This year’s Ballistic’s Best AR-15 edition had a significant spread in price point, with eight rifles to judge, priced as low as $500 and as high as $4,300. These days, it seems to be all about the ambidextrous controls, which make it easy to manipulate with both the right and left hand, opening doors for many more left-handed people to enjoy shooting rifles. These controls are becoming non-negotiable as the four top-scoring rifles had all or nearly all ambidextrous controls. The bottom-scoring rifles were still excellent contenders that functioned well, offered great value for the price tag, and had features the judges appreciated. Speaking of which, let me introduce you to your 2025 evaluators!
Ballistic’s Best AR-15 Evaluators
Bryce Pridemore, Firearms Instructor, Air Force Veteran
Bryce Pridemore is an Air Force veteran with over five years of firearms instructor experience. He has many hours of firearms training across several different platforms and disciplines. He is a passionate enthusiast about firearms and regular, high-quality training.
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Steven Behnke, Host of the MrBigKid Channel on YouTube
MrBigKid is your average shooter who really likes loud noises, shiny guns, and pretending he knows what he’s doing. He’s not a pro—just a regular guy having a blast (literally) and taking you along for the ride.
Taryn Less, Hobbyist Shooter
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Taryn Less is a newer hobbyist shooter. Her greenhorn status, along with her shorter stature,helps offer a more diverse insight among the judging panel. Her left eye dominance as a right-handed shooter has forced her to switch up the way she shoots carbines. Taryn shoots a rifle left-handed and, therefore, gives a perspective on the high importance of ambidextrous controls.
T.C. Barnette, SMGA/SMKW Media Director/Personality, Weapons Specialist Testing & Review
T.C. Barnette is an avid outdoorsman with a lifelong passion for shooting, hunting, and wilderness survival. Known for his deep knowledge of knives and practical outdoor gear, he blends skill and experience to thrive in the wild while sharing his respect for nature and self-reliance. Whether in the woods or at the range, T.C. embodies the spirit of adventure and craftsmanship that defines the outdoor lifestyle.
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Kenzie Fitzpatrick, Professional Competitive Shooter, Published Writer, Firearms Instructor
Kenzie Fitzpatrick, better known in the firearms world as 3GunKenzie, is a multifaceted figure in the shooting sports and firearms media space. From her upbringing in the panhandle of Florida (lower Alabama) and Louisiana—where she hunted and shot with her father and grandfathers—Kenzie developed a deep connection to firearms and the outdoors. Her formal entry into the shooting community began in 2014 when she joined the Rifle Association at Florida State University and earned a spot on their pistol team. She’s competed in 3 Gun, 2 Gun, AK competitions, PRS, NRL22, Cowboy Action, USPSA, IDPA, Steel Challenge, and more.
Targets & Ammo
This year’s Ballistic’s Best competition would not have been possible without the generosity of so many brands to outfit guns with optics, supply ammunition to shoot, and targets to shoot at! Caldwell sent excellent targets and a shooting rest for the accuracy testing, which I’ll talk about in that section. One of the coolest targets we had to shoot at this year was the Speed Rack from Shooting Targets USA. This target comes with or without the swinger underneath, and the judges were given 12 steel targets to shoot at, really testing accuracy on the smaller plates. Hunters HD Gold eye protection and Walker’s hearing protection were used by all the judges to keep their eyes and hearing safe while shooting unsuppressed rifles. And finally, the following loads of ammunition were sent for us to evaluate each of the rifles with:
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- Hornady 223 Rem 73 Grain ELD Match
- Hornady Black 223 Remington 62 Grain FMJ
- American Gunner 223 Rem 55 Grain HP
- Barnes Precision Match OTM 223 Rem 77 Grain BT
- Super Vel .223 Rem. 77 Grain OTM
- Barnes VOR-TX Rifle TSX 223 Rem 55 Grain FB
Optics
EOTECH had three very different scope setups on the rifles this year. The two second focal plane scopes used were the Vudu 1-8 and the latest 3-9 riflescope. On the higher end, the first focal plane 1-10 riflescope with the MRAD reticle was also used this year, making it easy to zero the rifle and perform accuracy testing.
Switching brands, the latest scope line-up from Meprolight includes a first focal plane 1-8 riflescope with an MRAD reticle and all the bells and whistles you could ask for with illumination, a throw lever, and more. We also set up one of the rifles with the Tru-Vision SR and MMX3 3X Micro Magnifier from Meprolight.
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Another setup we had was the Holosun 510C with the red 2 MOA dot and 65 MOA circle paired with the Holosun HM3XT 3x Magnifier.
Finally, we had a Trijicon Credo 1-8 first focal plane riflescope with the MRAD segmented circle. While some rifles came with flip-up iron sights, the SIG SAUER rifle includes its own red dot optic, which is what we used for it.
