Best AR-15: Black Rifle Guide
The rifle market in the United States has been completely dominated by AR15 and AR15-type rifles (including the troubled AR pistol) for decades, almost since Gene Stoner – may he sit at the right hand of God – developed it. There is a reason AR owners refer to the AR 15 rifle as “America’s Rifle”; and why they’re not joking. As long guns go, it’s virtually ubiquitous. There are literally millions available.
They come in an exhaustive array of configurations for a wide range of purposes. And they’re built by many very good manufacturers (when not built or assembled at home). So how does one choose the best AR-15?
You don’t, not the way you’re thinking. Read on. Travis Pike and I will explain.
Why the AR 15?
Why would you consider an AR15 platform for your rifle? There are several answers to that. We could point out their availability at every price point, discuss the potential for individualization, or even the existence of niche versions like bolt action and pump action models.
But the best way to explain it is to examine it in a vacuum. Price and modularity matter, sure, but the rifle itself is outstanding. It’s a simple, lightweight, ergonomic firearm that anyone can use. By and large, they are extremely reliable and accurate enough to hit targets out to 500 yards or more relatively easily – if the shooter does their part.
This isn’t to downplay the desirability of other long guns – the Right Arm of the Free World (FN FAL), lever guns, and US-built AKs all have much to recommend them, too. It’s just that, all things being equal, an AR15 is simply the best overall semi-automatic everyman rifle platform on the market.
⚠️AR15s, and to a lesser extent AR10s and AR9 PCCs, are also referred to as black rifles, ARs, and Modern Sporting Rifles (MSR). I won’t use the latter term because I think it’s ignorant and short-sighted.
There is no One Rifle to rule them all. Happily, the platform has vast potential for individualization.
Styles of AR15: Intended Uses
“Like the Swiss Army Knife, the popular AR-15 rifle is a perfect combination of home defense weapon and homeland defense equipment. Good for both home and battle, the AR-15 is the kind of versatile gun that lies at the intersection of the kinds of firearms protected under District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008) and United States v. Miller, 307 U.S. 174 (1939).” Judge Roger Benitez
Possible uses of the AR15 can be generally categorized as follows.
Home Defense – Here’s an interesting fact. Approximately 100% of home invasions occur in someone’s home. Hearth and home (in the context of the Second Amendment) is the first, best reason for private ownership of an AR. Compared to a shotgun or pistol, I would argue that an AR or PCC are the best home defense weapon options (though many firearms have performed admirably in this capacity.
Duty – Duty means police, military, and security use of an AR, of course, but also hunters working to eradicate feral hogs, even the National Forest Service. These roles often require hard use under nasty conditions.
Competitive Shooting – There aren’t any lives on the line here, but you still want a gun that runs well (and reliably!). Quality matters whether you’re competing recreationally or your livelihood depends on it. Budgets in this category generally go higher than all the others.
Hunting – It’s surprising to some, but a rifle meant for hunting animals is often configured far differently than one intended for defensive use. A duty, competition, or defensive rifle will certainly drop a deer or a pig, but a weapon built and/or equipped specifically for hunting will be more effective.
So while it’s hard to label any one make or model AR-15 as the best, we’ve done our best to assemble a general list of some representative best black rifles within several price brackets.
BEST AR-15s
Best AR-15
Best premium AR Knight’s SR-15 MOD 2 |
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Best High End AR Daniel Defense DDM4v7 |
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Alternate High End KE Arms WWSD Rifle |
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Alternate Premium JP Enterprises JP5 |
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Best Mid-Range Colt LE6920 |
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Best Bridge AR MARS-L |
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Alternate Mid-Range Aero Precision M4E1 |
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Best Budget Conscious S&W M&P Sport II |
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Alternate Budget Conscious Ruger AR 556 |
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Best Entry Level Radical Firearms RF-15 |
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Best for Interstate Travel Fightlite SCR |
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About the AR15: History
The AR15 is a direct descendent of Gene Stoner’s ArmaLite Rifle AR-10. Stone was the Chief Engineer for ArmalLite, which was then a division of the Fairchild Engine Corporation. The initial AR10 model was completed in the mid-1950s, but for various reasons (some shady) was passed over a couple of years later by the M14 as the Army’s new service rifle.
What Does AR Stand For?
This is the obligatory what does AR stand for in AR-15? part of the article.
Although explaining this gets old, some misinformation never seems to go away. The AR in AR15 stands for Armalite Rifle. Colloquially and unofficially, it is referred to as America’s Rifle. It does not now nor has it ever stood for “Assault Rifle” or Automatic Rifle.”
The need to make that distinction might seem pedantic, and sometimes it is, but a general understanding of the fundamentals and how something works is never a Bad Thing. You don’t need to be a specialty mechanic to know whether you’re driving a 4-, 6-, or 8-cylinder vehicle. Or how much air should generally be in your tires.
Also, guns are divisive, black rifles more than all the others. None of that is likely to change. It’s good for you and all of us who own guns if you are informed and can intelligently discuss your semi-automatic, not automatic, rifle or carbine.
