10 Best AR 15 Rifles For Hunting
A hunting adventure becomes more fun only if you can hunt down the target with ease. One tool to help you do this is a rifle; not just any rifle, but the best AR 15 rifle. Even though they have been vilified to some extent for being used for the wrong purposes, AR rifles still remain among the best tools you can use in your hunting expedition.
A good AR 15 rifle should be lightweight yet strong and have reduced stiffness. It should also have an easy-to-use design and be capable of aiming accurately at long-range targets. We have compiled an article reviewing 10 of the best AR 15 rifles there are in the market to make it easier for you to find the right one.
Best AR 15 Rifles FAQs
We answered basic questions you might have in the process of finding yourself the best AR 15 rifle for your home defense or long-range shooting adventure.
1. What Is an AR 15 Rifle?
This is a lightweight and semi-automatic firearm built using the ArmaLite Rifle (AR)-15 design.
2. What Does an AR 15 Rifle Do?
An AR-15 rifle has a long barrel with a helical groove pattern, designed for long-range accurate shooting. For stability, the rifle is held with both hands against the shoulder during shooting
3. How Does an AR 15 Rifle Work?
When you pull the trigger, the firing pin strikes the primer to produce a spark. The spark kindles the gunpowder which burns to create an explosive that drives the bullet out of the cartridge through the barrel at a high speed.
4. Where Can I Buy the Best AR 15 Rifle Model?
If you want to order online, you can visit the Bronells or the Cabelas website. They have the best AR 15 rifle models you can find in the market.
5. How Many Times Can an AR 15 Rifle Fire?
An AR 15 rifle features a gas tube which enables it to shoot as a semi-automatic. Most average shooters can get off between 30 and 50 rounds in a minute if firing continously; however in practical situations this is rare, especially given the need to reload. Expect rates of around 20 shots a minute unless you're a practiced expert on a range.
How We Reviewed
In our extensive research, we looked into different AR 15 rifle models before we could pick the best 10 that stood out. We analyzed their features, pros & cons, pricing, their weight, and where best you can buy them. We also went to the extent of experimenting with some of these to get relevant results of their performance. Our aim was to gather unbiased results to make it easier for you in picking the best AR 15 rifle to suits your needs.
Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)
Based on the prices of the AR 15 rifles we have reviewed, the best models appear to range from $$ to $$$. This price range can be attributed to different aspects such as custom construction and additional features which other rifles do not have. The highly priced rifles are designed for maximum accuracy, they have a longer shooting range and they are versatile and highly durable.
What We Reviewed
- Aero Precision AC-15 Mid-Length Rifle
- Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 ORC Optic-Ready Semiautomatic Tactical Rifle
- Armalite M-15 A4
- Daniel Defense V7
- SIG Sauer® M400 Enhanced Series Semiautomatic Tactical Rifles
- Smith & Wesson® M&P® 15 MOE SL® MID Semiautomatic Tactical Rifles
- WINDHAM WEAPONRY - R16M4FTT-C1
- DDM4®V11® LW
- FN 15 Tactical II
- Ruger AR-556
Comparison Table
Products | Weight | Price | Site |
|---|---|---|---|
Aero Precision AC-15 Mid-Length Rifle  | 6.25 lbs | $$ | |
Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 ORC Optic-Ready Semiautomatic Tactical Rifle  | 6.3 lbs | $$ | |
Armalite M-15 A4  | 6.1 pounds | $$ | |
Daniel Defense V7  | 6.2 lbs | $$$ | |
SIG Sauer® M400 Enhanced Series Semiautomatic Tactical Rifles  | 6.5 lbs | $$$ to $$$ | |
Smith & Wesson® M&P® 15 MOE SL® MID Semiautomatic Tactical Rifles  | 6.75 lbs | $$$ | |
WINDHAM WEAPONRY - R16M4FTT-C1  | 5.85 lbs | $$ | |
DDM4®V11® LW  | 6.15 lbs | $$$ | |
FN 15 Tactical II  | 6.6 lbs | $$$ | |
Ruger AR-556  | 6.5 lbs | $$ |
Aero Precision AC-15 Mid-Length Rifle
PRICE
This product can be found on brownells.com for around $$.
WEIGHT
The rifle weighs 6.25 lbs.
WHERE TO BUY
FEATURES
This is one of the best AR 15 rifles for first-time shooters as it is very secure. It also has bells and whistles that are found on the expensive models, thus making it the best affordable choice. The rifle features an ergonomically designed 6-inch barrel that has a nitride finish both inside and out. It has a drop-in handguard and a mil-spec trigger which boosts its accuracy.
Other important features include an A2 flash hider, an A2 pistol grip, an F-marked front sight post, and an M4 collapsible buttstock. It has an upper and lower receiver both made from high-quality aluminum and a tension screw that allows for a good fit between the receivers. All these features make this rifle the best at what it does.
PROS
CONS
Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 ORC Optic-Ready Semiautomatic Tactical Rifle
PRICE
This product can be found on cabelas.com. for approximately $$.
WEIGHT
The gun weighs 6.3lbs
WHERE TO BUY
FEATURES
Anderson Manufacturing Company has been known to produce the best AR 15 rifles. As the name suggests, this rifle has an optics-ready semiautomatic design with a 16-inch Chromoly-vanadium M4 barrel. The stainless steel trigger and hammer makes the gun reliable. The gun is equipped with an A2 handguard, a 30-round magazine, six-position adjustable buttstock, and a standard height rail.