Mounts
The scope mounts this year were crucial in setting up the scopes to hold zero. Midwest Industries just recently released a line of QD scope mounts, which we got to use on a couple of rifles. The bonus feature of these scope mounts is the optional rail caps for mounting offset 45-degree red dot optics or a top-mounted red dot. The new Burris FastFire E, designed for use with rifles, pistols, or carbines, was one of the red dot optics used to showcase the new QD scope mount design.
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The second type of scope mount used on the Heckler & Koch rifle is from Reptilia. The limited edition OD Green AUS mount is as rugged as they come, and looks cool,too. Their scopes are designed for use with other accessories, one of which is the bubble level offset that can be mounted on either side of the AUS mount. This is a non-negotiable, highly valuable tool when shooting a rifle at long-range targets.
The last scope mount was an MSR-style mount from Warne Scope Mounts. I’ve used these for years on all my competition rifles, and they’ve given me no reason not to trust them to hold zero after a decade of use.
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Ballistic’s Best AR-15 Scoring Criteria
This year’s competition was as close as it could get, with the top rifle beating second place by just one point. Each gun was scored on the following criteria: aesthetics, ergonomics, sights (if they came with any), trigger, recoil, reloading ease, accuracy, reliability, and the total value of the package offered. Each aspect was scored from 1-5, with “1” representing the worst or poorest and “5” indicating the best or exceeding expectations. The judges were instructed to score a rifle’s accuracy with a specific scoring rubric to ensure scoring was not subjective. These instructions are listed in that section. The other section that had defined scoring was the sights category. If a rifle did not come with any sights, it was to be scored as a “1.” If it came with sights, then judges could use a 3, 4, or 5 scoring to rate the value/quality of sights.
Accuracy Testing
To ensure fairness in the accuracy test, we shot each rifle back-to-back using the same type of high-quality ammunition. We shot groups of five rounds at 75 yards using the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 3 to keep each rifle stable in place. The Lead Sled DF features sturdy dual frame construction to support the heaviest of rifles. The significant benefit of Caldwell’s new improved design is the relocation of the tubes under the weight tray, providing more clearance for magazines, pistol grips, or lever actions.
It took mere seconds to adjust each rifle for windage and elevation as we moved from one target to the next. This lead sled saved us a lot of time by eliminating the need to attach Picatinny or ARCA rail mounts for compatible bipods. The front rest is made of rubber, and the rear support features a recoil pad, making it as stable, if not more so, than using a bipod with rear support bags to stabilize each rifle.
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The ammunition selected for testing was the Hornady 73-grain ELD (Extremely Low Drag) Match loads. Hornady is known for its high quality in the industry, with stringent quality control to ensure proper bullet seating, consistent charges, pressures, and overall length, resulting in repeatable accuracy. We used the Caldwell Gen 2 Orange Peel Sight-In targets to see each grouping and measure each group size easily.
Factors That Can impact Accuracy
There are a couple of factors that can impact accuracy that I want to mention before diving into the results. For starters, the same load of ammunition can group differently through multiple rifles. With different material barrels, barrel lengths, twist rates, and muzzle devices, there are many factors to consider when evaluating accuracy. We used one type of ammunition from the same lot to ensure fairness, but the results don’t necessarily mean a rifle is inaccurate. It just might group better with a different load of ammunition.
Another factor that can impact accuracy is the optic and optic mount. On the Smith & Wesson rifle specifically, we used a new QD scope mount from Midwest Industries. We shot three rounds before realizing something was off, as the rounds were impacting all over the place. The QD levers were not torqued down enough, so the mount was physically sliding forward and rearward. Once we remedied that issue, all was well again.
The SIG SAUER M400 rifle is a sweet package that comes with a pre-installed ROMEO5 GENII red dot optic. While this optic is great for quick transitions and ringing steel, without a magnifier or a scope, it can be challenging to aim the dot on a smaller or farther target. For this reason, we aimed the rifle at the big, center diamond on the target to make it easier to group.
Non-Subjective Accuracy Scoring
The results are below, and for non-subjective scoring, the judges were instructed to score accuracy as follows:
- If it shot less than a 0.5-inch group, mark it a 5.
- If it shot a group greater than 0.5–inch but less than 1 inch, mark it a 4.
- If it shot over 1 inch but less than 1.5 inches, mark it a 3.
- If it shot over a 1.5-inch group, mark it a 1.
Accuracy Results
On the left target, middle diamond the POF group was 1.82 inches, top right diamond Midwest Industries grouped 1.45 inches, top left diamond was American Tactical which grouped 1.19 inches, bottom right diamond was Smith & Wesson with a 1.25-inch group, and the bottom right diamond was Hi-Point with a 1.09-inch group.
Onto the right target, middle diamond the SIG SAUER group was 1.58 inches, top right diamond Heckler & Koch group was 0.48 inches and bottom right diamond was Springfield with a 0.76-inch group.
