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.
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’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.
| 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
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.
| 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.
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!
Product pricing and availability are as of time of publication and subject to change without notice at any time.
Check Out These Related Articles
In "Firearms"
In "Firearms"
In "Firearms"
Comments (21)
Scott
Jesse
bill
A $1600 AR
Hockeyboy88
Tom Gough
Hide Behind
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
G-Man
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”
Mike