Called to Service
Even as the M14 was taking the field, many in the DoD were agitating for a transition to smaller, faster calibers in the .22 family. As a result of this push, Stoner modified the AR10, switching it from the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge to 5.56x45mm NATO; this latter round was a close cousin of the .223 REM cartridge. He then put the weapon in front of the US Continental Army Command for evaluation.
That modified weapon was the original AR-15.
Much drama ensued (too much to detail in this article). Ultimately, thanks in no small part to Generals Willard G. Wyman and Curtis LeMay, the DoD adopted the AR15 as the official replacement for the M14.
It was then designated the M16.
The “AR” firearms subsequently used by the DoD weren’t, for the most part, AR15s. They were classified as M16s or M16 variants…but only ~mostly. The actual designation AR15 was reserved by Colt for use with its commercially available semi-automatic rifles.
History of the M16 Weapon System (1984 regraded unclassified),
Office Director of Weapon Systems Analysis
If that seems confusing, don’t sweat it. There were a number of monikers used during this process.
The M16, M16A1, XM16E1, and other variants are “select-fire” weapons. This means they can fire in bursts of three and/or fully automatic mode. Later versions include the M16A2, M4, and others; these and their cousins are also select fire. AR15-type weapons can only fire one round with each pull of the trigger. There is no fully semi-automatic. That’s like saying a picture is in full color black and white.
Anyway, that was then.
Now, though, the term AR15 has been genericized. Think Taser, Velcro, Kleenex, Coke, and Xerox. ArmaLite sold its rights to the AR15 to Colt in 1951. After the military adopted the weapon and designated it the M16, Colt continued using the AR-15 trademark for the semi-automatic firearms it sold commercially to civilians and law enforcement agencies.
Colt still holds that trademark, which is why, technically, the only actual AR15s are the ones built by Colt. All the others should be referred to as an ” AR15 type” rifle.
In practice, though, most people use “AR15”, “AR rifle,” or just “AR” to refer to anything that can be even loosely categorized as an AR platform weapon.
Should I Build My Own?
(Pike) You can certainly build an extremely nice rifle if you have the requisite skills. Building a functional AR 15 doesn’t take rocket surgery or specialized tools, but building a premium AR 15 certainly requires experience and some nice tools. Ensuring the barrel nut is torqued correctly and the flash hider is on straight isn’t something you can do with a pair of channel locks.
I’m not saying it can’t be done, but when I spend a good chunk of money on a rifle, I want someone with more experience than me to put it together. I’ve built rifles before and haven’t had a problem, but that doesn’t mean I trust myself to build a rifle to defend myself with.
Build vs. assemble: These two words are usually used interchangeably. The closest you can come to actually “building” a rifle, in the sense that a manufacturer does, is with an 80% lower receiver.
That topic requires a dedicated article of its own, so read our 80% lower FAQ.
Major Parts of a AR 15 Explained
The AR15 is an uncomplicated, ingenious design. Vast numbers last for years with nothing more than the occasional cleaning and field-strip-level maintenance to sustain them. Individual parts are equally simple and relatively painless to install. Here’s an overview to give you a feel for how the weapon is laid out.
This is not a comprehensive list of all AR rifle parts.
Fifteen parts of the AR15
1 Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) and chamber.
Your rifle’s heart beats in here. The chamber is part of the barrel; it sits roughly to the right of where you see the letter R.
2 Gas block and gas tube.
They are in there with barrel; handguards (forearm) surround them.
3 The barrel.
The left end of your barrel (in this diagram) is the chamber; the right is where a muzzle device is attached. Sometimes less of it is visible if longer handguards are used.
4 The muzzle device.
This may be a flash hider, compensator, muzzle brake, or suppressor.
5 Your charging handle sits here.
It runs across the top of the interior of the upper receiver and hooks onto the BCG.
6 Front sight post.
This one is “fixed”, meaning permanent, but many are detachable. Some people who use optics do not run “iron sights” (which are often polymer) at all; this and the rear sight are now often referred to as “BUIS” for Back Up Iron Sights. Others who run optics utilize what are called “offset sights.” These cant out to the side of the upper receiver at 45° and are used in lieu of BUIS for close target acquisition if use of an optic is unsuitable or if it goes down.
7 Rear sight.
This one is a fold-down/pop-up version. The rear sight is much more rarely fixed, though if there is a carrying handle the rear sight will be incorporated there.
8 Optic or “glass.”
This could be a red dot sight, reflex sight, scope, LPVO, etc.
9 The trigger.
You can see the part you manipulate here, but more of it is up above roughly between where you see the two letter Rs. The hammer is in here as well, more back in the vicinity of the letter W.
10 Receiver extension, aka “buffer tube.”
Your buffer and buffer spring are in here. Depending on how you have the stock collapsed, and how you shoot, your cheek will probably rest here.
11 Pistol grip.
This is where you hold the rifle, usually with your dominant hand.
12 Rifle stock or pistol brace.
There are just about as many different kinds of stocks as there are AR type rifles. Some are fixed, more are collapsible (or “telescoping”) and some will fold.
13 Magazine well.
Your rifle mags insert and lock in here. The spring at the bottom of the magazine pushes cartridges upward so the BCG can push a new one off the top each time the weapon cycles.
14 Magazine.
There are vast numbers and style of mags, too, from old military USGI mags to the common polymer versions to single- and twin-drum magazines. Sometimes colloquially (though incorrectly) referred to as a “clip.”
