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Best AR-15 Rifles for Beginners
The AR-15 is one of the most popular and well-known firearms in the world. Considering its modular design and the vast assortment of aftermarket parts, it’s easy to see why new and seasoned shooters prefer the Armalite rifle.
They are lightweight, versatile, accurate, and highly mobile, which makes the AR-15 great for personal defense.
The best part is that you can find an AR-15 at any price.
Of course, your more expensive ones will typically be more reliable and carefully built in smaller batches (for quality control purposes). Still, you don’t have to spend a fortune to obtain a quality rifle.
So today, we will review a few of the best AR-15s for beginners.
What Makes a Good Beginner AR-15?
A good beginner rifle should come from a reputable company, not break the bank, and be capable of performing above the shooter’s skill level.
The last part is critical. You want a rifle to take you a long way into your shooting journey. Although you can upgrade barrels and tinker with buffer spring weights, that’s not ideal for a new shooter.
If you’re comfortable with it, you should not be afraid to build your own AR-15. I recommend that route if you can. Not only will you be able to ensure each component is of high quality, but you can also save money sometimes.
The Rifles
Aero Precision M4E1
Aero Precision is one of the most well-known brands for new shooters and those who like building their AR-15. Based in Tacoma, WA, Aero Precision builds entry- to mid-level AR-15s that almost anyone can afford.
The M4E1 is typically found in two parts, meaning your upper and lower receivers must be combined. It’s no big deal; they are easily connected, and a simple YouTube search can help if you need extra guidance.
Machined from 7075-T6 Aluminum, the M4E1 uses many of the same materials as higher-end rifles. You can find them in various barrel lengths and handguard types, but no matter which you go with, it is also a great platform to build on.
If you won’t be shooting all that often or want a rifle to build on, go with the M4E1.
A proper M4E1 build with all the accessories. Source
BCM Recce
Very few rifles come close to the BCM Recce in terms of out-of-the-box readiness. With one of the best bolt carrier groups in the industry, a one MOA barrel, and build quality reserved for rifles three times the price, BCM has it all.
The bolt carrier group is the most essential part of your AR-15, so it is paramount to have one that is made of good steel and has close eyes on it during quality inspection. This is especially true when starting, as malfunctions can be tricky for a new shooter.
The Recce rifle is one of the best on the market at its price point. But, if you can spare the change, you won’t have to worry about issues later.
Trust me. I have about 15,000 rounds through mine.
Reconnaissance professional. Source
Springfield Armory Saint Victor
The Saint Victor often gets tossed to the side by guys who are used to running high-tier rifles. But for those new to AR-15s, I think you’ll find that it has a lot of good qualities for beginners.
So much so that multiple law enforcement agencies in the United States use them for patrol.
For example, the rifle features a nickel boron trigger that eliminates a lot of grittiness and a free float hand guard for maximizing accuracy. These pieces give you a rifle capable of handling moderate use and at an accurate level.
Beginner shooters will advance far into their shooting journey before needing something more. I’d call it THE beginner rifle. It’s not extremely expensive, and you get a solid rifle with strong quality control behind it.
Almost perfect, just missing a full-length rail. Source
FN Guardian 15
FN Herstal typically manufactures high-end firearms that are built for combat, period.
My first rifle in the Marines was an M16A4 made by FN. And I’m sure that rifle was handed down through hundreds (if not thousands) of hands.
The spec sheet shows that the Guardian is meant to run hard. It features an HBAR (heavy barrel) that sits free-floating with a full Picatinny top rail and M-Lok side rails, which are precisely what most rifles at this price point lack.
The bolt carrier group also has all the workings. It is built from 9000 series steel and thoroughly tested for magnetic particles and high pressure.
It’s definitely good to go. At this price, you won’t find anything better.
With all the beginner fixings. Source
LWRC DI Standard
The LWRC DI is another mid-tier rifle but at a price above most others on the list—one of those rifles that is more of a splurge.
It’s well worth the price, though.
LWRC offers its AR-15s in either Direct-Impingement or Piston-Driven variants. The DI version is the typical AR-15 system, while the latter is more related to how an AK-47 works. Either way, the parts used to assemble this rifle are top-quality.
If aesthetics are your thing, you’ll love the fluting on the barrel. LWRC has some of the best barrels on the market, and it’s not uncommon to see these rifles doing 1 MOA or below with the right ammo.
Everything comes together in the DI Standard, which will take a new shooter a long way through their shooting journey before it would have to be replaced with something more capable.
Aesthetics and function go hand in hand here. Source
Conclusion
Getting into AR-15s can be expensive. Trust me, my first rifle was the BCM Recce, so I know how hefty the price tag can be.
I always recommend buying a quality rifle from the start, but if it gets too expensive, you can always build one. You can usually even save money and get a better-quality firearm. You’ll learn a lot as well.
Whatever route you decide to take, whether building or buying, owning an AR-15 is an investment. Always make sure yours is ready to perform at a moment’s notice.
Be good and take care.
