Updated April 2024: Marcolmar Cetme LC and KelTec RDB removed.
We all know in the world of tactical 5.56 rifles, the AR-15 rules.
Oftentimes it seems like the only choice for a modern semi-auto 5.56 caliber rifle.
What if I told you it didn’t have to be?
What if I told you there were better or, at the least, alternative options? As a natural-born contrarian, I have a hard time settling for the rifle in use by everyone else.
So I seek out alternatives. I’ve even found some of what I consider the best 5.56 rifles that aren’t AR-15s.
The rules are simple when it comes to selecting 5.56 rifles that aren’t the AR-15. If you can read the title, you know the rules — it must be in 5.56 and can’t be an AR-15.
Believe it or not, there are lots and lots of non-AR-15 rifles in 5.56, but many of them are hard to love.
I’ve found a handful worthy of being called AR-15 replacements in various configurations and designs. But before we start, I also want to address the elephant in the room.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best AR-15 Alternative
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Best 5.56 Bullpup
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Best Budget Option
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Editor's Pick
Table of Contents
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WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
I’ve spent a lifetime shooting, starting with a family that hunted every season they legally could. From there, I joined the United States Marine Corps and spent five years as an infantryman.
In the middle of my Marine Corps career, I began writing and have never stopped. I soon earned my NRA instructor certification and used my knowledge to help guide students.
I love shooting, and I love guns — weird guns, old guns, new guns, tactical guns, you name it. I’m a continual student of firearms, and I strive to educate myself to provide the best information possible to the readers of Pew Pew Tactical.
Ground Rules
I love the FS2000.
FN’s tactical tuna has been one of my favorite rifles for a very long time, and I can’t help but love it. It was a robust, ergonomic, and fun rifle.
It’s not on this list, though. Why?
Because it’s been discontinued.
This article could be filled with guns discontinued or almost impossibly hard to find.
Guns like the aforementioned FS2000, the Sig Sauer 556, the C93, etc…but because they’ve been discontinued, they can only be found on the second-hand market.
So, we’re keeping to guns that you can actually find out in the wild without having to promise your firstborn.
Best 5.56 Guns That Aren’t AR-15s
1. BRN-180
Pros
- Compatible with AR-15 lower receivers
- Highly accurate
- Mild recoil
Cons
- Not available as a ready-to-shoot model
This is a wildcard choice because the BRN-180 can use a standard AR-15 lower receiver.
At the same time, Brownells does make a dedicated BRN-180 lower, and since the BRN-180 uses a completely different operating system, I don’t consider it an AR-15.
The BRN-180 is a clone of the failed Armalite AR-18 and AR-180 series rifles.
These guns have a storied history but were never very successful. The BRN-180 modernizes and changes the design a bit to make the upper compatible with AR-15 lowers.
This rifle uses a short-stroke gas piston that loses the need for a stock with a buffer system, which allows you to use a folding stock with the ability to still operate the weapon.
The internal buffer system is contained in the upper receiver with a dual spring design that makes the BRN-180 a soft shooting rifle.
The BRN-180 uses a traditional right-side charging handle, has a flat top upper receiver, and an M-LOK handguard.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Honestly, the modernized BRN-180 is an awesome and fun gun that’s highly accurate — and it could be said, as an Armalite design, to be the real successor to the AR-15.
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Check out our full BRN-180 Fighting Rifle Build.
2. CZ Bren 2 MS Carbine
Pros
- Cold hammer forged barrel
- Folding stock
- Short-stroke gas piston system
Cons
- Price
- Minimal aftermarket
As a tactical hipster, I can’t make this list without adding CZ.
The CZ Bren 2 MS Carbine is the latest generation of the Bren series.
Though the original Bren was designed for a military contract, the Bren 2 (Electric Boogaloo) was made for civilian and law enforcement sales.
Being outside of a military contract allowed CZ some room to grow.
The Bren 2 is incredibly lightweight and uses an aluminum upper with a carbon fiber composite lower. And the rifle variant weighs 7.3 pounds. I do appreciate a good light rifle.
