21 Best AR-15s Under $2000 – May 2023

The Best AR-15 Under $2000

If you’re on the lookout for the best AR-15 rifles for $2,000 or less, it’s a pretty sweet time to be alive. In other ways not so much, but we’re trying to stay positive.

These days you can find complete AR-15s for $2000 with a short-stroke piston, lightweight materials and the finishing touches.

So what are the best AR-15s under $2000? Here are our top picks.

1. Daniel Defense DDM4 V7

• Price: $1,907.99
• Caliber: .223 Remington/5.56
• Action: Direct Impingement
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Length: 32.25-36 inch
• Weight: 6.2lb

Pretty much everybody has named the Daniel Defense DDM4V7 as the best at some point, and we did too for a while. They are basically the gold standard.

If you’re looking for validation then yes, you’re right. Buy your gun online now and it will be your favorite by this time next week. Unless you have some very serious hardware in your gun safes.

Mil-Spec and Beyond

Both Daniel Defense DDM54V7 receivers leave Mil-spec well behind. The popular platform CNC machined 7075-T6 Aluminum with a hard coat anodized finish. The Bolt Carrier Group is an M16 profile, and it comes with a properly staked gas key and full length Picatinny rails.

That is CNC-machined from hardened stainless steel, then given a heavy Phosphate coating. There is also a new lightweight handguard, and it all contributes to a final mass of just 6.2lb.

DDM4 V7 Pro: A High-Value Upgrade

• Price: $1,799.99
• Barrel: 18 inch

The Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 Pro is a solid upgrade for not that much more. Indeed sometimes we find gun deals and it is less money.

You get a Geissele trigger kit and a few other subtle upgrades that you’ll feel every time at target practice with this precision rifle.

They include an 18-inch, cold hammer forged barrel of course, and a much more accurate patrol weapon. Longer barrels equal longer range, that math isn’t hard.

2. LWRC M6 IC DI Standard

• Price: $1,850.99
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total Length: 32-35.25inch
• Weight: 6.6lb

Can’t decide between a Direct Impingement and piston driven AR-15? With the LWRC IC DI Standard, you can have both. Kind of.

Simply switch uppers and thanks to the LWRCI rifles patented design you can opt for the right rifle for the right time.

Keep it light and simple, or go for the increased reliability and heavier weight of piston guns.

The LWRC is an orgy of design details. From the fluted barrel that weighs 20% less and improves cooling for heavy rates of fire, to the monoforge upper.

That integrated upper receiver and 12 inch rail strengthens the spine of the gun and increases the already excellent accuracy. That pays off with the accuracy, follow up shots, recoil, just everything.

It is a design evolution that has trickled down from the truly eye poppingly expensive custom guns that added hundreds of yards to the effective range.

Upgrade to the LWRC Enhanced Individual Carbine?

For just the wrong side of $2000, like $100 more, you can upgrade to the enhanced version of this rifle, as in the piston guns. And it is a peach for defense and long range shooting.

The fluted carbon steel barrel is there, and you get the short stroke gas piston system. An Enhanced Fire Control Group trigger system, too, with Teflon coated components. A two position gas selector key is adjustable and you can tune it to your suppressor or ammo. Am ambi safety selector is there too.

3. POF Renegade Plus

• Price: $1,866.99
• Caliber:.223 Remington/ 5.56
• Barrel: 16.5 inch
• Total: 34 inch
• Weight: 6.3lb

The Patriot Ordnance Factory Renegade Plus isn’t the lightest, and it isn’t the cheapest, but it is pretty much the winner.

A nitride finish means the barrel should stand the test of time and it is precision machined for the last word in accuracy.

The chrome alloy barrel gets a 1:8 twist, the muzzle brake is sexy and if you miss at 100 yards with this rifle, that’s probably on you. With this, 5.56mm should go further than it has in your hands. Possibly.