8 Ballistic’s Best AR-15 Contenders
POF P-15 BASE
Taryn
The POF has a smaller circumference handguard that fit my small hands well. This rifle is very lightweight and easy to maneuver from one target to the next. The grip was okay, with nothingwrong or great about it. Because this rifle did not have ambidextrous controls, it was hard for me to function, as I’m left eye dominant and therefore, shoot left-handed. For the price, it does the job.
Bryce
The POF was a very middle-of-the-road contender here. It did most everything well, but nothing extraordinary. Where it really fell short was the accuracy. At an MSRP of $999, it does about what you would expect, but still leaves something to be desired across the board.
Steve
This rifle seems to perform well — it handles basics cleanly and consistently, doing what you expect a straightforward firearm to do without drama. For someone who needs a dependable tool rather than flash, I’d trust its reliability: feeding, firing, and cycling appear solid, and there’s nothing in its operation that suggests fragility or questionable engineering. That said, the asking price feels high for a model that offers no extra features or luxury touches; you’re paying a premium for dependable performance alone rather than for enhancements like advanced ergonomics, upgraded materials, or factory accessories.
If cost is a significant factor, other rifles deliver comparable reliability for less money. Therefore, this one makes the most sense for a buyer who values brand-new, out-of-the-box dependability and is willing to pay a bit more for it. Overall: a competent, no-nonsense rifle that does its job well, but its value proposition depends on how much you weigh plain reliability versus additional features at the price point.
TC
The POF P-15 is a solid, reliable base platform, making it a good choice for a starter or entry-level rifle. What really stood out with this rifle is the weight and reliability. The more I shoot, the more I find myself going back to stripped-down functionality. Most importantly, it ran, and I think that, along with its affordability, sets this firearm up as a great platform for learning, training, growth, and customization. With this rifle, there are no frills, yet many people call riflesLegos for a reason. Let’s face it, many will find pieces and parts they plan to upgrade, make their own, make unique, and make fit them, and this rifle works perfectly for that.
Kenzie
I think the POF was slightly overpriced for the value offered. I would’ve guessed a more reasonable price point of $700, maybe for this rifle. Overall, it’s a no-nonsense, does-the-job AR-15 that shoots reliably. For an entry-level rifle and someone looking for a first-time AR-15, I would say this is a great option, but the price point is a little high.
Hi-Point HP-15
Taryn
I struggled with this rifle. It is not ambidextrous, since I am a left-eye-dominant shooter; it was tough. The safety was stiff, making it hard to reach around and flip it on and off. The charging handle was so stiff that it broke my nail when I tried to clear a malfunction. This malfunction occurred while shooting some subpar ammunition, possibly due to a faulty magazine, as the gun ran reliably with higher-quality ammo. This one, you get what you pay for, which is not much on either account. The best thing going for it, which surprised me, was its accuracy.
Bryce
The HP-15 looks and feels about like what you would expect from Hi-Point’s first dip into the AR world. With a very budget-friendly price tag, you would be remiss to expect things likeambidextrous controls or an adjustable gas block. However, the HP-15 still appeared to punch above its weight class with a fantastic grouping and workable ergonomics that most frugal-minded AR-15 enthusiasts would be familiar with. The classic A2-style pistol grip and slim handguard are two components that work for most hand sizes. This simple approach also yielded a very light rifle that was easy to track target to target with.
This is one entry I looked forward to testing, and I am pleasantly surprised with it. I hope this rifle continues to perform over time and with higher round counts. It’s about time we got an AR-15 at a $500 price point that doesn’t involve a polymer receiver or controls that feel like they ride on sandpaper.
Steve
This rifle represents an excellent value for shooters on a budget. Out of the box, it feels solid for a basic, entry-level platform and is suited to casual range use, training, or as a beater rifle for rough environments where you wouldn’t want to risk a higher-end firearm. The primary downside we encountered was a reliability hiccup: a single double-feed that occurred while running inexpensive 55-grain ammo. Because the problem only happened once and only with that batch of budget rounds, it’s plausible the root cause was related to magazine spring tension or the ammunition rather than a fundamental design flaw. Still, any malfunction is worth noting.
TC
All in all, I was blown away by this rifle. At $500, it is the lowest-priced rifle of all those tested and one of the highest values available, if not the highest. First, there were some questions about reliability, but it remains inconclusive whether the issue was with the rifle or one of a myriad of other variables. Therefore, without further evaluation, I don’t want to draw too much from it. At the end of the day, considering this is their first attempt at an AR-15 and the incredible price point, this is a huge success and an excellent option for a budget rifle to build on and grow with.
Kenzie
I thoroughly enjoyed the Hi-Point AR-15 and am really giddy about them getting into this market. Before this year’s competition even started, I said aloud that I bet the Hi-Point rifle hurts some feelings when it comes to its performance or value against the others we evaluated this year. And it turned out I was right. I absolutely giggled the entire time I was mag dumping rounds through this rifle with zero malfunctions and ringing steel targets with the best of them. It was one of the more accurate shooting rifles when used with Hornady ELD Match ammunition. While I dislike the grip and the non-ambi controls, I have to give it to Hi-Point that the total value offered for this rifle is among the best in this year’s competition.
