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. And that’s how you’ll find the best AR-15 for your specific needs. And of course, we’ll have some specific recommendations on brands and models based on our own experiences.
Want a sneak peak?
Here’s our best AR-15 rifles list across all budgets:
- Daniel Defense ($$$): DDM4 V3, DDM3 V7, DDMA1
- Bravo Company ($$$): Mod 0, Mod 2, Recce 14/16
- LWRC ($$$): DI
- Smith & Wesson ($$): M&P 15 Sport II
- Aero Precision ($): AC-15M
- Palmetto State Armory ($): Freedom Rifle
We’ll cover them soon…so what are you waiting for? Let’s get this rolling!
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 three:
1. Used by the US Military
Or rather, it looks like the M4’s and M16’s used by the US military.
The civilian AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle compared to the automatic/select firecapabilities of the military versions.
That means one press of the trigger is a single PEW! instead of a fully-automatic where a single press of the trigger will be a continuous stream of PEW! PEW! PEW! until you let go.
Admit it…there’s a little coolness factor in holding the symbol of America’s might.
2. 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.
3. 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 a 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 the .50 Beowulf.
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″ barrel.
The M4 came about in the 90’s and had a 14.5″ 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: Build or 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 a 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.
Barrels
We begin the breakdown of the AR-15 system by covering the various characteristics of barrels (the thing that bullets come out of).
Still with me? 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″. 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″ barrel and permanently pin/weld a muzzle device to make it over 16″ 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″ barrel might be illegal without appropriate paperwork.
Therefore, we recommend beginners get at least a 16″ barrel so they can switch out muzzle devices to their liking. Most common lengths include 16″, 18″ and 20″.
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″ 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″ barrel is good for up to 400 yards, but after 300 yards, the standard 55gr 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.
Barrel Testing
Good, here’s some more acronyms manufacturers will throw at you.
- MP: Magnetic Particle tested, basically x-raying the material to see if there are any hidden cracks or voids
- 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 which 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″ in diameter.
- Medium (Government or M4): All around balance. M4 contour has a cutout for grenade launchers. .750″ in diameter.
- Light/Pencil: Lighter but more susceptible to heat from rapid firing. .625″ in diameter.
For the average plinker, Medium or Light barrel contours will work great.
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.
AR-15 Gas Systems
Now that you’re a pro with AR-15 barrels, we’ll go into the gas system. There are two major types, Direct Impingement (DI) and Piston. DI is the original design while piston only really became popular within the last few years.
Direct Impingement vs Piston
An AR-15 works by directing the hot gas behind the bullet into the gas tube (where the triangular front sight block is above) which then uses the gas to either move a piston or send it directly back (direct impingement).
When the force is applied, it makes the bolt unlock, move back, expel the spent casing, and strip a new cartridge into the chamber. The vast majority of AR’s are direct impingement instead of piston.
Pros of Piston:
- Cleaner since dirty gas is vented away
- Should be more reliable in bad environments (water, dust, etc)
Cons of Piston:
- Costs more than traditional DI system
- Weighs more and puts weight in front (although getting better each year)
- Proprietary parts unique to each manufacturer
- Less accurate
Unless you’re needing to shoot coming out of water or in very dusty environments with limited ability to clean, a direct impingement system will work fine. If that’s you…here’s our review of the Best AR-15 Piston Uppers.
With proper maintenance, a DI AR-15 is a very reliable weapon and what the military uses.
Direct Impingement Gas System Lengths
The gas system length refers to the distance to the gas hole, or where the triangular “front site base” or FSB sits on each barrel above.
The rifle length gas system is traditionally used for 18″ or longer barrels, but there is the oddball “Dissipator” model which has a rifle length system on a 16″ barrel.
For 16″ barrels, the primary choice is between carbine and midlength gas systems.
We believe the midlength 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-15’s 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 works great and are more affordable.
The above Magpul MOE Handguards for Carbine or Mid-Length still allows 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 $100-200 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 the Best AR-15 Upgrades Guide. Now for some serious stuff…
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 BCG’s 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.
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.
Other
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 for that too…check out Best AR-15 Furniture & Accessories and Best AR-15 Optics & Scopes.
Intended Purpose
We’ll cover the four main flavors, each with their own pros and cons.
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″ barrel with a carbine length gas system, most AR-15’s of this variant will use a 16″ 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.