This is a premium tactical rifle and the firm has refined each and every detail. Home defense, general plinking and small game hunting: it’s easy.

One standout detail is that pistol grip that is more vertical than a classic layout, and it combines well with that flat trigger.

Machined Billet Receivers, Not Forged

The totally ambidextrous Gen 4 lower receiver is machined from billet and the gas-piston system and bolt carrier group BCG are the stuff of legend.

Its 9-position Dictator low profile gas block helps you fine-tune your rifle for the silencer set-up. The gas systems are up there in terms of adjustability, but might just have too many options for the casual shooter.

There’s the legendary E2 dual extraction system that uses the pressure to help eject the spent cartridge. POF claims this is a no-fail design.

M-LOK Rail System Up Front

The 14” Renegade forend comes with M-LOK slots and a full-length Picatinny rail runs right down its spine. And you get KNS Anti-Walk Pins and a triple port muzzle brake.

The Geissele trigger upgrade that comes as part of the Renegade Plus upgrade package is set at 3.5lb, and it gets a roller cam pin for arguably the smoothest trigger set-up. It is a touch on the light side, but the flat face trigger is predictable and you will get used to it. Just like that pistol grip.

With that tack driver of a 1:8 twist rate barrel, this is a formidable tool and easily one of the best AR-15 rifles on sale.

4. Battle Arms Development Authority Elite

• Price: $1,956.99
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Overall: 33.6 inch
• Weight: 5.5lb

Battle Arms Development got famous with lightweight specials like the Ounces is Pounds. This, though, is a high end gun for the masses.

The BAD Authority Elite offers a billet lower receiver, which isn’t bad in this price range. Other neat features include the barrel being individually head spaced to the bolt. It’s detail stuff, like the flat top, but it matters.

A Nickel Teflon trigger coating and titanium firing pin and barrel nut are among the others. But the main point is this is a full size AR-15 that weighs in at 5.5lb. That’s a great battle rifle in the making to be honest.

It is great, across the board. Gun owners love them, reviews are outstanding and you would love it.

You can also get the cheaper Workhorse and save up to $1000. Check that out here.

5. Sig Sauer Tread

• Price: $849.99
• Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/223 Rem
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total Length: 32“
• Weight: 7lb
• Capacity: 30+1

This isn’t much more money than the bargain basement $500 AR-15s we covered recently, and this is a different league entirely.

Just look at the pistol grip and stock, and the slimline shape of this mid-range AR-15. It’s an optics ready work of art, even within these tight parameters.

It’s an accurate, sturdy, solid AR-15 that you could technically depend on for decades. There’s no creep to the single stage trigger, it resets positively and it’s eager.

A 1: 7 twist rate to the cold hammer forged barrel means it can stabilize heavier rounds and give you more options when it comes to your competitive shooting and home firearms set-ups.

6. Colt CR6920 – Colt M4 Carbine

• Price: $974.99
• Caliber: 5.56
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total: 32-35.5 inch
• Weight: 6.6lb

Colt’s decision to pull out of the civilian AR market has made them more desirable, not less. In the 2023 shortage a lot of dealers are cashing in on Colts they have in the storeroom.

That means authentic Colt LE6920 and its successor, the CR920, are cropping up individually, and cost basically what your local gun store wants to charge. We are starting to see less of the Colt LE6920, so snap them up if you really want one.

This Colt LE6920 is a distant relative of the full auto weapons from the old days. Obviously it’s not fully automatic.

You have to admit the modern mid-tier rifle is more reliable than anything the boys had back then. Quality control is in a different league these days too.

Colts are getting harder to find, that’s a fact of life. It’s also true that the new guns aren’t the same as the old ones. But you can build your own complete AR-15 pretty easily. You can also fit a Vietnam era carry handle like they had on the fully automatic rifles.