Editor’s Note: check out the Hi-Point HP-15 Rotten Gun Review here.
American Tactical MILSPORT
Taryn
For the price point, you get what you pay for. It’s a decent, cheap, okay rifle. I had no issues with it, and it shot well. There were no ambidextrous capabilities, which already puts it low on my want list.
Bryce
The American Tactical rifle is very familiar among the budget-oriented range of AR-15s. It performed well, especially considering its price point, and passed testing without any issues.Something you typically can’t ask of a sub $600 AR-15. While it didn’t stand out from the others in terms of performance, its value-to-performance ratio might make all the difference for those trying to save their wallet.
Steve
This is a basic AR, but what it lacks in bells and whistles it more than makes up for with sensible pricing and straightforward functionality. For someone looking for a no-frills rifle that gets the job done without breaking the bank, this model fits the bill: the price is squarely in line with the rifle’s overall value and what you get for your money. During my time with it, the gun experienced no failures — feeding, firing, and ejection were all consistent, which is precisely what you want from a budget-minded rifle. Because it performed reliably with standard range use, I’d recommend it as a solid option for new shooters, casual plinkers, or anyone who needs an affordable training gun.
It won’t impress a user chasing high-end components or competition-level features. Still, its simplicity is part of its appeal: easy to maintain, uncomplicated to operate, and forgiving for everyday handling. Considering the cost versus performance, the overall value seems fair for the price point, making this a practical purchase for buyers who prioritize dependability and value over premium amenities.
TC
This was my second opportunity to shoot this rifle, and it has performed well each time. Where this rifle shines is its value; it is the second most affordable rifle on the table in this test, coming in under $600, which gives it a significant amount of built-in value. Adding in the reliability and accuracy we experienced, this forms a formidable base. Any of the negatives can be easily addressed due to the rifle’s low entry point.
Aesthetically, it is nothing to write home about, plain, black with a mil-spec stock and grip. The nice, free-float M-LOK handguard works, but the lack of QD mounts means those need to be added. The trigger is heavy and gritty, but it fires reliably every time. This could easily be improved with an aftermarket drop-in trigger. All in all, put a good red dot on it, drop in a trigger, get yourself a stock you like, add a sling mount on the handguard, and if you really want to go hard, tape it and rattle can it, and you’re well under a grand with a rifle that shoots well and looks like you want it to.
Kenzie
To me, this was the second-best value rifle in terms of price point for the total package. It is very much an entry-level rifle for a first-time AR owner or an average hobbyist shooter who wants to plink out to 200 yards or so. It performed well and shot reliably with all the ammunition we had on the range. I loved that it had unique QD mounting points on the upper portion of the handguard, plus the end plate QD, and stock QD mounting points. The ambidextrous safety and charging handle were also a significant added value. I had no complaints about the value compared to the price point. I would definitely recommend this rifle to people looking for good quality at a friendly price point.
Springfield Armory Saint Victor 14-Inch
Taryn
I am indifferent about this rifle. There wasn’t a lot that stood out to me, both from a positive and a negative standpoint. It is a solid, well-built mid-tier rifle that shoots accurately and performs well.
Bryce
The Springfield Saint Armory Victor is built on a solid foundation. It has smooth controls, a well-balanced weight, and superb ergonomics. And its accuracy performance was phenomenal, beyond what most shooters are typically capable of. At an MSRP of $1,279, it starts drifting in price closer to those sporting the ever-more popular ambidextrous lower controls.
I also must ding it in reliability because after a full magazine of shooting, the second-to-last round sheared off in the chamber. As the bolt cycled the last round in, it shoved it into the remaining brass and created a sleeve that jammed up the rifle to the point of needing mortaring to clear. Was this a fault of the Springfield after it heated up, or was it an ammo issue? After the day was done and we never saw another issue like that again with the ammo, I am inclined to believe that this specific rifle, provided by Springfield Armory for this test, may need a second look at its chamber and other related tolerances.
Steve
I was very impressed with the Saint Victor. I love a rifle with a 14-inch barrel — it gives the platform a compact, maneuverable feel without sacrificing the look and stance of a proper carbine. On the range, it balances nicely, so it’s easy to shoulder quickly and maintain sight picture during follow-up shots. The overall ergonomics are comfortable for extended sessions, and the controls are intuitive, which makes the rifle approachable whether you’re running drills or just punching steel for fun.
The Saint Victor left a very favorable impression: compact and well-balanced with nice practical details like the reinforced QD sling points and a pleasant trigger. The pinned/welded muzzle device is the only real caveat I found. I understand the necessity for legal reasons. However, if Springfield offered a pinned/welded muzzle device with different suppressor QD options, that would be a winner. It’s a solid, well-thought-out package for its price and role.
