AR-15 Rifles [The Definitive Resource]

Mono AR-15

The AR-15 is America’s most popular sporting rifle.  And because of that, there’s dozens of reputable manufacturers, tons of options, and thousands of accessories.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect AR-15 as a first-time buyer, or just the perfect upgrades and optics…you’re in the right place.

Table of Contents

From buying to upgrading and building your own AR-15, this guide has you covered:

Chapter 1

AR-15 Fundamentals

If you’re new to AR-15’s…or looking to brush up on your knowledge…these resources will help you get a great baseline.

Chapter 2

How to Shoot the AR-15

Once you’ve gotten your AR-15… learn how to properly shoot it.  This section focuses mainly on video since that’s the best way to learn this kind of stuff.  Stay safe!!

Chapter 3

AR-15 Ammo Choices

Your AR-15 is hungry…you gotta feed it some good ammo!  These articles will cover the best ammo for self-defense and range shooting.  Plus some popular alternative calibers.

Chapter 4

AR-15 Optics & Scopes

Your AR-15 probably came with iron sights or even bare-nekkid…time to upgrade for a much better shooting experience!  We’ll cover non-magnified sights such as red dots and holographic sights, all the way to magnified scopes.

Chapter 5

AR-15 Upgrades & Accessories

Unless you spec-ed out your AR-15 completely…chances are it can improve to meet your needs.  We’ll cover all the essential upgrades from triggers to handguards.  Plus a roundup of accessories to make your AR-15 really perform.

  • Overall

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • Best AR-15 Upgrades: 2020
      BY Eric Hung,

      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 Furniture & Accessories: 2020
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

    • Building a Featureless AR-15
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

    • AR Caliber Conversion Kits
      BY Travis Pike,

      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.

    • Best AR-15 Magazines
      BY Annette Evans,

      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.

  • Individual Upgrades

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • Best Handguards: Drop-In & Free-Floating
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

    • Lightest AR-15 Handguards
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

    • Best Lightweight BCG’s
      BY Eric Hung,

      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 Muzzle Brakes & Compensators [Hands-On]
      BY Eric Hung,

      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 Drop-In Triggers
      BY Eric Hung,

      Looking for the perfect AR-15 trigger? We cover the most popular from drop-in to upgraded mil-spec. Plus video of each trigger pull and fastest split times.

    • Best Piston Conversion Kits
      BY Matthew Collins,

      Everyone and their mom makes a piston AR-15 now. We go over the pros/cons of going piston, the best piston AR-15 uppers, and also the best conversion kits.

    • Best Barrels
      BY Eric Hung,

      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 BCG's
      BY Eric Hung,

      Choosing a BCG for your next rifle build doesn't have to be a chore. We cover the best-in-class bolt carrier groups for mil-spec, low-mass, slick coatings, exotic materials, and more.

    • Best Carbon Fiber Barrels
      BY Matthew Collins,

      Carbon Fiber barrels are one of the most amazing advancements in firearms since rifled barrels and select-fire. We took a look at what makes these barrels so great, why they perform so much better than other barrels, and who makes the best ones.

    • 10 Best AR-15 Charging Handles
      BY Travis Pike,

      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 Folding AR-15
      BY Travis Pike,

      Need a super compact folding AR-15? We go over the most popular options from complete rifles to folding stocks. See if any of them are right for you.

    • Best Featureless Grips
      BY Eric Hung,

      We've been shooting featureless in CA for years. Here's our favorite grips that shoot great, look semi-normal, and will keep your AR & AK legal.

    • Best AR-15 Grips
      BY Ken Whitmore,

      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.

  • Accessories

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • Best Flashlights for Your Rifle
      BY Eric Hung,

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

    • Best AR-15 Bipod
      BY Matthew Collins,

      Looking for the best bipod for your hunting rifle or AR-15? We cover what makes a great bipod and a few of the most popular ones out there that we owned or shot with extensively.

    • Best AR-15 Mag Lock
      BY Eric Hung,

      Want to be California fixed mag compliant in 2018? We review the AR MagLock and Patriot Pin combo to be the best new bullet button. Plus full install pics!

