Why the AR-15?
I think we can both agree that the AR-15 is an essential firearm for just about any gun enthusiast. I’m a firm believer that every gun owner needs to own at least one of them. They are the perfect weapon for home-defense, regardless of what any snowflake says. And, the AR-15 is also one of the best survival tools you could ever hope to have. After all, everyone has one, they’re easy to fix, and ammo is literally everywhere.
But, there are tons of companies out there making these rifles, and finding out which is the best AR-15 manufacturer isn’t an easy task unless you’ve been around for a bit. What I’ve tried to do in this updated list is add a few manufacturers, and break it down into different categories, like best budget AR-15, and even a category for the best AR-15 lower receiver, if you choose to build your own from the ground up.
While you may have heard, “just as long as it’s a mil-spec AR-15 you’ll be fine,” that is not always the case. There are some AR-15 makers that are just better than others. Think about it like this …
If your mechanic told you not to worry about your racecar (a 1988 Toyota corolla) because the ONLY modifications it needs to keep up with high-end cars are four tires, would you listen? No? Why not? Because anyone with half a brain can figure out that a 1988 Toyota is not a Lamborghini just because they both require four tires to get around.
As it applies to rifles, just because something is mil-spec, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s high quality. First of all, when a company wins a military contract, it’s usually because the military needs to have the cheapest possible stuff built.
Another thing to remember is that just because a company says something is within spec, doesn’t mean that it actually is. We see this from time to time with some of the lower-grade manufacturers.
Manufacturer or Assembly Line?
Some of the companies on this list are not actually manufacturers, but assembly companies who buy parts from other AR 15 brands. Please note that in most cases, I will not make the distinction here, because there isn’t anything technically wrong with either method, unless you’re using garbage parts–which nobody on this list does.
Another part that goes into it, are the accessories put onto the AR-15 pattern rifle. Which trigger, (that links to an article I wrote about triggers) handguard, stock, etc., does the rifle come with? A lot of the time this has a direct relationship with quality, so you’ll want to keep that in mind, too.
So, who are the top AR-15 manufacturers of 2018? Here they are broken down in alphabetical order in each category.
Top tier AR-15 manufacturers:
Bravo Company —
I’m a big supporter of just about any veteran owned company out there. When you take a group of veterans who opened up a firearms company, it gets even better because they understand more than anyone the importance of having a rifle that doesn’t fail. That’s BCM’s main goal with their rifles, to the point of using high-quality parts, pressure testing, and magnetic particle testing them. Doesn’t get much better than BCM. They are easily one of the top AR-15 manufacturers right now.
Brownells usually carries BCM at decent prices.
Daniel Defense —
Daniel Defense is one of the best AR-15 manufacturers, and they are one of the few companies who make most of their own parts. Chances are good that you don’t need me to tell you about them, so what I will do is offer up my opinion about the founder, Marty Daniel. He’s actually an inspiration to me because after failing through so many things, he never gave up and is now one of the leading AR-15 manufacturers in the United States.
Brownells is a good place to buy Daniel Defense Rifles.
FN Herstal —
FN is proven in battle, and for plinking. They are also one of those trend setting companies who also tend to make history. While these rifles may not appear on the short list of many “best AR-15 brands” articles out there, they’re on mine, and for good reason. Every time I’ve ever had one, it never malfunctioned on me. That, to me, is most important. Please note that FN also makes some of the best budget AR-15s, as well. Here is a review I’ve done on a FN DMR II. I can’t believe how well it performed.
Brownells to the rescue, again, with great prices.
LaRue —
Texas based LaRue Tactical has a great warranty in place for their high quality firearms and components. It says this: If you ain’t happy, then we ain’t happy. In other words, if your LaRue *anything* breaks, send it back and they’ll take care of it. LaRue isn’t only one of the best AR-15 manufacturers in the country, they are a premier manufacturer who makes most parts in house to make sure the highest quality is achieved. What really sets them apart, is that each rifle has been guaranteed to shoot 1 MOA before it leaves their shop, and you even get the target that shows what the rifle is capable of.
