself, the ejector with its spring and roll pin, the extractor with its pin and spring, and a trio of gas rings.

Various types of bolt carriers
Various types of bolt carriers

When the AR is fired, the gas system bleeds out a portion of the propellant exhaust via a gas port on top of the barrel. It feeds it back to the gas key atop the BGC, filling the chamber made by gas rings at the base of the bolt assembly, which forces the bolt carrier itself against the recoil spring.

That rearward motion twists the bolt on the cam pin, unlocking the chamber.

The gas key (top the BCG) is secured to the bolt carrier using two screws.
The gas key (top the BCG) is secured to the bolt carrier using two screws.

When the spring reacts to the bolt carrier, pushing it back into the battery, the bolt picks up the next cartridge in the magazine and pushes it into the chamber as the gas key realigns with the gas tube running atop the barrel, waiting for the next shot.

The process needs a tightly sealed and aligned gas system for this to work as advertised.

What to look for in a BCG

A good checklist to look for is in the material used, with 8620 steel being mid-shelf, 9310 and Carpenter 158 steel considered more top shelf, and those made of S7 tool steel the good stuff kept behind the counter.

Bolt carriers and charging handles.
Bolt carriers and charging handles.

This doesn’t mean that 8620 is garbage, as it is the baseline grade that is considered Mil-Spec, but keep in mind that better grades of steel will hold up longer.

BCG CertificationBCGs will also carry a certification, or at least they should, to show the bolt itself is high-pressure tested (for shock-resistance), shot-peened (for strength), and magnetic particle inspected (for integrity), tests listed as HPT, MPI, and SP. We cover some of the better BCGs around if you’re in the market.

2. The right barrel

When the AR-15 rifle was first introduced in the 1960s, the standard barrel length was 20-inches, and the 5.56 NATO caliber ammunition of the day was ballistically optimized for that span.

Today, loads such as M855 are widely available and still deliver optimally in a 20-inch or longer barrel for those interested in maximizing accuracy — say, for competitive shooting.

AR barrels are available as short as 4.75" -- all the way up to 26", with the sweet spot between 16" and 20"
AR barrels are available as short as 4.75" -- all the way up to 26", with the sweet spot between 16" and 20"

\Since the early 1990s, the widespread adoption of M4 style carbine barrels, which for military and LE using a shorter barrel at just 14.5-inches, had led to many common ARs today having a default barrel length in the 16-inch range.

This choice is backed up by extensive barrel-length studies that found the “sweet spot” for common 5.56 loads in this range, although standard-length (20-inch) barrels deliver more velocity, thus imparting more energy to the bullet.

Even with that, there are custom hunting and target uppers that stretch out to 24- and even 26-inches. Beware, though, when using the long boys as harmonics issues start to come into play since longer barrels by nature will have more vibration.

Short Barreled 5.56 Performance

On AR pistols, the minute the barrel length starts to plunge below 14.5-inches, 5.56/.223 ballistics will begin to rainbow downward, shedding velocity with every inch dropped in barrel length while adding to noise and muzzle blast.

This lead lapped, 1:7 416R stainless steel barrel is ideal for use with 77-grain ammo.
This lead lapped, 1:7 416R stainless steel barrel is ideal for use with 77-grain ammo.

Short-barreled SBRs and pistols in standard AR chamberings also suffer from extensive muzzle flash due to unburnt powder and have a reputation of being “rowdy” on the range.

They’re also subject to a number of gun control efforts that longer-barreled rifles don’t have to navigate. Nonetheless, manufacturers market 5.56 barrels as short as 4.75 inches in overall length, targeting home defense rifle builders and range toy enthusiasts who don’t fear a little hot gas for breakfast.

The variety of barrel profiles gives the AR enthusiast almost unlimited potential for optimization and customization.
The variety of barrel profiles gives the AR enthusiast almost unlimited potential for optimization and customization.

ARs range from 10-inch shorter barrels seen on AR pistols and SBRs to 24-inch long toms on some custom precision guns when it comes to barrel profiles.

Generally, weights will run from thin “pencil” types to heavy bull target barrels, with a sweet spot of around 16 inches being the norm — both as the minimum barrel length for a legal rifle and providing optimal ballistic performance for the 5.56/.223 round in most scenarios.

This is a good example of the modularity that makes the AR-15 so great.

What about barrel profiles?

Barrels also fall into three general “profile” types– lightweight, government, and heavy. Ironically, the hallmark of the early AR and subsequent AR-15 was a very thin barrel as the gun was developed by a company that was a subsidiary of a big player in the aviation industry, one in which every ounce mattered.

The 4150 CrMoV stamp indicates 50% carbon content in the barrel
The 4150 CrMoV stamp indicates 50% carbon content in the barrel
More on barrel profiles

Barrel Material

Most AR rifles in circulation today have barrels made of 4140 CMV steel, which is fine for general use. Barrels advertised as Mil-Spec will usually be made of stronger MIL-B-11595-E CMV or 4150 steel. Premium match barrels will usually be 416/410 stainless steel.

  • 4140 indicates the barrel contains 40% carbon content
  • 4150 indicates the barrel steel has a carbon content near .50%

A black nitride finish is typically seen on entry-level barrels. It is a little cheaper than manganese-phosphate hard chrome, which can be found on nicer (see; more expensive) barrels, with the latter lasting longer, especially when using heavier bullets, and for those interested in preventing barrel whip.

A chrome-lined barrel adds life and wear resistance, but can add to the final cost. If you want more on AR barrels we go deep in our AR barrels explainer.

