The AR-15 earned its title as “America’s Rifle” for a reason. The culmination of centuries of small arms development, the AR-15 is accurate, ergonomic, and if you keep it clean, it’ll run like clockwork. Today, American civilians have about 20 million AR-15 rifles stashed in gun safes nationwide.

However, the sheer number of AR-15s out there means that choosing the right one for your needs can be difficult. You can probably find a lot of opinions on the matter at your local gun range, but which AR-15 is right for you?

Wondering what’s good in the modern AR-15 world? This buyer’s guide is for you. Let’s look at the best AR-15s to fit any budget.

QUICK LIST: The Best AR-15s

• PSA Freedom - Affordable entry-level AR-15 chambered in 5.56 NATO or 300 Blackout. Lacks a chrome-lined barrel, so accuracy may degrade over time.
• Smith & Wesson M&P-15 Sport - Lightweight with a versatile 1/8 twist rate and a free-floating handguard. Excellent for mounting accessories with precision.
• Ruger AR-556 - Mid-tier rifle with a cold hammer-forged barrel and ergonomic upgrades available. Basic furniture may need replacing for customization.
• SIG Sauer M400 Tread - Reliable and versatile with a 1/8 twist rate and unique QD sling attachments. Includes a crisp 2-stage trigger.
• LWRC IC-DI E-Series - Fully ambidextrous with a comfortable hand stop and premium build quality. Higher prices may deter budget buyers.
• BCM Recce-16 Series - High-quality construction with customizable options. Built for precision at long distances.
• Daniel Defense DDM4 - Military-grade rifle with outstanding ergonomics, a high-performance trigger, and built-in sling mounts. Premium price but worth it for serious shooters.
• Noveske Rifleworks Chainsaw - Durable with a smooth, corrosion-resistant trigger and adjustable gas block. Excels in performance but has a steep price.
• SIG MCX - Elite rifle with ambidextrous controls, a short-stroke piston system for cleaner operation. Ideal for professionals (with alternative options for restrictive firearm states).

(Photo by Bexar Arms on Unsplash)

Caliber, Barrel Length, and Twist Rate

Before we dive into specific firearms, let’s look at two big variables with any rifle: caliber and barrel length. We’ll break down how each of these factors can affect your choice in an AR-15.

Caliber

The AR-15 isn’t really a specific gun, but rather a weapon platform. You can find ARs chambered in several different calibers. Always be mindful of the caliber your AR-15 is chambered in. The reason here is twofold:

1. You need to know this so you can buy the right ammo.
2. Caliber choice is part of the long-term investment of a new rifle (i.e., performance and ammo availability).

ammo

Winchester M193 5.56 55Gr Fmj 20/1000

$12.38
Winchester

view product

Prices accurate at time of writing

By a large margin, the most common caliber for AR-15s is 5.56 NATO. This intermediate-sized caliber is the most widely available rifle cartridge in the US.

NOTE: Firearms chambered in 5.56 NATO can safely fire .223 Remington, but the inverse is NOT true. Don’t blow yourself up.

ammo

Hornady Black 300Blk 208Gr A-Max 20/200

$29.42
Hornady

view product

Prices accurate at time of writing

One up-and-coming cartridge in the AR-15 world is 300 Blackout. This cartridge uses a larger, heavier projectile, making it more appropriate for short barrels and suppressors. However, 300 Blackout doesn’t perform as well as 5.56 NATO at longer ranges. It’s also more expensive.

Barrel Length

You’ll also need to decide on a barrel length for your rifle. Longer barrels give a rifle longer range, but they come at a cost. Rifles with long barrels are difficult to maneuver inside buildings. This makes them ill-suited for home defense.

Legality is another factor. Under the National Firearms Act (NFA), any rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches is considered a “short barreled rifle,” or “ SBR.” As such, they’re regulated by federal law.

To possess an SBR, you need to pay $200 for a federal tax stamp and register it with the ATF. Since most shooters aren’t looking for that kind of red tape when buying their first rifle, we’ll focus on rifles with a barrel length of 16 inches and up in this post.

Twist Rate

The last variable to keep in mind when choosing an AR-15 is twist rate. Just like a quarterback tossing the ol’ pigskin, a rifle spins a bullet before it leaves its barrel to stabilize the projectile’s flight path.

Twist rate indicates how many times the grooves in the gun’s barrel twist (and therefore how many times the bullet rotates once it exits the barrel). It’s measured as a ratio. The “1” in the top of the ratio designates a single full rotation, while the second number tells the distance it takes to complete that rotation. For example, a twist rate of “1/7” means that the bullet completes a full rotation every seven inches of barrel length.

Generally, AR-15s have a 1/7, 1/8, or 1/9 twist rate. Heavier bullets need tighter twist rates, while lighter ones like looser twist rates. Generally, 1/8 is a versatile twist rate for a gun with a 16-inch barrel.

