Top 10 AR-15 Under $1500

By Brad McLeod 1-12-23

Check the SGPT list of the Top 10 AR-15 Under $1500 and you make the best decision which rifle is best for you.

This list of comprised of the top selling and highest rated AR’s and interviewing several tactical weapons specialist around the industry.

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#10 ANGSTADT ARMS

The Angstadt Arms .223 Remington AR Rifle is a high-quality firearm designed with features to enhance performance and ease of use. With an enhanced flared magwell for faster reloads and a threaded bolt catch screw, it ensures smooth operation during shooting sessions. The upper tension screw and B5 Systems Type23 Grip provide added stability and control.

I like the 16″ chrome moly barrel with a 1:7 twist offers reliability and accuracy. Made in the USA with precision engineering, this rifle is equipped with a 30-round magazine and features a free floated barrel with a lightweight M-LOK handguard for comfortable handling in various shooting scenarios.

Loaded with all the essential features you’d expect from an AR-15 platform, the UDP-556 from Angstadt Arms is chambered in 5.56 NATO, offering versatility and compatibility with a wide range of ammunition. Its threaded barrel allows for customization with aftermarket muzzle devices, catering to individual preferences.

I like this rig if you’re a casual shooter or a competitive marksman, this rifle delivers exceptional performance and comfort, thanks to its thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship.

You can pick one up for about $1500 or so.

Check price at Palmetto State Armory

Do you have a good AR-15 scope you can recommend?

Yes; check out the

Vortex Optics Spitfire 1x Prism scope

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The Vortex Optics Spitfire 1x Prism Scope, finished in sleek black, is a versatile and reliable tool for hunters and shooters alike, designed for close to medium range applications. Constructed from sturdy aluminum, this scope offers fast handling performance with its 1x magnification, featuring a generous sight picture and forgiving eye box for effortless target acquisition in any scenario. Equipped with fully multi-coated lenses, it ensures exceptional clarity and brightness, enhancing the shooting experience.

The DRT reticle, etched on the prism, provides a visible point of aim regardless of power, with ten intensity levels and the option of red or green illumination to suit various lighting conditions. With its shockproof build and nitrogen-purged, o-ring sealed design, the Spitfire is fogproof and waterproof, ready to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.

I like that it is powered by a common AAA battery, its illuminated reticle ensures convenience in the field. Backed by Vortex’s VIP Warranty, this scope offers unlimited, unconditional, lifetime coverage, providing peace of mind and ensuring long-term protection against damage or defects, making it an indispensable companion for hunters and shooters seeking reliable performance and durability.

#9 COLT M4 MONOLITHIC

The Colt M4 Monolithic .223 Rem/5.56 Semi-Automatic AR-15 Rifle is a powerhouse firearm packed with features designed for precision and versatility. With a magazine capacity of 30+1 rounds and a 16.1″ barrel length, it offers ample firepower and accuracy for various shooting scenarios. The rifle boasts a straight gas tube and a removable lower rail, allowing for easy customization with accessories. I like that it features a folding front sight and a Magpul rear sight for enhanced optical solutions, ensuring accuracy even in challenging conditions.

Crafted with Mil-Spec hammer and trigger pivot pins, this rifle displays innovation with a patented 1-piece monolithic upper receiver, providing unmatched repeatability for mounting optical systems. Its true free-floating barrel enhances accuracy for long-range shooting, while the reversible safety selector ensures user-friendly operation. I like this rig if you’re a seasoned shooter or a novice, the Colt M4 Monolithic rifle offers reliability, precision, and modularity to meet your shooting needs with confidence.

Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Brownells

#8 SPIKES TACTICAL CRUSADER

The Spike’s Tactical .223 Remington AR Rifle with a 14.5″ barrel, in sleek black, is a precision-engineered firearm built for reliability and performance. Its forged upper receiver boasts 7075-T6 construction and features essential components like a forward assist, ejection port door, and crusader shield marking. The 14-1/2 inches mid-length lightweight barrel, coupled with a low profile gas block made of solid billet steel, ensures optimal balance and control during shooting. With a lightweight nickel boron M16 complete BCG, featuring reduced weight holes and laser-engraved ST spider logo, along with Magpul MBUS front and rear sights, this rifle offers enhanced accuracy and versatility.

The Spike’s Tactical Crusader rifle is more than just a firearm; it’s a symbol of faith, strength, and dedication to defending one’s beliefs and homeland. Engraved with Psalm 144:1 on the lower receiver, it embodies the spirit of those who stand firm in their convictions. Crafted with precision and attention to detail.

