10 Cheap AR-15 Rifles for $500 – Nov’ 2023

Last updated November 9th 2023

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Winners at a Glance

The Palmetto State Armory PA-15 is still the best cheap AR-15, as a package, but the competition is getting closer. There are cheaper rifles, there are better rifles and there are new brands closing in.

Image	Product	Detail	Price
	Palmetto State Armory PA-15	Overall Winner	Best Price
	Radical Firearms RF-15	Cheapest AR-15 we would trust	Best Price
	Bear Creek Arsenal BA-15	Quality challenger for PSA’s crown	Best Price
	ATI Omni Hybrid	Best Polymer AR-15. Light & Cheap.	Best Price
	Rock River Arms RRage	Best deal if you can spend a little more.	Best Price

Affordable, $500 ARs That Work

You don’t need to spend the Earth on an AR-15. The differences between the best cheap AR-15 under $500 and something far more exotic are smaller than you think.

Start small with an affordable price. Then progressively talk yourself into more expensive weapons like the best AR-15 rifles for $1000.

Let’s get you on that glorious road to success right now, with the semi-auto rifle for $500 that does the job you want. Basic American defense.

We had to stretch the budget in these troubled times too for the best AR-15 rifles. It’s just life right now that some old favorites are more expensive when you buy a gun online.

So we started with $450 rifles, and then we included a few around the $550 mark, then $600.

We do have a $650 cut off, but then we carried on with a few more expensive recommendations in this buyer’s guide.

We got carried away, is basically what we’re saying. But here are our top picks for the best AR-15 rifles for less than $500, and more…

Cheap AR-15 Rifles For Sale in 2023

1. Palmetto State Armory PA-15 Freedom Rifle

• Price: $479.99
• Cal: 5.56mm
• Barrel length: 16 inches
• Total: 33 inch
• Weight: 6.5lb

Best Balance of Price & Performance

For years, if you wanted the best budget AR-15 then your choice was a Palmetto State Armory PSA Freedom M4 black nitride carbine or a DPMS Oracle.

Now there are options, but after a full cycle, the Palmetto State Armory black Nitride M4 Freedom Ordnance is still always near the top of the cheap hill.

It’s a full shooting sports spec rifle for entry level money. On paper at least, these are top picks.

Good Basics, Minus The Polish

The Palmetto State Armory fit and black nitride M4 Carbine finish is deliberately rough and the flash hider is basic on this Wylde rifle.

That’s the in-built compromise with cost-cutting. Of course there are always pros and cons with an affordable rifle

Now you do hear murmurings about quality control on the forums for PSA’s 5.56 NATO Classic AR-15 rifle platform, especially the hard coat anodized finish.

That said, you can even buy firearms with blemishes in that Nitride finish for less money off the site. Look out for gun deals marked BLEM PSA, or the daily deals, and you’ll snag an even better deal on the best gun for the money.

A lot of customers say they can barely spot the reason for the BLEM PSA classification too, and we really like the whole BLEM PSA concept.

Or look at the cheaper rifle kit options that come with basic self assembly and don’t require a full gunsmithing job.

After all this time, the Palmetto State Armory is still the best cheap AR-15 on the market and it kind of looks like the old school US Marine Corps complete rifles.

2. Radical Firearms SOCOM RF-15

• Special Price: $500.00+
• Round: .223 Rem/ 5.56 x 45 NATO Rifle
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Weight: 6.1lb

Low Budget Winner

This is one of the the best AR-15s under $500 right now, although the price isn’t always consistent.

They can be less than $400, or more than $500, so we have to update this price more often than almost any other rifle. At the lower end, this popular rifle is a bargain and you should buy it immediately. At $600+, there are better options than the Radical Firearms RAD or RF. You’ll see both names out there.

It has an aluminum upper and lower receiver, a SOCOM Chrome Moly steel 16 incher up front, slimline M-LOK handguard and a free float handguard with M-Lok rail.

So you can doll up your Radical Firearms RF-15 with tacti-cool weapon lights and other shenanigans to go with the bird cage flash hider.

I mean this Radical Firearms SOCOM is not military grade really, but it is good. And it’s an AR 15 for sale, cheap, with a very solid reputation.

So don’t look past Radical Firearms rifles & pistols. They really are better than you may think.

You can still buy lots of Radical Firearms parts, too, so if you need an upper, a stainless steel muzzle brake

3. Bear Creek Arsenal BC-15

• Price: $417.99
• Cal: 5.56mm
• Barrel length: 16 inches
• Total: 33 inch
• Weight: 7lb

The New Budget Choice?

