Competition breeds technical innovation. It also creates economies of scale that turn luxuries into goods that anyone can afford. Nowhere has this been more apparent in the gun world than with the rise of the AR-15. The AR design has been around since the 1950s, but production was stifled first by patent, and then by the Clinton Assault Weapons Ban.
Once the ban expired in 2004, the AR was back and with a vengeance. Several major firearm manufacturers joined Colt in producing AR-type rifles, while many more producers popped up specifically to make their own version. The result has been more variety and deflating prices. In 1960, Colt AR-15s sold for $189, the equivalent of $2000 today. Even with current inflation at play, it is easy to find a solid rifle for under $1000. Rifles in these price tiers will sometimes be lacking in one aspect or another compared to higher-tier models and custom builds, but you do not need to go that route to find a rifle that you can enjoy shooting and employ for serious work. Here are my own top five picks for AR-15s that can be yours for under $1000, in no particular order.
Palmetto State Armory PA-15
The PA-15 family are basic AR rifles that come in calibers as small as 5.7×28 FN to 7.62×39 Russian. As with any AR, the PA-15 is infinitely customizable, but the base models are 16-inch carbines that come either optics-ready or with iron sights. Although the optics-ready model is less expensive up front, you will need to pay extra to get the sight of your choice and the M4 handguard that comes standard on that model isn’t accessory friendly. Coming under $650, the iron-sighted model is recommended. This version of the PA-15 comes with a standard A2 front sight over the gas block and an MBUS flip-up rear aperture sight on the Picatinny rail. This model comes with an M-Lock handguard that is ready to accept add-ons. The PA-15 allows you a pick of black or OD Green furniture.
One peculiar benefit of the PA-15 over other budget AR-15 rifles is its use of 1:7 or 1:8 rifling twist. In a typical 5.56x45mm carbine, heavier 62-75 grain loads need this faster rate in order to stabilize. If you want to stretch a budget AR at longer distances, the PSA has a slight edge.
Sig Sauer M400 Thread
Sig Sauer is a big name and for those of us who love their all-metal P220 series double-action pistols, that name is expensive. But Sig does produce quite a few affordable options, including the M400 series.
The M400 is a different-looking animal from the standard M4 style of AR-15 that dominates this list. The M400 Thread is chambered in 5.56 NATO and comes optics-ready. But there is no A2 front sight to get in the way of a low-mounted red-dot or rifle scope. Its flat-top Picatinny rail is matched by a sleek, aluminum M-Lock handguard that terminates at the muzzle break. The M400 is functionally AR-15 in every way, save for an enlarged winter trigger guard. Add an inexpensive red dot and a sling, and the M400 Thread will be a complete rifle at under $1000. But for the rifle on its own, $850 for a Sig is quite a deal.
Core Lo Pro Scout
Core Rifle Systems of Ocala, Florida has been producing AR-15s since 2010. While not the most common offering out there, Core rifles represent an excellent mid-tier AR option to consider. But Core does offer a few budget options like the Scout series. The Core Scout is available as either a direct gas impingement or a piston-driven rifle. The base model is the Lo Pro Scout, which is a direct-gas rifle that sports a sixteen-inch barrel and a flat top for easy use of an optic. The rifle uses a 1:8 twist for those heavier loads and comes with a rear stud for the use of a one-point sling. The Lo Pro Scout represents the bare basics from a company that knows its rifles and it can be had for under $600.
Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II
In 2006, Smith & Wesson debuted their first AR—the M&P 15 Sport. The Sport was priced to sell and perhaps too well. The rifle was popular but its price came at the cost of some add-ons shooters wanted and expected on an AR, such as a dust cover and forward assist. Later, Smith attempted to lighten the rifle by lightening the barrel, which decreased the accuracy of the rifle after prolonged firing.
The M&P Sport II came along in 2012 and fixed these criticisms and has gone on to become one of the most popular rifles sold in the US today. There is a good reason for that. The Sport II has a thicker barrel profile than both the original M&P Sport and government barrel profile M4 rifles, which lends itself very well to accuracy and steady shooting. It also carries the familiar Smith & Wesson brand, whose handguns have been trusted in the hands of civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel for over a hundred years.
The Sport II can reliably be had for under $800. It is a solid, but barebones rifle. The Sport II comes in a flat-top optics-ready configuration or with an MBUS rear sight paired with an A2 front. Both come with a pair of sling studs for either a single or two-point sling. The Sport, like others on the list, ships with one 30-round PMag.
The major pitfalls of the Sport II are the handguard and the use of 1:9 rifling. The former is an easy fix, if you choose to replace it. The latter limits your choice in ammunition. Heavy-grain loads can be shot through a Sport II, but the most accurate ammunition will fall in the 55-grain range.
Ruger AR-556
Ruger has competed well with Smith & Wesson in the handgun arena for the last few decades. It only seemed natural that if Smith was to release an AR, Ruger had to as well. That came in 2014 with the introduction of the Ruger AR-556. Functionally, the AR-556 is similar to the Sport II and carries a likewise familiar brand name. Both rifles are similar in price and functionally. The only difference is that the Ruger comes with one sling stud to the Smith’s two. But Ruger uses a more versatile 1:8 twist rate and is available with or without an M-Lock handguard, a free-floated handguard, and several exclusive models for the distributors Lipsey’s and Talo.
Pew, Pew
The AR-15 is America’s rifle and you, the consumer, are the winner. Over its history, the AR transformed from a high-tech luxury good to an ordinary good readily available to the common man and woman. More money can certainly buy a rifle with more refinements out of the box. However, going for a solid budget rifle and adding ammo and time at the range will be a greater benefit than relying on refinement without practice. Some budget guns do go too far in stripping down necessary features. These are only five among others in the budget tier that punch above their weight. What is your favorite entry-level AR?
