The AR 15 happens to be one of the most popular choices of sporting rifles. They are often used by civilians because they closely resemble the M4’s and the M16’s that are used by the US Military. However, an AR 15 for civilians is only a semi-automatic rifle when you begin to compare it to the more powerful guns that the military uses.
With its many different features and its design, the AR 15 offers improved shooting ability with its front and rear sight, charging handle, forward assist, buttstock, pistol grip, trigger, magazine, handguard, and vertical foregrip.
It is very easy and comfortable to handle and shoot due to its ergonomics in the design and has a light recoil as well when you use the more native rounds.
The AR 15 has a very modular design that consists of two different segments. These segments are known as the lower receiver, and the upper receiver and these two segments can easily and quickly be switched out if you want.
AR stands for Armalite and not Assault Rifle like many have come to believe. The gun was sold by Armalite to Colt in the year 1959.
The following are just a few of the best AR 15’s you can currently purchase:
Smith & Wesson M&P Sport II, Semi-Automatic
The Smith & Wesson M&P Sport is a semi-automatic gun, 5.56x45mm, 16” barrel, and 30+1 rounds. It has an armornite corrosion-resistant finish and collapsible stock. It is a lightweight gun that can be used for long distance and is very easy to use and to accessorize to make it your own. It was designed for its outstanding performance and precision accuracy and is the ideal option for hunters, competitive shooters, and all types of firearm enthusiasts.
Price: Retails for under $$
Features
- The finish is both durable and corrosion resistant
- The stock is adjustable
- Has forward assist
- Dust cover
- Star safety
- Polymer pistol grip
- Overall length of 35-inches
- Overall weight is 6.45 pounds
Colt LE6920 Semi-Automatic Tactical Rifle
The Colt LE6920 is a semi-automatic tactical rifle that features an M4 chrome lined barrel, a muzzle compensator to lessen muzzle raise, and a direct gas system action with locking bolt for reliable feeding. The ammo choices you face are almost limitless with this design and these features also allow for improved accuracy and reliability. Colt is a company known for its reliability, performance, and accuracy so you can purchase this tactical rifle with confidence.
Price: Retails for under $$$
Features
- 5.56×45 NATO cal.
- 30+1 capacity
- Black hardcoat anodized finish
- Chrome lined barrel
- Overall length is 32-35.5-inches
- Overall weight is when unloaded is 6.29 pounds
- Single stage trigger type
- A2 fixed front sight
Stag 15L M4
The Stag 15L M4 is a left-handed design rifle made from durable and high-quality materials and has made to mil-spec standards. This gun also carries an Infinite Shot Barrel Guarantee and comes with a magazine and rifle case. There are also other customization features available if you would like to add to the gun. It is a semi-automatic with a detachable carry handle and has a thirty-round capacity.
Price: Retails for under $$
Features
- Overall weight is 6.75 pounds
- Length is 32.25-inches when collapsed, and 35.5-inches extended
- 5.56 NATO caliber
- 1/7 Button Rifled twist rate
- A2 flash hider
- 16-inch chrome lined barrel
- Manganese phosphate coating
- Handguard is thermoplastic with double heat shields
- Carbine length gas system with A2 front post
- Left-handed safety selector
Ruger AR 15 Rifle
The Ruger AR 15 is a semi-automatic rifle with 5.56 NATO caliber and a 30+1 shot capacity. The finish of this rifle is a Cerekote Barrett Brown and features Davidsons Exclusive and FDE Cerakote Components. It is an AR-556 autoloading rifle with a milled gas block at a carbine length or M4 position. It also features multiple attachment points, and the handguards are made from a heat-resistant glass-filled nylon material.
Price: Retails for under $$
Features
- A 16.1-inch barrel length
- 5.56 NATO caliber
- Black finish
- A2 Style F Height
- Angled face of gas block provides a low glare surface
- Adjustable Ruger Rapid Deploy Rear Sight
- Adjustable Post Front Sight
- Collapsible Black Synthetic Stock
Aero AC-15M Mid-Length Complete Rifle
The Aero AC- 15M rifle has a 16-inch barrel length, a matte blue finish, and a removable magazine. It is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and uses only quality components for a proper assembly. It features a mid-length gas and barrel system with a 1:7 twist barrel with M4 feed ramps. The barrel also includes pinned front sight base and front sight components. This rifle has a direct impingement action type.
Price: Retails for under $$
Features
- Overall weight is 6.25 pounds
- Overall length is 32-inches
- Polymer stock material
- Flash suppressor muzzle
- Upper includes standard carbine polymer handguards
- Treated with a corrosive resistant finish
- Installed A2 flash hider
- High pressure tested, and particle inspected
- Flared mag well and upper tension screw on the lower receiver
- Standard AR 15 lower parts kit
- Matte black hard anodized finish
Final Thoughts
There are many options available to you if you are considering purchasing an AR 15. They are highly customizable guns, so you are able to design the perfect one for you. They are ideal for when you are a sport shooter or even a competitive shooter because you can customize it to fit you well and they are incredibly accurate and precise rifles.
If you purchase a complete AR 15 then you will have the peace of mind knowing that it will most likely carry a manufacturer’s warranty so if you experience any problems, they can help you return the gun. You can also purchase a complete AR 15 from a reputable online dealer or gun shop so that you can be out at the range quicker.
However, keep in mind the extensive amount of options that are available if you choose to build it yourself. You will be able to incorporate any upgrades you want, and you can make it as comfortable as you need it to be whether it is just finding a better fitting pistol grip, or choosing a modified trigger guard.
Building your own also means that you will get to know your rifle very well and will be able to better understand and maintain all of its components.
If this is your first AR 15, however, it is recommended that you start out with a complete rifle, and save the kits for your second or third once you get more comfortable with the rifle in general.