Best Budget-Friendly AR-15s

We live in the golden age of AR-15s. Over the last decade, many companies have started building budget ARs to arm the masses. Here are three of our top picks for guns that go boom on a budget.

(Source: palmettostatearmory.com)

Palmetto State Armory (PSA) Freedom

Palmetto State Armory, better known as PSA, is a big name in the world of AR-15s. The company’s stated mission is to get as many AR-15s into the hands of American citizens as possible.

To do that, the company builds some of the most affordable AR-pattern rifles out there, and the PSA Freedom is one prime model. For about $500, you can pick up this fully functional AR-15 chambered in either 5.56 NATO or 300 Blackout.

However, the PSA Freedom isn’t perfect. For one, it doesn’t have a chrome-lined barrel. That means you’ll notice a decrease in accuracy after a few thousand rounds. The rifle is also fairly heavy, weighing in at about 7 pounds.

Still, for an inexpensive rifle to take your safety into your own hands, the PSA Freedom is a great choice.

(Source: www.smith-wesson.com)

Smith & Wesson M&P-15 Sport

Smith & Wesson is (along with Ruger) one of the biggest gun companies in America. While they’re famous among the revolver crowd for their incredible wheelguns, the company has also made a name for itself in the world of affordable AR-15s.

The M&P-15 has some features you won’t usually find in budget-priced guns, too. The biggest is its free-floating handguard. This allows you to mount accessories like aiming lasers to the handguard without experiencing point of impact (POI) shift during shooting.

In addition, the M&P-15’s 1/8 twist rate sets it apart from other budget-level ARs like the PSA. This twist rate makes it extremely versatile, allowing you to fire most types of ammo with high precision over long ranges.

If you’re seeking a lightweight, rugged, budget-friendly AR-15, don’t sleep on the M&P-15.

(Source: ruger.com)

Ruger AR-556

If you’re looking for a rifle that straddles the cusp between budget- and mid-grade, check out the Ruger AR-556. With a 1/8 twist rate, cold hammer forged barrel, and front and rear sight, the AR-556 offers a great bang for your buck.

One great feature is the AR-556’s enlarged trigger guard. This allows you to slip your finger over the trigger even while wearing heavy gloves.

In fact, the only real drawback of the AR-556 is its furniture. The standard handguard keeps your hand away from the hot barrel but doesn’t allow you to attach any accessories.

Fortunately, Ruger gives you the option to upgrade the furniture on your AR-556. You can replace the AR-556’s factory handguard with a Magpul MOE handguard. This handguard includes 3 M-LOK slots on each side of the gun, perfect for adding a tactical light or another accessory. The upgraded version of the AR-556 also includes a Magpul stock and pistol grip for improved ergonomics.

Best Mid-Range AR-15s

Next up, we have mid-tier rifles. These guns often have more features and are usually more accurate and durable than less expensive firearms, but they still come in at an affordable price point.

(Source: www.sigsauer.com)

SIG Sauer M400 Tread

SIG Sauer has become something of a “one-stop shop” for anything gun-related. From hyper-modular pistols to workhorse rifles to optics, if you need to arm yourself, SIG has your back.

SIG’s flagship rifles are some of the most expensive firearms out there (more on that later in this post). But you don’t need to break the bank to acquire a SIG rifle.

Enter the M400 Tread, a great AR-15 at a fairly affordable price. The gun features a 1/8 twist rate, giving it a lot of versatility in ammo choices. Its 2-stage trigger gives you plenty of tactile feedback as it’s pulled and ends in a crisp, definitive break.

One feature that’s truly unique to the M400 tread are the QD sling attachments on the lower receiver. You’ll usually find these on a gun’s upper receiver and buttstock. The addition of these QD sling mounts gives you much more flexibility in your sling mounting options.

(Source: www.lwrci.com)

LWRC IC-DI E-Series

LWRC (short for “Land Warfare Resources Corporation”) may not have the same name recognition as some of the other companies on our list. But don’t let that fool you. The company has been churning out high-grade weapons since the 1990s, and IC-DI (Individual Carbine-Direct Impingement) is their latest offering.

The LWRC IC-DI E-Series has many features you usually only find on high-end rifles. For example, the entire rifle is fully ambidextrous — the mag release, bolt release, and safety selector can all be operated easily with either hand.

The rifle also comes with a proprietary handstop. Handstops are a bit like foregrips, except they’re made to contour more to your natural palm shape. The hand stop even comes with a QD sling mount.

Coming in at about $1,800, however, its price comes close to some of the high-end rifles we’ve included here. Still, you’re getting an excellent rifle for that price tag.

(Source: www.bravocompanymfg.com)

Bravo Company (BCM) Recce-16 Series

If you spend any time on the internet researching AR-15 rifles, you’ll probably come across Bravo Company (BCM). They have a reputation for making high-quality rifles at a lower price point than many of the Gucci-grade manufacturers out there.