TC
The Springfield Armory Saint Victor was a comfortable, light, and reliable rifle. With the name Springfield comes dependability, and this met and exceeded those expectations. Additionally, at a very competitive price point, numerous upgrades are included in all the right places, right out of the box. Starting with the furniture from B5 Systems, the free-float handguard, QD mounts everywhere, the addition of low-profile flip-up sights, and a nickel-boron-coated flat-faced trigger all make for a significant step up in ergonomics and usability. I really enjoyed this rifle, and it is one of the best values included in this test overall.
Kenzie
I think Springfield Armory did a great job improving all the rifles in the Saint Victor lineup. This rifle performed exceptionally and was among the most accurate with Hornady ELD Match ammo, even with a shorter barrel than all the other rifles sent in for this year’s competition. I am not a fan of anything pinned and welded because it limits the compatibility down to just a few options with the specific muzzle device Springfield Armory chose for the 14-inch barrel. In fact, it’s the only muzzle device for which I don’t own any compatible suppressors (and I have over 20). That said, the price point is absolutely worth the value of this rifle, and I would recommend it to someone who wants to get in at an affordable price but with higher-quality parts and components.
Editor’s Note: check out the Springfield Saint Victor 14″ Rotten Gun Review here.
SIG SAUER M400 Sentry
Taryn
The M400 rifle is worth the price point due to the comprehensive package it offers, mainly including the ROMEO red dot optic. That sight is great for use on a rifle and makes the package even more appealing. This is an all-around, excellent quality rifle. The look is good and aesthetically pleasing. I love that it has an ambidextrous safety and magazine release, as that helps a lot with accurate and faster reloads.
Bryce
This package from SIG SAUER offers a significant advantage over the others. A red dot optic, full ambidextrous controls, a weapon-mounted light, and a vertical grip. At an MSRP of $1,749, it offers significantly more value compared to others in the same price range.
One of my favorite features of this rifle was its 2-Stage Matchlite Duo Trigger, as Sig refers to it. The trigger face was different but comfortable, and I knew exactly when the shot would break each time, making it very easy to line up the red dot on target before a smooth, confident break in the trigger. This also made it perplexing when accuracy testing yielded a 1.58-inch group.
While many of the others had magnified optics to help with accuracy testing, I had no doubts about whether my dot was positioned perfectly when the shot broke, thanks to the aforementioned trigger from Sig. While the shot group is certainly more than accurate enough for the vast majority of use cases, it’s no secret that people like having something that typically outperforms their own skill set.
Steve
I really like the value of this AR — out of the box, it feels like you’re getting a lot for the price. It ships with a red dot, a vertical foregrip, and a weapon‑mounted light, so you don’t have to budget for basic accessories immediately. Combined with the SIG’s reputation for reliability, those extras make this package a desirable option for someone who wants a ready‑to‑shoot rifle without hunting down parts. Of all the rifles I shot, this one definitely stood out. It strikes a solid middle ground between being user‑friendly for someone stepping up from a basic entry rifle and offering the refinement a more experienced shooter would appreciate.
TC
This rifle is the epitome of a jack-of-all-trades. While not the most accurate rifle we tested, its accuracy was serviceable. Although not the sexiest rifle we tested, it’s still aesthetically pleasing. To me, this rifle was not the absolute best at anything, but it was the only rifle that did everything really well.
Add to that the fact that, from a value standpoint, this rifle nails it. What really adds to the value of this rifle is all the add-ons and accessories that it comes equipped with out of the box. With a rail-mounted flashlight ($200), Romeo 5 Red dot ($150), vertical foregrip ($25), andtwo-stage trigger ($190), that’s $565 in add-ons right out of the box. Then, add all the ambidextrous features, including one of my favorite controls, the ambidextrous bolt catch/release. This is a great rifle, excellent execution, and it is in my top three favorites. The only thing holding it back compared to my top two favorites is the blander aesthetics.
Kenzie
I have rarely had opportunities to shoot SIG SAUER AR-15s. The last time I got my hands on any of their AR-15 platform rifles was probably back in the day of SIG hosting their own range days at SHOT Show! That said, I know SIG makes a fine rifle with high-quality parts at a reasonable price point. The value of the Sentry can’t be understated. It’s the only rifle submitted this year that comes with a red dot optic, a weapon-mounted light, and a vertical foregrip. These accessories can take a while for the average consumer to pick out, acquire, and then mount. The fact that SIG SAUER takes all the hassle out of the aftermarket hustle is what I really liked most about this gun.
The trigger was unbelievable and made this trigger snob super happy. I also way preferred this right-side bolt release over the Smith & Wesson because it’s a flat lever vs. the bolt release button that comes standard on every AR-15. The lever style is ten times easier to use, as you press downward with your trigger finger to charge the gun. That’s what put this rifle over the top for me.
