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[Ultimate Resource] AR Rifle Reviews

You can find a comprehensive AR guide which covers everything from upgrades to building your own AR-15 over HERE.

On this page, you'll find all our self-tested gun & gear reviews on everything AR related. Think of us as your gun-obsessed buddy who's giving you their best recommendations.

Start Here - Best Ofs

13 Best AR-15s: Ultimate Hands-On Guide

Want to find the best AR-15 for you? We start with how they work and important specs. Then we cover the best brands/models for all budgets.

6 Best AR-10s: Complete Buyer's Guide

The AR-10 is a grownup version of the AR-15. It's bigger, meaner, and louder. We'll show you the best AR-10s out there across all budgets.

Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics: Red Dots to Magnified

Find the best AR-15 scopes & optics for your budget and use. From red dots to magnifiers, prisms, holographic, and scopes.

Best AR-15 Upgrades: Triggers, Brakes, Handguards, BCGs & More

Find out the best AR-15 upgrades across the entire platform and different budgets. Learn why we chose each item and how they perform in our test builds.

Best AR-15 Ammo (5.56/.223) of 2024: Range & Defense

Find out the best ammo for your AR-15 for range plinking or home defense. We'll cover cheap FMJ rounds, Green Tip, and even hollow points for self-defense.

Best AR-15 Pistols of 2024 [Complete & Build List]

Want to build or buy an AR-15 pistol? We cover the legality, best individual parts, our go-to complete builds, and best pistol uppers.

Featureless AR-15 Rifles [California Build Guide]

Quickly learn what makes a rifle "featureless," how to build a featureless AR-15, the benefits, and top mods for grips, stocks, and muzzle devices.

Best AR-15 Furniture & Accessories

Find the best AR-15 furniture and accessories to make your rifle perfect for your end-use -- from buttstocks, handguards, grips, slings, bipods, and more.

Best AR-15 Flashlights 2024 [Real Views]

We hands-on test some of the most popular AR-15 flashlights. Complete with tons of pictures, beam patterns, mounting options, and more.

6 Best AR-15 Muzzle Brakes & Compensators [Hands-On]

Want less recoil and vertical movement? We hands-on test some of the best muzzle brakes for recoil reduction, side blast, sound levels, and reticle movement.

Best AR-15 Complete Upper Receivers 2024 [Tested]

Our favorite complete AR-15 upper receiver picks for general purpose, short barrel, pinned, and lightweight builds.

12 Best AR-15 Stocks of 2024 [Hands-On]: Adjustable, Light, Precision

Want to find the perfect AR-15 buttstock? We tested 12 of the most popular and choose our favorite ones for your different builds and budgets.

8 Best AR-15 Flash Hiders

Don't want to be blinded by your AR-15? We go over how flash hiders work, how to pick one, and the best ones out there.

Best AR-15 Handguards [Hands-On]: Free-Float & Drop-In

Looking for the best AR-15 handguard for your purpose and budget? We cover free-floating and drop-in versions...and even some cutting-edge carbon fiber variants.

Best AR-15 Charging Handles of 2024 [Hands-On]

There are dozens of AR-15 charging handles out there. We hands-on tested almost all of them and chose our favorites for specific AR build needs.

[Best AR-15 Builds]: CA Featureless Home Defense

In gun-restricted California but still want an AR-15 for home defense? This is one of our go-to featureless builds.

Best AR-15 Calibers & Conversion Kits: 5.56 No More

Want something other than 5.56 in your AR? We go over the best calibers and their conversion kits to make your AR feel like a new gun.

8 Best AR-15 & AK Pistol Braces [Hands-On & Video]

Not sure which pistol brace to get...or the legalities? We cover the top choices for AR-15 and AK braces with an emphasis on price and usability.

Best AR-15 Bolt Carrier Groups (BCG) of 2024

We tested the best-in-class bolt carrier groups (BCGs) for mil-spec, low-mass, slick coatings, exotic materials, and more.

Best AR-15 Magazines of 2024: Standard, High-Capacity, 10-Round

If you're a new AR-15 owner, or an old hand looking for recommendations, here's everything you need to know about picking the perfect entry-level mags.

7 Best AR-15 Lasers [Hands-On]: Budget to Pro

Want the fastest acquisition in low light? We hands-on review the most popular green & red lasers for brightness, zero, ergonomics, price, and more.

Best AR-15 Lower Receivers 2024: Budget to Baller

So many AR-15 lower receivers out there...We cover our top picks of the best lowers across budgets, materials, & end-use.