The Recce-16 series are BCM’s flagship rifles. There are a few different rifles in the Recce-16 line, each with its own variables.

• The “LW” rifles feature a low-weight barrel, shaving a few ounces off the gun’s weight.
• The “Precision” rifles have a 1/8 twist rate (standard rifles have 1/7). This makes them better at shooting heavier bullets, which can increase your precision at longer distances.
• M-LOK and Keymod handguards for attaching different accessories.

Best of the Best AR-15s (Gucci Gear)

If you have any other expensive hobbies (like synthesizers, for instance), you’re probably familiar with Gucci gear. This is the highest price point for AR-15 rifles, but you get what you pay for. For example, these guns all feature ambidextrous charging handles and chrome-lined barrels for extra longevity.

Of course, any of these rifles will also be a not-so-subtle flex at the range.

(Source: danieldefense.com)

Daniel Defense DDM4

If you’re looking for a legitimately military-grade rifle, look no further. The DDM4 is a workhorse rifle of military and police units worldwide, and it’s what Josh Brolin’s character carried in Sicario. Once you notice its iconic curved buttstock, you’ll begin to see this gun everywhere.

The first thing many shooters notice about the DDM4 is its furniture. Its buttstock and pistol grip are made from hard polymer with a soft overmolded texture, melting seamlessly into a shooter’s hand for impeccable ergonomics.

But what really sets the DDM4 apart from competitors is its trigger. The single-action trigger allows you to quickly pop off initial shots. It also has a tactile “click” when it resets, letting you know exactly when you can squeeze off your next round. Words can’t really do it justice — you need to actually experience it to understand.

The DDM4 has a few bells and whistles that set it apart from cheaper rifles, too. For example, the stock and handguard both come with QD sling mounts, and each rifle comes standard with an angled foregrip. Additionally, every DDM4 includes a single Daniel Defense magazine, which fits 32 rounds instead of the standard 30 — unless you live in California (sad day).

(Source: noveske.com)

Noveske Rifleworks Chainsaw

Next up, we have the notorious Noveske Chainsaw. With a crisp, single-stage, 5-pound trigger-free floating handguard, and hand-polished chamber, the Chainsaw will likely be the last AR-15 you ever need to buy.

Noveske has a proprietary coating they apply to the trigger and the trigger shoe. The coating provides the trigger group with advanced protection against corrosion, meaning that it’ll stay buttery smooth even after thousands of rounds.

Like the other high-end rifles we’ve included here, the Noveske Chainsaw boasts an adjustable gas block. That means you can change the amount of gas the weapon uses to cycle.

If the rifle doesn’t like certain types of ammo, you can adjust the gas block until it does. Adjustable gas blocks are also necessary if you ever want to suppress your rifle down the road.

(Source: www.sigsauer.com)

SIG MCX-SPear

We’re wrapping up our list with one of the best AR-platform rifles money can buy: the SIG MCX-Spear. Like the DDM4, the MCX is employed by elite military units around the world. The US military has even selected it as its next-generation infantry rifle.

The MCX has everything you could ever want in an AR-15. For one, it offers fully ambidextrous ergonomics, so both left- and right-handed shooters will feel equally at home with this rifle. The MCX also comes with one of SIG’s proprietary muzzle breaks, which allows you to install one of the company’s silencers.

However, what really sets the MCX apart from every other rifle on this list is the piston-driven action. AR-pattern guns generally use a direct impingement (DI) gas system to eject empty casings and reload fresh rounds. In contrast, the MCX uses a short-stroke gas piston system (similar to what you’d find in an FN SCAR).

A short-stroke piston system has two big advantages over a DI system. First, it removes the need for a buffer tube. This allows the MCX to employ folding stocks, and you can even fire the gun while it’s folded. Second, short-stroke piston systems prevent gas from entering the chamber to cycle the gun. This makes them run much cleaner than a standard AR-15.

BONUS: SIG recently released the MCX Regulator, a version of the MCX without a pistol grip. This makes the MCX an attractive option for people living in states with strict firearm laws like California or New York.

Final Thoughts

When choosing your first AR-15, budget is often your main consideration. After that, look at brand reputation, manufacturing quality, ammo availability, and modularity. That said, any rifle on this list will be a great choice for home defense, competition shooting, or varmint hunting — so don’t agonize too long over your choice.

More importantly, remember that even after you buy a rifle, you’ll still need to spend money on training and ammo. But paying an arm and a leg for those things makes it harder to use your new expensive toy.

At Pro Armory, our mission is to always help American shooters improve their experience. We do so by providing the ammo and gear you need at a price you can afford. Check out our selection of optics, accessories, and ammo in just about every caliber.

Want to become a better shooter? Pro Armory also offers training to help you become more safe and proficient with your firearm. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when training officially launches.