A Quick Guide to the AR-15 for Beginners

The AR-15, America’s Rifle, Black Rifle, Modern Sporting Rifle, whatever you want to call it, Americans love it…to the tune of buying about 20% of the 20 million guns sold every year. That’s about 4 million AR’s bought annually. 

So, why the fascination with this particular rifle?

I think in part because of the similarity (except only in semi-automatic as opposed to fully automatic in military guns) to the M16 and M4 carbine which was used in wars, because of the symbolism of the AR-15 on the gun culture war, and because of the proposals to ban or restrict them encourage the public to snatch them up before they’re gone. 

While the opponents like to say the AR-15 stands for assault rifle, it is actually named after the manufacturer, Armalite Rifle-model 15. Critics also say this is the weapon of choice for mass shooters, but if you look at the National Institute of Justice under the DOJ their 2022 study shows that handguns are used overwhelmingly in public mass shootings at over 77%. The AR-15 or its variants account for about one in four of mass shootings. 

As stated above the rifle is relatively easy to use with light recoil and adjustability to the shooter with an adjustable stock. New shooters can make hits on target comfortably, consistently and with improved accuracy over long distances. 

Besides the ease with which the rifle can be shot, a small woman or teenager can comfortably handle the gun, it is easy to work on and infinitely customizable. Due to the vast assortment of aftermarket parts and accessories available, AR-15 style rifles have been referred to as “the Swiss Army Knife of rifles”, “Barbie Dolls for guys”, and “LEGOs for adults”. The interchangeability of modules and parts are a defining characteristic of the rifle. 

Some of the reasons why people purchase an AR-15 is for recreational shooting, hunting and investment purposes. Recreational shooters enjoy target practice as well as competition. With the appropriate caliber and configuration the AR-15 is a capable hunting rifle for wild game, varmints to medium sized game. Due to its enduring popularity and demand the AR-15 holds its value well over time which makes it a sound investment for firearm collectors.

With the ease of shooting an AR-15 some will choose to use it as their home defense weapon. It makes a formidable choice. You can optimize it through customization for close-quarter combat shooting. Upgrading the rifle with ambidextrous controls for right and left handed shooters, having an adjustable butt stock will allow it to be interchangeable between different shooters in the same home. The same gun can be used by a muscular 240 pound 6 footer as well as a petite 120 pound 5 foot person. 

Price points on the rifles start at budget models which will run you from $500-1000 as a basic gun. Examples include Palmetto State Armory (PSA), Smith & Wesson, and Radical Firearms. This means you still need to add a sling, some kind of sights, buy magazines and ammo which are all extra.

Mid-range AR-15’s which include Springfield Armory, Ruger, River Rock Arms will cost you about $1000-2000. Again remember to factor in accessories you’ll want to add to the cost of the rifle. Other accessories include things like handguards/foregrips, flashlights (white light), bipods, upgraded optics vs iron sights and much much more. 

Higher end rifles like Daniel Defense, Colt, BCM and PWS will run you over $2000. The difference in getting the more expensive rifle is one of quality. Components like ambidextrous controls, better barrels that will last longer and more features, will come standard on higher end rifles. 

If you don’t shoot a lot and just want to plink every so often then a less expensive rifle may make sense; then spend the rest of your budget on ammo and go out and practice. 

If, however, you want to TRAIN with your rifle and use it often you will appreciate a higher end rifle. If you shoot enough you will be able to tell the difference between low end and high end and you’ll be glad you bought a premium rifle and if you started on the lower end and shoot a lot; you’ll eventually upgrade.

So if you're thinking about getting your own AR-15, are new to the platform or are a rusty warrior, come out and learn more about this fascinating weapon and how to shoot it. My AR-15 Fundamentals course covers safety, history, loading/unloading/clearing, accessorizing, and shooting basics. I offer enough range time to get comfortable with the platform and give you drills to practice. I also have a loaner AR-15 that you can shoot if you don’t have one yet or want to try something different. So, come on out to a class, where we believe that there is training value in each and every trigger press. 

Train hard, train smart and train often.