LMT —
Lewis Machine & Tool has been making ARs since I was born, which was 1980. They’ve got more than experience on their side, however, because they are also supplying firearms to military units around the globe. In fact, a couple years back they beat out several other AR-15 brands to win a contract to supply the entire New Zealand Army with rifles. If I remember correctly, that was a history making deal that even President Trump would be proud of.
LMT’s rifles can be found on Brownells.
LWRC —
LWRC is one of the best AR 15 manufacturers, and an award winner at that. They use high-quality components, check them for cracks, cold-hammer forge their own barrels that are not like most of the others on this list. Their barrels are NiCorr treated, making them more durable in the long run, than most of the others available today.
Brownells usually has LWRC rifles in stock at a good price.
Noveske —
Noveske is one of the premier AR-15 manufacturers in the country. Today, even though some gaps have closed up a bit, they are still one of the top AR15 brands in the game. A couple things that set them apart from most today, is the quality of the barrel and the attention to detail during the assembly process. They spend more time on each rifle, than most other companies. This ensures that, if you can afford one and don’t build a rifle yourself, you rest assured knowing that you get the highest quality possible.
Cabela’s usually has Noveske rifles and parts in stock.
POF —
POF is a recent entrant to the best AR-15 manufacturer list, and was suggested to me by multiple people, including a very good friend of mine. So after handling them a bit more, I’ve decided that I agreed and they deserved to be on this list. They offer a wide range of rifles for you to choose from, including both direct impingement, gas piston, and bolt-action AR-style rifles.
1800 Guns and Ammo has a POF rifle in stock.
Rock River —
Rarely is a rifle made to such tight and consistent tolerances. Rock River started out originally by making 1911s out of a garage, realized that there was a gap to be filled in the AR-15 market, and the rest is history. Today, they work out of a 50,000 SF facility designed to do one thing: bring you the highest quality AR-15s they possibly can.
Best Budget AR-15s
Palmetto State Armory —
I have a newfound respect for PSA that I never really had before. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always liked them as a company and their products are uber affordable. But, I had recently toured their facilities in South Carolina and what I learned about them blew me away. I own a few of their products, and I’ve not experienced any issues with what I do have. And, the fact that you can literally pick up a complete rifle or piece one together yourself for about (and sometimes under) the $500 price point is incredible. I recently heard a goal of Palmetto State Armory is to spread freedom. The way they do this is by selling so many firearms that it makes a mandatory buyback impossible.
The cool thing about PSA is that you can buy directly from their website and have the rifle shipped to your FFL. Also stay tuned because I’m working on a 6.8 SPC rifle review, right now.
Sig Sauer —
Sig Sauer is a top quality firearms manufacturer overall, in many categories, in addition to being one of the AR-15 brands I’ve got here. As you likely know, Sig just won the military contract to replace Beretta as the sidearm of choice for the US military. Sig also makes great rifles, and is one of the top AR 15 manufacturers in the country. Their reputation stands for itself and requires no other introduction.
Cabela’s is usually a good place to buy SIG’s AR-15s.
Ruger —
Sometimes you just want a rifle from a manufacturer you know and trust that’s not going to break the bank. Not that any of the other companies on this best AR15 manufacturer list are not trustworthy. If that were the case, they wouldn’t be here. But, as far as affordable rifles go, I wanted to provide another example, and Ruger is a solid company with a great entry level rifle. The barrel is cold hammer forged, parts are properly attached and staked, and, as a bonus, you get Ruger’s fantastic customer service.
Many of Ruger’s guns can be found for great prices at Brownells.
Smith & Wesson M&P15 —
Smith & Wesson offers up a great budget AR-15 for those of us looking for a rifle to get into, just testing the waters. Or, for those of us who are stacking rifles and burying them in the ground “just in case.” Either way, the S&W M&P 15 isn’t something you can go wrong with.
The M&P 15 can be found for good prices on Brownells.