    • Best Vertical Grips
      BY Sean Curtis,

      Want more control of your AR-15? We hands-on review some of the most popular options from traditional vertical grips to angled and even some special foregrips.

    • 7 Best AR-15 Lasers
      BY Eric Hung,

      Want the fastest acquisition in low light? We hands-on review 6 of the most popular green & red lasers for brightness, zero, ergonomics, price, and more.

Chapter 6

AR-15 Complete Rifle Reviews

  • 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington / .223 Wylde

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • Springfield Saint
      BY Lexi Olsen,

      The Springfield Saint is another addition to the ever-growing AR-15 market, but is it worth your time and money? We'll take a closer look and help you make the right choice!

    • Best RECCE (Recon) Rifles
      BY Matthew Collins,

      Recon or "recce" rifles are some of the most versatile and flexible weapons platforms around. Learn what makes these rifles so special, and why they're so popular with the military, law enforcement, and competition shooters.

    • Palmetto State Armory
      BY Eric Hung,

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

    • Palmetto State Armory AR-15 Pistols
      BY Eric Hung,

      Want an affordable and tough complete AR-15 pistol or upper? We review PSA's 7.5" & 10.5" pistols for fit/feel, reliability, accuracy, & recoil (videos).

    • LWRC International - DI Rifle Complete Review
      BY Sean Curtis,

      A complete and hands-on review of the LWRC International DI Rifle. From CQB to long-range, lets find out just how good this premium AR-15 really is!

    • LWRCI DI and IC SPR Review
      BY Eric Hung,

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

    • Lionadi AR-15 Review
      BY David Lane,

      Want a custom built AR but don't want to build it yourself? Lionadi can help by assembling your choice of parts. No tools or elbow grease required.

    • Sig Sauer M400 Review
      BY Ken Whitmore,

      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.

    • Block 1.5 SOPMOD M4 Review
      BY Derrick Campbell,

      Want to clone one of the best known M4 configurations? We've got you covered with our complete build list for the Block 1.5 SOPMOD.

    • Aero M16A4 Clone Complete Rifle
      BY Travis Pike,

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

    • Cheapest AR-15 Complete Rifle and Builds
      BY Travis Pike AND Wyatt Sloan,

      Want a reliable AR-15 for not a lot of cash? We cover the cheapest (but not cheaply made) complete AR-15s and build parts so you can pew pew on a budget.

  • Alternitive Calibers

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • New Frontier Armory C9 Review
      BY John Currie,

      Looking for an ergonomic 9mm AR-15 PCC or pistol? We hands-on review the New Frontier Armory C-9 & G-9 with tons of rounds downrange and a full video too.

    • Palmetto State Armory (PSA) 9mm PX-9
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

    • Stag Arms 9mm Review
      BY Eric Hung,

      Looking for an out-of-the-box 9mm AR-15? Or a builders kit with all the important bits? We review the fit/feel, accuracy, reliability, and more of Stag Arms' 9mm AR-15.

    • Aero Precision M5E1 16" .308
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

    • Palmetto State Armory .224 Valkyrie
      BY Eric Hung,

      Want a 1300 yard AR-15? We review PSA's .224 Valkyrie upper for reliability, accuracy, and worth-it-ness. Plus pics and videos of our long range shots.

Chapter 7

AR-15 Parts and Component Reviews

See what we think about the most popular AR-15 complete rifles, uppers, upgrade parts, and more.  We run them through some intensive range sessions, competitions, and torture testing to see if they are up to snuff.

  • Uppers & Lowers

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • 7 Best Stripped AR-15 Upper Receivers
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

    • Aero Precision M4E1 16” Mid-Length (Fav Upper)
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

    • Best 3-Gun AR-15s
      BY Annette Evans,

      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.

    • Best Precision Long Range AR-15s
      BY Annette Evans,

      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.