15 Vertical foregrip (VFG);
Not to be confused with pistol grip. Numerous kinds of VFGs are available, some minimalist, some with a flashlight and/or laser aboard. This is piece is often used less for a traditional grip and more as a physical guide/mnemonic for support hand placement. It is often from here that lights, visible lasers, and IR lasers are manipulated.
The relative simplicity of the AR15 design is why so many people choose to accessorize their rifles so extensively. In this section, we’ll delve a little deeper into some of the main parts of the AR-type rifle, beginning with the receivers.
We’ll also cover the following:
Upper Receivers
In simplest terms, the receivers of an AR-type weapon are the top and bottom foundational halves. The upper receiver connects the barrel, bolt carrier group, and charging handle to the lower receiver. You can purchase complete uppers (fitted with the basic pieces needed to make the gun function) or stripped uppers.
Think of a stripped upper as a skeleton frame with nothing attached yet. People often use stripped uppers when they want to build a completely individualized gun.
Neither kind of lower receiver is serialized. They are not considered firearms. You can buy, sell, or trade at your leisure. If you purchase one online, they can send it straight to your house.
Learn more in the Gun University Upper Receiver Rundown.
Lower Receivers
A lower receiver is the “bottom half” of an AR-style rifle. This is the part of the weapon that is serialized, meaning it is legally classified as a firearm whether there is an upper receiver attached or not. Lower receivers hold the “guts” of a weapon, including the trigger, safety controls, and buffer assembly. This is also where the stock and grip are attached.
Lowers are also available in stripped or complete versions; many lower parts kits are available to flesh out a stripped lower.
Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group (BCG) is the operational heart of a rifle. It holds the firing pin, extractor, gas key, and the bolt itself.
- Bolt
- Ejector and ejector spring
- Extractor
- Gas rings
- Bolt carrier
- Bolt cam pin
- Gas key
- Firing pin
When you pull the trigger on an AR, the hammer swings up to strike the firing pin inside the BCG. That engages the primer on the cartridge, exploding the gunpowder therein. Expanding gas from the burning gunpowder propels the bullet down the barrel, but some is channeled back to the gas key on the BCG. That drives the BCG straight back over the hammer toward and compresses the buffer spring.
As the bolt rotates and moves rearward, a couple of things happen. First, the extractor part of the BCG grabs the case from the round you just fired and ejects it. Next, the BCG (still traveling rearward) recocks the hammer like you would on a revolver with your thumb. Finally, the BCG reaches the limit of its ability to maintain tension against the buffer spring. The buffer spring then decompresses (unsprings? becomes unsprung?) and throws the BCG back forward.
As the bolt drives forward, it strips a round off the top of the magazine and pushes it into the chamber, completing the cycle. The rifle is now ready for the next pull of the trigger to begin the process all over again.
The entire operation takes less than a second.
🚨Replacing the semi-automatic BCG of an AR15 with the auto-capable BCG of an M4 or other select fire weapon will not make your rifle fully automatic. Even if it did, you’d be breaking the law. A number of changes to the weapon’s internals would have to be made to convert it to full auto successfully, and even then, only if the receiver had enough space to accommodate the parts.
Owning and using full-auto BCG is perfectly legal; it will only put you in a jam if you use it in an illegal fashion.
Read more in Upgrading the Bolt Carrier Group.
Charging Handle
The charging handle is what “charges” or “cocks” your rifle by chambering a round. Pulling the charging handle back pulls the bolt carrier to the rear, cocking the hammer and (if a loaded mag is in the mag well) allowing the spring at the bottom of your magazine to push a round up into the chamber.
You might also check out: What are the Best Charging Handles?
AR15 Barrel Guide
(Pike) After quality, the most important thing to consider in an AR15 barrel is length. Determining the optimal barrel length for your gun is not simple. There are some questions to be asked What’s the gun’s purpose? What’s its caliber? Those are all important to consider. To show a simple example, let’s focus on the 5.56 caliber. It’s the most common AR 15 caliber and has the most barrel options.
20 inch – Barrels classified as “rifle length” come in at 20-inches. The 5.56 was made for a 20-inch barrel, and the round reaches its max velocity from a 20-inch barrel. An AR 15 with a 20-inch barrel will be the smoothest shooting AR experience out of the box. These are perfect for hunting and for competitions involving accuracy.
16-inch – 16-inch barrels are the most common barrels on the commercial market. At 16 inches, you get a good mix of velocity and maneuverability at close ranges. 16-inch barrels are also the shortest you can get without using a AR 15 pistol or SBR. This length of barrel will ensure reliability, and accuracy and give you a very effective range.
14.5-inch – 14.5-inch barrels are the military standard for the M4 and, as such, are quite popular among civilian shooters. Like the 16-inch barrel, the weapon remains maneuverable, lightweight, and reliable. To avoid the NFA, you can pin and weld a muzzle device in place to reach the necessary 16 inches.
11.5 inches – Now we are getting into specialized barrels made explicitly for close-quarter combat, and out to longer ranges, the terminal ballistics will suck. For home defense, it’s great, but it’s super loud, has a lot of muzzle blast, and creates lots of concussions. 11.3 inches is a sweet spot for reliability with shorter barrels.