Bear Creek Arsenal is a relatively new addition to the world. But it’s getting a reputation for decent work at the right price and firmly taking aim at PSA’s dominance.

Now you can buy direct from Bear Creek Arsenal and they normally have a discount or some form of daily deals.

So you can order a Bear Creek Arsenal BC-15 for less than $400 on a good day and then it’s a real tempting proposition.

Bear Creek Arsenal and Radical are swimming in the same pond currently dominated by PSA, but they’re both turning into big fish and some people just prefer the taste.

The name isn’t established and long term reliability is yet to be proven, but Bear Creek Arsenal is definitely making a splash.

Bear Creek Arsenal can also sell you a side charging rifle, if that’s your thing.

4. Anderson Manufacturing AM15 M4

• Special Price: $471.99
• Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/223 Rem
• Barrel length: 16 inches
• Rifle Length: 33″ Collapsed
• Weight: 6.49lb

A Solid Option

This is a legit carbine AR-15 that reviewers have consistently been surprised by, that used to be much less than $500.

It’s still a solid matte black starter for the money, with a following of devoted customers. This is the basic recipe, bang on budget, from pistol grip and picatinny rail through to the muzzle device.

They are complete rifles, for not much money.

And that’s good enough right now to land among the top picks in the modern sporting rifle market.

The Kentucky firm has knocked it out the park with a simple package that is so suspiciously cheap, pretty much every review starts like: “We expected this to suck, and we’re quite happy it doesn’t…”

5. American Tactical Imports Omni Hybrid Maxx RIA

• Special Price: $449.99
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO/ .223 Rem
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Weight: 5.65lb
• Twist rate: 1:8

The Plastic Fantastic

The ATI Omni Hybrid Maxx P4 is one of the new arrivals on the low price AR-15 scene. And in a time of wildly fluctuating prices, this is one of a special few that has stayed around the $500 mark consistently.

So that’s how a plastic AR-15 is making a big splash. Yeah, about that…

This stock black ATI Omni Hybrid Maxx has polymer receivers. But the critics love this fresh take on the basic AR-15 recipe, and we kind of do too…

The optics ready American Tactical Imports upper and lower receivers can be bought separately from American Tactical, too, and there’s an AAC Blackout version at a similarly affordable price as a flat dark earth rifle, olive drab green rifle, black, complete rifles, whatever you want really.

Lightweight and Easy, Not Just Cheap

That gives a final weight of 5.7lb for this entry-level rifle, which is pretty stunning if we’re honest. it’s the USP that could tempt someone looking for a lightweight AR-15 into taking a gamble.

Inevitably there are pros and cons with plastics, but the pros are really impressive and you should be able to put thousands of rounds through these polymer ARs.

The money, though, is the real headline here.

This polymer AR-15 rifle has clever tech. Features include a trigger made from a self-lubricating composite and this isn’t just cheap price range shopping for those that don’t want to break the bank. It’s a really good long rifle with a Magpul MOE stock and solid build quality.

6. Del-Ton Echo 316

• RRP: $471.99
• Round: .223 Remington/5.56x45mm NATO
• Barrel: 16
• Total: 32.6-36.4 inch
• Weight: 6.4lb

New Brand With Growing Rep

This optic ready Del-Ton Echo is a discount AR-15 for less than $500 in good times for gun deals, and slightly more in bad times.

The Echo is a solid effort with a mid-length system and no major surprises. But the parts and accessories are good.

Another Colt M4 Tribute Act

Inevitably this is a Colt M4 tribute act, right down to the flash suppressor, glass filled pistol grip and polymer handguard or more modern M-Lok rail. They’re complete rifles you can just start shooting.

The synthetic black stock is a six-position collapsible stock system. There’s a classic fixed front sight that will take you back to the old days, until you replace it with the best red dot sights. The rear sight set will go too.

The M4 profile Chrome Moly steel barrel joins forces with a Carpenter 158 Steel bolt and a chrome-lined Bolt Carrier Group BCG.

You get a threaded muzzle, a properly staked and sealed gas key for the low profile gas block, a stainless steel cold hammer forged steel barrel, high pressure tested, an M LOK rail and a number of other premium touches you see on the best AR-15s on the market and more complete rifles.

7. Diamondback Firearms Diamondback DB15

• Regular Price: $517.99
• Caliber: 5.56mm
• Barrel: 16
• Total: 32.5” collapsed.
• Weight: 6.8lb

Gun Reviews are Good

Diamondback is another company making a name for itself in the affordable sector with aggressive designs and keen pricing.

And the optic ready Diamondback DB15 5.56 NATO is turning into a best-seller.