    • Best Piston Uppers
      BY Matthew Collins,

      Everyone and their mom makes a piston AR-15 now. We go over the pros/cons of going piston, the best piston AR-15 uppers, and also the best conversion kits.

    • Best Glock AR-15's
      BY Eric Hung,

      Got a pistol? Got a AR-15? Enter the AR-9 platform! Find out why they are great defensive guns and a couple of our favorites.

    • Radical Firearms Complete Upper
      BY Matthew Collins,

      We review a dirt-cheap Radical Firearms upper that we got for $200. Is it the best bang-for-the-buck AR out there? Or is it headed for the back of the safe?

    • Best AR-15s in .22 LR
      BY Scott Murdock,

      Training, plinking, or fending off an army of squirrels -- an AR-15 in .22 LR has a lot of uses! From full rifle to conversion, we can help you find the one!

    • Best AR-15 Pistols
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

    • PWS MK116 Mod 2-M Complete Upper
      BY Eric Hung,

      Want to upgrade to a piston AR? We review PWS' most popular long stroke piston upper (MK116 Mod 2-M) for reliability, shootability, accuracy, and more.

    • Best 7.62x39 Uppers
      BY Matthew Collins,

      Want to combine the accuracy of an AR-15 with the power of an AK-47's .30 caliber round? We cover the most popular 7.62x39 AR-15 uppers and complete rifles.

    • Best 9mm AR-15 Uppers
      BY Scott Murdock,

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

    • PWS Diablo Review
      BY Eric Hung,

      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!

    • Best AR-15 Pistols
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

    • Best Side Charging Uppers
      BY Matthew Collins,

      Want an AR-15 upper that is unique, but in a practical way? We dive into the pros and cons of side-charging AR-15s, how they work, and the best models.

    • Best Stripped Receivers
      BY Eric Hung,

      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 6.5 Grendel Uppers
      BY Ken Whitmore,

      Thinking of a 6.5 Grendel AR-15? We hands-on shoot 5 of the most popular uppers available so you'll know which to get for your purpose and budget.

    • PSA 22LR Upper Review
      BY David Lane,

      Want to train on the cheap? We hands-on review the PSA .22LR AR-15 upper for a complete drop-in solution that is reliable, accurate, and affordable.

    • Best Ambi Lowers
      BY Travis Pike,

      Want a fully ambidextrous AR-15 lower? We've got you covered with several of our favorites. Plus the necessary parts to do a conversion on a standard lower.

  • Upgrades/Accessories

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • Best AR-15 Trigger: Hiperfire
      BY Eric Hung,

      "Bro...are you shooting full-auto?" That's what someone asked my friend after shooting a competition rifle stage. His secret? His new Hiperfire trigger.

    • Superlative Arms Adjustable Gas Block
      BY Eric Hung,

      Why is the Superlative Arms the best gas block on the market? Find out how its 3-in-1 adjustability works, how much recoil reduction is there, and more!

    • Faxon 14.5" Pencil Barrel with Attached Muzzle Brake
      BY Eric Hung,

      Want the lightest/shortest AR-15 barrel? The Faxon 14.5" Pencil is the answer at 18 oz. We quickly cover accuracy, general shootability, cost, and more.

    • Ballistic Advantage Premium Hanson Barrel
      BY Eric Hung,

      I review Ballistic Advantage's Hanson barrel after 3 years and 3000 rounds for accuracy, fit & feel, and bang-for-the-buckness.

    • Tyrant CNC: Pistol Grip & Handstop
      BY Eric Hung,

      "Dude...that is so cool looking!" Tyrant CNC's grip and handstop do look cool... but do they have the performance to back it up?

    • Franklin Armory Binary Trigger
      BY Matthew Collins,

      The Franklin Armory Binary Trigger allows a shooter to simulate full-auto fire without the expense and NFA restrictions of a truly fully-automatic lower. Find out more about this cool piece of engineering (and see why it might be going away forever).

    • BSF Carbon Fiber Barrel
      BY Eric Hung,

      Looking for bull barrel accuracy in a lightweight package? Something that looks sweet plus is the most affordable carbon fiber barrel in its class? Check out our full review of BSF's 16.5" Wylde barrel.