10.3 inches – like 11.5, the 10.3-inch barrel is special purposes, like CQB. In CQB, the 10.3-inch barrel does well, but again you are limited in max range in terms of terminal ballistics. On top of that, you’ll have to deal with the flash, noise, and concussion. They’ve made 10.3 guns work, but the 11.5 guns tend to be more reliable.
Shorter Barrels – Anything shorter than 10.3 is a bit silly in 5.56. It’s basically a flashbang in the form of a gun. Sure, 7.5 exists, and I even own one (and it’s fun!), but it’s not worth the investment for a premium-grade gun.
Read more in the Gun University AR15 Barrel Comparison.
AR15 Gas Systems Explained
Two kinds of gas systems exist in an AR-type weapon: Direct Impingement (DI) and Piston. DI guns are far more common than piston guns (in the black rifle world). AK platform weapons, by contrast, are almost exclusively piston.
- Direct Impingement: expanding gas from a fired round is channeled into a gas tube; the gas pushes the bolt back directly and cycles the gun.
- DI guns generally weigh slightly less than piston guns (fewer pieces in a DI system).
- DI guns typically produce less felt recoil than piston guns (no reciprocating mass in a DI gun); this provides a greater potential for accuracy on the shooter’s part.
- DI guns don’t have direct physical contact between the gas tube and the action; this means the barrel can be “free-floated,” providing greater mechanical potential for accuracy.
- DI guns blow gas and carbon straight into the chamber and barrel, making them get dirty much faster than piston guns. This affects the reliability of the gun.
- Piston: expanding gas from a fired round is forced against a metal piston, pushing the bolt back to cycle the gun.
- There are two piston systems: long-stroke (common on AKs and some ARs) and short-stroke (often found in pistol ARs).
- Piston guns run significantly more cleanly than DI guns. They can burn through vastly larger round counts before requiring attention.
- Piston guns usually burn cooler than DI guns.
- Movement of the piston makes perceived recoil higher than in a DI gun, making it potentially less accurate (from the shooter’s side). It may also cause movement in the barrel between shots, which also decreases accuracy potential.
- Piston rifles are generally considered to be mechanically superior to and more reliable than DI rifles, but this is relative. No one watching Becky Yackley drive a piston gun would think the extra weight and recoil affect her ability to put rounds exactly where she intends.
Read GU’s article about lower receivers for more info.
What Caliber is an AR 15?
(Pike) AR 15s come in a multitude of calibers; in fact they come in so many it would be an entire article just to list them. Instead, let’s talk about the three most common you’ll find in the premium grade AR 15s and some of the other categories of AR cartridges out here.
5.56 – 5.56 comes standard in the AR 15 world. This intermediate caliber does well out to 500 yards and even a little more with a good shot. It’s incredibly common and affordable. It provides excellent accuracy and minimal recoil.
9mm – 9mm is the world’s favorite pistol round and also their favorite pistol caliber carbine round. It’s a fun little cartridge that works well with the blowback systems in PCC AR 15s. It also allows the user to use standard pistol magazines that can match their chosen handgun.
300 Blackout – 300 Blackout is a neat round that excels at the versatility and being used in short barrels. It’s designed to reach max velocity in a barrel as short as 9 inches. It’s perfect for use with suppressors as well. In fact, if you want an SBR or short-barreled pistol, I’d go with the 300 Blackout.
Big Bore – Big bore calibers, including 350 Legend, 450 Bushmaster, and 458 SOCOM, are developed for taking bigger game at closer ranges. These are excellent hunting cartridges within 200 yards or so, but provide a costly source for ammunition.
Longer(er) Range – The 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, and their cousins provide AR 15 with a high ballistic coefficient, allowing you to really reach out there.
Best AR15: General Classification
This is going to be subjective and relative. Maybe borderline arbitrary. But we had to start somewhere, right?
The following examples will be organized into 5 categories.
- Entry level: ~$700 or less.
- Budget Conscious: ~$700 to ~$1k.
- Mid-Range: ~$1k – ~$1.6k
- High-End: ~$1600 +
- Premium: ~$2,500 +
There will be those who argue there should be another category at about ~$3.2k or so, and there is some merit to that. But we’re going to leave it at just five. Our categories and choices will create consternation and outrage in the comments and forums, but that’s life on the interwebz.
Best AR-15 Reviews
- Knight’s SR-15 MOD 2
- Daniel Defense DDM4 v7
- KE Arms WWSD Rifle
- JP Enterprises JP5
- Colt LE6920
- LMT Defense MARS-L
- Aero Precision M4E1
- S&W MP15 Sport II
- Ruger AR 556
- Radical Firearms RF15
- Fightlite SCR
Now let’s look at our selections and examine some pros and cons of each.
Best Premium AR Knight’s SR-15 MOD 2
Knight’s SR-15 MOD 2
The SR-15 E3 MOD 2 series’ 5.56mm NATO barrel is manufactured for military grade durability, and is free-floated inside a URX 4 M-LOK handguard.
