Best AR-15s Available Now

The popularity of the AR-15 rifle and its many and diverse variants makes it a juggernaut among American long guns. As a firearm platform, the AR has been sharpened by decades of military service, not just with the U.S. military but dozens of other nations as well. Beyond that, the American civilian market for this gun has generated new and increasingly innovative design improvements.

If the AR-15 is America’s rifle, then it’s worth noting which ones stand out as some of the most popular and available choices for American gun owners today. Here are some of the top AR-15s chosen by Guns.com customers and reviewers. Fortunately, we’ve also gotten the chance to test each one personally, and they are top picks for a good reason.

1. DANIEL DEFENSE DDM4 V7

Daniel Defense has earned its spot as a premiere maker of some of the most respected AR-15s on the market. The DDM4 V7 is just one of its offerings to earn a favored position with AR lovers. Featuring M-LOK slots along a minimalist Daniel Defense handguard, rubberized cheek rest, and a collapsible stock that rocks into your shoulder for shooting, the gun is feature-filled. While not cheap, the V7 has a quality that more than matches the price point, and you can expect to skip upgrades unless you really want to take it to the next level.

2. FN M4 Carbine

One of FN’s standout offerings, the versatile and reliable FN M4 Carbine has become an icon in the world of firearms. It wasn’t originally designed by FN – those bragging rights belong to Eugene Stoner and Colt after him for advancing the design – but FN put the rifle into the hands of many U.S. soldiers deployed on foreign soil during the last 20 years. We even put together a package deal so you can hit the ground running with your new FN M4.

3. Patriot Ordnance Factory P415 Edge

The POF P415 Edge may look like your average AR-15, but every inch of this rifle has been upgraded. Patriot Ordnance Factory has engineered one of the smoothest and best shooting AR platforms on the market, in part due to its short-stroke gas system. POF makes everything on the Edge except for the stock, pistol grip, and charging handle, so you can expect to shell out close to $2K for a new one – but you can also expect excellent value for your money.

4. LWRCI IC RIFLES

When it comes to high-end, American-made ARs, the LWRCI rifles deliver on every level. These guns are in the upper tier for price, and for a good reason. The Maryland-based company produces variants like the LWRCI IC DI that can include features like fluted barrels, advanced bolt-carrier groups, and light triggers. Accurate and reliable, we’ve tested and even kept the gun for personal use.

5. FN 15 Guardian

FN America makes battle-ready guns trusted by the U.S. military and law enforcement, and now you can own one for under $1,000. The FN 15 Guardian is a light, fast-handling carbine that complements the rest of FN's AR (FN 15) line of rifles at a more entry-level price point than some of the company's other offerings. At an MSRP of $999, the Guardian makes "FN quality accessible to all home defenders and sport shooters," according to a company promo.

6. SMITH & WESSON M&P15 SPORT II

Dropping into the more budget-friendly side of the AR-15 market, Smith & Wesson offers an accessible option with their M&P15 Sport II rifles. While the M&P designation stands for military and police, these rifles are one of the most popular options among civilians. They don’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the more top-tier options, saving you money in the process, but they do offer reliable shooting in a lightweight package. Optics-ready versions also trim off the front sight to better accommodate a scope or red dot. These are consistently among the top sellers here at Guns.com every month.

7. RUGER AR-556

From a brand known to offer value guns at friendly prices, Ruger’s contribution to the AR-15 world includes the more entry-level AR-556 series. This 5.56 NATO-chambered gun differs only slightly from the traditional AR created by Eugene Stoner, keeping just basic controls with little additional flair. After testing it, we can certainly say it is recommended if you are looking for a quintessential AR-15 at a superlative value. Often coming in at a fraction of the price of other ARs on the market, the AR-556 is the value option that still boasts many mil-spec parts and proved capable of achieving 1.86-inch groups at 100 yards with steel-cased ammo from our testing.

8. SPRINGFIELD SAINT

Spend just a few minutes looking around the internet for a quality AR-15, and the name Saint is sure to pop up in your search. Springfield Armory released the Saint back in 2016, and it’s gained a somewhat cult-like following since then. It did that by offering a high-value rifle right out of the box, no add-ons or adjustments required. Even your basic no-extra-frills Saint features a chrome-moly vanadium barrel, mid-length gas system with pinned gas block, and a Melonite-coated bolt-carrier group made from Carpenter 158 Steel. Described by Springfield as “upgraded out of the box,” the Saint delivers value up front.

9. SIG SAUER M400 SDI

SIG Sauer built the M400 SDI X-Series on its M400 DH3 platform, which was designed with the help of elite competition shooter Daniel Horner. The DH3 is quick and capable of precise accuracy, but its design doesn’t lend well to duty use, leading SIG to tailor a new and different tactical rifle in the M400 SDI. This M400 is a Recce (Reconnaissance) style of rifle build, light and capable of reaching longer distances than some of the shorter barrel lengths. This is a great candidate for hunting, taking on long hikes, or serving in a duty/training capacity.

SIG Sauer M400 SDI X-Series Stands Out In AR-15 Crowd