The AR-15 is an incredibly capable and adaptable firearm. With its potential for upgrades and build-outs, an AR-15 base can be used for a range of purposes, from self-defense to big game hunting. But, this adaptability can also make the AR overwhelming for the first-time buyer.

The AR-15 was named for Armalite, the company that created the guns – though it’s a common misconception that the AR stands for Assault Rifle. Now, it’s known as the Modern Sporting Rifle. It was developed in the 1950s, and was revolutionary in its design at that time. It allowed users to change out their upper assemblies, and used advanced materials instead of the wood and steel used for other popular guns at the time. Since then, it’s been adapted for military use as the M16 – many see the AR-15 as America’s rifle.

The AR-15 is a semi-automatic weapon, meaning one bullet is released each time the trigger is pulled. This is different from a fully automatic weapon, which lets out a regular string of bullets when the trigger is held down.

The AR is made of two main components: the lower receiver and the upper receiver. It has a modular design that allows either of these to be swapped out extremely quickly, and many gun owners like to try out different configurations. The upper receiver is responsible for the firearm’s extreme adaptability; switching out the upper makes the AR suitable for a wide variety of uses. The lower holds the trigger mechanism. There are also tons of add-ons that can help you design how your gun looks, feels, and works.

If this is your first AR-15 purchase, it’s best to buy a complete rifle, and hold off on additional upgrades. As you begin to use your rifle, you will figure out what works best for you and what doesn’t. When you’re getting ready to buy your second or third AR-15, then you will have the depth of information you need to build and fully customize your rifle. Until then, stick with the warranty and simplicity of purchasing a standard configuration. You’ll also be able to resell a complete rifle from a great manufacturer at a higher price point than a rifle you designed yourself, if and when you decide to upgrade your purchase.

What Should I Look for In An AR-15?

As with any purchase, look for a reputable manufacturer that adheres to clear, identifiable quality standards. Look into their customer service: if you have a problem with your gun, how will the company help you solve it? You are trusting this company with an investment, so make sure they are worth it.

Then, know your priorities. What do you want this gun to do? Are you purchasing it for home defense or hunting? If hunting, what size game and at what distances? Make sure the base of your firearm is suited for your needs – though you can also increase its efficacy with customizations later.

What’s The Best Barrel Style?

For the AR-15, barrels commonly come in three styles. Each has its pros and cons, and therefore it is up to you to decide which style of barrel meets your needs, preferences, and budget.

The chrome lined barrel is a sleek, hard surface that lasts through many rounds and is slow to rust. If durability is your priority, you will be pleased with the chrome lined barrel and will not have to replace it even after firing many rounds. However, they can be less reliable than other barrel types due to the way the chrome is applied to the barrel itself.

If you are more concerned with accuracy than durability, the stainless steel is incredibly accurate. However, it has a shorter barrel life, and its accuracy deteriorates if you do not replace it.

If you are on a strict budget, the nitride barrel has increased in popularity in recent years, and delivers a strong performance on a budget. They are more durable than the chrome, without its inconsistency.

What About Barrel Chambering?

The barrel chambering determines what ammo your AR-15 can shoot. The most common chamberings are 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington.

Generally, it’s best to get the 5.56 chambering, as it holds up to higher pressures. The 5.56 barrel is able to shoot both 5.56 and .223 ammunition, but the .223 is only able to shoot .223.

How Long Should The Barrel Be?

Your barrel’s length depends on your needs. And it also depends on the law – federal law states that rifle barrels must be at least 16”, so we know that’s your minimum. You can typically get a 16”, 18”, or 20” barrel.

The longer your barrel, the stronger it will be and the faster your bullets come out of the gun. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean better accuracy. It certainly can: a fast-moving bullet is less likely to be impacted by wind or other weather. But this added pressure also means a longer barrel is more likely to move during shooting.

If you’re planning on long-distance shoots, a longer barrel is better – just make sure you are prepared for the extra effort to hold it steady. If a smaller, lighter firearm is right for you, get a shorter barrel.

What’s The Best Gas System?

An AR-15 functions by releasing hot gas behind the bullet and into the gas tube. Most AR’s use a direct impingement gas system, which means the hot gas is forced into the receiver and chamber after firing.

The most important decision to make about your gas system is its length, or the distance to the gas hole. The rifle will eject the shell from a just-fired bullet at different speeds based on the gas system length, which in turn affects how quickly the rifle can eject a new bullet. System options are carbine, mid-length, or rifle length.

The carbine length system extracts the case the fastest. However, because the gas hole is closer to the barrel, it is also working under an extraordinary amount of pressure, and the extraction process is more difficult. This is also the smallest and lightest option.

The mid-length system was made for a 16-inch barrel in mind. It has to fight against less pressure than the carbine, because the gas is tapped farther down the barrel. But, this also means that the extraction is slightly slower. This option splits the difference between mid-length and rifle, and has a longer sight radius.

The rifle length system typically goes on 18-20 inch barrels, and has the lowest pressure of the three. This system is highly reliable.

All three systems are functional, but the rifle length has the fewest problems. If you want the efficiency of the carbine length system, you may have to replace its parts more frequently.

Best AR-15 Rifles

There’s a lot to consider when buying an AR-15, and we’ve just gone through a lot of information. The choices and variability are part of what people love about the AR-15 – so don’t let it overwhelm you! Just start out with a well-made gun, optimized based on the criteria above for your unique needs. There will be plenty of time to upgrade and customize as you get to know your firearm and determine how you’re really using it.

We’ve compiled a list of the best AR-15 rifles. Any of these will get you set with a durable, accurate firearm.

Daniel Defense DDM4

Daniel Defense rifles are some of the best in the market, and are very popular in the United States. The V7 has a chrome-lined, 16” barrel with a mid-length gas system. This is one of the company’s top products, offering a flared magazine well, safety that works for both right- and left-handed shooters, and an enlarged trigger guard.

Anderson M4 Rifle

The Anderson has a 16” barrel with a carbine length system. They offer an affordable rifle that makes for a great first purchase for someone curious about the AR-15. Anderson makes most of their components in-house, allowing them to control costs without sacrificing quality.

FN 15 Rifle

For a classic feel and incredible accuracy, go for the FN 15 Rifle. This rifle has a 20” chrome-lined barrel and a removable carrying handle. The FN 15 is known for its excellent range, smooth fit and finish, and straight-forward but high quality features

Mossberg MMR Rifle

If you’re shooting big game, Mossberg is a great choice. Their MMR Pro is chambered for the .224 Valkyrie, the best bullet available for big game. This rifle has a slim profile that works well on the go or for home defense.

LMT Rifle

LMT provides firearms to the armies of England and New Zealand, so they must be doing something right. The LMT CQB rifle has a 16” barrel and sports an innovative monolithic upper barrel – the only patented monolithic barrel available. This means two components that are usual separate on the upper barrel are fused into one, making them even more modular than a typical AR.