    • Trimney AR-15 Trigger
      BY David Lane,

      Looking for the best AR-15 triggers? Timney has got them with their Competition and Calvin Elite models. We review for split times, pull weight, and more.

    • Best Bolt Carrier Group
      BY Eric Hung,

      Choosing a BCG for your next rifle build doesn't have to be a chore. We cover the best-in-class bolt carrier groups for mil-spec, low-mass, slick coatings, exotic materials, and more.

    • Best AR-15 Flash Hiders
      BY Travis Pike,

      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 Muzzle Brakes
      BY Eric Hung,

      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 Magazines
      BY Annette Evans,

      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.

    • Best 9mm AR-15 Barrels
      BY Travis Pike,

      Building a 9mm AR-15 pistol caliber carbine? Finding the right barrel is crucial. Here's a couple of our favorites we've used in our own builds.

    • Best Suppressors in 5.56
      BY Eric Hung,

      Looking for the best AR-15 suppressor? We cover a few of the most popular cans specifically for 5.56 as well as some multi-cal options.

    • Best AR-15 and AK Pistol Braces
      BY Brandon Harville AND Jacki Billings,

      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.

  • Optics & Scopes

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • Best Budget Red Dots (Under $200)
      BY Scott Murdock,

      Quickly find out the best budget red dot for your rifle as we review Primary Arms, Holosun, Sig Sauer, and Vortex.

    • Riton Mod 5 1-4x Review
      BY Eric Hung,

      The perfect scope for hunters: clear glass, first focal plane, illuminated reticle, and affordable pricing. Plus comparison pictures vs other scopes.

    • Red Dot Vs. Holographic Sight
      BY Eric Hung,

      Not sure which type to get? We cover everything from technology to field of view, acquisition speed, reticles, power, durability, and more.

    • Best AR-15 Scope & Optics
      BY Eric Hung,

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

Chapter 8

Building Your Own AR-15

It’s like adult Legos!  Learn how to choose the best parts for your budget and purpose, essential tools, and proper building techniques.  And for the even more adventurous…how to build your own 80% lower receiver.

  • Best Parts - Overview

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • AR-15 Parts List
      BY Matthew Collins,

      Building an AR-style rifle is a great way to learn as a shooter, save money, and build a rifle that is distinctly yours. Here's all the parts you need, as well as info on choosing specific parts, and some gear we recommend.

    • Best AR-15 Upgraded Parts
      BY Eric Hung,

      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 Furniture
      BY Eric Hung,

      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 Lower Parts Kits
      BY Matthew Collins,

      Are AR-15 lower parts kits all the same? They might not be exciting but are critical parts to keep your rifle running. Here are some of our favorite kits.

    • Best AR-15 Barrels
      BY Eric Hung,

      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-15 Barrel Twist Rate
      BY Ken Whitmore,

      Will the wrong AR-15 rifle twist rate hinder accuracy? We put this common myth to the test so you know the best twist rate for your bullet weight.

    • Best AR-15 Triggers
      BY Eric Hung,

      Looking for the perfect AR-15 trigger? We cover the most popular from drop-in to upgraded mil-spec. Plus video of each trigger pull and fastest split times.

  • Best Parts - Individual

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • Best AR-15 Lower Receiver
      BY Eric Hung,

    • Best AR-15 Upper Receiver
      BY Eric Hung,

      Quickly find the best AR-15 complete upper receivers for precision, standard, or CQB purposes. Plus our recommendations for best manufacturers and picks for all budgets.

    • Best Handguards: Drop-In & Free-Floating
      BY Eric Hung,

      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 Barrels
      BY Eric Hung,

      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 Piston Conversion Kits
      BY Matthew Collins,

      Everyone and their mom makes a piston AR-15 now. We go over the pros/cons of going piston, the best piston AR-15 uppers, and also the best conversion kits.