SR-15 MOD 2 Specs
- Weight 6.55 pounds
- Length 33.5 inches
- Barrel Length 16.1 inches
- Caliber 5.56
SR-15 MOD 2 Review
(Pike) Knights Armament arms the world’s best professional gunfighters with the finest fighting rifles money can buy. Knights Armory Company, of KAC, produces rifles for the most discerning customer. In the AR-15 realm, the SR-15 is hard to beat. If the world was going to end, I’d grab the SR-15 because it’s insanely durable and made to last.
The SR-15 utilizes the E3 round bolt lug that increases bolt life to an extreme level. Another common weak point is the extractor, so Knights packs the SR-15 with dual extractor springs that provide constant pressure and ensure the best extraction even when you have the dirtiest chamber.
Knights also utilizes ambidextrous controls that include the safety, the magazine release, and bolt release. These controls are fantastic and provide perfect ergos for lefties and allow you to maintain control when swapping shoulders.
The URX M-LOK rail is tough to beat in terms of durability, and you can easily zero a PEQ style aiming device and know it will maintain zero. The two-stage flat trigger will help you ensure the rounds hit their target, and so will the unbeatable QC. The SR-15 might be the future of duty-grade AR-15 rifles.
SR-15 MOD 2 Pros and Cons
- Absurdly reliable
- Ergonomic
- Outstanding design
- Expensive
Knight’s SR-15 MOD 2 Deals
Best High End AR Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56 NATO
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56 NATO
Another excellent rifle in a long line of excellent rifles from Daniel Defense.
DDM4v7 Specs
- Weight 6.2 pounds
- Length 32 1/4″ – 35 7/8″
- Barrel Length 16 inches
- Caliber 5.56mm NATO
Daniel Defense DDM4v7 Review
(Reeder) Daniel Defense has an excellent reputation for quality rifles. This seems apropos since every DD rifle I’ve ever put hands on has performed very well. While I’m not a huge fan off the stock (it always wants to rip my beard out), that’s a pretty minor issue. I just replaced the stock on mine with one of the B5 jobs and everything was good to go. I guess I could also have shaved, but it was winter when I first got mine, so…
Lots of people speak very highly of DD’s blasters, but lots of people speak highly of lots of things. I’m a fan of the company as well, but not to the point of emotional investment, so I wanted to make my own determination.
That was quite a while and a lot of rounds ago. My DDM4 has continued to do what it’s supposed to do, without hiccup. Overall I think it’s worth the money you’ll put down, though I wish the stock trigger was a little crisper. Some shooters might prefer a muzzle brake to a flash suppressor, but I’m a flash suppressor guy until I get into the bigger calibers, so that wasn’t an issue for me.
Meantime, if you have the budget for it, this is an excellent choice. And honestly, these rifles are good enough that I’d feel safe buying one used from a reputable website.
DDM4v7 Pros and Cons
- Accurate – This rifle has more mechanical potential than I can exploit
- Lightweight – It’s not much lighter than other ARs, but somehow it feels lighter
- Reliable – I’ve yet to clean it and yet to have a malfuntion
- Caliber – Not a con if you like 5.56 NATO; I’m a 223 Wylde kinda guy
- Aggravating stock – If you have hair on your face (admittedly much of a con)
- Mushy trigger – Not overtly so, but not as good as I’d hope for the money
Daniel Defense DDM4 v7 Deals
Alt. High End KE Arms WWSD Rifle
KE Arms WWSD Rifle
WWSD = “What Would Stoner DO”; it’s an awesome premise for a rifle. Manufactured by KE Arms, it’s Karl Kasarda and Ian McCollum’s take on simultaneously modernizing the AR-15 while bringing it back to its roots.
WWSD RIfle Specs
- Weight 6.2 pounds
- Length 32 1/4″ – 35 7/8″
- Barrel Length 16 inches
- Caliber 5.56mm NATO
WWSD Rifle Review
(Reeder) What Would Stoner Do? That’s the question answered by Karl Kasarda (InRange TV), Ian McCollum (Gun Jesus/Forgotten Weapons), and Russell Phagan (Sinistral Rifleman) in the form of the KE Arms WWSD rifle.
Many readers will raise hell about this rifle being included in this list. I disagree, obviously, or it wouldn’t be here. If you’re considering one, don’t take my word for it. This has been a contentious firearm since it was released. I would buy one, but I know (and trust) Ian and Russell enough to know they wouldn’t put a subpar rifle in my hands.
The genesis of the WWSD was a series of videos asking, “What would Gene Stoner, the creator of the AR-15, do today if he had access to modern manufacturing and materials?” They started with a monolithic polymer receiver and then built outwards with an array of quality components. It’s an old gun design with some of the best AR parts and AR 15 accessories currently available.
Did they answer that question successfully? We could argue that around and around, but once I get my dad’s truck completely restored, I will be buying one.
Note: if you like the idea of the WWSD rifle but can’t bring yourself (or just can’t) spend all those ducats, check out their Civil Defense Rifle.
WWSD Rifle Pros and Cons
- Lightweight – The polymer lower and hollow buttstock drop a LOT of weight
- Heritage – WWSD answer or not, this is a cool idea
- Reliable – It’s an advanced basic design: modern KISS (keep it simple stupid)
- Contentious – Many people disagree with the choice of parts
- Full stock – If you want a collapsible stock, this ain’t for you
KE Arms WWSD Rifle Deals
Alt. Premium JP5 Roller Delayed
JP5 Roller Delayed
The JP-5 Competition PCC is the ultimate Pistol Caliber Carbine for the action shooter. This configuration includes all the features you need to get out and win some matches.