The controls also outperform most guns in its class. Its nonreciprocating charging handle can be swapped from left to right.
After that, everything is truly ambidextrous. This includes the magazine release, bolt release, and safety.
The MS model has a modular handguard system that allows the end user to shorten or extend the handguard as needed.
Also, barrel swaps are very easy, so converting this gun to an SBR is a real possibility.
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The Bren keeps the short-stroke gas piston system, and the gun uses a folding stock to shrink the gun to a mere 28 inches.
Both rifle and pistol variants are now available, and pistol variants are begging for a brace.
3. Sig Sauer MCX
Pros
- Accurate and reliable
- Fully ambidextrous
- Large caliber
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
You have to appreciate that Sig doesn’t do things in a small way.
The company introduced the MCX and then started pumping out variants of all different sizes and furniture configurations.
The design influence seemed to be based on making the gun as modular as possible, which, as an upgrade junkie, I can wholeheartedly get behind.
Sig proclaims the MCX series has 500 different possible configurations that can fulfill a wide variety of mission profiles.
The MCX uses a short-stroke gas piston system that allows for folding stocks.
Because of its popularity, this rail-based stock mounting system has become an almost new standard for short-stroke gas piston guns.
The MCX also mimics most AR-15 controls, so the transition from the AR-15 to the MCX can be seamless.
This includes the charging handle, the safety, the magazine release, the bolt release, and the forward assist. The safety and magazine release are also ambidextrous.
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Of course, the MCX offers standard rifle options, SBRs, and various pistol systems, including the very cool Rattler model.
Because of the very modular system, it’s very neat and innovative — as far as 5.56 rifles go.
Check out our review on the pistol version of the Sig MCX.
4. Steyr AUG
Pros
- Compact
- Quick-change barrels
- Rugged
Cons
- High MSRP
- Sub-optimal trigger
The Steyr AUG is one of the most successful bullpup designs ever.
It addressed many bullpup problems in its design and allows for comfortable use for both lefties and righties. The ergonomics are absolutely outstanding.
The AUG first entered service in 1978, so for a rifle in its 40s, it’s held up rather well.
Steyr currently sells the AUG A3 M1 model. This model offers various length sections of Picatinny rail to attach your favorite optics as well as the famed integrated optics options.
Now, the details!
The AUG uses a clean running short-stroke gas piston system that vents excess gas forward and out of the rifle. It’s incredibly reliable and surprisingly modular.
Dedicated Steyr fanboys have made numerous changes to the rifle and have enhanced its ergonomics, so you’re bound to find plenty of fun ideas on the web on how you can customize your baby.
Steyr also embraces these companies and builders, seemingly supportive of their efforts.
Can you say customization one more time for me? Customization. Hells yeah.
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The AUG has maintained its status as an excellent combat rifle and has more than proven itself.
Check out our Steyr AUG Hands-On Review.
5. IWI Tavor…Everything
Pros
- Short overall length
- Reliable
Cons
- Gassy when suppressed
- Mediocre trigger
Staying on the bullpup train, let’s talk IWI’s Tavor line. When I say Tavor, I mean all the 5.56 models, from the old standard to the newer X95.
The Tavor series is likely the most popular 5.56 bullpup in the States.
Out of Tavor’s line, the X95 has one of the better bullpup triggers and is considerably lighter than the competition.
Timney and Geissele produce drop-in Tavor triggers to make the trigger even better.
The gun has also proven to be an ergonomic bullpup with AR-like controls that are relatively easy to learn.
IWI’s Tavor series holds a more modern design over the AUG, offering an easier time accommodating accessories and rails.
You also get a nice long, flat top upper with plenty of optics space.
This light and handy gun has quickly become a favorite on the bullpup market.
The Tavor X95 is a mere 26.125 inches long with a 16.5-inch barrel. IWI even produces SBR variants with 13-inch barrels if you need to go even shorter.
Like the AR-15, the Tavor is modular, and conversion for 300 Blackout and 9mm are a thing should you desire them.