Midwest Industries Combat HD
Taryn
This was one of my favorite rifles from this year’s competition. It features an ambidextrous safety, which was very crisp and easy to access. The grip fit my hand really well, and the trigger was my favorite of the rifles we tested. I am slightly disappointed in the grouping compared to the other rifles, especially at the price point. I would be curious if the accuracy suffered somewhat due to the red dot optic, and if mounting a scope would result in a better group.
Bryce
If you’re someone who loves the finer details and technical attributes like barrels that are hand-lapped, a nickel-coated trigger, NP3-coated, and dual-ejector bolt carrier groups, this is the rifle for you. Midwest Industries has seemingly teamed up with many brands in the industry that provide popular parts people often swap into their more “beginner” oriented AR-15s to make this rifle as custom as possible.
I love the feel of the handguard. It feels sturdy and capable of handling any task without adding much, if any, noticeable weight to the front end. Speaking of the muzzle end, at this MSRP, I am missing out on a suppressor mount or a more powerful muzzle device. Of course, there are many different mount types out there, and it would be impossible to please everyone. However, I would still like to see one included that will still perform the job of a typical A2 birdcage flash hider while also serving as a suppressor mount down the road, as needed.
I will admit the accuracy left a little to be desired from such a high-end barrel. I can’t help but wonder if that isn’t in part due to the very aggressively vertical “Kung Fu” grip. In my experience, you typically find these types of grips on a much shorter rifle, and this detracted from its capabilities as a 16-inch-barreled AR-15. Not to worry, though; this is a straightforward and cheap “fix” that wouldn’t stop me from grabbing one off the shelf today.
Steve
I really like the trigger on the Midwest Industries Combat HD rifle — it’s crisp. Beyond the trigger, the rifle’s aesthetics are outstanding. The fit and finish feel premium, and honestly, it was the best-looking rifle we tested this year. Midwest’s attention to detail is evident in the machining and the overall balance of the gun, translating into a pleasant feel on the range. What sets this build apart is the awesome twist-adjustable Rifle Speed gas block included by Midwest. Performance-wise, the Combat HD is excellent. The trigger and gas system combine to produce a shooting experience that’s both precise and forgiving. Yes, the price sits on the higher end of the spectrum, but after spending time with it, the rifle feels worth that premium. You’re getting a finished, thoughtfully engineered package rather than a barebones option.
TC
The Midwest Industries Combat HD is just a downright SEXY rifle! From the Cerakote color and quality to the lines and the features, this rifle aesthetically knocks it out of the park. The positives of this rifle don’t just stop at its looks; its feature set, functionality, and reliability makeit impossible for me not to fall in love with it. The ambidextrous safety and magazine release both add to the excellent ergonomics.
The new handguard design is perfection. I really like the offset QD cups on the handguard, which add to the comfort of the rifle while slung. Equally impressive is the coupling of the excellent trigger and the finely adjustable gas system, which really allows you to ‘dial in’ the cycling to your preference and ammunition.
The only downside of this rifle for me was the Kung Fu grip, which is obviously subjective and easily remedied, and the lack of an ambidextrous bolt catch/release at the price point. Overall, this was one of my absolute favorite rifles in this test. It’s a tremendous system with good looks and exceptional quality that competes with and beats rifles priced higher.
Kenzie
Midwest Industries submitted one hell of a rifle for this year’s competition with their new 2025 Combat HD rifle. I need an adjustable gas block system for every AR-15 I plan to use in competition or with a suppressor. Even then, an adjustable gas block isn’t always easy to adjust, and a piston-adjustable operating system doesn’t always allow me to fine-tune enough.
I have known about the Riflespeed adjustable gas system for a while, but this was the first time I was able to put my hands on one. I know the value and expense of this part alone, and I appreciate Midwest Industries’ leap in building a rifle with it. The one thing that really held this rifle back this year against the other contenders was the lack of an ambidextrous bolt release. It is just too hard to compete with rifles that cost less and have this feature. This was the best-looking rifle by far and was one of the most fun to shoot.
Editor’s Note: check out the Midwest Industries Combat HD Rifle Rotten Gun Review here.
Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P15 AXE
Taryn
This was my third favorite of the day, and for good reasons. It is almost ambidextrous, allowing me to shoot it with ease as a left-handed shooter. The smooth trigger and fire rate were noticeable with every type of ammunition we shot. The grip is very aggressive and could fit the rifle better,as there was a slight gap between it and the gun.
Bryce
This rifle has a lot going for it. To start, it has a very attractive dark grey finish with a rose gold-like trigger. I was thrilled to see that they offer a fully ambidextrous lower. This is precisely what a rifle at this price point should have. There was very little I disliked about the M&P15 AXE.
The only thing that stood out to me was the pistol grip, which resembles their M&P pistol lineup. This didn’t fit me very well personally, and swapping it out would be the very first thing I do if I were to pick one of these up. The most notable aspect of this rifle, aside from its good looks, is how smooth the action is. Straight out of the box, it has a buttery-smooth action that I have only found in rifles that typically cost much more. All in all, the M&P15 AXE is a fantastic rifle worth considering.
