In the past, affordable AR-15 rifles were a mixed bag. All too often, an inexpensive price meant cheap parts and poor-quality assembly. In recent years, however, this has substantially changed. Good quality rifles with budget-minded prices have become much more common.

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The beauty of AR-15 rifles is how they can be upgraded to your personal preferences which means you can turn any sub-$1,000 AR-15 into a device worth well beyond that. Below is our list of AR-15 rifles that won’t break the bank.

Alex Pro Firearms Guardian 5.56 NATO – MSRP $850

The APF Guardian is a tactical carbine that has a sleek black Cerakote finish with a 4150 Mag Phos-coated barrel. It’s equipped with a 15″ Slim M-LOK handguard and A2 pistol grip for the rugged functionality that shooters need. The A2 “birdcage” flash hider dampens flash in low-light shooting environments. At just $850, this rifle makes the cut in our book.

Anderson Manufacturing A4 Carbine 5.56 – MSRP $599

The A4 Carbine 5.56 from Anderson Manufacturing has a lower and upper receiver forged from 7075 T6 aluminum – both have been treated with type III hard anodization. Here you’ll get an A2 flash hider and A2 pistol grip, a carbine-length high-rise gas system fitted with a top rail, and a six-position adjustable buttstock. Not bad for being under $600!

Armalite M-15 Defensive Sporting Rifle – MSRP $924

It may be inexpensive, but the Defensive Sporting Rifle 15 from Armalite is not cheap. The rifle has a 16″, 1-in-7″ twist chromium molybdenum, black nitride barrel that is threaded and topped with an A2-style flash suppressor. It is ready for the sighting system of your choice and is fitted with an adjustable stock. The rifle weighs less than 6.5 pounds and ships with a 30-round Magpul PMAG. 

Del-Ton Alpha 220H – MSRP $917.81

Equipped with a heavy 20″ barrel as well as an A2 upper and buttstock, the Alpha 220H has a classic AR-15 look. The longer barrel maximizes the potential velocity of the ammo, while the iron sights allow you to get it on the range immediately.

Del-Ton DT Sport – MSRP $697.44

The Del-Ton DT Sport has a 16″ lightweight barrel with 1×9 twist, a 6-position M4 stock, CAR handguards with single heat shields, and A2 flash hider. While it’s a no-frills rifle, it’s a perfect price point to start at before accessorizing to your heart’s content.

DPMS DR-15 16″ M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 PHOS B5 with MBUS Rear Sight – MSRP $799.99

The M4 5.56 NATO 1/7 PHOS B5 from DPMS has a phosphate-coated chrome-moly steel barrel and is finished off with a standard handguard, an F-Marked front sight base, and an A2 flash hider. The upper is forged 7075-T6 A3 AR and is machined to MIL-SPECS and hard coat anodized for added durability. Upper also includes a forward assist and dust cover and B5 M-Lok Slim Profile drop-in handguard. The lower is made using 7075-T6 aluminum and is also hard coat anodized. Mil-spec diameter 7075-T6 buffer tube is hard coat anodized as well and has 6 adjustment positions. Lastly, the M4 5.56 is fitted with a B5 Bravo Carbine Stock.

DPMS DR-15 16″ 350 Legend Nitride 13.5″ M-LOK MOE with MBUS Sight Set – MSRP $899.99

The 350 Legend Nitride 13.5″ M-LOK MOE has a 4150 chrome-moly vanadium steel barrel with a 1:16 twist rate, a carbine gas system, a low-profile gas block, and an A2 flash hider. The upper is made with forged 7075-T6 A3 that is mil-spec and hard coat anodized. The lower is made from 7075-T6 aluminum with a hard-coat anodized finish. Mil-spec diameter 7075-T6 buffer tube is hard-coat anodized with 6 adjustment positions and is fitted with a MOE Carbine Stock, Magpul grip, and Panther Polished Trigger (PPT).

Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II – MSRP $812

The M&P15 Sport II uses aluminum receivers and has a 16″ barrel with a 1-in-9″ twist rate. Both the gas key and bolt carrier are chromed for long-term use while the barrel sports a rugged Armornite® barrel finish. Sighting is handled with an adjustable A2-type front post and Magpul MBUS rear sight. Shooters will appreciate the Magpul® MOE® M-LOK® Carbine-Length Handguard to attach the accessories of their choice. The six-position-adjustable buttstock comes standard. The M&P15 Sport II is compatible with most components for AR-15 rifles so you can accessorize as you see fit. 

STAG 15 Classic Carbine 16″ with Chrome Phosphate Barrel in 5.56MM – $799.99

The Stag 15 Classic Carbine has a 16″ chrome phosphate barrel with a 2-piece M4 handguard, railed gas block, A2 pistol grip, and a standard carbine receiver extension. With plenty of room to accessorize, you can turn this affordable AR-15 into a powerhouse.

Radical Firearms 16″ 5.56 NATO Rifle with 15″ FCR – $649.95

If you’re looking to house a wide variety of accessories, then the Radical Firearms 16″ SOCOM 5.56mm AR rifle is for you. The MIL-STD upper and lower receivers combined with a 15″ FCR free float rail system yield increased accuracy without putting your hands at risk of heat exposure.