8 Best AR-15 Stripped Upper Receivers

Not sure what AR-15 stripped upper receiver to get? We go through our personal go-to mil-spec receiver, lightweight, and just plain cool options.

Best AR-15 Barrels & Manufacturers [Hands-On]

Looking for the best AR-15 barrels? We cover our favorite manufacturers that we use in our own builds. Plus specific barrel models to suit your end purpose.

Best AR-15s for Precision Long Range Shooting

Want an AR-15 that really reaches out there? These are our top picks for precision long range shooting rifles in the AR-15 platform.

AR-15 Reviews

[Review] Aero Precision Upper M4E1 16” 5.56 Mid-Length

Find out why the Aero M4E1 is the best "bang for the buck" rifle with our in-depth review on look/feel, reliability, upgrades, accuracy, and more.

[Review] Sig Sauer M400 Tread AR-15: A Cut Above

Looking for a great AR-15 that's a cut above budget starter rifles? We hands-on test Sig's M400 Tread for reliability, accuracy, worth-it-ness, and more.

[Review] Palmetto State Armory (PSA) AR-15 Review

Is PSA worth it? We test three rifles over many years and many rounds...we review their fit, finish, accuracy, reliability, and more.

[Review] PWS Diablo (MK107): 7" AR-15 Piston Goodness

Does going super short make sense with a piston? We hands-on test the PWS Diablo for reliability, accuracy, shootability, and more...with pics and video!

[Review] BCM Recce-16 MCMR: Workhorse AR

BCM has a stellar reputation. See if their Recce-16 AR-15 deserves it. We hands-on review it for reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, looks, and more.

Featureless AR-15 Rifles [California Build Guide]

Quickly learn what makes a rifle "featureless," how to build a featureless AR-15, the benefits, and top mods for grips, stocks, and muzzle devices.

[Review+Video] Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW (.300 BLK): Ultimate Shorty

Ready to buy once, cry once? We hands-on review the Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW in .300 BLK from reliability to accuracy, trigger, and worth-it-ness.

[Review+Video] Smith & Wesson M&P Sport II

One of our most recommended starter AR-15s, we hands-on review the Smith & Wesson M&P Sport II for reliability, accuracy, bang-for-the-buckness, and more.

[Review+Video] FN 15 Patrol Carbine: Classic Excellence

Looking for a classic AR-15 from one of the top manufacturers? We hands-on review the FN 15 Patrol Carbine from reliability to price, accuracy, and more.

[Review] Lead Star Grunt AR-15: No Upgrades Needed

Looking for an AR-15 that doesn't need any upgrades out of the box? And is still affordable? We hands-on review the Lead Star Grunt that does both.

3-Gun Ready: Best Out of the Box AR-15s

Building your own AR-15 for 3-Gun can be daunting. Here's our favorite out-of-the-box best AR-15's for 3-Gun competition across all price points.

Springfield Saint Victor Review: Best Sub-$1000 AR-15?

AR-15s are a dime a dozen. But the Springfield Saint Victor packs tons of upgrades in a well-built and light package that makes it a deal at under $1000.

[Review] Ruger AR-556 Pistol: Compact Value

Looking for a reliable and compact AR-15 pistol from a trusted manufacturer? We hands-on review Ruger's AR-556 pistol for all that and more.

CMMG Banshee 10mm Review: Runs Like a Scalded Dog

Wooo, an AR-15 pistol in 10mm! We hands-on test CMMG's new Banshee in 10mm for reliability, looks, accuracy, recoil, and more.

[Review] Palmetto State Armory (PSA) 9mm PX-9

Looking for a cost-effective and reliable 9mm AR-15? We review Palmetto State Armory's PX-9 lower and 16" 9mm upper for reliability, accuracy, and more.

[Review] LWRCI DI & IC-SPR: Direct Impingement vs Piston

Looking at getting an LWRCI AR-15? We hands-on review both the DI and IC-SPR for reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, value, and more.

[Review] Palmetto State Armory KS-47 Gen 2: Hands-On

Looking for the perfect lovechild of an AR-15 and AK-47? The KS-47 from PSA brings you 7.62x39 goodness in the AR platform. See how it fares in our testing.

[Review] PWS Diablo (MK107): 7" AR-15 Piston Goodness

Does going super short make sense with a piston? We hands-on test the PWS Diablo for reliability, accuracy, shootability, and more...with pics and video!

AR-10 Reviews

[Review] Aero Precision M5E1 .308 Complete Rifle

Ready to upgrade to big boy .308 AR-10's? We review Aero Precision's M5E1 rifle from reliability, to fit & feel, accuracy, and bang-for-the-buck value.