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Check out our full review of the X95 here.
What’s your take on the Tavor? Rate it here!
6. Kel-Tec SU-16
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Super lightweight
- Ultra-reliable
Cons
- Rough recoil
So far, every 5.56 rifle alternative to the AR-15 has been a relatively expensive weapon.
The AR market is so saturated that the prices are at an all-time low — even with post-pandemic pricing.
If you are on a budget but still want an AR alternative, the Kel-Tec SU-16 might be your choice.
The SU-16 is a unique rifle that’s unlike any other.
Some variants feature fixed stocks, but the SU-16C sports a bizarre but cool, under-folding stock.
Kel-Tec released a bunch of models that come with various features and barrel lengths.
For instance, the SU-16B is the carbine variant with a fixed stock and weighs a mere 4.5 pounds. Now that is a lightweight rifle.
Several models have a handguard that converts to a bipod or stocks that allow the storage of extra magazines.
The SU series uses a unique gas piston design that allows for reliable operation.
Admittedly the recoil is a little rougher than most, but a 4.5-pound rifle will do that.
The guns are also often priced at under $500, some a little more depending on the features chosen.
They are superbly small and minimalist in design, so they can be an excellent choice for someone on a budget or someone who wants to go as light as possible.
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7. Robinson Armament XCR
Pros
- Uses AR-15 magazines
- Easily converts to other calibers
- Soft shooting
Cons
- Expensive
When it comes to high-end, modular 5.56 caliber rifles, the Robinson Armament XCR is tough to beat.
It comes in many different calibers, barrel lengths, stock, handguard configurations, and more.
Obviously, we are picking the 5.56 model, and to simplify things, let’s go with the XCR-L Standard with a 16-inch barrel.
The XCR series utilizes a long-stroke gas piston combined with a heavy-duty bolt. Its famed bolt outperforms the AR-15 series and offers more reliable and longer-lasting performance.
The absence of a receiver extension for the buffer allows you to use a folding stock — including a wire style stock, the Magpul Zhukov stock, and even ACR stocks.
The XCR does use AR-15 magazines — a big selling point as far as I’m concerned.
If 5.56 isn’t enough, converting to various calibers is hardly an issue. The ability to swap calibers without an armorer makes the weapon one of the most modular on the planet.
Plus, it’s plenty accurate, soft shooting, and reliable with various barrel lengths.
We get a fair amount of influence from some of the world’s best rifles to form one excellent option if the world of the AR-15 has largely bored you.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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8. IWI Galil ACE Gen 2
Pros
- Reliable
- Accurate
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
- No included iron sights
It’d be easy to leave us Galil fans clamoring, but IWI does more than produce a Galil. They produced a modern Galil in the form of the ACE Gen 2.
IWI’s commitment to the Galil platform earns my respect.
Since the gun makes the list, you can bet your bottom dollar it comes in 5.56. Better yet, it even uses AR-15 magazines!
Now, what does the new Galil do to make the list?
Well, that’s easy. It comes with a long M-LOK handguard, massive optics rail, side folding stock, and ergonomics that make AK fanboys whine.
Yet we still get that AK reliability and the long-stroke gas piston design that’s proven to be rugged in the worst places the world has to offer.
It’s admittedly a heavy rifle, especially in the days of ultralight ARs. However, the Galil ACE Gen 2 gives you a smooth shooting rifle that’s plenty accurate and a ton of fun to handle.
This gun gets you farther and farther from the AR platform, and when you’re bored of ARs, you might want to stay far away.
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Johnny took the Galil ACE Gen 2 for a ride, so be sure to read his full review or check out the video below.
Runners-Up
(Editor) We know there are some perennial favorites that our writer didn’t choose…and that we’d be remiss not to include somehow!
Final Thoughts
Admittedly I’d love to see more AR alternatives, but they are often a difficult sell in a market dominated by one rifle type.
It takes a helluva good rifle to stick around in a market where ARs can be had for $400.