JP5 Roller Delayed Specs
- Weight 6.1 pounds
- Length 31.5 inches
- Barrel Length 14.5 w/ fixed muzzle device
- Caliber 9mm
JP5 Roller Review
(Pike) The JP5 from JP Enterprises took the classic PCC design and revamped it. Most are direct blowback firearms, but the JP5 uses a roller delayed setup much like an MP5. However, unlike the MP5, the JP5 retains the awesome ergonomics of the AR 15. This roller delayed setup reduces recoil, and the massive compensator reduces muzzle rise as well.
The JP5 comes with complete ambidextrous controls that make rifle manipulations quite easy and very intuitive. The complete clone of the rifle from one side to the other allows the rifle to be easily handled by any shooter. The JP5 utilizes Glock pattern magazines that make it easy to keep the rifle fed. JP enterprise did an amazing job with this rifle, and this means everything is premium. This includes a fantastic trigger, billet receivers, and massive, easy-to-use controls.
The JP5 is built from the ground up to be a competition PCC, and it’s all about speed and accuracy. The JP5 kicks ass in either direction and makes double and triple taps impressively easy.
JP long guns in other cartridges are equally well-designed and built.
JP5 Roller Delayed Pros and Cons
- Recoil and muzzle rise is nil
- Easy to shoot
- Extremely reliable
- Costs more than the SR-15
JP5 Roller Deals
Best Mid-Range Colt LE6920
Colt LE6920
Throughout the world today, Colt’s reliability, performance, and accuracy provide our Armed Forces the confidence required to accomplish any mission
Colt LE6920
- Weight 6.95 pounds
- Length 32 inches
- Barrel Length 16.1 inches
- Caliber 5.56
Colt LE6920 Review
(Pike) Want the closest thing you can get to an actual M4? Well, Colt has you covered with the LE6920. Colt is the original contract producer of the M4, and this is the closest you can get to the actual M4 without getting all the licenses and tax stamps to be a SOT. The Colt LE6920 provides shooters with a very competent rifle at a rather affordable price point.
The Colt LE6920 utilizes the M4 standard everything, so expect anything fancy. However, you do get a very competent rifle with a proven track record for reliability and durability. It will take a beating and keep ticking. It’s an outstanding rifle that does core competencies very well. It can be the platform to build a better rifle and upgrade as you see fit, but it’s also damn fine by itself.
Unlike the M4, the LE6920 does have a 16.1 barrel that ensures the weapon remains NFA-free. This pattern rifle has long been the favorite for military shooters around the world. It’s a rock-solid rifle, and it’s hard to find a more proven platform.
Colt LE6920 Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Extremely reliable
- Perfect rifle to build upon
- It’s a plain-Jane rifle
Colt LE6920 Deals
Best Bridge AR LMT Mars-L
LMT Mars-L
The only true monolithic rail platform, milled from a single solid piece of aerospace aluminum forging.
MARS-L Specs
- Weight 7.27 pounds
- Length 32 inches
- Barrel Length 16 inches
- Caliber 5.56
MARS-L Review
(Pike) The MARS-L rifle is one of the most underrated rifles of all time. MARS-L stands for Modular Ambidextrous Rifle System – Light. This 5.56 caliber rifle has won a number of military contests, including the New Zealand Defense Force and Estonia. It’s more than just your average AR-15. The MARS-L is the only true monolithic upper featuring a handguard that is truly part of the rail system.
This design gives shooters 14.5 inches of rail and optic space to mount even the larger and most capable optics. Additionally, the barrel system uses two locking bolts to lock in the barrel extension. The benefits are the fact the barrel can be removed in seconds and swapped for a shorter or longer option at will.
Additionally, the MARS-L uses an ambidextrous lower receiver to make controlling the rifle very simple. Anyone can pick the rifle up and find it ergonomic and natural to wield. Additionally, the MARS-L has proven to be very accurate and extremely capable in the field. It can withstand abuse, use, and dirt, without issue.
MARS-L Pros and Cons
- True monolithic upper
- Quick change barrel
- Ambi ergonomics
- Can be tough to find
MARS-L Deals
Alt. Mid-Range Aero Precision M4E1
Aero Precision M4E1
The Aero Precision M4E1 16″ 5.56 Complete Rifle is built on the popular Enhanced Series Upper Receiver. This system provides the shooter a light-weight, free-floated, rigid design resulting in superior performance and accuracy.
Aero Precision M4E1 Specs
- Weight 7.18 pounds
- Length 35 inches
- Barrel Length 16 inches
- Caliber 5.56/300 Blackout
M4E1 Review
(Pike) Aero is a massive company that makes uppers, lowers, and parts for a number of companies. They also produce their own series of rifles in various platforms. My favorite is the M4E1. The M4E1 takes the normal AR 15 design and makes slight improvements to its design/ These improvements include two threaded sockets to make installs easier, and the M4E1 lower is my favorite for builds.
