5 Best AR-15 Rifles

The AR-gun 15 is arguably the most controversial produced in the world today due to its use in mass shootings across the globe. However, the AR-15 style rifle is the most versatile and effective rifle for personal protection and home defense.

Every American soldier has carried either an M-16 or M4 since Vietnam because it has capabilities to shoot from distances up to 500 yards (point target) and still can be used in Close-Quarters-Combat (CQB) operations.

5 Best AR15 Rifles [2022 REVIEW]
It’s like where’s Waldo, but with guns. (Photo: Clandestine Media Group)
I wanted to rate each of these guns based on the quality of parts, effectiveness, versatility, and customization capability. Our picks for the best AR15 rifles (in no particular order) are Daniel Defense M4 V7, Colt Enhanced Patrol Rifle, FN15, Maxim Defense MD15, and the S&W M&P 15 Sport II.

Best AR15 Rifle Summary

Daniel Defense M4 V7High-End AR15 Rifle
Colt Enhanced Patrol RifleGreat for Law Enforcement
FN America FN15A Proven Classic
Maxim Defense MD15Another High-End AR15 Rifle$1,308.99 at Guns.com
Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport IIGood Quality Budget AR15 Rifle

RELATED – Best Budget AR-15 Under $800: Faxon Firearms

Daniel Defense M4 V7

Daniel Defense is one of the most premier rifle manufacturers in the world because it incorporates the best technology and the most expensive parts for a rifle. The features that stand out for the Daniel Defense M4 V7 are the KeyMod System, which is built into the SLiM Rail System.  The KeyMod system allows you to lock-in accessories, such as slings, lasers, lights, tactical forend grips, and anything else you could ever ask for without added tools.

The SLiM Rail reduces the weight of the rifle and improves the ergonomics by allowing the operator to have their hand close to the muzzle for a more precise transition between targets. The V7 is built with an ambidextrous Grip-N-Rip Charging handle is built to redirect gas flow upwards and away from the face of the shooter.

DANIEL DEFENSE M4 CARBINE V7

$2,118.99
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing

Specs

  • Caliber: .223 Rem 5.56mm
  • Muzzle Thread: ½ x 28
  • Gas System: Mid-Length
  • Barrel Length: 16"
  • Barrel Profile: Light Weight
  • Barrel Finish: cold hammer forged
  • Twist: 1/7
  • Chrome Lined Barrel: Yes
  • Buffer: H Buffer
  • BCG: Mil-Spec, MP Tested, Chrome Lined, M16 Profile
  • Handguard: Free Floating MFR XS
  • Sights: Not Included
  • Overall Weight: 6.2 lbs
  • Overall Length: 32 ¼" – 35 7/8"

 

Colt Enhanced Patrol Rifle

The Colt Enhanced Patrol Rifle (EPR) is the next evolution in the world’s most dependable, thoroughly field-tested patrol rifle. Featuring an extended handguard that accepts modular rail segments for mounting a wide variety of pro-grade optics, lighting, and ergonomics-enhancing accessories, as well as the highly durable Magpul MBUS Pro Series front and rear back up sights and B5 Bravo buttstock. The Colt EPR reestablishes the Colt AR-15 as the finest tool for local, regional, and national law enforcement agencies.

COLT MFG ENHANCED PATROL RIFLE

$1,360.99
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing

Colt’s reliability, performance, and accuracy provide our Armed Forces with the confidence required to accomplish any mission.

Specs

  • MODEL: Enhanced Patrol Rifle
  • CALIBER: 223 Rem | 5.56 NATO
  • FINISH: Matte Black
  • STOCK: Collapsible / Folding Stock
  • STOCK/GRIPS: Bravo B5 Buttstock
  • BARREL: 16.1"
  • OVERALL LENGTH: 32.0" – 35.5"
  • RATE-OF-TWIST: 1-in-7
  • CAPACITY 30 + 1
  • SIGHTS: MagPul MBUS
  • SIGHT TYPE: Adjustable Sights
  • WEIGHT: 6.6 lbs.
  • SAFETY FEATURES: Ambidextrous Safety Selector
  • RECEIVER: Matte Black
  • HANDGUARD: M-LOK Capable Handguard

FN Herstal FN15 Carbine

The FN 15 Tactical Carbine offers the same performance as the FN 15 series with an enhanced MIL-SPEC lower receiver, and a legendary match-grade, free-floating, chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged barrel for extreme durability and performance. It maintains the distinguishing features of the FN 15 Tactical series such as the A2 Compensator, mid-length direct impingement gas system, H1 buffer for recoil reduction, and B5 Systems buttstock and grip. The FN 15 Tactical uses FN’s combat trigger, has a forward assist, an ergonomic safety lever, and a magazine release. This black model features black furniture, handguard, and receivers. FN 15 Tactical includes a 30-round Pmag magazine.