The above rifles are well-tuned, well-designed, and made to last. They also offer you something different from the old standard AR-15 in how they operate, handle, and feel.
What AR-15 alternatives would you add? Or just check out Best AR-15 Alternative Calibers. Need to feed the beast? Check out the Best 5.56 Ammo.
70 Leave a Reply
all are great choices, but in my opinion, you would be better off just sticking with an AR. Mainly is because of modularity and price, for the most part you could buy three budget AR's, maybe even mid tier, even in different calibers, for the price of any one of those mentioned in this article. which is one of the biggest reasons that the AR is still reins King as America's rifle. not to mention reliability, durability, accuracy, for a price that cant be beat/
Sorry, all of these look like a rework of the "evil black gun". Want something really different in 5.56, how about the Henry Long Ranger or better yet the Long Ranger Express. All the range, power and availability in an inouquous lever gun! At least deserves honorable mention IMHO
My 2 cents.. A dependable 5.56
SU-16 CA , Parkerized internals and under 5 lbs. Folds up in a backpack. No pistol grip fin, no CA Mag lock , use P-mags .
Stunned you don't have a CZ Bren on the list somewhere.
Ruger Gunsite Scout in .556 (or .308). Rugged, Beautiful and Bulletproof.
I have two suggestions for the list though one may be in limbo at the moment. The Beretta ARX-100 and the Desert Tech MDR. I don’t know if you have reviewed either but I will peruse your site to find out.
Rugur Mini 14, the first non AR15. If you don't like the wood stock- the ATI stock works great.
Was surprised not to see this on the list. It's super popular.
Great article thanks for the info, also do you get to test out all the weapons that you write about?
Thanks again.
I love your reviews and info, but you seem to always skip over the HK 556 in AR compares, any reason for that?
How about the Zastava M90 and M85. They are fantastic. I can't believe how many people in the comments aren't going through the entire list, mentioning rifles that are actually listed.
One that isn't so easy to find in the wild, the Para TTR... Now there's a rifle I wish I would have bought.
You missed m6 favorite…the Mini 14.
Your list of 'alternatives to the AR' has AR platform rifles on it. For example, the Sig Sauer MCX and the BRN-180 and the Robinson Armament XCR are AR platform rifles, just with a different designation and some changes. Although not the specific AR-15 these are basically AR's.
The AR-15 isn't special. Its just another AR platform rifle that was derived from an AR platform rifle called the AR-10 that originated as a platform concept and not a specific rifle but a rifle made using that concept was called the AR-10 because it was the `10th rifle design by Armalite in that platform series (not all of them made it off the drawing board) thus 'Armalite Rifle 10' or AR-10 for short. The AR platform was (for Armalite) and is today still just a platform, not a specific rifle.
Right, because this list isn't the best alternative to the AR platform; it's specific to the AR-15. So that's why there are AR platforms on the list. Thanks for reading!
But the AR-15 is the platform, just a different rendition. So in effect this title is "the best alternative to the AR platform"
Now try this list again without the "Basically an AR" mentions. Like the BRN-180 and MCX.
Every article I come across that are "Alternatives to ARs" seem to immediately mention firearms that are, full all purposes, STILL ARs.
Try harder.
Sadly, my favorite is no longer being produced and or sold in the USA. The South Korean Daewoo. I had one and loved it but in a moment of stupidity sold it.
so i'am new to guns but my dad has 56 in total so i'am learning is a FN Scar better than a AR 15
In certain aspects yes, others no. I was in the Infantry and most guys I met that got to use the scar weren't a fan of it. The M4 is more versatile in what you can do with it. The scar is a good weapon don't get me wrong, just not good at the price asked I feel.
Absolutely, Jonathan.
A great alternative to the AR-15 is an Finnish made, Valmet m/76 FS in 5.56.
While being an AK variant, it is (or was) the finest, most well-made, and beautifully constructed rifle not being an AR.
Pew Pew Tactical has offered many great articles, photos, and information, so a huge thumbs up and a Thank You.
