The Best Bang for Your Buck — Cheap AR-15s
Good News! We have
all felt the crunch from the last couple of years. Simply supply and
demand came into play. Demand shot up faster than
supply could keep pace. This put a lot of new players in the market and
caused all manufacturers to up their game with better offerings. Now,
supply has not only caught up with demand, it has surpassed it. The
shelves are full and the market has become more competitive.
This is good news for buyers looking to buy an AR-15. Prices have returned but the quality have features are better than ever, even in the budget market. Tasked with the challenge of coming up with the 10 best ARs for the money was too tough so I added a couple of extras at the end. If you are looking to add a new member to your gun family, Cheaper Than Dirt! has your shopping list ready.
DPMS’s Sportical
is light enough to carry all day. The optic-ready carbine features a
lightweight barrel, adjustable stock, and slick sided low-profile upper.
This puts the simple back into firearms making it the choice for most
recreational shooters who want an AR without having to take out a second
mortgage.
Designed to the exact specifications and features as other S&W M&P 15 models, the Smith & Wesson Military & Police Model 15
Sport is different in that it does not contain a dust cover or a
forward assist. This slight deviation from the military design allows
the rifle to be slightly more affordable. The M&P 15 features a
1:9-inch twist with an adjustable A2-style front post. The flat
top-style upper receiver is ready for the optic of your choosing, but
also works great with the included Magpul MBUS rear sight.
Smith & Wesson Military & Police 15 Sport AR-15Barrel16 inches, 4140 steelCaliber5.56mm NATO caliber (accepts .223 Remington)Twist1 in 9 inchesLength32 inches collapsed; 35 inches extendedWeight6.45 poundsSightsAdjustable A2 front sight post; Magpul MBUS folding rear sightStock6-Position telescopic stockMagazine30 roundsFinish7075 T6 Aluminum upper and lower receivers; MIL SPEC hard coat anodized black; Chromed gas key and bolt carrier.
The Diamondback AR-15 Semi Auto Rifle
is quality and a great value. This particular rifle is the sporter
version that does not have the dust cover or forward assist. Chambered
in 5.56 NATO, the DB-15SB has a 16-inch M4 contour barrel. The 7075 T6
aluminum-forged receivers comes with the upper receiver in a flattop
configuration. The stock is an ATI Strikeforce mounted to a commercial
diameter buffer tube. This AR-15 has a standard 2-piece handguard, fixed
A2 front sight and the rifle features a black finish.
CORE15 is another excellent firearm manufacturer designing and
manufacturing excellent examples of firearms made with American Pride
and Ingenuity. The CORE15
uses state of the art manufacturing processes and only the highest
quality components to ensure you have a firearm that will shoot
accurately in any environment. The motto “Where MIL-SPEC is just the
starting point” is the guiding principle at CORE15, it is easy to
understand why reviews by shooters CORE15 shows why it is one of the
best.
The Bushmaster Firearms Carbon 15
is an excellent rifle for defense, duty and competition. The Bushmaster
Firearms Carbon 15 represents the pinnacle of innovation utilizing a
high quality Carbon-15 Receiver and aluminum upper for an ultra
lightweight and durable platform. The Bushmaster Firearms Carbon 15
continues the legacy of excellence that has made the Bushmaster Firearm
lineup world-famous.
Growing
up in Pennsylvania’s game-rich Allegany region, Dave Dolbee was
introduced to whitetail hunting at a young age. At age 19 he bought his
first bow while serving in the U.S. Navy, and began bowhunting after
returning from Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Dave was a
sponsored Pro Staff Shooter for several top archery companies during the
1990s and an Olympic hopeful holding up to 16 archery records at one
point. During Dave’s writing career, he has written for several smaller
publications as well as many major content providers such as Guns &
Ammo, Shooting Times, Outdoor Life, Petersen’s Hunting, Rifle Shooter,
Petersen’s Bowhunting, Bowhunter, Game & Fish magazines, Handguns,
F.O.P Fraternal Order of Police, Archery Business, SHOT Business,
OutdoorRoadmap.com, TheGearExpert.com and others. Dave is currently a
staff writer for Cheaper Than Dirt!
This is good news for buyers looking to buy an AR-15. Prices have returned but the quality have features are better than ever, even in the budget market. Tasked with the challenge of coming up with the 10 best ARs for the money was too tough so I added a couple of extras at the end. If you are looking to add a new member to your gun family, Cheaper Than Dirt! has your shopping list ready.