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7. Wilson Combat Protector Carbine

• Price: $1,646.99
• Caliber: .223 Remington/ 5.56mm
• Barrel: 16.25
• Total Length: 34-37.5
• Weight: 6lb

The company makes bespoke weapons with price tags that will make you blush. That makes the Protector Carbine kind of a performance bargain.

Yes this is the base-level model from arguably the most famous custom gunsmith on American soil. But so what? It’s still kind of excellent.

There’s the trademark starburst grip, a match barrel, in-house M2 trigger and basically everything you would expect from the brand.

8. Christensen Arms CA-15 G2

• Price: $1,499.99
• Caliber: .223 Remington/ 5.56mm NATO
• Action: Gas Piston Operated
• Barrel: 16 inch barrel
• Total Length: 34-37.5
• Weight: 6.3lb

The Christensen Arms CA-15 Recon was our dark horse contender before. Now, with stocks decimated, this wildcard might just be the best rifle you can buy right now.

Christensen Arms offers an optional Carbon Fiber barrel on its $3,000 G2 Recon, but has left that off the entry level model. It’s a much more intelligent compromise of cost and performance.

The grip and free floating handgard is carbon-fiber. It’s fair to say this isn’t standard mil-spec.

The truth is that Christensen Arms have redistributed that weight to beef up the receivers and balance this Modern Sporting Rifle. So it’s better than you are.

It’s a full Cerakote finish and you can get every color from Burnt Bronze through to Tungsten. You know you’re shopping for the elite when the color schemes sound like optional extras when you’re buying a Porsche.  Don’t ask for stock black, they might get pissy.

9. Bravo Company Manufacturing BCM Recce

• Price: $1,426.99
• Caliber: 5.56mm
• Barrel: 18 inch
• Length: 34-37 inch
• Weight: 6.5lb

BCM was born in Wisconsin in 2005, when a combat veteran Marine returned with a wealth of knowledge about the right firearm for each specific job.

Now it works with LEOs, Special Forces and government agencies offering assault weapons with shorter barrel lengths. The smash hits, it sells to the general public in domesticated form, and the BCM Recce is an instant legend.

This was a special request from the United States Marine Corps and Navy SEALs. They wanted a little more long-range, pinpoint accuracy and something not too heavy and without pronounced muzzle rise.

If you’re looking for a lightweight AR-15, then these optic ready BCM Recce options are complete rifles that are good enough for better men and women than you and me.

10. Faxon Firearms ION Ultralight

• Price: $1,575.75
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington
• Barrel: 14.5 inch (NFA Compliant: pinned and welded muzzle devices.)
• Weight: 4.95lb

Faxon Firearms has made a name for itself in the crowded custom Glock space of late, which means the parts have to be good. Now it has branched out in to custom AR15s.

Inevitably there’s a proprietary fluted barrel in there, a chrome-lined barrel. The Faxon Firearms Ultralight is essentially built around it, with a free-float naked Streamline carbon-fiber handguard.

Factor new CF into the running costs, and then marvel at the 4.95lb overall weight that is the result of this maniacal weight-saving mission. Suddenly the trade-off becomes tempting.

The parts and accessories are spartan, and yet that costs money. Lightweight connoisseurs will recognize the Superlative Arms Adjustable Bleed-Off Gas System, Radian Raptor LT Ambi Charging Handle, safety and clean MFT Minimalist stock.

11. Geissele Super Duty Rifle

• Price: $2,142.75
• Caliber: .223 Remington/5.56
• Action: Gas-Piston Operated
• Barrel length: 16.
• Length: 32.25-36

The Geissele Automatics Super Duty rifle has fast established itself as a popular platform and more than just an elite trigger

The trigger specialist has produced complete rifles that are easily a match for the big names on the market today in terms of build quality.

Now Geissele is one of the leading trigger manufacturers in the business. So it has to be good. It’s a little on the heavier side, so it’s not the automatic choice when you leave the house. But it’s a great gun.