This optics ready Diamondback DB15 5.56 NATO rifle has an 8620 Bolt Carrier Group, aluminum receivers and a 16” free floating barrel produced from Chrome Moly Vanadium steel and then Melonite coated. There’s a flat top upper receiver with a full length rail and a 3.5lb single stage trigger.

Solid, Basic, Cheap AR15 Rifle

The Diamondback DB15 works for personal defense, basic hunting and improving your shooting technique at the range. Get some accessories, upgrades, lights, lasers, Magpul furniture and more on there and you’ll love it.

We’re pretty sure you’ll be glad you spent the extra on the Diamondback DB15.

8. Rock River Arms RRage

• Special Price: $596.99
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total: 33 inch
• Weight: 5.75lb
• Twist Rate: 1:9

The first time we saw this deal we wrote it off as an anomaly. But no, we’ve seen enough to know that this rifle is slipping towards the magic $500 mark. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes the Rock River Arms is much closer to $500 and it climbs and drops down the list accordingly.

I mean this is one of the top brands out there and this is too cheap. OK it’s the shorter handguard and aluminum receivers, but that means it’s a much lighter gun.

There is space for lights, lasers, optics and magnifiers on that M-LOK Rail and it’s great for home defense & hunting.

So this is a sub 6lb AR-15 from the official supplier of LEOs around the United States of America at almost the right price point.

You’ll be surprised at what you can get and you may even choose to throw another couple hundred bucks at a LAR-15. At these prices, you will never regret it.

• Full line of rifles on Guns.com

9. Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II

• Regular price: $669.99
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO/223 Rem
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total: 35 inch
• Weight: 6.45lb
• Finish: Black
• Capacity: 10+1

The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport is one of the benchmarks. As with Ruger, the RRP has crept up to the point that we almost don’t recognize it anymore. But it is what it is.

The top rated S&W M&P15 Sport has fallen down the order as a result, but we can’t bring ourselves to drop it entirely…

Is A Basic 5.56 NATO Classic the Best AR-15 Rifle?

The stock Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport is the entry-level, for sure and you might want to switch out that retro sight set and fit full length Picatinny rails or go for an M-LOK handguard around the steel barrel. But that simple front site base iand polymer guard around the cold hammer forged barrel is still good enough for most of us.

And the basic S&W M&P15 Sport 5.56 NATO semi-auto rifle has all you need to get started with one of the best budget rifles with a high quality bolt carrier group.

There are California compliant versions of this S&W M&P 15 Sport as well.

Also, we think this is about as safe a bet as you’ll find during these troubled, weird times. Even if you have to pay a little more this is one of the best AR-15 rifles out there.

10. DPMS DR-15 A3

• Regular price: $596.99
• Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56mm NATO
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total: 36.5”
• Finish: Black
• Weight: 6.4lb

The DPMS Oracle A3 flat top was our favorite AR-15 under $500 for a long time.

Now we have the optic ready DPMS DR-15 M4, although it doesn’t get the same respect on its name as the old DPMS Oracle.

From This Point, the Prices Get Higher

We got carried away and kept going, when the rules of the competition say we should really stop at this point.

But if you want to see what a little more money can buy you, or a lot more money, well we have a quick summary of some the mid-range and custom AR-15s here.

11. Bushmaster XM-15 M43 A3

• Regular price: $814.
• Cal: 5.56mm
• Barrel: 16 inch barrel
• Rifle: 35 inch
• Weight: 7lb
• Capacity: 20+1

Again the price has spiraled beyond reason, but it’s dropping again. So you never know the future.

The Bushmaster XM-15 M43 comes in a number of different specs, but we love the Vietnam war tribute model classic rifle with a six position collapsible stock and classic flash hider.

Aside from the fixed sight and the carry handle and integral rear sight, it’s a solid rifle. But damn that retro chic furniture looks cool. Even if you do end up switching out the stock for a Magpul MOE or fitting Flat Dark Earth furniture for contrast.

12. Sig Sauer M400 Tread

• Special Price: $849.00

The M400 Tread is one of the few rifles coming down in price. And if it keeps going it might well make the list soon.

The M-Lok rail system, adjustable stock and grips are all high quality and this is a solid rifle for home defense that needs no mods.

13. Kel-Tec SU16E

• Special Price: $896.99

At first glance this Kel Tec is an expensive AR-15, but the Kel-Tec SU16E has a piston driven gas system, which makes it very cheap indeed.

Kel Tec specializes in cheap guns, and while this isn’t the most elegant firearm, it does pack in a lot of features. It’s the Kel-Tec way.

14. Stag Arms Stag-15

• Regular Price: $714.99
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total: 32.5-35.5 inch
• Weight: 6.5lb

The Stag 15 is right on the edge of too expensive for this list, but they’re getting cheaper and they do have premium touches like a lightweight M Lok rail system.