The second rifle has a flattop upper receiver with a 1913 (Picatinny) rail on top, the new KeyMod 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″ 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-15’s 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″ barrels. Traditionally this is known as a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) which requires paperwork and a tax stamp.
AR pistols generally require fewer steps but make the tradeoff of not having an actual buttstock. But now there are things such as “pistol braces” that the ATF allows for shouldering.
Both make the tradeoff of a shorter, lighter, and easier to handle weapon. But the drawbacks include much-decreased velocity and increased muzzle blast (people around will HATE you). SBR’s and AR pistols are best suited for under 100 yards.
Competition Builds (3-Gun)
Competition guns are specifically tailored race rifles for 3-Gun (rifle, pistol, & shotgun) or other competitions.
Normally you’ll see longer barrels and gas systems coupled with big brakes/compensators to reduce recoil and enable faster followup shots. Almost everything else in the system is customized to the shooter.
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.
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 who stand behind their product.
- Bravo Company (BCM)
- Colt
- Daniel Defense (DD)
- Larue
- Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT)
- LWRC
- Noveske
- 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 1000 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.
- Anderson
- Aero Precision
- FNH
- Palmetto State Armory (PSA)
- Ruger
- Sig Sauer
- Smith & Wesson
- Spike’s
Budget Manufacturers
Nothing wrong with these guns either, they are great starter AR’s because of their affordability and are perfectly capable of being reliable. Just test them out first.
Price
For a top tier, expect to pay $1000-1500 for a complete rifle, while mid tiers can start around $600. Remember, you’re paying for quality of materials, quality control, and R&D. Ok…and probably marketing too.
Rifles are one item where the adages of “You Get What You Pay For” and “Buy Once, Cry Once” ring true.
Specific Recommendations
Alright, what you’ve been waiting for…some of my specific recommendations based on personal experience.
Just because it’s not here doesn’t mean it’s not good, and just because I like it, doesn’t mean you will too.
For such a large purchase, I would always recommend seeing these rifles in person at your local gun shop (LGS) so you can touch and handle them. Or you can online order them to your shop which should have an FFL (Federal Firearms License) to process everything.
Daniel Defense DDM4 Variants
Might be just because my first AR-15 was a DD, but mine has never failed me.
For a first rifle (or only rifle) I’d prefer one with an FSB such as the 16″ DDM4 V3($~1700) which also has the slightly softer shooting mid-length gas system.
For railed systems also in mid-length, I’d recommend the 16″ DDM4 V7 (~$1600), or on the shorter side the or the 14.5″ carbine gas system DDM4A1 (~$1700) with a permanent muzzle device.
All DANIEL DEFENSE rifles here.
Bravo Company
Daniel Defense has the quality but I think it’s a little expensive.
BCM in my mind is the best bang for the buck for top-tier stuff based on the several that my friends use and that I have extensively shot.
I would get their mid-length 16″ MID16 Mod 0 ($~1200) with polymer handguard or the Mod 2 ($~1400) with quad-rails for a complete rifle.
And for free-float, I would get either the Recce 14 or 16 (~$1500). All their rifles here.
LWRC
Another creme de la creme is the mid-length 16″ LWRC DI which has all the things you want plus a handstop and fluted barrel.
Plus it comes in a super cool Stealth Grey Model ($1650).
Colt
Good ole Colt has one of the best entry levels AR-15’s and the LE6920 ($1000) is one of the three that I recommend my friends who are just getting into AR’s.
It might have the shorter carbine gas length barrel but it will eat anything and keep on truckin’.
Smith & Wesson
Another well-known name, albeit probably more known in the revolver and handgun world. More budget friendly but also one of my top recommendations for an initial AR-15. Their entry-level 16″ carbine gas M&P 15 Sport II (~$700) sells like hot cakes for good reason and gets my vote for the most affordable first AR.
You can also opt for the M-LOK handguard ($700) variant for the same price…highly recommended.
Building?
If you really want to build your lower…
I’d recommend looking at our Best Lower Receivers (coming soon) article and then following How to Build a Lower Receiver. (coming soon)
But my advice is still…buy a complete rifle! Or at least two complete halves.
Conclusion
I know we’ve gone over a lot, and your journey to getting an AR-15 has just begun.
So think of all the criteria you want (including price point) and start looking.
And once you do get one, let me know how it runs, and then check out the rest of the Complete Armalite AR-15 Semi Automatic Assault Rifle Buyer’s Guide.
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