PROS
CONS
Armalite M-15 A4
PRICE
This product can be found on cabelas.com for around $$.
WEIGHT
The gun weighs 6.1 pounds.
WHERE TO BUY
FEATURES
This rifle features a forged flat-top receiver and a gas block. It is one of the best AR 15 rifles since it is equipped with Mil-std 1913 rails you can modify to suit your needs. It boasts a double-lapped chrome-lined chrome moly barrel with a strong manganese finish for maximum durability. It includes a six-position collapsible buttstock and a detachable 10- or 30-round magazine.
PROS
CONS
Daniel Defense V7
PRICE
This rifle can be found on brownells.com for around $$$.
WEIGHT
The rifle weighs 6.2 lbs.
WHERE TO BUY
FEATURES
This is the first gun in the DDM4 category that has been built using the M-LOK technology. It is one of the best AR 15 rifles in the market. It features a DD improved flash suppressor which reduces flash signature. In addition, the mid-length system guarantees reliable cycling and works well to reduce recoil and friction on the moving parts.
PROS
CONS
SIG Sauer® M400 Enhanced Series Semiautomatic Tactical Rifles
PRICE
This series of rifles range from $$$ to $$$ on cabelas.com.
WEIGHT
It weighs 6.5lbs
WHERE TO BUY
FEATURES
This rifle has been made to meet all the strict military and law enforcement values. It has a 16-inch nitride barrel that is corrosion-free and has a 1:7 twist rate. They feature a direct-gas operating system that has a rotating locking bolt. Its 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum forged lower receiver makes it the best AR 15 for durability and reliability. The rifle comes with a 30-round Magpul forend, a grip, a rear sight, and a collapsible stock.
PROS
CONS
Smith & Wesson® M&P® 15 MOE SL® MID Semiautomatic Tactical Rifles
PRICE
The rifle can be found on cabelas.com for approximately $$$.
WEIGHT
The rifle weighs 6.75 pounds.
WHERE TO BUY
FEATURES
These are the best AR 15 modern rifles. They can perform multiple functions under various conditions. They feature a corrosion resistant 16-inch barrel and a 5R rifling with a 1:8 twist rate. They also have a mil-spec stock grip and a mid-length handguard that make them comfortable to hold. Other important features that boost performance include a Magpul lower receiver, a flash suppressor, rear sight and a 30-round magazine.
PROS
CONS
WINDHAM WEAPONRY - R16M4FTT-C1
PRICE
This product can be found on brownells.com for around $$.
WEIGHT
The rifle weighs 5.85lbs.
WHERE TO BUY
FEATURES
This is one of the best AR 15 rifles thanks to its high-quality construction from qualified Weaponry manufacturers. The gun boasts a 16-inch barrel with a corrosion-free matte black finish. It is a secure and comfortable tool to use since its handle design guarantees a firm grip. It also boasts a 30+1-round removable magazine, a suppressor, and a Magpul lower receiver that guarantee high performance.
PROS
CONS
DDM4®V11® LW
PRICE
This product can be found on danieldefense.com for around $$$.
WEIGHT
This product weighs 6.15lbs.
WHERE TO BUY
FEATURES
For those shooters fond of the KeyMod System handguard performance, this the best AR 15 for you. The rifle features a lightweight SLiM Rail 15.0 which is strong and best-performing. Its mid-length gas system has a smoother recoil impulse that allows for accurate shooting. The rifle is equipped with a 16-inch barrel, a cold hammer forged and free floating.
PROS
CONS
FN 15 Tactical II
PRICE
This product can be found on brownells.com for around $$$.
WEIGHT
The rifle weighs 6.6lbs
WHERE TO BUY
FEATURES
This is one of the best AR 15 models by FN Company. It features a 14.7-inch cold hammer forged barrel for maximum durability and incredible performance. The rail is lightweight, and it features a modest locking and alignment system. In addition, the rifle has multiple M-LOK sections that will allow you to attach accessories.
PROS
CONS
Ruger AR-556
PRICE
This product can be found on brownells.com for around $$.
WEIGHT
The rifle weighs 6.5lbs.
WHERE TO BUY
FEATURES
This rifle features a front sight post that has a disconnect hole. It boasts a cold hammer forged steel barrel that is 16.1 inches long with a phosphate finish. It has a 1:8 twist range and feed ramps. The upper and lower receivers are aluminum-made with the lower receiver featuring a flared magazine. Other features that make it the best AR 15 are the rear sight and a 30-round magazine.
PROS
CONS
The Verdict
Apart from hunting, there are several other ways that the best AR 15 rifle can be put to use. For instance, some are used for home defense while others for military operations. You can buy an AR 15 rifle or build your own. For beginners, however, we recommend that you buy one to avoid a lot of inconveniences and to first get acquitted with the best configuration that suits you.
Before you purchase an AR 15 rifle, there are several factors to put in mind. For example, look at the durability of the barrel material, shoot-ability which incorporates both the range and accuracy, and the barrel length which determines speed. Based on our research, the Aero Precision AC-15 Mid-Length is the best AR 15 rifle. This rifle has the best design that makes it comfortable, it is accurate with a long shooting range and even though it is affordable, it has features incorporated in the most expensive models.
