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The AR-15 is famed for its use in the U.S. military. It's also both glorified and demonized in video games and Hollywood movies.
However, those who have used it understand that the AR-15 is a valuable asset for gun users when target practicing and for self-defense.
If you're looking to add an AR-15 to your gun collection but don't want to spend thousands of dollars, you've come to the right place. We'll show you the best budget AR-15 rifles on the market.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Budget AR-15 Models
- OUR TOP PICK: SMITH & WESSON - M&P15 SPORT
- RUNNER-UP: DPMS - 5.56 ORACLE A3 16" RIFLE
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: RUGER - AR-556® MPR 5.56 18" 30+1
Comparison of the Best Budget AR-15 Models
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Can You Really Find a Quality AR-15 That's Affordable?
Finding an affordable and good quality AR-15 is possible. The best budget AR-15s maintain excellent quality in the rifles' main parts while leaving out accessories that aren't vital to its performance.
An advantage of buying a budget AR-15 is that it can grow with you over time. Most AR-15 rifles offer the option to add accessories to enhance your shooting performance and comfort.
Furthermore, it's possible to switch out cheaper AR-15 parts for higher-quality ones once you save up some money. Nonetheless, it's important that the barrels and optics, among others, are high quality to begin with, which is why we've put together this list of affordable and good value AR-15s for you.
Dos and Don'ts of Buying a Budget AR-15
Before purchasing a budget AR-15, there are a few dos and don'ts to keep in mind.
Do Get Trained
Regardless of the amount of money you spend on your AR-15, purchasing this rifle comes with responsibility. So, make sure to hire a qualified trainer to teach you the ropes of rifle shooting.
Do Test Out Different AR-15s
It's easy to spot an attractive looking AR-15 and make an impulse buy—especially if the price point is right. However, you should have the chance to test out different AR-15s before making your purchase. Each AR-15 has its unique features and feel when shooting, so knowing what you like before you start shopping will help immensely.
Do Know What You're Willing to Compromise
Although purchasing a budget AR-15 is possible, it's not going to come with all the bells and whistles of more expensive rifles. Therefore, you should decide what features you're willing to compromise on before beginning your shopping.
Don't Skimp on Quality Control
Safety is paramount when using an AR-15. Therefore, check the background of the company before making your rifle purchase. Research their quality control procedures and find out if they have a warranty policy.
Don't Break the Law
Owning an AR-15 is a huge responsibility. Some states have restrictions in place for magazine sizes. There's no point in purchasing a rifle that has more features than you can use according to your state's laws.
Review of the Best Budget AR-15 Models
Now that you know purchasing a low-cost AR-15 is possible, let's look at our top picks for budget AR-15 models.
Best Overall:
Smith & Wesson - M&P15 Sport
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers tout the M&P15 Sport as an excellent beginner rife. The trigger guard is large enough to accommodate gloved fingers and breaks cleanly and consistently. Its features are similar to that of a middle-range priced rifle. In rare cases, over-gassing can occur due to its carbine-length gas system.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The M&P15 Sport includes extra perks for its price compared to other budget AR-15s, such as a Magpul MBUS rear sight and a 6-position collapsible stock. The M&P controls are easy to use, and the magazines release well. A chromed firing pin offers a clean look and good durability.
The upper is forged by Anchor Harvey and contains M4 cuts. While this product has many features, you can spruce it up by investing in various compatible AR15 components. Smith & Wesson Lifetime Service Policy offers peace of mind if your rifle malfunctions.
Bottom Line
The M&P15 Sport is a well-equipped budget rifle ideal for beginners. Controls are well-engineered and respond quickly. There isn't a heat shield, but as long as you won't be shooting many magazine dumps, this shouldn't be an issue.
Runner-up:
DPMS- 5.56 Oracle A3 16" Rifle
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers love the DPMS Oracle AR-15 because of its accuracy and ability to shoot multiple rounds without jamming up. Its sturdy feel gives consumers confidence that it'll last for years and handle wear with ease. On occasion, the stock, handguard, and gas block screws may need tightening.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The DPMS Oracle AR-15 is a rifle that balances between the tactical and sporting market. It's high-quality materials, including a chrome-moly barrel, ensure longevity. The AR platform is adaptable to the user's needs, and this rifle is easy to maintain.
The lightweight barrel makes it easy to carry this rifle for long distances. 7075 T6 aluminum comprises its upper and lower receivers, adding to its lightness and durability. Optics are outstanding on this model thanks to features like a railed gas block and an A2 birdcage flash hider.
Bottom Line
People wanting an accurate, sturdy rifle will enjoy the DPMS Oracle AR-15. It offers excellent optics and is lightweight, thanks to 7075 T6 aluminum. Over time, some screws may need retightening, but overall, this is a product with outstanding durability.