Best Left Handed AR-15:
Stag 15L —
Yes, this is a thing and while we were told in the Marines to just learn how to use the other side, there is an option in the civilian market for lefty AR-15 rifles. Joe recently had the chance to take a Stag 15L Tactical for a test run and he was my SSGT while in the Marines. I therefore trust his opinion and he says he liked this rifle so much he had to buy it. That’s good enough for me. You can buy them direct from their website.
What’s cool about Stag, is that you can buy directly from their website, and have it shipped to your FFL.
Best AR-15 Lower Receivers:
Aero Precision —
For those times when you just want to build your own AR-15, because screw the man, you really cannot go wrong with Aero Precision (that goes to their page) I’m getting ready to start collecting parts to build another one, and I’m going to be using an Aero Precision upper and lower. For the price, this is one of the best companies out there. Aero Precision is usually the lowest I’d go, with lower receivers starting in the $90 range, and often times found cheaper than that with sales.
Seekins Precision —
Stepping it up a bit in price from the previous entrant, is Seekins Precision. There isn’t a whole lot that can be said, other than I’m a firm believer in the mantra: you get what you pay for. Seekins ain’t cheap, but if you believe that paying more for something renders a better finished product (that’s also sexy as hell) then you can’t go wrong here. Then again, one of their lowers retails for over $250, and I’ve built entire rifles for $400 before, so there’s also that. Brownells carries Seekins Precision lowers.
Spikes Tactical —
I like to think of Spikes Tactical as the in between point of the above two, with lower receivers coming in at $125. Their themed ones in the priceless designs like their “snowflake” lower receiver are fantastic, always good for a laugh, and of course great at starting a conversation. Either way, if you’re building a rifle, Spikes Tactical is a good place to start.
Spikes Tactical lowers can be found in many gun stores around the country, and at Brownells.
Conclusion —
Who do you think the Top AR-15 manufacturer is? Let me know in the comments below. Want to find out what I think are the best 22 cal pistols?
Just wondering why KAC wasn’t mentioned. Most forums I look at say they are the best.
My personal belief is that I only recommend a product that I’ve actually used/tested in the past. I don’t have a ton of experience with them and didn’t feel comfortable recommending them based on another’s opinion. That does not mean that they’re not one of the best, just that I can’t personally vouch for that. Thank you for your question.
I have noticed Springfield always being left off of these lists. I am new to the game on these things and was looking into getting the Saint Edge but the absence of it from every list out there about top AR-15s leads me to think maybe I should spend the extra money on something like a Daniel Defense. Do you have any unbiased opinion on the springfield line of ARs?
Hey Carter, I know Springfield makes great stuff. I own several of their handguns but don’t have as much experience as I’d like to with their AR-15 platforms. The only time I’ve ever shot them was at SHOT Show, but can say that my experience was fine. Also, the people I know who do own Springfield AR-15s have said they love them as well. It looks like I’ll need to request one to do a review on soon.
I hope this helps and I don’t think you could go wrong with a rifle from Springfield.
Josh
Springfield has been black listed because of their politics in Illinois. Please research what happened and make your own decision.
What about ADM ..American defense Manufacture ..Dont see them on the list …
Hey Herbert,
Honestly, it’s hard for me to recommend a rifle I don’t have much experience with. I’ll see if I can locate a rifle to do a T&E on.
Thanks,
Josh
Colt 6920 real tcp no other out there beats a Colt from Colt defence none it’s the closest u can get to.real.in hafe bbr and full auto is it go Colt alsi just sold a mega mech bittle input it up with any on ur list and beat all best upper lower bittle made on Earth kac noveski in there to u guys left out dobblestar blackrain Arco and core sabel so many I have a doc it’s nice mil but a 15 bolt I dount lk a nonsoc tube also but I changed it if u go with Colt defense u got the best m4semi semi.auto ever made out all them there try 50 years battle proven yes I do guys have put out good runs for selling and those all or good guns but Colt got 100 percent millspec down not rest only fn and few have had miltary aproves.but Thur Colt rolls they have pay Colt so u guys can put a pony on top as best m,4 6906 made out all u got there don’t he math
Hahahaha! The old TDP ( not TCP) ? You realize that those specs have been out in PUBLIC FOR DECADES!