Mossberg MMR AR-15 Tactical
Making premium firearms for decades, Mossberg is likely best known for its quality shotguns used by military, law enforcement and consumers worldwide. Mossberg gained its expertise in building firearms by consulting with experts in the tactical industry and developing some of the best AR-15 rifles available in today’s market. The MMR made its mark in 2014 sporting a 16.25-inch barrel, collapsible stock, adjustable sights, quad rail , including a 30-round magazine.
Mossberg MMR AR-15 Tactical
| Mossberg MMR Tactical | |
|---|---|
| Trigger | Single-stage trigger with over-sized trigger guard |
| Caliber | .223/5.56 NATO |
| Barrel | 16.25 inches, free-floating, button-rifles, carbon steel |
| Twist | 1 in 9 inches |
| Length | 32.5 inches |
| Sights | Adjustable |
| Stock | 6-Position Collapsible |
| Capacity | 10 rounds |
| System | Direct-impingement gas system |
| Finish | Black Phosphate Anodized |
| Features… | A2 Style Muzzle Break; Aluminum Picatinny Quad Rail; Receiver Mounted Integral Picatinny Rail; Deluxe Stark Pistol Grip with Battery Compartment; Dust Cover; Charging Handle; Gun Lock and 2-year Limited Warranty |
Windham Weaponry Carbon Fiber SRC AR-15
With a lofty goal to build the finest AR-type rifle in the country, Windham Weaponry comes on strong with its excellent AR-15s. Windham’s experienced gunsmiths and builders ensure only the finest ARs leave its shop, assembling each firearm in-house. Windham Weaponry is an American-owned and operated company. You can see and feel the quality of American craftsmanship in each of its firearms.
Windham Weaponry Carbon Fiber SRC AR-15 Semi Automatic Rifle 5.56 NATO
| Windham Weaponry Carbon Fiber SRC AR-15 | |
|---|---|
| Barrel | 16.0 inches |
| Caliber | 5.56mm NATO (accepts .223 Remington) |
| Twist | 1 in 9 inches |
| Sights | Optics ready |
| Grip | A2 black plastic grip |
| Stock | 6-position telescoping buttstock |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Finish | Carbon fiber |
| Features… | M4A4 type flat top upper receiver; Molded carbon fiber composite receiver, 40%; A2 flash suppressor M4 feed ramps; M4 double heat shield handguards |
DPMS Oracle Semi Auto Rifle
Whether buying your first AR rifle, or in need an affordable yet accurate plinking gun, the Panther Oracle is for you. Built to bridge the gap between the sporting and tactical markets, this introductory-level carbine features a 16-inch light contour barrel, A3 upper receiver with Picatinny rail, heat dissipating GlacierGuards and collapsible, six-position Pardus buttstock. Altogether, it tips the scales at a slight 6.6 lbs. The flat top A3 upper allows the shooter to mount the optic of choice to the Picatinny rail.| DPMS Panther Oracle AR-15 | |
|---|---|
| Action | Semiauto |
| Barrel | 16 inches; Lite Contour with A2 Flash Hider (Birdcage) |
| Caliber | .223 Remington/5.56×45 NATO |
| Twist | 1 in 9 inches, right hand |
| Length | 36.45 inches |
| Operation | Gas operated rotating bolt |
| Weight | 6.6 pounds |
| Sights | None |
| Stock | Pardus Carbine Stock |
| Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Handguard | GlacierGuards, Oval Carbine Length |
| Finish | Black; Forged, Hard Coat Anodized Teflon Coated Black Lower; A3 Style Flat Top, Forged, Hard Coat Anodized Teflon Coated Black |
Del-Ton Sport AR-15 Semi Automatic Rifle
The Del-Ton Sport AR-15 rifle features a 16-inch lightweight barrel. This makes the entire package extremely quick handling and easy to carry in the field. With a 6-position M4 carbine-style stock, the rifle will easily fit shooters of all sizes and work well with multiple clothing layers. Ideal for optics and iron sights alike, the flattop upper gives you plenty of sighting options. Built-in sling swivel studs and a bayonet lug round out the package.| Del-Ton Sport AR-15 | |
|---|---|
| Barrel | 16.0 inches, lightweight |
| Caliber | .223 Remington/5.56 NATO |
| Twist | 1 in 9 inches |
| Sights | None |
| Stock | Collapsible; CAR handguards |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Features… | A2 flash hider |
American Tactical Imports Omni Hybrid
The ATI Omni Hybrid features am inter-lock hammer and trigger pin retainment system preventing movement from the hammer and trigger pin during firing. The OMNI Hybrid features an over-molded metal insert which reinforces the buffer tube housing and rear takedown pins. Omni Hybrid rifles come chambered in 5.56mm NATO and for the .223 Remington cartridge.