PSA AR-10 Gen 3 (PA10) Review: Hands-On

A great .308 AR-10 for $600? We review Palmetto State Armory's AR-10 for reliability, accuracy, fit, & feel. Plus video of us hitting 600 yards easy!

[Review] Brownells BRN-10 (Retro AR-10)

Looking at an AR-10...with a retro feel? We hands-on review Brownell's BRN-10 for accuracy, reliability, customization, looks, worth-it-ness and more.

[Review+Video] Daniel Defense DD5 V4 AR-10: Reach Out In Style

Looking for a top-shelf AR-10? We hands-on review the $2500 Daniel Defense DD5 V4 for accuracy, reliability, looks, ergonomics, worth-it-ness and more.

[Review+Video] Sig Sauer 716i Tread: Kick Ass AR-10

Looking for a super reliable and accurate AR-10 out of the box? We hands-on review the Sig Sauer 716i Tread to see if it has the right stuff.

4 Best AR-10 Stocks [Hands-On Tested]

Want the most accurate AR-10? You'll want the best stock which has heft, adjustability, and a repeatable cheekweld. Here's our hands-on picks.

AR-10 vs AR-15: [What's Best For You?]

The AR-15 and AR-10 rifles are two of the most popular and successful rifles in history. Find out the differences, pros/cons, and what's best for you.

[Review] Springfield Saint Victor AR-10 Pistol: Pint-Sized .308

Need a super compact .308 AR platform? The Springfield Saint VIctor Pistol might be it. We hands-on review it for reliability, accuracy, recoil, and more.

6 Best AR-10s: Complete Buyer's Guide

The AR-10 is a grownup version of the AR-15. It's bigger, meaner, and louder. We'll show you the best AR-10s out there across all budgets.

4 Best AR-10 Stocks [Hands-On Tested]

Want the most accurate AR-10? You'll want the best stock which has heft, adjustability, and a repeatable cheekweld. Here's our hands-on picks.

Best AR-10 Barrels: AR-10 Barrel Guide

Looking to build a new AR-10? We cover the different patterns, interchaneability with the AR-15, and our favorite AR-10 barrels for accuracy and budget.

[Review] Brownells BRN-10 (Retro AR-10)

Looking at an AR-10...with a retro feel? We hands-on review Brownell's BRN-10 for accuracy, reliability, customization, looks, worth-it-ness and more.

Palmetto State Amory (PSA) 6.5 Creedmoor Review

Supersonic at 1200 yards...the 6.5 Creedmoor round rocks. We review PSA's AR-10 version with 5 loads from 100 to 1250 yards. Plus tons of pics and videos.

Best AR-10 Lowers For Your Next Build

Building an AR-10 is a great way to get a great gun that shoots big bullets for a (relatively) small amount of money. These are the best lowers for building an AR-10 that won't disappoint.

Best AR-15 Pistols of 2024 [Complete & Build List]

Want to build or buy an AR-15 pistol? We cover the legality, best individual parts, our go-to complete builds, and best pistol uppers.

AR Builds Review

[Best AR-15 Builds] BRN-180 Fighting Rifle

Want a rifle fit to defend America from 1980s Red Dawn invaders? We start with a Brownells BRN-180 with a BCM lower. See what else went into our build!

[Best AR-15 Builds]: 6.5 Grendel "Yeet Cannon"

The meme might be dead but this AR-15 build featuring 6.5 Grendel is still going. Check out the parts and how they performed in our long-distance build.

[Best AR-15 Builds]: 6.5 Grendel Hunting Build

It's time to utilize the modularity of the AR-15. Here's our build in 6.5 Grendel meant for hunting everything from woodchucks to coyote removal.

Best AR-15 Builds: Garrow Arms .17 HMR

Want something different and super accurate? We hands-on test the Garrow Arms .17 HMR roller delayed blowback upper in our latest Best AR-15 Builds series.

80% Arms Easy Jig Gen 3 Review: Never Easier

Want the easiest way to complete an AR 80% receiver? We hands-on review the 80% Arms Easy Jig Gen 3 with a full video and tons of pictures. It's worth it!

[Best AR-15 Builds]: Colt AR-9

AR-15 pistol caliber carbines (PCC) are all the rage. But we go a little retro with our Colt AR-9 build. Find out all the parts we used and how it runs.

[Best AR-15 Builds]: AT3 Budget Lightweight

Trying to save money by building yourself? I walk through my favorite budget lightweight AR-15 build with a couple AT3 parts.