Nothing from PWS and their long stroke AR’s?
I'm guessing reading is not your strong suit. It literally says in the title in bold letters NON AR rifles.
Hahaha
Pws I believe would fall under "PISTON DRIVEN AR15" and so would be better suited for PEW PEWS "Best Piston Driven AR15 RIFLES" Article. Not their "BEST 5.56 NON-AR15 RIFLE" article. Hope that makes sense friend.
P.s. Also little buddy, I believe they hand out popcorn, and bouncy balls for "special" readers like yourself to play with in the corner, while the rest of us discuss the article at hand.
Euhm... FN SCAR?
Anyone? Only the gun of choise of SOCOM.
Socom dumped the 5.56 scar years ago
Boom exactly, but but but they still use them in call of duty omg. Are my eyes bad or is choice spelt with a c?
The only one they actually ran for a bit was the 7.62 variant. The 5.56 got dumped quick. Most Socom gents hated them.
Gents? Hahahahahaha! And thanks for the English lessons.
What about Robinson armaments XCR? It runs on a shorr stroke gas piston and is a very comfortable highly modular rifle that comes in a standard 556 model with changeover kits for 6.8 SPC 6.5 Grendel 300 Blackout and more. Also a larger 308 based XCR is available to as well as its many caliber change kits. It's an excellent rifle and should have been included for sure.
#7 on the list.
Probably one of those tards that skimmed through it so he could insert his own comment into the list. Think glock fan boys on forums lol.
What rifle is #7?
Everything listed here is named in the Biden/Feinstein ban legislation.
The only item not on the list is the plain Ruger Mini 14... no barrel threads, no muzzle device, no bayonet lug, no pistol grip and no collapsing/adjustable/folding stock.
I purchased one earlier this month.
I believe Kel Tec makes a fixed stock version of SU 16 which would be compliant.
There are a few others I like:
Bren Carbine
SR-556
C93
Galeo/Galil
Sig 556
I think if i'm not retarded and can open my eyes the Bren is number 2 on the list. As for the others you listed, I had a sig 556. Loved it especially the xi modular one. I think this list might be only comprised of weapons you can buy new from manufacture 556 and a few others you labeled you can only buy used.
I like your choices, but one of my favorite guns is the Kel-Tec RDB. A great .556 option in my opinion. Bullpups are awesome, and the RDB is a great choice for lefty’s as well. Decent trigger, and oh so nice to shoot. That being said, the Tavor is still on my list... And the Bren is missing, a bit of a surprise...
Unless they updated it the Bren is number 2 on this list.
IWI/Galil ACE?
IMO you should have started with Ruger Mini 14 instead of stopping with it. One of the great, and affordable, rifles of our time.
Interesting article. Thanks for the research.
Mini 14 is trash, lacks the consistent accuracy of everything on this list. You have to add so much to put it in the class with anything on here. It's a great ranch rifle thats about it. Most of the weapons on this list have proven effectiveness either being issued to militaries, or put through ungodly torture tests. I have yet to see the mini 14 used in any roll besides plinking and varmint.
Josh, you should read up a bit about the Mini before you spout such sillyness... Bill Ruger was selling these to police forces and militaries around the world before you were born would be my guess...
Hmmm well seeing the m14 had the shortest service life of any firearm, that confirms my point that the Mini was not that great at all. So before making idiot statements without doing your own research I did it for you. Simple google search too btw, rocket science not required. "The Mini-14 never saw U.S. military service, although Bill Ruger reportedly believed it could have become the U.S. military's service rifle instead of the M16 had the timing been right." Now it's quite possible 3rd world countries or other poors that haven't done much in wars might have been issued it. But you are correct I was still floating around my dad's balls when it was introduced.