Best For The Money:
Ruger - AR-556® MPR 5.56 18" 30+1
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers appreciate the Ruger AR-556's sturdy Magpul stock and how accurate this rifle shoots, which is partly because of five-groove rifling. They appreciate that Ruger doesn't skimp on quality for price—the barrel contains 4140 Chrome-moly steel, and the bolt has 9310 alloy steel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The 1:8 twist on the Ruger AR-556 offers users the ability to use any bullet weight that's compatible with a .223/5.56 magazine. M4 feed ramps enhance reliability and accuracy when shooting, which is a feature typically used when shooting full-auto.
Thanks to a rifle-length gas system, bolt speed is slower, making for a softer, more comfortable shooting experience. However, this rifle is loud, so make sure to use ear protection. Thanks to an 18-inch barrel, there's plenty of room to beef up this rifle with accessories. The Ruger AR-556 has a Ruger warranty, which is considered one of the best on the market.
Bottom Line
The Ruger AR-556 is a soft-shooting, rifle-length gas system device that consistently produces accurate shots. It accommodates bullets from 35 – 77 grains thanks to its 1:8 twist. Cold hammer-forged steel offers strength, and a nitrate finish promotes corrosion resistance.
4. Radical Firearms - AR Pistol 7.5" 5.56 M4 Contour 7" FGS
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers rave that the Radical AR-15 is composed of high-quality materials that aren't commonly utilized in budget rifles, such as MIL-STD and MPI bolt heads. They appreciate the well-engineered setup and that it's easy to switch out the law enforcement grade uppers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Radical is a USA company that manufactures most of its parts itself. Both the 4150 Chromoly Vanadium Steel barrels and bolt carrier groups are Melonite treated. That means that they are stronger than chrome and reduce receiver wear.
While the features of the Radical AR-15 are fairly basic, a full-length handguard means there is room for accessory add-ons. The free float handguard will also keep your hands from getting too hot when shooting. In addition to this, you'll receive a Radical Firearms 7" FGS, which allows Magpul Moe and rail section attachments.
Bottom Line
The Radical AR-15 is a high-quality, USA made rifle ideal for closer range shooting. Comfort is a top priority, including a free-float handguard to keep your hands cool. Melonite 4150 Chromoly Vanadium Steel barrels make this a more durable product than chrome.
5. DEL-TON - Echo 316m 16in 5.56x45mm
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers from former police to marine vets love the Del-ton Echo 316M for its clean lines, inclusive accessories without unnecessary extras, and tight feel. There isn't any rattling the stock or grips. Users feel they receive an excellent value for the price since this rifle has M4 feed ramps.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Del-ton Echo 316M is equipped with a 1:8-inch twist rate, allowing it to work well with projectiles over 68 grains. Its barrel is composed of chrome moly vanadium, offering a stronger finish than other AR-15 budget rifles.
Two apertures in the rear backup sight offer excellent optical for close range, low light, and long-distance shooting. A smaller handguard makes this product ideal for users who will be carrying their rifles around for hours. It also allows them to wrap the support hand's thumb around the handguard.
Bottom Line
The Del-ton Echo 316M is a well thought out rifle. A 1:8-inch twist rate allows it to be compatible with various bullets, and chrome-moly vanadium makes for a sturdy product free of rattling.
AR-15 Troubleshooting
As with any gadget, issues can occur. Below are some common AR-15 problems and solutions for fixing them.
Failure to Feed
Most commonly, failure to feed happens during loading or firing of a cycle. In this case, you should check to see if the bolt carrier group is stuck. You can fix this issue by tapping the magazine, then quickly pulling back the charging handle and releasing it.
Double-Feed
A double-feed occurs when your receiver is jammed. In order to fix this issue, lock the bolt into a rearward position. Then, remove the magazine and follow the tapping procedure described in the "Failure to Feed" section above. Finally, put everything back into place and continue shooting.
Brass Over Bolt
Less common but still inconvenient, brass over bolt is when a piece of spent brass gets stuck in the forward position. In this case, you'll need to drop the magazine and move the bolt into the rear position. Make sure to put pressure on the charging handle.
Then, apply pressure to the bolt face through the magazine well. Grab the charging handle and strike upward while removing your finger from the bolt. At this point, the round should dislodge.
Comparison Overview
If you're on the fence about what kind of firearm to offer, we'll compare and contrast a few options to the AR-15.
M41 vs AR-15
The M41 and AR-15 both compose part of the U.S. military. Whereas the M41 is a large gun tank, the AR-15 is a portable rifle.
SKS vs AR-15
Both the SKS and AR-15 are semi-automatic rifles. SKA has a bigger round and more energy, but the AR-15 has a further range.
AR-15 vs Hunting Rifle
AR-15 and hunting rifles of the same caliber share about the same power. However, hunting rifles offer better stopping power than the AR-15 for larger game.
AR-15 vs AK 47 Home Defense
Both the AR-15 and AK 47 are effective rifles for home defense. Overall though, the AR-15 is the winner of the two since it shoots about 200 yards more than the AK 47 and tends to shoot more accurately.
Conclusion
The best budget AR-15 varies from person to person, depending on their interests. However, purchasing an AR-15 doesn't have to break the bank. The AR-15s in this article will give you an excellent start to finding an affordable rifle for your needs.