Best AR-15 Builds: Sig P320 Matador Arms

An AR-15 that takes Sig P320 mags? We hands-on review Matador Arms' Mag X adapter to see if it's reliable, worth-it, and actually useful.

[Best AR-15 Builds]: CA Featureless Home Defense

In gun-restricted California but still want an AR-15 for home defense? This is one of our go-to featureless builds.

My AR-15 RECCE Build [Aero Precision Base]

Want to build your own RECCE rifle? I cover what makes a great RECCE AR-15 and the all parts I chose from Aero Precision and other manufacturers.

Best AR-15 Builds: M16A4 (Modern Musket)

Want the closest thing to a M16A4? Travis clones his issued modern musket to make the most ballistically advantageous AR-15 build.

[Build] M1A Paratrooper: What If the M14 Stuck Around?

If you jumped out an airplane with an M14, what would it have looked like? We build our very own M1A Paratrooper to see what would have been!

[Guide] Building the Perfect M16A2 Clone

Want to build your own civilian legal M16A2? There's a lot of parts and full kits out there...here's our picks best ones to get you started.

AR Optics

Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics: Red Dots to Magnified

Find the best AR-15 scopes & optics for your budget and use. From red dots to magnifiers, prisms, holographic, and scopes.

10 Best New Optics of 2020

Want something new? We go over our top 10 favorite new optics of 2020 for your pistol, rifle, or shotgun.

Best Affordable Optics (That Won't Break)

Putting optics on all your guns can be a huge hassle and drain on your bank account. Here are some of the best optics that can be had at affordable prices.

[Review] Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic): Best Red Dot?

Need a rock solid optic for your go-to rifle? We review the Aimpoint PRO with plenty of rounds down range. Plus accuracy testing, remounting shift testing, and torture testing with a hammer.

[Review] Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x: First Person Views

Looking for an affordable scope? The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x might fit the bill. We hands-on review it for clarity, robustness, worth-it-ness, and more.

High-End Optics Torture Test [Trijicon, EOTech, Aimpoint, Sig Sauer]

Which high-end optic is truly beefy? We test Trijicon, EOTech, Aimpoint, Sig Sauer optics for water submersion, thermal drift, drop testing, and bullets.

5 Best Prism Scopes: Robust & Better for Astigmatism

Prism scopes right for you? We cover the Pros & Cons, plus hands-on pictures of a few of the most popular models out right now.

[Review]: Swamp Fox Optics Liberator & Kingslayer Red Dots

Are Swamp Fox's new red dots worth the move from established brands? We hands-on test their Liberator & micro Kingslayer to find out.

[Hands-On Review] Swampfox Arrowhead 1-8x

Looking for a sub-$500 low power variable optic (LPVO) in the 1-8x range? We hands-on review the Swampfox Arrowhead for glass, eye-box, price, and more.

13 Best Red Dot Sights [Hands-On]: Rifle, Pistol, & All Budgets

There's lots of red dots. Learn the different types, why they rock, and our top picks based on real-world use with a tons of guns and thousands of rounds.

4 Best ACOG Scopes [Hands-On]

Need a (literally) bomb-proof optic? Trijicon's military favorite fixed-magnification ACOG is the answer. Find out why...plus the perfect model for you.

Sig Romeo 5 Review: 4 Years Tested

Looking for the best budget red dot? We've been testing Sig's Romeo5 for years and will cover its specs, features, and view-through.

Best Long Range Rifle Scopes [Hands-On Tested]

Want the best long range scope for your purpose? We hands-on test 6 of the most popular scopes. Complete with real view-throughs and tracking tests.

Best .300 Blackout Scopes and Optics of 2024: Tested & Reviewed

Want a scope catered to your .300 Blackout round? We cover some of the best red dot, magnified optic, and prism scopes with the ideal .300 dropoff.

Trijicon MRO [Review+Video]: Go-To Duty Red Dot

Crazy durable, clear glass, insane battery life, and large field of view. We love the Trijicon MRO and we hands-on test it for everything that matters.

Best Night Vision Scopes & Optics

Night vision scopes can be confusing. We cover the technology and showcase some of our favorites, plus some optics that work with night vision goggles.

AR Parts and Accessories

Best AR-15 Furniture & Accessories

Find the best AR-15 furniture and accessories to make your rifle perfect for your end-use -- from buttstocks, handguards, grips, slings, bipods, and more.

Best AR-15 Upgrades: Triggers, Brakes, Handguards, BCGs & More

Find out the best AR-15 upgrades across the entire platform and different budgets. Learn why we chose each item and how they perform in our test builds.