Two
guns for the price of one, is a hard combo to beat. The Omni Hybrid
comes as a complete .22 LR firearm with an addition .223 upper.
| American Tactical Imports AR-15 Semi Auto Rifle ATIGOMNIHA556 | |
|---|---|
| Muzzle Thread | 1/2 x 28 |
| Barrel | 16 inches with melonite coated bore |
| Caliber | 5.56mm NATO (accepts .223 Remington) |
| Twist | 1 in 7 inches |
| Operation | Carbine Length gas system |
| Length | 32.5 inches collapsed; 36.25 inches extended |
| Weight | 6.25 pounds overall |
| Sights | Optic ready |
| Stock | Collapsible stock with polymer handguard |
| Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Finish | Black |
| Features… | Standard A2 birdcage; Metal Reinforced polymer lower receiver; Inter-lock hammer and trigger pin retainment system; Built to military specifications; Enhanced trigger guard; Beveled magazine well |
DPMS Sportical Semiautomatic Rifle
Achieving one-inch groups at 100 yards is no hard feat for the Sportical
| DPMS Sportical | |
|---|---|
| Barrel | 16 inches, 4140 Chrome Moly |
| Caliber | .223/5.56 NATO |
| Twist | 1 in 9 inches |
| Length | 32.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.3 Pounds |
| Sights | Railed gas block |
| Stock and Grip | Pardus with Commercial Tube stock; A2 pistol grip; Glacier Guard handguard |
| Fire Control | Standard AR-15 |
| Features… | Extruded 7029 T6 Slick-sided Flattop upper; Forged 7075 T6 lower; A2 Birdcage Flash Hider |
ArmaLite Defender 15
The ArmaLite Defender series AR-15 semi auto rifle comes loaded with features. Kicking off this build are the 7075-T6 forged aluminum upper and lower receivers. The Defender 15 features a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel with a 1:7-inch twist and threaded at 1/2×28. A birdcage-style flash hider is also included. The ArmaLite Defender also features an A2 pistol grip, polymer handguards, and collapsible stock. The rifle and all the furniture feature a matte black finish.| ArmaLite Defender 15 | |
|---|---|
| Action | Single-stage trigger |
| Barrel | 16.0 inches, Double Lapped, Chrome Lined, Chrome Moly Vanadium MIL-B-11595-E Barrel, with M203 Step down; Threaded 1/2×28 |
| Caliber | 5.56mm NATO (accepts .223 Remington) |
| Twist | 1 in 7 inches, right hand |
| Length | 32 inches Collapsed; 35.25 inches extended |
| Weight | 6.35 pounds |
| Sights | 7075-T6 Aluminum Lower Receiver |
| Stock and Grip | Collapsible stock with A2 pistol grip |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Finishes | Black; Anodized upper and lower receiver; Polymer handguards; Manganese phosphated steel barrel; 7075-T6 Aluminum Flat Top Upper Receiver; 7075-T6 Aluminum Lower Receiver |
S&W M&P15 Sport
S&W M&P15OR Optics Ready Rifle .223 Remington
Smith & Wesson Military & Police 15 Sport AR-15Barrel16 inches, 4140 steelCaliber5.56mm NATO caliber (accepts .223 Remington)Twist1 in 9 inchesLength32 inches collapsed; 35 inches extendedWeight6.45 poundsSightsAdjustable A2 front sight post; Magpul MBUS folding rear sightStock6-Position telescopic stockMagazine30 roundsFinish7075 T6 Aluminum upper and lower receivers; MIL SPEC hard coat anodized black; Chromed gas key and bolt carrier.
| Smith & Wesson Military & Police 15 Sport AR-15 | |
|---|---|
| Action | Semi Automatic |
| Barrel | 16.0 inches, 4140 Steel |
| Caliber | 5.56mm NATO (accepts .223 Remington) |
| Twist | 1:9, right hand |
| Length | 32 inches Collapsed; 35 inches extended |
| Weight | 6.45 pounds |
| Sights | Optics Ready |
| Stock and Grip | Collapsible six position stock |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Finishes | Mil spec hard coat anodized black |
Diamondback DB-15 Sport
The Diamondback AR-15 Semi Auto Rifle
is quality and a great value. This particular rifle is the sporter
version that does not have the dust cover or forward assist. Chambered
in 5.56 NATO, the DB-15SB has a 16-inch M4 contour barrel. The 7075 T6
aluminum-forged receivers comes with the upper receiver in a flattop
configuration. The stock is an ATI Strikeforce mounted to a commercial
diameter buffer tube. This AR-15 has a standard 2-piece handguard, fixed
A2 front sight and the rifle features a black finish.