3. Functional furniture

Originally, the system Eugene Stoner developed for his Armalite rifle used fixed plastic or fiberglass handguards around his early AR designs’ thin, lightweight barrel continued for the first couple of decades of the AR-15/M16s life.

Fixed, two-piece handguard (top) vs free-floating (bottom).
Fixed, two-piece handguard (top) vs free-floating (bottom).

This was supplemented by two-piece handguards held in place with a cap and delta ring system and incorporated internal heat shields between the handguard and barrel to prevent melting in heavy use.

These days you have a few choices when it comes to handguards & furniture.

  • Drop-in Handguards: So-called drop-in handguards, often with rail systems, started appearing in the early 1990s and offered a more up-to-date replacement for the old A1 and A2 style fore-ends. While they are lightweight and easily replaced if broken, the problem with these is that they attach to the barrel directly, affecting accuracy, especially as accessories are mounted.
  • Free-float Handguards: More common today are free-floating handguards on the forearm, a feature seen even on AR pistols. Attaching to the barrel nut instead of the barrel itself, which allows for a truly free-floating barrel, free-floating handguards are often more modular than fixed handguards, dripping in Key-Mod or M-LOK slots for accessories (or running a full-length quad rail) and Pic rails for optics at the 12-, 3-, 6-, and 9-o’clock positions.

Further, since the barrel is free from the furniture, its harmonics are not affected by the handguard, aiding in maintaining accuracy and heat resistance.

Handguard length on AR-style rifles typically varies with the length of the firearm’s gas system. For instance:

  • Pistol length systems run 10-inches as pistols must have at least a 4-inch system
  • Carbine gas systems run 7-inches
  • Mid-Length gas systems are 9-inches
  • Rifle-Length gas systems are 12 inches

Gas system length informs handguard length, which translates into:

  • M4 handguards for carbines which are 7-inches long
  • Mid-Lengths, which are between 9 and 11-inches
  • Rifle-length handguards are generally anything over 12 inches

This is all before we get into the world of DI (Direct Impingement) vs. gas the piston system and the like. We dive way deep into gas systems with our explainer on the topic.

4. A trigger that feels right (for you)

The most encountered trigger type on AR-15s is the good-old GI “Mil-Spec” pack. A single-stage trigger that can vary between 5.5 and 8.5 pounds, they have a lot of “creep” on the take-up before they break but perform well enough, are cheap, and reliable enough for target practice.

Most standard lower parts kits, which include everything needed to get a stripped lower receiver in working order, include a GI trigger system. While effective, they can be irritating for those who prefer a more predictable trigger break.

AR triggers come in all kinds of shapes -- often on similar rifles from the same brand, like this pair of SIG M400 triggers.
AR triggers come in all kinds of shapes -- often on similar rifles from the same brand, like this pair of SIG M400 triggers.

Drop-in preassembled replacement trigger packs can easily upgrade ARs and provide a more repeatable trigger pull, replacing creep with crisp. A good example is the CMC Single Stage, which is offered in both 2.5-pound and 3.5-pound pull weights, which can be had for around $100.

Double stage triggers have a mechanical change to the hammer, sear face, catch, and springs that creates a pull cycle that includes first a light take up to bring the catch to tension, then a clean release when the trigger breaks. These triggers are smooth and, while a little costly at about $200-$300, are worth it when precision accuracy and long-range shooting are concerned.

Another thing to keep in mind on trigger packs is the choice between more common curved triggers and flat-faced triggers.

While some drop-in packs will come with flat-faced triggers installed, companies such as Bullmoose offer flat-faced replacements for curved triggers that are compatible with the Mil-Spec parts kits.

AR-15 Pricing

Compared to precision bolt guns or collector pieces like Al Capone’s favorite .45 Auto an AR is decidedly affordable.

  • $700-$1,000. Entry-level, budget rifle options that still offer solid quality control will often cost less than $700 and generally keep under the $1,000 price point. For that level of investment, you’ll get a perfectly functional AR, often with MOE furniture and some solid BUIS.
  • $1,000-$2,000. Moving into the middle tier gets you into the sub-$2,000 range, which often includes lighter materials, more custom furniture, and one or two bonus features.
  • $2,000 and Above. Spending more than $2,000 will get you a premium AR that often includes piston-driven systems which run cleaner and cooler than a standard Direct Impingement system.

Entry-Level Brands

  • Palmetto State Armory
  • Rock River Arms
  • Springfield
  • Stag
  • Anderson

Mid-Range

  • Aero Precision
  • Colt
  • Ruger
  • Sig Sauer
  • Smith & Wesson

Premium Brands

  • Bravo Company
  • Daniel Defense
  • Larue
  • Lewis Machine & Tool
  • LWRCI
  • Noveske
  • Patriot Ordnance
  • Windham

Recap

Given the size and scope of the AR world and its standing as a consistent target of ever-evolving gun laws, finding the right AR-15 for you can be intimidating, especially when you’re looking for your first AR, starting down the long road of building your own from an AR build kit, or just concerned about the ever-evolving world of gun control.

In the end, whenever one of my friends wants recommendations for choosing an AR-15, I always recommend doing your homework, spending some time at your local gun store, and making sure your rifle is designed for your needs. The modular design of the AR means you can build a big game hunting rifle, one for long-range precision, a competition gun, a home defense gun, something for close-quarters combat, or anything in between.

I recommend buying a complete rifle, spending time at the gun range with it – then getting another!

Lots More Reading

Bell

Updated

April 7, 2023 — We’ve replaced the Ruger AR 556 with their new SFAR — which, while not classic AR-15 chambering, is an innovative approach to an AR-platform rifle that warrants a look. We’ve also updated our S&W selection to their new Volunteer XV Pro, which is race-gun-ready out of the box.

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