Additionally, the M4E1 comes with an integrated trigger guard as well as a flared magazine well for faster reloads. This is part of the receiver’s forging and makes the lower look very nice and clean. Aero’s guns are well known for their reliability and superb accuracy. Aero makes almost every part in-house, so it guarantees a perfect fit and function.
Shooters looking for a AR 15 pistol or rifle are taken care of by the M4E1 series, and so are those looking for a multitude of calibers. 5.56 and 300 Blackout are covered, and shooters wanting a .223 Wylde chamber are also covered. Aero Precision also provides their guns at a very fair price point. They can be tough to beat for first-time AR owners.
M4E1 Pros and Cons
- Multiple calibers, configurations, and colors offered.
- Enhanced lower
- Affordable
- Nothing revolutionary
M4E1 Deals
Best Budget S&W M&P Sport 2
S&W M&P Sport 2
M&P15 Rifles are the ideal modern sporting rifle. Built to perform multiple uses under various conditions, M&P15 Rifles are as versatile as they are reliable.
S&W M&P Sport 2 Specs
- Weight 6.45 pounds
- Length 35 inches
- Barrel Length 16 inches
- Caliber 5.56 / 300 Blackout
S&W M&P Sport 2 Review
(Pike) The S&W MP15 Sport II is not the best AR 15 on the market. However, if money is tight, the S&W M&P Sport 2 is going to be the best option for a budget-conscious shooter. It’s very simple and lacks any fancy features. It comes with a front sight base gas block, plastic handguards, and the classic six-position M4 stock.
It’s a flat top with the ability to mount an optic with ease. However, to mount anything else, you might need to start fielding a new handguard. Yet, if you need a rifle and you don’t have a ton of extra cash, this is a good base to start with. With regular maintenance, the M&P Sport 2 will be reliable and accurate enough for most tasks.
You won’t win a PRS competition, but this isn’t what that rifle is for. It’s a solid rifle that does the basics right. Additionally, unlike a number of other companies producing budget rifles, S&W has been around and will be around for a long time. If you need customer service, they are there. It’s not a fly by nite shop selling the lowest common denominator guns.
Check them out online at Smith & Wesson.
S&W M&P Sport 2 Pros and Cons
- Great Warranty
- Easy to Find
- Super affordable
- Far From Fancy
S&W M&P Sport 2 Deals
Alt. Budget Ruger AR 556 Standard Autoloading Rifle
Ruger AR 556 Standard Autoloading Rifle
An inexpensive rifle delivering a reasonable performance for the price; chambered in 5.56mm NATO.
Ruger AR-556 Specs
- Weight 6.5 pounds
- Length 32.25 – 35.5 inches
- Barrel Length 16.10″ inches
- Caliber 5.56 NATO
Ruger AR 556 Review
(Reeder) Ruger is a name that’s been around a while. While I prefer my Rugers to have things like “Mini” or “10/22” in their name, their AR style rifles seem to have a decent reputation within the ~sub – $1,000 price range.
Their list of specs on their website is respectable but nothing more than what I’d expect from any baseline rifle. Think folding sight, M4 gas block at carbine length, six-position collapsible buttstock, that sort of thing. I’m not knocking these features, mind you; just making you aware you’re not going to get any of the fancy, higher-end stuff on this AR…
…and that’s okay. You can do solid work with a basic rifle so long as its fundamentally reliable, as many AR15 owners have proven in the past.
Would I invest in a Ruger AR 556? No, but only because I already have a “basic” AR model that I really like. However, I wouldn’t turn my nose up at one, either. Especially if it was a foundation I planned on improving incrementally over time.
Ruger AR 556 Pros and Cons
- Solid – A robust build
- Good starter – It’s a gateway AR that can be improved over time
- Plain Jane – Nothing fancy to see here, folks
Ruger AR 556 Deals
Best Entry Level Radical Firearms RF15 5.56 NATO
Radical Firearms RF15 5.56 NATO
The RF15 and its cousins (like the “Blue Line” rifles) are hands down among the best “budget” rifles you can buy from anyone.
RF15 Specs
- Weight 5.9 pounds
- Length 37.75 inches
- Barrel Length 16 inches
- Caliber 5.56
Radical RF15 Review
(Reeder) I will probably get as much flak for this one as I do for the WWSD entry, but here’s the deal: in my experience, Radical Firearms is the most consistently underrated “budget” AR15 company. RF’s rifles are (very) ~sub-$1k and perform as well or better than guns that cost twice as much.
There I said it.
The only reason my Radical Firearms rifle isn’t my favorite AR15 is because a KS47 currently holds that distinction – though I’d really like to try a SOLGW carbine at some point.
Anyway, I’ve put thousands of rounds through a couple of different RF rifles and one very rugged little pistol (you know, back when that was a thing). The guns all ran like sewing machines with one exception – I had some issues with an unpinned gas block on the pistol I mentioned. Once that was fixed I had no other issues.
A word of warning: RF’s naming convention seems to change periodically. Or maybe it’s just out of sync with their website, I’m not sure. You’ll see models like “Skinny Hybrid”, “RAD-15”, and more on their social media, but nothing about them on the site.
You’ll be better served searching for information by reading/watching videos and going to their distributors.