Spikes Tactical, CORE 15 , and Aero Precision all build AR-15 variants that use MIL SPEC parts from MIl SPEC parts makers ( CMT and AERO precision make many of the uppers and lowers for other AR-15 brands)- higher end brands like BCM source parts that meet and EXCEED the technical Data Package once held exclusively by Colt
I own a Colt LE 6920 as well as a 6940- NEITHER are superior in performance, parts , accuracy, durability or fabrication than my Spikes Tactical M4 LE, my Daniels Defense DDV4 or my BCM Haley Jack carbine( the Colts are actually the shitter looking carbines I have compared to my other three Non colts!)
Colt is the standard by which all ar-15 carbines should be measured BUT having used them as a LEO and seen them FAIL in LE training classes along side Bushmasters- has keys coming loose on the bolt carrier, bolts crack, barrels improperly aligned, gas tubes poorly set) they are not infallible
Even the cheaper AR brands like Smith and Wesson, PSA , Ruger, crap-tactic Rock River Arms (that won a legit Federal government purchase contract not long ago , right along with Colt) and Stag Arms can sell “ per mil spec” or civilian spec AR-15s that can run neck and neck with a Colt!
A recent YouTube group called “ AK operators Union” ran a high round count endurance test with a lowly Palmetto State Armory AR-15 carbine ( with a full auto bcg and a melonite treated 4150V spec barrel that went 5,000 rds with out a FTE /FTF and beat a mid length Daniels Defense AR-15 that went down after 2,600 rds!
FWIW , Colts will never be on the level of a Daniels Defense , even when you have a basic carbine vs Colt
agree on the colt..best out there!
I own three of the rifles on your top tier list, but u left out one that would be at the top of that list. Knights should be on that list for sure, if not the top of it. Kac sr15 mod 1 or 2.
Knight’s Armament should be on the list! One of the best AR-15 brands on the planet ???
Thank you for telling me who the best ar15 manufacturers are. What I really wanted to know, actually is which ar-15 manufacturers to avoid?
Are there any out there that are worse than others are? Thank you for your information.
Hey Bob,
So, you want to know which AR-15 manufacturers to avoid? This isn’t really an easy question. For the most part, the rifles being produced today are pretty good to go across the board. However, there are a couple I’d recommend not buying, for sure. I hate doing this, but when we have a gun that doesn’t work properly we’ve gotta let people know. Most of the AR-15 makers out there are doing a decent job.
I’d currently stay away from the ATI Omni Hybrid as one of our reviewers had a hard time with one recently. We usually try to give a company one chance before leaving a bad review, but if they can’t get it right, we’ve got to point it out. She got that gun back and it was still messed up.
Also, I’d recommend not getting anything made out of polymer. For the most part, these guns are okay, but there are things you’ve got to look out for like weak spots in the polymer, threads strip a lot quicker, etc.
I hope this helps in your search to understand which AR-15 manufacturers are worst and should be avoided.
Thanks,
Josh
Thank you for this list of the best ar-15 manufacturers. I’ve been in the market for one for a while and didn’t know where to start. I own a couple bolt action rifles but really don’t have much experience with the AR-15 type of rifle.
From the companies you listed above, are there a lot of differences in the quality of rifle? Or are any of these AR15’s good for basic home defense?
thanks
Hey aswutua,
Not that I’ve found. For the most part, most of the AR-15 rifles out there these days are worth what you’d pay for them. If you’re new to the AR market, I’d suggest going with one of the middle of the road rifles listed out above. In all honesty, you can’t really go wrong with anything on this list.
Thanks again,
Josh
thanks
Only a few can sit on top, and due to
Ingenuity and quality, NOVESKE is right on top. Have a machinist look at the rest up against a Noveske. They keep producing a new industry standard with revolutionary products 6 1/2 years after Johns passing. NOVESKE.
