The 2016 election was a historic win for gun owners, and the benefits are already rolling in during 2017. Companies have brought forth the best offerings in the AR-15 market, and we picked some out some of the examples that we're excited about.
The AR-15 is undoubtedly America's most popular rifle, and companies have produced options with many different chamberings, designs, added features and other upgrades. Check out the new AR-15 rifle options in our roundup below:
Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Tactical
Options abound with this lightweight hard-hitter AR-15. Select from three different styles of muzzle device and four different types of Manticore Arms Transformer Rail handguards. Other finishes include black and OD green.
Caliber: .50 Beowulf
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 31.5 to 35 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $1,750
(540) 443-9250 alexanderarms.com
BlackSword Scythe Ambi
The BlackSword Scythe features all-new controls for 2017, including an ambidextrous bezeled selector switch and an extended ambidextrous charging handle, as well as a custom handguard.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 33.5 to 37 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 4 ounces
MSRP: $1,499
(423) 255-9139 blacksword.us
Bravo Company RECCE 16 300 BLK KMR-A Carbine
Bravo Company added the .300 BLK chambering to its line of BCM RECCE AR-15s and also incorporated a number of BCM Gunfighter upgrades that come standard.
Caliber: .300 BLK
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 33 to 36 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 2 ounces
MSRP: $1,500
(877) 272-8626 bravocompanymfg.com
Bushmaster Minimalist SD
Available in .223 Rem. or .300 BLK, Bushmaster’s Minimalist SD features numerous upgraded components. AAC’s freefloat handguard offers a near-continuous top rail, while the KeyMod-compatible SquareDrop system allows accessory attachment at a multitude of points.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 35 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
MSRP: $1,169
(800) 883-6229 bushmaster.com
Colt M16A1
The patriarch of the modern-sporting rifle, this collector-quality throwback to the Vietnam-era M16A1 features all of the historic hallmarks, minus the “giggle switch.” It ain’t your daddy’s service rifle, but it’s the next best thing.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 38.8 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 4 ounces
MSRP: $2,499
(800) 962-2658 colt.com
LWRC International IC-DI M-Lok
LWRCI has expanded its direct-impingement AR-15 line to include this mode with an M-Lok fore-end. The spiral-fluted, cold-hammer-forged barrel promises excellent accuracy, and the Monoforge upper receiver aids in promoting superior reliability.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.1 inches
Overall Length: 32 to 35.25 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $1,731
(410) 901-1348 lwrci.com
Mossberg MMR Tactical Optics Ready
Mossberg went back to the drawing board with its MMR Carbine for 2017 and released an optics-ready model that features several new accessories and redesigns from the company.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 33 to 36.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP: $1,393
(203) 230-5300 mossberg.com
Palmetto State Armory Freedom M5
The Freedom M5 features a 16-inch barrel fabricated from 4150 steel. The 1:7-inch-twist barrel is nitride-treated for durability, and is freefloated with a Palmetto State Armory 11-inch rail. The lower comes standard with Magpul MOE furniture.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 33 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $700
(803) 724-6950 palmettostatearmory.com
Radical Firearms FR18-22NOS-SS-M-15RPR
Designed to optimize the new .22 Nosler round, which boasts velocities superior to the .223 Rem., the new FR18 from Radical firearms presents an affordable precision rifle for this innovative round.
Caliber: .22 Nosler
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 37.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 5 ounces
MSRP: $1,100
(803) 724-6950 radicalfirearms.com
Rock River Arms LAR-15 QMC
A spare-magazine carrier integrated into the stock keeps a critical reload close at hand, eliminating the need to break contact with the rifle or rummage through a pouch. A winter trigger guard allows easy access to the bang switch when wearing gloves.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 34 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 14 ounces
MSRP: $1,400
(866) 980-7625 rockriverarms.com
Savage MSR-15 Patrol
The new Savage MSR-15 Patrol is a step up from the many rack-grade M4 clones popular today. An upgraded barrel featuring a .223 Wylde target chamber, 5R rifling and a Melonite QPQ finish separate the Patrol from all other MSRs.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.12 inches
Overall Length: 32.5 to 35.75 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $852
(413) 568-7001 savagearms.com
SIG Sauer M400 VTAC
SIG’s M400 VTAC is new for 2017 and was built in collaboration with retired U.S. Army SGM Kyle Lamb. Adorned with Viking Tactics components, this new rifle is chambered in 5.56 NATO and features a 16-inch barrel. It comes with an adjustable VTAC sling and rifle bag.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 36.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,699
(603) 610-3000 sigsauer.com
Smith & Wesson M&P15T with M-LOK
As the name implies, the M&P15T (for Tactical) with M-Lok has, well, the M-Lok attachment system on the handguard, which comes with a 2-inch-long section of rail. A lightweight, contoured barrel offers weight reduction and is capped with a proprietary muzzle device.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 36.63 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $1,189
(800) 331-0852 smith-wesson.com
Springfield Armory Saint
Springfield Armory launched the Saint AR-15 at the very end of 2016, bringing a new class of firearm to the company’s repertoire. Bravo Company furniture—including a polymer handguard with KeyMod attachment points—outfits the Saint.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 35.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $899
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