Steve
This was easily one of my top three picks of the year. The rifle is fully ambidextrous, making it comfortable and intuitive for both right- and left-handed shooters. It comes equipped with reliable flip-up sights, which are both durable and easy to use, adding a practical advantage right out of the box. The overall feel of the rifle is excellent—ergonomic, well-balanced, and natural to handle. When firing, the recoil is very light, making follow-up shots quick and effortless. This rifle offers a combination of precision, comfort, and thoughtful design that truly stands out.
TC
The heavens open, rays of light beam down, and angels sing as this rifle descends into my arms. The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P 15 AXE was my favorite overall, offering the perfect balance of aesthetics, function, comfort, and reliability. I’ll start with the things I love, while trying to nitpick and think of something I don’t like.
First, ergonomics: this rifle fits me perfectly. The size and comfort of the Midwest Industries handguard were superb. QD cups are everywhere, making this a very adaptable platform out of the box. It’s still a welcome addition that flip-up sights are included, making it shootable right out of the box. The biggest surprise with this rifle was how much I loved the M&P grip, which is likely to be one of those very subjective things, as other reviewers did not share my enthusiasm for it. For my larger-sized hands, it fit perfectly and felt great, secure, and comfortable!
I love the options that the fully ambidextrous controls provide. It is also worth noting that adding the Gemtech ETM flash hider, along with the GVAC gas system, is an incredible feature. It integrates seamlessly with any of Gemtech’s ETM suppressors, enhancing the rifle’s functionality without requiring further customization.
Now my absolute favorite part of this rifle is the trigger. The HIPERFIRE Enhanced Duty Trigger is just perfection, with a smooth and crisp break. I can’t say enough about how much I loved the trigger on this rifle. If I had to pick one negative aspect of this rifle, it’s the buttstock. The Magpul DT isn’t bad; it works and functions properly, and there is nothing wrong with it. However, I prefer other stock options. At the end of the day, this is the rifle that did it for me, meeting all the criteria I look for and exceeding my expectations all around.
Kenzie
Smith & Wesson absolutely knocked it out of the park with the AXE AR-15. The Performance Center upgrades were incredibly smooth, which was no surprise to me. The trigger was the best out of all the rifles submitted this year, and I am hard to please when it comes to triggers. The high-quality muzzle device adds value to the total package, especially for consumers who already own a Gemtech suppressor. I love that this rifle is fully ambidextrous.
I just found the right-side bolt release to be odd or different. It’s the same design as a standard bolt release, so it’s not as easy to push with just your trigger finger, and it’s next to impossible if you have a short trigger finger and can’t reach it while gripping the rifle. The M&P grip didn’t fit my hand, and that was one of the reasons I had trouble with the functionality. But that’s an easy fix anyone can make and is relatively cheap. Overall, this rifle was one of my favorites to shoot.
Heckler & Koch MR556 A4
Taryn
This is a beautiful rifle; it’s short and girthy in all the right places. It seems like it would be too heavy for my smaller stature, but it’s not. The weight distribution is fantastic and is lighter than previous HK rifles. It’s fully ambidextrous, which you can’t get much better than that as a left-handed shooter. I have no complaints about this rifle, except for the price point. With it coming with zero sights, and it just being the rifle, it does seem steep, but you are paying for super high quality in a small, lightweight, accurate, and reliable package.
Bryce
The MR556 A4 certainly stands out from the rest of the competition. From its fully ambidextrous controls and safety to its unique short-stroke piston gas system, the MR556 A4 is a very much-needed update to the HK rifle lineup. While many like to draw conclusions about piston-operated rifles being “less accurate” or perhaps being heavier recoiling than their DI (Direct Impingement) counterparts, HK does what they seem to do best and gives us the best of both worlds in one rifle. Here we have the most accurate of the competition, with an impressive sub-1/2 MOA grouping, a very smooth-operating system, and a gentle recoil impulse similar to the rest of the DI rifles.
The handguard was a bit tall, as it had to clear the new adjustable gas block, which was a much-needed addition. This was noticeable at first when I picked up the rifle. However, when it came to running the gun on the range, this quickly became a non-issue. I genuinely could not believe how light this rifle felt and how well it tracked from target to target, considering its large appearance and gas system, which typically produces a front-heavy build.
The ability to easily swap between unsuppressed and suppressed is also a great boon in a new world where suppressors have become the norm at the range. However, this comes at a significant price tag of $4,299 MSRP. And this should surprise no one familiar with HK. Getting top-of-the-line accuracy and reliability never comes cheap. So, if I had any constructive feedback to offer about the MR556 A4, it would be to include a suppressor-capable muzzle device from the factory, especially since the rifle costs this much and comes with an adjustable gas block for suppressor use.
In the future, I would love to see the MSRP start trending downward so that we can get more of these fantastic rifles into the hands of people who love and appreciate the ever-desirable “Kraut Space Magic” engineering.