Lightest AR-15 Handguards: Hands-On Roundup

Want the lightest AR-15 Handguard possible? We cover different materials from carbon fiber to magnsium. Plus our pick for the best-bang-for-the-buck rail.

16 Best AR-15 Grips [Hands-On]: Ditch That A2

Having the right AR-15 grip is super important. We hands-on test some of the most popular and choose our overall winner, KISS grip, and long-range pick.

12 Best AR-15 Stocks of 2024 [Hands-On]: Adjustable, Light, Precision

Want to find the perfect AR-15 buttstock? We tested 12 of the most popular and choose our favorite ones for your different builds and budgets.

Best AR-15 Rifle Sling: Range Tested & Approved

Single point to two, three, Ching, and Cuff slings. We hands-on cover them all for your AR-15 or precision rifle. Now with videos and GIFs on proper usage.

Best AR-15 Bolt Carrier Groups (BCG) of 2024

We tested the best-in-class bolt carrier groups (BCGs) for mil-spec, low-mass, slick coatings, exotic materials, and more.

5 Best Lightweight Bolt Carrier Groups (BCG) [Hands-On]

Want to really reduce your double-tap split times? We've tried the most popular lightweight BCGs on the market and know which are the best after thousands of rounds.

Best AR-15 Flashlights 2024 [Real Views]

We hands-on test some of the most popular AR-15 flashlights. Complete with tons of pictures, beam patterns, mounting options, and more.

7 Best AR-15 Lasers [Hands-On]: Budget to Pro

Want the fastest acquisition in low light? We hands-on review the most popular green & red lasers for brightness, zero, ergonomics, price, and more.

Best Magpul PMAGs: All Of Them Reviewed

Why are PMAGs so great? We hands-on review literally every single model from the AR-15 variants (M2 vs M3) to Glock, AR-10, Scorpion, AK, and even drums.

Best AR-15 Rifle Sling: Range Tested & Approved

Single point to two, three, Ching, and Cuff slings. We hands-on cover them all for your AR-15 or precision rifle. Now with videos and GIFs on proper usage.

Magpul PMAG M2 vs M3 [Does It Even Matter?]

PMAG M2 or M3 generations...what's the best? We go over all the differences and why they still keep producing the M2 version.

AR Ammo

Best AR-15 Ammo (5.56/.223) of 2024: Range & Defense

Find out the best ammo for your AR-15 for range plinking or home defense. We'll cover cheap FMJ rounds, Green Tip, and even hollow points for self-defense.

Best .300 Blackout BLK Ammo: Self Defense, Hunting, Target

.300 AAC Blackout ammo comes in lots of flavors from training to home defense to hunting, we took a look at the whole range of ammo and picked out our top favorites for each type so that you can save time and money!

Best .308 & 7.62x51 Ammo: Target Shooting, Plinking, & Hunting

.308 has been around for a long time and there's lots of ammo...we pick our favorites for cheap plinking, accurate target shooting, and clean hunting.

Best Alternative AR-15 Cartridges and Calibers

Looking for a harder hitting AR-15? We cover 5 of the best alternative cartridges and calibers with their pros, cons, and recommended uppers & ammo.

Best 9mm AR-15 Uppers: It's PCC Time

Easily make your AR-15 shoot 9mm? We cover the best 9mm uppers to convert your familiar AR to cheaper shooting pistol calibers.

Best Ammo Brands for Plinking, Accuracy, & Self-Defense

Not sure if that ammo deal is good stuff? We go over a few of our favorite ammo brands that we use daily for plinking, accuracy, and defense.

.308 Win Vs .300 Win Mag: [Battle of the .30 Calibers]

Stuck between .308 Win or .300 Win Mag? We'll cover the similarities, differences, pros, cons, and best ammo so you can choose your new .30 cal round.

.243 Win Vs .308 Win: Comparison & Best Ammo

The .243 and .308 Winchester are two popular hunting cartridges. But what's the best for you? We cover the pros/cons of each plus our favorite ammo picks.

Best 5.7x28mm Guns & Ammo of 2024 [Range-Tested]

FN's 5.7x28mm round is experiencing a renaissance with new pistols and rifles. We go over our top picks of 5.7 guns plus the best available ammo choices.

6.5 Creedmoor [Ultimate Guide]: Military's New Caliber

Newly adopted by the US military, find out why the 6.5 Creedmoor rocks. We cover ballistics vs the .308, recommended rifles, AR-10 uppers, ammo, and more.

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