Inevitably you get the proprietary trigger, and other selling points include an extended bolt catch, Surefire muzzle device, Super 42 buffer spring, top end gas tubes and more.

Everything is top quality, right down to the charging handle and free floating handguards.

It’s a personal defense rifle that has made a major impression.

12. Rock River Arms LAR-15 X-1

• Price: $1,225.99
• Caliber: 5.56
• Barrel: 18
• Length: 32.25-36
• Weight: 7.8lb

The excellent Rock River Arms LAR-15 X-1 is the consumer version of the high-end tools that the DEA and FBI take to work. That’s pretty good and you can see it is a high quality weapon that should be reliable and faithful.

Now this isn’t light. It’s almost an 8lb AR-15, and that’s a bold strategy Cotton. It also has the 18″ fluted barrel that goes some way to making up for it. Longer barrels normally make a pretty solid precision rifle.

So you’ll have to lug round a heavier rifle, but you get more accuracy and impact. In fact this is officially a 3/4 MOA rifle, whereas the cheap AR-15s are generally 4 MOA.

The RRage is also on our cheap AR15 list now too. All the gun reviews love that too.

13. Palmetto State Armory Freedom

• Price: $519.99
• Cal: 5.56mm
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total: 33 inch
• Weight: 6.5lb

If you just want a cheap AR-15, for home defense, a bit of range shooting and just to have one, then the Palmetto State Armory Freedom really is a complete rifle for less than $500.

The optic ready PSA fit and black nitride M4 Carbine finish is deliberately rough. That’s the in-built compromise with cost-cutting. 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 is more or less Mil Spec.

That said, you can even buy firearms with blemishes for less money off the PSA site. Look out for gun deals marked BLEM Palmetto State Armory and you’ll snag yourself a bargain.

14. Springfield Armory Saint

• Price: $858.99
• Caliber: 5.56
• Barrel: 16
• Total: 32.5-35.75 inch
• Weight: 6.9lb

The Springfield Armory Saint Victor is another relatively cheap rifle with a serious punch. There are better here, but you won’t be disappointed with this and the best budget red dot sight to be honest.

Now the Springfield Saint Victor is full of custom parts from the likes of BCM and an SA multiport flash hider, for around $1000.

Value at the Core

The Springfield Armory Saint Victor is an absolute bargain of a semi-automatic rifle.

The receivers are 7075 T6 grade Aluminum that are hard coat anodized for longevity. There’s a chrome-lined barrel with a 1:8 twist. It’s Chrome Moly Vanadium steel too.

There are touches like a heavy Tungsten buffer tube, Carpenter 158 Steel M16 Bolt Carrier Groups that has been shot-peened and gone through a Magnetic Particle Inspection.

Sights Thrown in Too

You even get flip-up sights in with the deal, rather than a fixed front sight. Springfield has fitted its own single stage trigger. It’s a short reset, match trigger kit. The internals have been micro-polished and Boron coated as well, so they should stand the test of time.

A BCM Sopmod buttstock and grip join forces with a light weight M-LOK hand guard and BCM gas tube to produce a flyweight rifle with an almighty spec list. The Springfield Saint Victor is a badass version of the classic Eugene Stoner design.

15. Stag Arms Stag 15 Tactical

• Price: $918.99
• Barrel: 16
• Weight: 6.3lb

Stag Arms produces some of the most cost effective top notch products you can find on the market these days and it has gone for gold with this competition special.

A fast reset and precise trigger, a Geissele Dynamic 3 Gun Trigger to be exact, are just two of the selling points. This Stag 15 also gets a slimline handguard, Magpul SL-S stock, enhanced trigger guard and a 16 inch heavy barrel with a 1:8 twist and a Nitride finish.

The company has produced a classic here, and it could well climb the list as the user reviews hit the net. We like the way the company has used top tier custom parts in affordable price packages.

Check the full Stag 15 line up here and prepare to be surprised. It’s pretty good.

16. Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport

• Price: $735.99
• Caliber: .223 Rem/ 5.56
• Barrel: 18
• Total: 38.5
• Weight: 7.38lb

We actually love the Smith and Wesson M&P15 Sport.

There are Performance Center versions that are much more money, but the S&W M&P-15 Sport is the entry level rifle that could be all the AR-15 you need.

The S&W M&P 15 Sport has been a staple on our cheap AR-15 lists for a long time. It has crept up in price lately, but the S&W M&P-15 Sport is worth a place here too.

17. Ruger AR-556

• Price: $726.99
• Barrel Length: 16 inch barrel
• Full Length: 34.4 inch
• Weight: 6.5lb

The Ruger AR-556 black Nitride M4 Carbine used to cost $500-$530, consistently. It was our cheap AR champion for 2 straight years.

Because the Ruger was the perfect solution for 95% of you looking for a $500 AR-15 for defensive duties and basic sport shooting.

It’s one of America’s most popular rifles for a reason even though it is not that cheap anymore. This is a great rifle to start out with.

18. Black Rain Ordnance Spec 15 SOCOM

• Price: $1,287.99
• Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56
• Barrel length: 16
• Total: 33-37
• Weight: 6lb

Black Rain Ordnance is on a mission of late and has produced a series of great quality weapons that are flat out assaulting our top 10s. We’re happy to have them.

The Black Rain Spec 15 SOCOM is a competition rifle that’s designed to stand the test of time. It looks lighter than it is thanks to the minimalist Sopmod buttstock and GI grip and Nickel Boron trigger. But also that handguard is a stressed member for more range and rigidity.

19. Sons of Liberty Gun Works M4

• Price: $1,523.99
• Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56
• Barrel length: 16
• Total: 33-37
• Weight: 6lb

Sons of Liberty is a small company with an outsized reputation, thanks to a series of stunning rifles that blew away the critics etc.

All the controls are ambidextrous, including the magazine release, which is good news for left-handed shooters.

20. Aero Precision M4E1

• Price: $1,049.99
• Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
• Barrel: 16 inch barrel.
• Rifle length: 32 inch
• Weight: 6.7b

If the Aero Precision M4E1 wasn’t permanently sold out, it would be higher up the list. Because the build quality on this mid-range rifle was sublime.

But the truth is we haven’t seen one in a while.

You can still buy the receivers and build most of an AR-15 with the company’s parts though.

That could be a fun project and you’ll end up with ambidextrous controls and a barrel twist of a 1:7 twist.

Of course the company will sell you a matched upper receiver set, a charging handle, M LOK Handguard, the whole shooting match.

The Aero M4E1 is a solid choice, but yes it’s rare off the peg and is basically inspiration at this point.

Where to Find Bulk Ammunition – 5.56 NATO Rounds

5.56 NATO ammo is some of the first to run dry in a crisis, as we have learned in the great Covid-19 scare. So get the best AR 15 manufacturers ammo now, while you can.

Bulk deals could keep your nice custom firearm from becoming an expensive club. And if you shoot thousands of rounds of top notch ammo, you need these links.

• Get 5.56 NATO ammo online now, at Lucky Gunner.
• Firearms Depot – Lots in stock, up to 1000rd cans.
• PSA – Bulk ammo deals.
• Sportsman’s Guide: Bulk deals on 5.56x45mm rounds.
• Brownells: 5.56×45 NATO Ammo, get discount deals today.

Mid-Length vs Rifle Length Gas System

If you’re confused by the mid-length gas system vs carbine length gas system debate, don’t worry. Basically the mid-length gas systems have taken over to the point that they normally lead the way, but there are exceptions with a short barreled rifle. The shorter barrels can still suit a carbine gas system length.

Do you want a Cheap AR-15?

If you want to spend less, and possibly get more bang for the buck, then we have covered $1000 and $500 AR-15s before. There you’ll find a matte black Ruger, basic muzzle brakes and low cost fare based on past classics and current trends…

They will all provide a good quality Multi Purpose Rifle and you can add the best red dot sights, later on.