FN 15 TAC3

$1,620.99
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing

For those who want the newest version of this battle classic with the accuracy and reliability of FN, look no further than the FN 15™ Carbine.

Specs

  • MANUFACTURER: FN
  • MODEL: FN 15 Carbine M-Lok
  • ACTION: Semi-Auto
  • CALIBER: 223 Rem | 5.56 NATO
  • FINISH: Matte Black
  • STOCK: Collapsible / Folding Stock
  • STOCK/GRIPS: A2 Buttstock
  • BARREL: 16"
  • OVERALL LENGTH: 31.9" – 35.2"
  • RATE-OF-TWIST: 1-in-7"
  • CAPACITY: 30 + 1
  • SIGHTS: A2 Front | Peep Rear
  • THREAD PATTERN: 1/2×28
  • WEIGHT: 6.5 lbs.
  • SAFETY FEATURES: Two Position Thumb Safety
  • HANDGUARD: MOE M-Lok Hand Guard
  • MUZZLE: A2 -Style Compensator

What is a Timney Competition Trigger?

A Timney Competitive Trigger is arguably the best aftermarket trigger you can install on your AR-15 rifle. It offers no creep with an adjustable trigger pull weight from 2-4 lbs depending on the purpose of use. There is no doubt in my mind that you’ll be more accurate with a Timney trigger than you will with any factory trigger. This is due to the EDM machine that builds all Timney triggers from S7 steel, which was chosen because it’s incredibly hard and durable and will not chip or break during heavy use. One of the great features of Timney triggers is its ability to be installed without extra tools.

 

Timney AR-15 Small Pin Solid 3 lb. Competition Trigger - 667S

 

 

Buy Here

 

Maxim Defense MD15

If you’re looking for Maxim Defense ingenuity in a standard AR-15 package, the MD-15 is your answer. The MD-15 was engineered to fit the growing demand for reliable, accurate and affordable AR15 style rifles for today’s Law Enforcement Patrol Officers.

MAXIM DEFENSE MD15

$1,308.99
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing

Starting at the muzzle, each MD-15 is equipped with the patented Maxim HATEBRAKE™ which reduces recoil, decreases flash signature, pushes gasses and concussion wave downrange away from the operator, and improves overall performance in short barrel pistols and rifles. For increased comfort and versatility every MD-15 features our free-floating Slimline Handguard. These handguards provide a monolithic-like upper receiver platform and M-Slot compatibility on five sides

Specs

  • Caliber: 5.56X45MM NATO
  • Action: SEMI AUTO
  • Barrel Length: 10.3" BARREL
  • Weight: 7 LBS.

 

Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II

The Smith & Wesson® M&P15 Sport is one of the easiest shooting and most affordable AR-15 model rifles on the market. It’s built with a full Picatinny Rail system and a 3-lug gas block for optics or aftermarket iron sights. S&W built this rifle around the corrosion-resistant 16" barrel with Armornite finish to last, with a lifetime guarantee.

SMITH & WESSON M&P15 SPORT II

$725.99
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing

The inner parts of the rifle, such as the gas key, bolt carrier, and firing pin are all chromed out for easy clean-up and added reliability versus aluminum. They even built this rifle with a forward assist button to ensure you can fix a malfunction if one arises in rapid time. This is the cheapest rifle on this list and one of my favorites to shoot around the range because it has no recoil and is accurate at any range closer than 600 yards.

Specs

  • Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/.223
  • Capacity: 30
  • Safety: Manual Safety on Lower
  • Barrel Length: 16"
  • Overall Length: 35.0"
  • Front Sight: Adj. A2 Post
  • Rear Sight: Folding Magpul (MBUS)
  • Action: Gas Operated Semi-Auto
  • Stock: 6-Position CAR
  • Grip: Polymer
  • Weight: 103.2 oz / 2,925.7g
  • Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
  • Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
  • Frame Finish:Matte Black
  • Barrel Twist: 1 in 9, 6 groove

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