    • Best AR-15 Pistol Braces
      BY Brandon Harville AND Jacki Billings,

      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 Charging Handles
      BY Travis Pike,

      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- 10 Lowers
      BY Matthew Collins,

      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 Stripped Lowers
      BY Cameron Corley,

      So many AR-15 lower receivers out there...how do you choose? We cover the types of aluminum, manufacturing process, and our top picks of the best lowers at all budgets.

    • Best AR-15 Bolt Carrier Group
      BY Eric Hung,

      Choosing a BCG for your next rifle build doesn't have to be a chore. We cover the best-in-class bolt carrier groups for mil-spec, low-mass, slick coatings, exotic materials, and more.

  • How to Assemble an AR-15

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • How to Build an AR-15 Upper
      BY Eric Hung,

      See how easy it is to build your own AR-15 upper receiver. Step-by-step with pictures, plus essential tools, recommended parts, tips/tricks, and two full builds.

    • How to Build an AR-15 Lower
      BY Eric Hung,

      Don't want to mess up? Learn how to build an AR-15 lower receiver with 80+ pictures, tricks I learned the hard way, and recommendations of the best parts.

    • Best AR-15 Build Tools
      BY Brandon Harville,

      We've put together a list of tools you need to make your AR-15 building experience go a lot easier (and smoother)!

    • How to Build a M16A2 Clone
      BY Travis Pike,

      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.

    • Dream AR-15 Builds
      BY Eric Hung,

      We sat down recently to brainstorm the AR's we'd build if money, time, and other constraints were thrown out the window. These are the guns we came up with. Take a look, and let us know what you think!

    • How To Paint an AR-15
      BY David Lane,

      Want to make your AR-15 unique? We cover paint and color choice, rifle prep, and camo spraying techniques. Plus lots of pictures and a full video tutorial.

    • Best AR-15 Learning Build
      BY Zac,

      Looking for AR-15 inspiration? Follow one of our friends as he attempts his first AR-15 build. We'll cover part choices, tools needed, and lessons learned.

    • Building a Duty AR-15
      BY Ken Whitmore,

      Not all AR-15s are equal. We cover the difference between a random AR and one suited for duty or patrol use. Plus our favorite build parts to get it done.

    • Building a Featureless AR-15 [CA Legal]
      BY Eric Hung,

      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.

  • 80% AR-15 Build

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

  • AR-15 Build Series

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

Chapter 9

AR-15 Alternative Cartridges

Chapter 10

Everything AR-10

  • General

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • AR-10 vs AR-15
      BY Matthew Collins,

      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.

    • Best AR-10 Precision Stocks
      BY Eric Hung,

      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-10s
      BY David Lane,

      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.

  • Complete AR-10 Reviews

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

  • AR-10 Lowers

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • Best AR-10 Lowers For Your Next Build
      BY Matthew Collins,

      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.

  • AR-10 Individual Parts Reviews

    BY Scott Murdock,

    Fiocchi is leaning into this quirky little pistol round with two new combination packs that make it more convenient to train with.

    • Best AR-10 Barrels
      BY Travis Pike,

      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.

    • Best AR-10 Lowers
      BY Matthew Collins,

      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.

Chapter 11

History & Education

Everything else that doesn’t fit!

  • How And Why The M16 Failed In Vietnam (And Is It Reliable Today?)
    BY David Lane,

    How bad was the M16 during the Vietnam War? And can you trust it (and the civilian AR-15 variants) today? We cover it all.

  • Brief History of the M16
    BY Scott Dylan,

    The M16 is one of the most iconic and prolific weapon's platforms on the planet. This rifle, despite a rocky start in the jungles of Vietnam, would go on to change the way nearly every Western nation outfitted their troops. Let's take a look at the storied history of the mighty M16.

  • What is an AR-15 Dissipator
    BY Travis Pike,

    Learn what exactly is an AR-15 dissipator, its pros/cons, whether the design is still useful in this day and age, and recommended models.

  • AR-15 vs. M4
    BY Matthew Collins,

    Want to know the difference between the AR15 for civilians and the military M4? We cover that plus a little history, similarities, and the best for you.