Aero Precision all day! I built an all Aero Precision 6.5 Grendel South an 18 inch barrel and the reliability of my all Aero Precision AR-15 is 2nd to none! It’s rediculous how accurate the rifle is as well! I can’t say enough good things about Aero Precision! From parts to customer service and the knowledgeable staff, they are flat out a top notch, top of the line company! If you haven’t figured it out by now, I VERY HIGHLY recommend using this company for your 1st or next build!
Honestly.. I want the best bang for the buck. I own AR 15’s from Colt, LMT, BCM, Bushmaster (Wyndham) and then the others that I have pieced together.
I don’t need a Noveske, I think they are really nice people, but I don’t need to spend that kind of money on an off the shelf AR 15.
I just purchased my first PSA build kit and I can say I am really impressed with what they are producing for the price. Not my go to company at all, but for building a truck gun that I can seriously not give two shits about, they are perfect.
I have my Anderson 80% lowers and they are what they are for that rainy day when I might need them. My go to lower is Aero, but I really don’t care for their other offerings.
I enjoy building AR’s with the parts I think give the best bang for the buck. Nothing frilly, just parts you know you can depend on. Parts from Geissele, CMMG, Spikes, JP, BCM, SB, B5, CMC, ALG, Knights, Magpul and even from PSA. I build guns that are unique and my own preference. I truly don’t get why anyone would buy a complete AR from any manufacturer when the ability to source parts and build an AR is such an awesome experience.
When I look at LMT, or Noveske, or any of the top brands, only to see what they want for parts, then seeing a similar part from another quality company and the prices have such a huge difference, it doesn’t make any real sense other than for bragging rights.
If I spend 2k building a gun, it is nicer than any off the shelf model and it is my gun. I know every part and why it was chosen for that build. If I go to the range and see a nice off the shelf gun, I can appreciate them, but they are what they are. I love talking to the guys who have built their guns and can tell you what they have in their guns and why. Hell, even hearing what they were able to build to hit a certain price point is even better.
Some guy with money who doesn’t know how to work on their guns, or some working class guy who builds his own.. I have to give it to the guy who builds his own.
Josh, thank you for your insight and knowledge of the AR lines. I have two a PSA and a Spikes and looking to add an ATI, however, thankfully, I came across your review of the ATI and their incredibly poor customer service! Manufacturers who do not listen to the customer, the sole source of their existence are never going to succeed!
Again thanks for a very well written article and your take on the best AR’s on the market.
V/r Bob
Hey friend, good read. Knights armament though like arguably the top of tier one with lmt being that the man who invented the ar15 Eugene Stoner went there to work on enhancements to his original design. Incredible company putting out wet dream rifles. I follow them up with Lmt because well a rail that cannot be knocked out of zero and the tightest tolerances and enhancements to make the system nearly perfect down to the bcg with extra gas ports and enhanced extractor. Both of these rifles leave the rest of this tier one list in the dust. Though I’d love to have one of each. I may be a bit bias because I run LMT and Daniel Defense weapons.
Clearly the author has never heard of Sionics in Arizona. Hahaha Rock River???
People these are not facts. It is opinion. Like MSNBC. Lol. However, I do find it hilarious he thinks the Sig 516 Gen 2 is a “budget” gun. Lmao. Starting at $1700 to 2,500 isn’t a budget gun nor should such a sexy goddess of a weapon ever be classified as such. Don’t even look at the carbon. Take Colt for example. Many people thing they are the best. Well, they are not. They were just the lowest bidder to the United States military. But many dudes go to the Army serve 2 years state side a weekend a month and swear to God and Nancy Pelosi that the “Colt is tha best darn AR there is. EVER! Buuuutttt, there not you see. Not even close actually. Opinion bases forums get taken for facts most of the time. Just cause some jack ass speaks his opinion and everyone believes it. 99% of the time he/She is getting paid. Not always but most of the time. Guess what I’m saying is do your own “real research” not opinion and come to your own conclusions. Who knows, with an open mind you might just get what you want and need. A bad ass rifle with a fuckin name. Like Pamela or Betty etc. Only question now is. What’s its name. Mine is Buster Bust a Cap. BBC. Lol. Have fun Happy Hunting