Steve
Shooting this rifle was an impressive experience. The trigger felt incredibly crisp and responsive, making each shot feel deliberate and satisfying. Recoil was barely noticeable, so follow-up shots were quick and effortless. I will admit, it’s a bit on the bulky side, but that weight made it feel solid and well-built in my hands. Handling it at the range gave me a sense of confidence—everything from the grip to the controls felt intuitive. It’s definitely not a “budget” rifle, but if you have the funds, this is one of those rifles that just makes you enjoy the shooting experience more. It’s reliable, feels premium, and honestly, it just looks really cool on the bench, too.
TC
I must start by saying that HK aesthetics have never really been my thing. I never thought they looked bad; I was just never that enamored with them, partly because of my wallet. That said, the more I shot this one, the more I saw it sitting on the rack and on the table, and the more it grew on me aesthetically.
When it comes to operation, function, and feel, there’s no growing on me. As soon as I picked it up, it felt like it was part of me, like an appendage I had always had. The operation was natural and so incredibly smooth; before I knew it, I found myself lusting after it. Even trying to figure out what I could sell… golf clubs, a motorcycle, a kidney… so that I could swing it.
From the adjustable gas piston system to the fully ambidextrous controls and the phenomenal trigger, I can’t help but fantasize about our life together. Going to the range, riding down a back road, side by side, running and gunning in a training class, exercise, or competition. Unfortunately, that dream is constantly interrupted dramatically every time by one red flag in this relationship —the price tag. If money were not a factor, this rifle would go home with me every time. However, that is not the world I live in.
Kenzie
The Heckler & Koch MR556 A4 rifle was a no-brainer across the board for me as one of my top three favorite AR-15s from this year’s competition. This was the only rifle that wasn’t direct impingement operated. Instead, it uses a gas piston system, which allows a rifle to run cleaner, requiring less maintenance, and is adjustable in the field to go from suppressed to non-suppressed.
The aesthetics of an HK are undeniably good-looking, but those looks also translate into practicality. The grip alone was ten times more comfortable and ergonomic than the S&W’s M&P grip or the Kung Fu grip on the Midwest Industries rifle. A grip sets the tone for functionality, as it can make or break an end user’s ability to reach the safety or the trigger.
The fully ambidextrous controls were outstanding, and I loved the fact that the rifle came with a 45-degree throw safety. This rifle was the only one to shoot a group of less than 0.5 inches, proving that HK makes a superior barrel. I look for accuracy and reliability above all else in a rifle because, at the end of the day, if the gun won’t run or can’t hit what I’m aiming at, what’s the point? This was my top pick this year as it exceeded all my expectations.
Editor’s Note: check out the Heckler & Koch MR556 A4 Rotten Gun Review here.
And the Winner Is…
Each judge went home and had the next two days to evaluate each rifle based on the scoring criteria mentioned earlier. I also asked each judge to share their top three rifles and why, which you can watch in the video. It was interesting to understand what each judge looks for in a rifle and what the shortcomings were for each person. We all approached the judging by considering what we would spend our money on for the total package offered.
After tallying up the total points and performing an average rating to confirm this year’s winner, congratulations to Heckler & Koch on the MR556 A4 16.5-inch barrel AR-15 on winning this year’s Ballistic’s Best competition! The consensus from the judges was an all-around win of excellent ergonomics, an aesthetically good-looking rifle, easy-to-function ambidextrous controls, a winning trigger, plenty of QD mounting points, and a recoil impulse and accuracy test that couldn’t be beaten.
Second & Third…
Runner-up was the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P AXE 16-inch barrel AR-15. This rifle was the total package and at a price point that placed its value among the top. The ambidextrous controls were a hit across the board, and Midwest Industries’ handguard collaboration with the QD mounting locations was another favorite feature. The trigger on the rifle was also one of the best in this year’s offerings, making it a super fun gun to shoot. The only part that either fit or didn’t was the M&P grip on the gun, which was either perfect or hard to shoot with.
The third-place finisher was the Midwest Industries CRM HD 16-inch barrel AR-15. This was in every judge’s top three favorites for many reasons. The Midwest Industries’ handguard featured on their gun, and the S&W rifle was loved by all the judges. The Riflespeed adjustable gas block system is what elevated this gun to the top three overall. This part alone was favored over the H&K piston operating system because it offers more adjustability and fine-tuning with 12 positions rather than two. The shortcomings included a higher price point than the S&W, a generic A2 flash hider, and the absence of a right-side (ambidextrous) bolt release. Even so, this rifle earned its spot among the best in this year’s competition.
Wrapping It Up
Thank you again to all the manufacturers that submitted guns this year and all those that supported with ammunition, targets, and accessories. We judges had a blast and were really impressed with how far AR-15s have leveled up in design and functionality in the last few years.
Specifications
Ballistic’s Best AR-15 Scoring
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