I never said anything about US military service did I? I'm sure you can Google it up or check Wiki further but the Mini saw service (police and/or military) in central America with (as I recall) both Honduras and El Salvador. French Police are still utilizing them. They were in use in US embassies around the world (probably by Marines & CIA types) for decades. Various services in the UK and probably a few dozen state department of corrections (prisons). But, I've saved the best for last - how about with Rhodesian forces during their "bush wars"? That speaks for itself. I probably shouldn't mention someone I worked with during my time in Berlin in the '80s - he spent a bit of time training with US Army Delta folks and mentioned Mini's being utilized... Just sayin'...
Why didn't the Robinson XCR-L make the cut?
Where's the CZ Bren? Galil?
The CZ Bren is on the list
The SIG SG55x series clearly has its place in the list. More than the MCX, which is an AR-15 hybrid. The B&T APC223/556 could have been part of the list as well ;)
The SG55x isn't produced anymore. Which is probably why its not on this list.
SG550, SG551 and SG553 are still in production for sure, but, according to some info found in a forum, it seems SIG is no longer selling them in the US... Only 556 (not worth the others) and SG552 are no longer produced.
Just out of curiosity why list the Kel Tec SU-16 and not the RDB, a 5.56 Bullpup that many have said has a better stock trigger than the Tavor SAR? I understand that you can’t list everything but I think the RDB deserves the SU-16’s spot.
Why no mention about the Bushmaster ACR Yes it's no longer made like the "tactical tuna" I wish I had bought one when they were still made:)
OK Travis well written but IMHO way out in left field. The problem with the AR 15 is its looks! Most of the rifles you listed look enough like the AR that from a distance the gun grabbers couldn't tell one from another or the AR 15. The Mini14 is pretty much a rifle that looks like dear old dad's hunting rifle. (Only one I would have included on a list),
What about the Marcolmar CETME-L. I know they are a parts build rifle but they are currently selling them. $1350.00 ish. Galil Ace, not sure if they are currently being produced or not though. I had a Galil for awhile but it was SUPER picky on what ammo it would shoot and I was a novice shooter back then too, I didn't know much about it when I bought it and traded it off later because it was so picky. It had a skeletonized side folding stock.
The Bren is a great alternative. Just returned from AF, where the Czechs use their selective fire version. Terrific weapon.
Mossberg MVP ??? I was expecting a list of bolties and other types
Why no mention of the Kel-Tec RDB in 5.56?
IMHO better trigger, more accurate(in my limited experience with both) and I just like the way it operates. Just sayin’
The title of your article is 'Best 5.56 Rifles That Are Not AR-15s', and it caught my eye. Even though you drifted into a narrower discussion on semi-auto alternatives only, it got me thinking about a rifle that I have found to be extremely fun, accurate, and very affordable - the 'Ruger American Ranch model 26965'. When God forbid Beto comes grabbing all the (ahem yup sure thing Joe maybe not AR-16s) 'assault rifles', I will still be flingin' 5.56 from my pre-Covid stockpile.
Nice job on the alternatives. Not a lot of sources delve this deeply into the 5.56 alternatives.
Why did you leave out Kel Tec RDB???
Just eww.
How about the HK MR 556A1? For some reason you always leave if off these lists.
Robinson Armament xcr would be another consideration. Kind of in the bren2/ACR/SCAR style of weapons but conversion kits on market/available/reasonable affordable.
Why the Kel Tec SU-16 and not the RDB? The RDB is awesome.
Ruger Mini 14. It's been around for 50 years and is still being produced. It can be had for under a grand, and even though it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of some of the newer guns, I think it still has a great cool factor. I can remember how badly I wanted one in the 70's, but couldn't afford it on an Army privates pay(and where would I keep it since guns weren't allowed in the barracks?).
I was able to keep a Glenfield .22 in my Fort Hoo barracks, in the Arm's Room on the first floor. It was an incredible hassle to get it out then check it in, but I put up with it for a year or so.
I will have to disagree on that one. Old Mini's tended to lack accuracy well more so consistency even by the military 4moa at 100 standard. I do agree it has a great cool factor gorgeous firearms. Downside they are no longer under a grand. I think that's what holds them back nostalgia, and for that amount of money I think you could probably find something better. Unless you just want it for the looks aspect.