So check back when the time comes and you might find we’ve got the right manufacturers for you and new Modern sporting Rifles, as well as rifles for left handed shooters.

What is a good cheap AR-15 for $500?

Again the budget AR-15 rifle battle used to be a straight fight between the quirky, carbine-length yet budget friendly PSA model, and entry level DPMS semi-automatic rifles. Not anymore…

Radical Firearms is also a potent entry on the list and Del Ton is making waves with the Del Ton Echo line and Windham Weaponry sometimes falls into this price bracket. Anderson Manufacturing is another star of the sector and works well at close range.

PSA is still our budget champion, but its much closer than it used to be.

For our in-depth take on entry level $500 AR-15s, check this post.

• 11 of the leading $500 AR-15s.

Top Tier 9mm PCCs and the Best Concealed Carry Pistols

Awesome firearms don’t always need 5.56 firepower. Overpenetration is one good reason to go for a smaller caliber, and less recoil is another.

You can protect your house with 9mm AR-style pistols with a 3 inch barrel. Easily.

The Pistol Caliber Carbine is back in fashion. The snubnose versions are Sub-Machine Guns minus select fire and most have truly ambidextrous controls for left handed shooters.

Some of the new breed of rapid firing 9mm AR pistols are amazing and law enforcement and military units alike love their 9mm pistol caliber carbines

They love them with pistol braces, weapon lights and all the bells & whistles, anyway For that, you need a tax stamp for your new SBR these days.

But they’re finding homes across the land as personal defense tools and the gun reviews love them. Make sure to check the latest gun control laws on pistol stabilizing braces and weigh up the pros and cons of registration.

Check these posts for the best gun to buy today. The best place to buy ammo online too.

Sights & Accessories

Are you shopping for the best sights, a cheap quad rail system, an Aero Precision free floating barrel or the best budget front sight, handguard or a stainless barrel with a tighter twist for your building project? Mil-spec, top tier shiz? Build or buy?

Maybe you want some Knights Armament parts, because you can’t find the rifle.

We can help.

Here we have advanced tech for higher quality AR-15s on the market for big game or home defense. We also have cheap ammo online, the best 9mm pistols and more.

Best AR-15 Scopes

Currently we think the Vortex Strike Eagle is the perfect balance of performance, power and price.

The Vortex Strike Eagle is here, with a number of the other best AR-15 scopes. There are Bushnell scopes, too, as well as the Vortex Strike Eagle.

Of course there are pros and cons with each, but we think the Vortex Strike Eagle is the best compromise.

• The best AR-15 Scopes and more.

AR-15 Red Dots

Red dots are all you need for close up defensive work with a semi automatic rifle, or you can use them with a magnifier as the best AR-15 scopes replacement.

There are pros and cons to scopes vs red dot sight set-ups, obviously.

They are a great addition to your arsenal. Invest in the best red dots, weighing up all the pros and cons, and you’ll keep them forever, so go the best option, not the cheap one.

What is Mil Spec with an AR-15?

Honestly don’t get hung up on a Mil-Spec trigger etc. Military standards are pretty much the lowest acceptable bar these days for the industry and most go well beyond.

A true mil spec trigger will be gritty and kinda unpleasant when you pull the trigger and will be fitted to a budget rifle. You can do better almost anywhere on this page.

Shop Here For Bargains

• Brownells – High Quality parts and upgrades.
• Sportsman’s Guide – Great deals on reliable and accurate rifles and parts kits.
• Palmetto State Armory PSA -All the bells and whistles for your service rifle.
• Primary Arms – Primary Arms sell boutique guns off the shelf. As well as lots of other good stuff for custom building. Primary Arms will sell you a top tier high pressure tested muzzle device or a complete rifle, a rifle scope and more for your assault rifle.

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