| Diamondback AR-15 DB-15S | |
|---|---|
| Barrel | 16 inches, 4140 Chrome-Moly, M4 Contour, A2 Flash Hider |
| Caliber | 5.56mm NATO (accepts .223 Remington) |
| Twist | 1 in 9 inches |
| Length | 32.5 inches collapsed; 36.25 inches extended |
| Weight | 6.65 pounds |
| Sights | sigA2 fixed front sight |
| Features… | Forged 7075 T6 aluminum lower receiver; A3 Flattop forged 7075 T6 aluminum upper receiver; 2-piece polymer handguard; ATI Strikeforce with aluminum commercial buffer tube assembly |
Core15 M4 Scout
CORE15 is another excellent firearm manufacturer designing and
manufacturing excellent examples of firearms made with American Pride
and Ingenuity. The CORE15
uses state of the art manufacturing processes and only the highest
quality components to ensure you have a firearm that will shoot
accurately in any environment. The motto “Where MIL-SPEC is just the
starting point” is the guiding principle at CORE15, it is easy to
understand why reviews by shooters CORE15 shows why it is one of the
best.| CORE15 M4 Scout AR-15 Semi Auto Rifle 100425 | |
|---|---|
| Operation | Direct Gas Impingement Gas System |
| Barrel | 16 inches, 4140 M4 Profile Barrel, A2 Flash Hider |
| Caliber | 5.56mm NATO (accepts .223 Remington) |
| Twist | 1 in 9 inches |
| Weight | 5.9 pounds |
| Sights | “F” Marked A Frame Front Sight Base (Forged) |
| Stock and Grip | A2 Pistol Grip; CORE15 Six-Position Retractable Stock |
| Finish | Chrome lined 8620 Stainless Steel Bolt Carrier; MIL-SPEC Forged 7075-T6 Lower Receiver;CORE15 Mil-Spec Forged 7075-T6 M-4 Upper Receiver; Gas Tube made of 304 grade Stainless Steel; Type III Class II Hard-coat anodized finish |
| Features… | Beveled Magwell for improved reloading speed; Machined chevrons in front strap; Bullet pictogram safety markings; M4 Feed Ramps, (1913 Picatinny rail flat top) with dry lube internal finish; M4-style Thermoset molded Polymer Hand Guards; CORE15 Hardcore Billet Charging Handle V.1; CORE’s NO BS Lifetime Warranty |
Bushmaster Firearms Carbon 15
The Bushmaster Firearms Carbon 15
is an excellent rifle for defense, duty and competition. The Bushmaster
Firearms Carbon 15 represents the pinnacle of innovation utilizing a
high quality Carbon-15 Receiver and aluminum upper for an ultra
lightweight and durable platform. The Bushmaster Firearms Carbon 15
continues the legacy of excellence that has made the Bushmaster Firearm
lineup world-famous.
| Bushmaster Firearms Carbon 15 | |
|---|---|
| Barrel | 16 inches M4 contour barrel with A2 flash hider |
| Twist | 1 in 12 inches |
| Weight | 6.25 pounds |
| Sights | Fixed front sight base and bayonet lug |
| Stock | 6-position stock assembly to fit a variety of shooters |
| Features… | Carbon-15 composite receiver and aluminum upper; Upper receiver left open allowing user flexibility in rear sight choices; Mission First Tactical polymer quad rail with rail covers |
Century International GP WASR-10
I know its, not an AR-15, but everyone deserves an AK as well. The Wassenaar Arrangement Semiautomatic Rifle is a semi-automatic version of the Romanian military Pistol Mitralier model 1963/1965, better known here in the U.S. as the “Romy G.” Made by Cugir Factory and imported and modified by Century International Arms to conform to 922(r), the WASR is an inexpensive, durable, reliable and customizable Kalishnikov series rifle. The GP WASR 10 is perfect for the beginner or AK-47 purist.
| Century International GP WASR-10 | |
|---|---|
| Barrel | 16.25 inches, chrome-lined |
| Caliber | 7.62×39 |
| Twist | 1 in 10 inches |
| Length | 34.25 inches |
| Weight | 7.5 pounds |
| Sights | Side receiver scope mount |
| Stock and Grip | Military style wood stock and handguard; black polymer pistol grip |
| Magazine | 30-round, removable box magazine |
| Features… | Stamped receiver; Legendary AKM reliability; Slant brake; Bayonet lug |
Tell us which AR-15 fits your budget and what you like about it in the comment section.