I like how this rifle is equipped with Spike’s Tactical battle trigger, KNS anti-rotation pins, ambidextrous safety, ST Pro grip, and other quality components, ensuring optimal performance in any situation. Trust in Spike’s Tactical to provide a dependable tool for safeguarding what matters most, delivering reliability and peace of mind when it counts the most.

You can pick one up for around $1500 or so depending on where you shop.

Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Sportsmans Warehouse

7 SIG M400 TREAD

The SIG SAUER M400 XSeries is a high-performance rifle crafted with input from professional instructors at the SIG SAUER Academy, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability. With fully ambidextrous controls, including a unique bolt catch/release mechanism, it caters to both left and right-handed shooters, simplifying transitions between shots. The free-floating handguard features a steel lockup design, reducing deflection and enabling accessory attachment on all four sides without compromising accuracy. Additionally, the 2-Stage Matchlite Duo trigger offers a crisp 4.5 – 6.5lb pull weight, enhancing precision shooting with its flat blade design and out-of-the-box performance.

Loaded with advanced features, the M400 XSeries boasts an ambidextrous bolt catch/release, hybrid compensating flash hider, and a dual clamp handguard locking system for reduced deflection. Equipped with a low-profile gas block and a mid-length system, it ensures smooth operation and reliable performance. The rifle comes with a Magpul SL stock for added comfort and stability during shooting sessions. With specifications including a 16-inch chrome/moly steel barrel, a SIG Flat Blade Match trigger, and a 1:7 twist rate, the M400 XSeries delivers exceptional accuracy, durability, and versatility for any shooter.

You can pick one up for just under $1500 and all the way down to $850 depending on where you shop and which upgrades you want.

Check price at Sig Sauer
Check price at Brownells
Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Sportsmans Warehouse

# 6 LEAD STAR ARMS

The Lead Star Arms Prime AR-15 Rifle in .223 Wylde, with a gunmetal finish and black accents, is a top-tier firearm crafted for competitive shooting. Utilizing precision engineering and advanced materials, this rifle offers unparalleled performance and reliability. Its upper and lower receivers, made from billet 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with Cerakote, ensure extreme durability and precise fitment. The rifle features fully ambidextrous controls, including a unique bolt catch/release mechanism, enhancing versatility for shooters of all preferences.

Featuring a 16″ barrel made of 4150V chrome moly vanadium steel with a nitride finish, this rifle delivers exceptional accuracy and durability. The enhanced muzzle brake reduces recoil and minimizes muzzle rise for faster follow-up shots. The Lead Star Ravage Carbon Fiber handguard, equipped with full-length M-LOK slots, offers superior control and customization options for attaching accessories.

I like that the rifle comes equipped with a featureless grip and a Ravage fixed stock, providing comfort and stability during extended shooting sessions. With advanced features like an enhanced Hiperfire ECL competition straight bow trigger and a Radian Talon ambidextrous safety selector, the Lead Star Arms Prime AR-15 Rifle stands as a testament to innovation and precision in the world of firearms.

You can pick one up for around $1500 or so.

Check price at Palmetto State Armory

Can you recommend a high end scope to upgrade my AR?

Check out the Sig Sauer Tango 6T rifle scope. This is the upgrade you have been looking for.

# 5 SONS OF LIBERTY

The Sons of Liberty Gun Works .223 Remington AR Rifle, featuring an 18″ barrel and a rifle gas system, is built with a focus on quality and reliability. I like that it is equipped with a Liberty Fighting Trigger and a Liberty Charging Handle, this rifle is designed to perform under demanding conditions. Utilizing an A5 buffer system, Sons of Liberty Gun Works ensures that their firearms are properly tuned for optimal performance, using high-quality components to deliver consistent and accurate results.

With a commitment to excellence, Sons of Liberty Gun Works stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty, ensuring that their rifles are built to withstand hard use and perform reliably in any situation. Whether for professional use or personal defense, Sons of Liberty Gun Works rifles are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, providing shooters with a dependable and effective tool they can trust.

Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Brownells

#4 AERO PRECISION M4E1

The Aero Precision M4E1 with Atlas S-One M-Lok 5.56mm NATO 16-inch Black Anodized Semi-Automatic Modern Sporting Rifle is a reliable and accurate firearm suitable for various shooting activities. Built on Aero’s Enhanced Series Upper Receiver, it features a custom integrated upper receiver and handguard system, providing a lightweight and rigid design for improved performance.