Stag has a wide range of barrel lengths and parts & accessories, at a variety of price points. Over time you can upgrade the MLOK Rail system, the trigger, more or less all of it, on these semi-automatic rifles.

15. Springfield Armory Saint Victor

• Special Price: $1,032.99

The Springfield Saint Victor 5.56x45mm NATO is about as mid-range as it gets. In many ways this classic rifle has become a standard bearer because of that.

Now this is an honest rifle with a free float rail, M-LOK Handguard and 16 inch barrel, not much more and not much less. But it is one of the best sellers, consistently.

This is a complete rifle you don’t have to mod or upgrade and can just shoot. From the grip and stock through to the muzzle brake and included flip up iron sights, it is all ‘good enough’, on the Springfield Saint Victor semi automatic rifles.

It is also lightweight and easy to shoot.

16. Sons of Liberty Gun Works M4 The Legacy

• Special Price: $1,125.99

Sons of Liberty Gun Works have created a classic AR-15 rifle at a lower price point than their usual wares.

It’s still expensive in this context. But we do like it. So yeah…

17. Daniel Defense DDM4

• Special Price: $1,832

This is one of the legends of the firearms industry and the DDM4 has been one of the best AR15s on sale at any price for years.

For recreational shooting, defense and everything else, this rifle is arguably the benchmark for high quality, down to the dust cover.

The 308 Win Mag rifles too honestly, and we can find a special price from time to time.

Check out the DDM4 short barrel rifle and the Delta 5 Pro, in 308 Win Mag and 6.5 Creedmoor They’re stars, as are the muzzle devices, M-LOK handguard and peripheral parts & accessories.

18. Geissele Super Duty

• Regular Price: $2,129.99

Better known for its customer triggers, including the Advanced Combat Trigger, Geissele Automatics has now produced a complete custom rifle that is a match for anything the big names can offer.

The Geissele Super semi automatic rifle is built around the company’s legendary Geissele Automatics two stage trigger, nickel boron coated BCG, the dust cover, a barrel with a 1:7 twist rate and every other part is absolutely the best money can buy.

Get one of these Geissele Automatics rifles and you’ll see just how good it is. We think the Geissele Super semi automatic rifle is going to be a star in matte black or olive drab green and the pistol kits are awesome too.

19. Wilson Combat Protector Carbine 5.56 NATO

• Special Price: $2,099

The Wilson Combat Protector Carbine 5.56 NATO semi auto rifle is basically a guarantee of quality. Unfortunately, that’s one of the reasons it costs so much.

But if you’re looking for quality and the last word in precision for shooting sports or recreational shooting, well it’s hard to fault the Wilson Combat and it’s a 1:8 twist rate on that chrome lined barrel.

Even Wilson Combat charging handles will make a difference to your rifle. That’s top tier quality control and manufacturing for you from Wilson Combat, right through to the free float rail.

Honorable Mentions

Like Captain America we could do this all day, but we kind of have. So there’s always more we’d like to include, and can’t quite fit them in this time round.

They include Battle Arms Developments, Adams Arms, Primary Weapons Systems, Bravo Company Manufacturing and Strike Industries are some of our favorite newcomers to this high-quality sector.

Just read the rifle reviews.

Christensen Arms is doing some crazy stuff with lightweight materials, too, which make the Chrome Moly Vanadium barrels and A2 muzzle brake add ons look like amateur hour. Check out the lightweight AR-15 post here to see more of the Christensen Arms kind of gun. They also do some wild precision rifles.

A side charging forged rifle or a free floating barrel or straight fluted heavy barrel is also an option if you’re looking for other types of complete rifles. You’ll get everything from a fluted heavy barrel through to range gear here.

Mid Length Gas System vs Carbine Length

Basically the carbine length gas system was designed for shorter barrel lengths, like the 14.5 inch Colt M4. Now longer barrels work better with a mid length gas system for the most part on a 5.56 NATO rifle, not the carbine length gas system.

So that’s the answer, get the mid-length gas system budget AR-15s where you can and steer clear of a carbine length gas system unless the deal is amazing. Or it’s a PSA, which have some exceptional deals with a heavy barrel or other upgrades.

Naked Rifle Kits Are an Option

5.56 NATO AR-15 rifle kits and pistol kits and parts kits have also disappeared. After starting out around the $500 mark and making the list repeatedly, those build kits have faded from memory.

Aero Precision has now decided to focus on gun parts kits for the classic Eugene Stoner design, from replacement AR-15 barrels to muzzle device, a stripped lower receiver, upper receiver, gas blocks or a nickel boron coated Bolt Carrier Group.

