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Top 5 AR-15 Round-Up for 2024
Meet Some of Our Favorite AR-15 Models of the Year
Richard Baimbridge
October 24, 2024
Top 5 AR-15 Round-Up for 2024
Meet Some of Our Favorite AR-15 Models of the Year
by Richard Baimbridge
Bravo Company Rocks the List for Top AR-15s of 2024
While it might seem hard to believe now, the ArmaLite company was actually founded in Hollywood, California in the 1950s. The original AR-10 and subsequent AR-15 were the vision of young firearms designer, Eugene Stoner. The company was sold to Colt in 1959, which still makes some of the top AR-15s on the market today. But the AR-15 platform patents expired in 1989, opening the floodgates to competition and innovation, and giving us the multitude of choices we now have today.
As technology continues to improve and evolve, this past year has delivered an excellent lineup of AR-15 rifles with outstanding new features.
Better ergonomics, accuracy and reliability all ranked high on the scorecards of these guns. In the end, it’s impossible to choose just one – so we chose 5 of Our Favorites. Some are quite affordable, while others are at a bit more of a premium. But regardless of which one you prefer, they’re all outstanding choices.
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7
The Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 sits at the top of many AR-15 lists this year, so it’s hardly surprising it would make ours, too. But there’s good reason why it’s won such high praises. Renowned for reliability and accuracy, it features a cold hammer-forged barrel and a free-floating rail system. Weighing in at just 6.2 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to handle. The DDM4 V7 is equipped with a mid-length gas system, reducing recoil and improving follow-up shot performance. Customizable options for stocks, grips, and sights make it an ideal choice for for versatility and high performance.
Key Features:
- Cold hammer-forged barrel
- Free-floating M-LOK rail system
- Mid-length gas system
- Ambidextrous controls
Price: Starts at $1,800
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7
LWRC DI RIFLE 5.56 16.1
LWRC is a name many aren’t familiar with, but it should be on your radar. Based in Maryland, their focus is on high-quality small arms for military and civilian use. One of the reasons the LWRC DI Rifle is such a value for the price is the many features the rifle has. The main stand-out is the spiral fluting that goes from nearly the tip of the barrel to the barrel nut, making it easily recognizable. Aside from aesthetics, it helps to reduce weight on the front of the gun and displace heat. LWRC has its own proprietary mounting system that can limit accessory options, but they do offer a model that ships with an M-Lok system. This is an exceptionally well-made, military-grade gun that’s highly durable, resistant to corrosion and feels great in your hands.
Key Features:
-16.1-inch cold hammer-forged barrel
- Overall length of just 32 inches with closed stock
- Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC) treatment for extremely tough, wear and corrosion-resistant surface.
- Keyless bolt carrier design
- Upgradable DI to LWRC’s piston-driven IC just by switching out the upperPrice: $1,500-$1800
LWRC DI RIFLE 5.56 with fluted 16.1 inch barrel
Smith & Wesson M&P15 OR
The Smith & Wesson M&P15 OR (Optics Ready) offers an excellent entry point into the world of AR-15s. Designed for both beginner and experienced shooters, it features a durable aluminum receiver and a 16-inch barrel. The M&P15 OR comes with a removable A2 front sight and a Picatinny rail for easy optics mounting. With its reputation for accuracy and reliability, this rifle is suitable for everything from plinking to home defense.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and durable design
- Optics-ready with Picatinny rail
- 16-inch barrel for versatility
- Adjustable stock for comfort
Price: $600-$800
M&P15 Optics Ready
Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) Recce-16 KMR-A
Bravo Company Manufacturing has a reputation for producing high-quality rifles, and the BCM Recce-16 KMR-A is a true stand-out. With a focus on military-grade reliability, this rifle is designed for tactical use while remaining user-friendly enough for everyday shooters. It features a lightweight KeyMod rail and a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel for enhanced longevity. The BCM Recce-16 is an excellent option for those who appreciate precision and durability.
Key Features:
- Lightweight KeyMod rail system
- 16-inch chrome-lined barrel
- Military-grade reliability
- Excellent controllability
Price: $1,200-$1,500
BCM Recce-16 KMR-A
Palmetto State Armory PSA PA-15
The Palmetto State Armory PA-15 is an affordable and reliable option that caters to budget-conscious buyers without sacrificing quality. This rifle provides a solid foundation for anyone new to the AR-15 platform, featuring a 16-inch chrome moly vanadium/chrome-lined barrel and adjustable stock. The PA-15 delivers Sub-MOA accuracy with a Mil-Spec trigger and is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, making it ideal for customization. Its impressive performance and price point make it especially appealing for those looking to enter the AR-15 market.
Key Features:
- Excellent entry-level price-point
- High quality 16-inch barrel and adjustable stock
- Compatibility with aftermarket accessories
- Lightweight and user-friendly design
Price: $400-$600
PSA’s PA-15
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