With a capacity of 30+1 rounds, a 16-inch barrel, and an adjustable Magpul stock, this rifle offers versatility and comfort for shooters of all levels. I like the overall look of this rig – with it finished in sleek black anodized coating and equipped with black Magpul grips, it combines style with functionality. Whether for sport shooting or self-defense, the Aero Precision M4E1 ensures superior performance with every shot.

Check price at Brownells
Check kit price at Aero Precision
Check price at Sportsmans Warehouse

#3 FN 15 TACTICAL CARBINE

The FN 15 Tactical Carbine 5.56×45 AR-15 Rifle in black offers a dependable and battle-proven firearm solution. Manufactured by FNH, renowned for its excellence in firearm production, this AR-15 platform rifle boasts a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel and an overall length of 37 inches.

With a capacity of 30+1 rounds and a finish in sleek black, it embodies both reliability and tactical precision. FN’s firearms have long been trusted by military personnel, from special forces to infantry, for their toughness, reliability, and accuracy, making the FN 15 a preferred choice for those on the frontlines of the free world.

Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Sportsmans Warehouse

#2 SPRINGFIELD SAINT EDGE

The Springfield Armory Saint Edge ATC 223 Wylde 18-inch Anodized Melonite Black Semi-Automatic Modern Sporting Rifle offers exceptional precision and performance in the AR platform. Built with the patented “Accurized Tactical Chassis,” it ensures maximum accuracy.

Its monolithic lower/handguard system provides a 100% free-floated barrel, eliminating any contact with the lower chassis for optimal performance. This .223 Wylde rifle guarantees sub-MOA accuracy for three shots with skilled shooters and match-grade ammunition, making it a top choice for those seeking precision and reliability in their firearms.

Check price at Sportsmans Warehouse
Check price at Brownells
Check price at Palmetto State Armory

#1 RUGER AR-556

The RUGER AR-556 .223 REMINGTON AR RIFLE WITH 18″ BARREL offers impressive features for shooters seeking precision and reliability. With its 18″ PROOF Research carbon fiber wrapped barrel and rifle-length gas system, it’s designed to function seamlessly with both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition, ensuring consistent performance. The Magpul PRS Lite stock and MOE-K2 grip provide ergonomic comfort and precise adjustments for the perfect fit, while the free-floated handguard enhances accuracy and ergonomics.

I like the Ruger Elite 452 two-stage trigger ensures a smooth and crisp 4.5-pound trigger pull, while the Magpul M-LOK accessory attachment slots offer versatility for customization according to individual preferences. Whether for hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications, this rifle combines advanced technology and quality craftsmanship to deliver exceptional performance.

Check price at Palmetto State Armory
Check price at Sportsmans Warehouse
Check price at Brownells

RUNNER UPS:

There are so many great rifles in the $1500 range that we had to expand the list.

#11 CHRISTENSEN ARMS

The Christensen Arms CA5FIVE6 223 Wylde 16-inch Tungsten Cerakote Modern Sporting Rifle is a powerful firearm. It’s designed with a sturdy aluminum receiver and a Tungsten Cerakote-coated BCG for durability. Its carbon fiber wrapped barrel and carbon-aluminum hybrid handguard make it lightweight yet strong. This rifle also boasts a three-prong flash hider and a precise match-grade trigger. Weighing just 6.3 pounds, it’s backed by Christensen Arms’ Sub-MOA Guarantee, ensuring top-notch accuracy.

around $1700

Check price at Sportsmans Warehouse

#11 FOSTEK STRYKER With Echo II Trigger

#12 COLT LE6920 (out of stock

Question: Why would you need an AR-15 in todays society?

In today’s society, where freedom-loving individuals prioritize both democracy and personal safety, the need for an AR-15 rifle can be viewed through multiple lenses. First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that responsible gun ownership is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy. The AR-15, with its versatility and ease of use, provides law-abiding citizens with a means to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from rising crime rates in inner cities.

As crime continues to pose a threat to our safety and security, having access to firearms like the AR-15 ensures that individuals can effectively defend themselves against potential threats. Additionally, the AR-15’s widespread use by law enforcement and military personnel underscores its reliability and effectiveness in critical situations, further cementing its role as a tool for safeguarding democracy and personal liberty.

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