View all articles by Dave Dolbee
Product pricing and availability are as of time of publication and subject to change without notice at any time.
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Comments (21)
-
Scott
Having now built 4 AR 15`s from scratch, I will never buy another assembled AR from any manufacturer. Considering the last one I built for $408, there is no reason to buy any of these listed above. Assembly is easy and takes generally about 75 minutes to accomplish. You can buy these if you like, but I`ll build mine and use the extra money for ammo.
-
Jesse
$408! Really? A complete rifle? How?
-
-
bill
how about the Larue Predatar 556?
A $1600 AR
-
Hockeyboy88
PSA. Inexpensive, reliable, rifles. Milspec, is milspec.
-
Tom Gough
I agree with Mike, a few more detailed pictures and prices on these guns would have been much better. Also I wonder why AR makers don’t offer a wiser veriety of calibers for this gun. There are many cartridges designed specifically for the AR-15 platform, 6.5 Grenel, 300 AAC blackout, 458 SOCOM ect. most any rifle made is offered from the manufacurer in multible calibers, why not the AR.
-
Hide Behind
I realize that Cheap(er) is part of company logo but lets quit calling inexpensive but quality built AR’s cheap; That is not to say you cannot call a piece of crap cheaply made when you find it.
The snob appeal is great as money equates with penis size for some people, the bigger more expensive the weapon the shorter the gun.
The old equations of manufacturing sloopy materials construction and manufacturing to sell cheap are very rare today.
As an example the very same fit ti finish of doors to rooflines are the sameon most inexpensive Fords ChevsToyotas as upon the lexus mercedrs and BMWs that cost 10x’s more.
SAME precision machinery is found in all major weaponsmakers tooling rooms, and the same quality of metals are used ; the assembly isconstantly in danger of leaving out human hands completely .
THERE IS nothing cheap going out to gun stores today, inexpensive but very little in the process is cheap, except for some fly by night gun show sharpies of the used weapons.
-
A. Fulghum
Your analogy of quality-to-price ratio is outrageously flawed. As a retired manufacturing engineer with more that 35 years in the appliance, automotive, military and aerospace manufacturing business, you do not seem to know that durability and reliability play a BIG role in driving pricing. Where you are partially correct in assessing many brands begin with the similar base materials and designs, there is a VAST difference in many manufacturer’s processes that profoundly impact the end product’s reliability, longevity and cost. Of course there are exceptions but they tend to be few and far between in the high-end consumer product market. I’m still trying to understand your analogy of one’s penis size having anything to do with choosing a product for purchase that isn’t the least expensive on the market. How does that work?
-
G-Man
A. Fulghum: Aside from your excellent breakdown of points regarding the “VAST difference in many manufacturers’ processes”, Hide Behind also appears to not have a comprehensible understanding for the formal definition of the word “CHEAP”.
As he puts it, “lets quit calling inexpensive but quality built AR’s cheap”; when in fact that is the exact definition of cheap:
Oxford: 1(Of an item for sale) low in price; worth more than its cost.
Merriam-Webster: 1 a : purchasable below the going price or the real value, b : charging or obtainable at a low price , c : depreciated in value (as by currency inflation)
While some inappropriately use the word “cheap” to refer to low quality items, the definition applies more so to high quality items of value sold at a lower price than that of their actual higher valued worth. It’s what most of us consider a “good deal”.
Now back to your “VAST difference in many manufacturers’ processes”… as you said, it will “profoundly impact the end product’s reliability”. Within the scope of your reply and given your extensive knowledge, I think you’d agree also that longevity and experience in a particular manufacturing industry is key here to successful quality.
Lack of experience, skills, poor design, inappropriately set machining tolerances, or high turn-over rates can and do all lead to deficient reliability if not outright failure. Even the experienced companies get it wrong from time-to-time and have to recall bad batches of products. All of which can occur with even the highest quality materials being used.
Conversely some of the youngest companies using high-tech computer design and wiz-kid engineers are now able to utilize some of the lowest quality grade materials but employ new designs that get good results on materials that were previously considered crap.
So as the article puts it, it really comes down to trial and error to eventually see which of these ARs truly give you the “Best Bang for Your Buck”
-
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Mike
Dave, this wasn’t very helpful. I think more effort should be given to make an article like this with pictures and prices.
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