Looking for a starter AR, budget-friendly rifle, or something you can use as the platform for a long-term build? This is where to begin. The total accessories dollar value on my Radical far exceeds that of the gun itself.
- Robust – A solid, reliably built AR
- Great starter – You might decide to just upgrade this instead of buying something fancy
- Uninspiring aesthetics – Unless you let them Cerakote it for you of course
- Wait, what? – Information from social media, their site, and distributors is discordant
Best for Interstate Travel Fightlite SCR
Fightlite SCR
A complete AR-15 that’s legal in all 50 states.
Fightlite SCR Specs
- Weight 5.8 pounds
- Length 37.75 inches
- Barrel Length 16.25 inches
- Caliber 5.56/300 Blackout
Fightlite SCR Review
(Pike) I don’t want to leave my poor ban states out. States that hate freedom like New York, Hawaii, and California, you know, the usual suspects hate the traditional AR 15 design. Numerous designs have come and gone to comply while providing the awesomeness of the AR 15.
The best one I’ve ever seen is the Fightlite SCR. This rifle uses a proprietary bolt carrier group and internal buffer system complete with a traditional style stock. It’s quite unique, and I don’t live in a ban state, and I own one because it just looks cool.
Other than that, it’s almost entirely your standard AR. The controls are the same, the recoil impulse is even lighter, and it’s quite accurate. You lose the ability to use a standard pistol grip, a threaded barrel, and other small features, but the Ares SCR remains the only AR variant that is 50 state legal.
Fightlite SCR Pros and Cons
- Ergonomic
- 50 State Legal
- Actually not a bad gun
- Hard to find
Fightlite SCR Deals
Best AR 15 Brands
We’ve talked ad nauseum about the subjective nature of “best.” No one will argue that a Springfield Armory Saint or a Faxon Firearms blaster isn’t superior to an Axis Mfg firearm or something from ATI. Then again, no one who would buy a Springfield Armory Saint Victor would do so every year, then pawn it after hunting season and buy another one next year either.
Pricing ranges can be problematic, too, since some rifles come with accessories and some don’t (even from the same manufacturer). That’s why these categories are necessarily broad.
There are scores of AR manufacturers and AR “assemblers” that “build” rifles using parts made by other AR manufacturers. These are just a few of the better ones out there.
AR15 Brand | Website | Facebook.com/company/ | YouTube/[@manufacturer) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ballistic Advantage | ballisticadvantage.com/ | /BallisticAdvantage/ | @ballisticadvantage | @ballisticadv | /@BallisticAdvantage |
Bravo Company Manufacturing | bravocompanymfg.com/ | /BravoCompanyUSA/ | @bravocompanyusa | @bravocompanyusa | /user/BravoCompanyUSA |
Faxon Firearms | youtube.com/@FaxonFirearmsOfficial | /FaxonFirearms/ | @faxonfirearms | @faxon_firearms | /@FaxonFirearmsOfficial |
Sons of Liberty Gunworks | sonsoflibertygw.com/ | /sonsoflibertygw | @sonsoflibertygw | @solgw | /@SonsofLibertyGunWorks1 |
Springfield Armory | springfield-armory.com/ | /SpringfieldArmoryUSA/ | @sprinfieldarmoryinc | @Springfield_Inc | /@SpringfieldArmoryInc |
Stag Arms | stagarms.com/ | /StagArms/ | @StagArms | @StagArms | /@FaxonFirearmsOfficial |
Wilson Combat | https://www.wilsoncombat.com/ | /WilsonCombat/ | @wilsoncombat | @WilsonCombat | /@gowilsoncombat |
Additional Resources:
NSSF: the Modern Sporting Rifle
ArmaLite Reunion: Gene Stoner’s 70th Birthday
NRA Family: Tips for building your own AR15
Gun University: What’s the best AR furniture?
Gun University: What are the best AR upgrades?
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May 30, 2023
May 30, 2023
This message is for Travis Pike,
My name is Robby Robinson. I read the little blurb about your past history. We share quite a bit in common. We should go dancing!!! Uhm, WTF?????
I am kidding dude, I swear! Anyway, I too am former Infantry. I was an 11B for the Army. I did my OSUT at Ft. Benning, Georgia.
Myself and my life long friend were both in a COHORT Unit with 10th Mountain (Fort Drum, NY) Our Unit was involved in Operation Gothic Serpent, also known as Black Hawk Down in Somalia, 1993. 7th Infantry (Fort Ord) and South Korea with 2nd Infantry (C Company 1/506.
I got hurt pretty bad over in Korea during a CALFEX. An artillery round fell way short and detonated over top of my squad. Both eardrums were blown out, a collapsed lung and a mangled left leg. I was ultimately medically retired.
After the bulk of surgeries were completed, I went to back to school where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management. I am a FEMA contractor as an insurance claims adjuster through FEMA’s NFIP.
I am looking to break into the Emergency Management industry
It helped me when you said that the AR 15 is quite dependable and can operate in almost any environment. My father is looking for an AR-15 Rifle for Sale Online [SPAM LINK REMOVED] so he can practice with his hunting. This article will surely help him to choose the best one for him. Thanks!
Quality construction, reasonable price. Mine runs like a scalded dog and is plenty accurate. May not appeal to the rollmark snobs, but so what.