So you can buy a stripped lower receiver, upper receiver parts kits and get going on a DIY project. Mix and match with Faxon Firearms parts & accessories, like a black nitride straight fluted heavy barrel, or what you like. But the half built rifle kit has disappeared.

But we miss the build kits. The Colt OEM2 is the best option for build kits, and follows the path of the original Armalite rifle, but not for the special price of $500…

And Where to Bulk Buy 5.56 Bullets

If there’s one thing we have learned in the great ammunition shortage, it’s that rifle ammo runs out fast in the United States of America. You can try these places and whenever you can, bulk purchase, right now. You might not get another chance to stock up your gun safes in the ammo shop…

We can hook you up with ammo for your pistols & revolvers. If you want bulk ammo deals and a shotgun ammo shop? Yes we can!

• USA Gun Shop – Best AR-15 ammo, 9mm ammo with high muzzle velocity etc.
• PSA: Best deals on bulk ammo , rifle ammo, handgun ammo, gun cases & gun parts kits.
• Sportsman’s Guide: Ammunition & shotgun ammo, great bulk deals.
• Bulk 5.56 at Lucky Gunner AR-15 ammo.

Can We Interest You in Rifles AND pistols? While You’re Here?

If you’re after the best deals on a concealed carry, then you’ll struggle here. You might want to try these posts instead if you want to save money on the best 9mm pistols and handgun ammo & firearms.

A 308 Win Mag semi auto rifle or hunting rifle is a great option with the right muzzle device and you can get rifles & pistols in a variety of calibers. A Pistol caliber carbine as well.

• 9mm Subcompacts, get the best deals on a new pistol here and a top 9mm pistol.
• Best Concealed carry subcompact 45 ACP ammo, handgun stopping power.
• Best 300 Blackout Pistols.

Cheap Glass For an AR-15

Chances are if you’re spending $500 on your AR-15, then you don’t have big money to spend on high price, high spec AR-15 rifle scopes, iron sights, optics, red dot sight etc.

So if you’re bargain shopping for handguns, rifles, shotguns, gear, accessories or the best red dot sights on your Ruger Mini 30, we can help.

You might have enough for lights, lasers, holographic sights, laser sights etc, but it’s weird to spend more than the price of the gun on the best optic, right?

That’s life, but you really should upgrade the front sight and rear from basic irons and flip up sights on the Picatinny rails. Go for the best selling Magpul MBUs rear sights at least, but a budget red dot sight is often the best option if you buy budget and they’re great for close range defensive work. It’s an easier shooting experience.

So are the budget scopes include the likes of the entry-level Vortex Crossfire, which is a solid choice for long range shooting with solid build quality. And there are good deals around to put something better on your front sight base.

For a cheap AR or bolt action rifle, a lot of owners have turned to the Holosun Micro Sight, Bushnell First Strike, Vortex Optics, Sparc or the Sig Romeo line. It’s affordable hunting gear and works defensively, although a bolt action rifle is kind of old school.

For cheap deals, check these easy links:

• Brownells – AR-15 optics, scopes, laser sights, weapon lights and more.
• Primary Arms – Best optic, constant new arrivals.

Can you Still Buy Full Autos?

Technically you can still buy a full auto machine gun, like the US Marine Corps, but good luck getting an assault rifle for $500 at your local store. A full auto requires a Class 3 firearms license or the right kind of dealer license.

It’s also an expensive process and so the cost of all that AR-15 ammo you’re spitting out will pale into insignificance next to the price of admission. Fully automatic weapons are expensive as Hell, even when you organise the price low to high there aren’t many bargains to be had.

So really think if you want a machine gun. Because most of you don’t when you really think about it. Fully automatic rifles really are a niche thing for a reason, and check out a full buyer’s guide on these high price, high spec guns before taking the plunge.

And get gun safes, too. Because you’ll need them. And better hearing protection…

What is a Mil Spec Trigger

It’s just a drop in trigger assembly designed to meet certain U.S. military specs.

So a Mil-Spec trigger, handguard, gas block, bolt carrier groups etc should be rugged, reliable, consistent tactical gear that is easy to install, easier to clean. But don’t think it will immediately outperform others when it comes to the trigger pull thanks to that military endorsement.

And the Terms and conditions

Check the returns and free shipping policy of the dealer involved, as we don’t have a unified return policy here. and each vendor has their own policy, shipping policy terms and conditions etc and free shipping criteria. We’ll send offers through if you want. Just sign up in the top bar and we’ll mention free shipping if we know about it

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All prices accurate at time of writing, but are subject to change.

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