If you are considering buying the AR15 rifle, you will want to have a look at detailed information about the gun before you make your purchase.

After all, while the AR15 is one of the top selling rifles, it may not be the right rifle for your specific needs.

 

What is the AR15? — This is a light-weight semi-automatic rifle that is currently one of the most popular rifles on the market today, as can be seen here: https://adventurefootstep.com/ar-10-vs-ar-15/. It is a direct descendant of the M16, but not built at the military specifications of an M16 rifle.

 

Should you build or buy an AR15? — While some gun owners build their own AR15s out of specific parts, unless you have built several rifles before, you are best buying your first one.

 

This is because the AR15 fires differently than other similar weapons, so it is always good to have used one for a while before you attempt to build your own.

 

Barrel lengths — If you buy a factory-made AR15, they generally come in three barrel lengths — the 16″, 18″ and 20″. The one you choose depends on if you want a higher velocity gun or not.

 

If you do, the 20″ is likely to be the best choice.

 

Twist rate — The AR15 also comes in a variety of twist rates. The one you choose will usually depend on the length of the bullet you will be firing.

 

If not sure, ask at your local gun shop for recommendations for specific bullets. The most common twist rate for that particular rifle, however, is a 1:9, and that should suffice for most AR15 owners.

 

Barrel material — AR15s also come in a variety of barrel materials. The one you choose depends on the planned use for the rifle.

 

In most cases, however, while CMV barrels or those that are labeled 4150 steel are excellent choices, most first-time AR15 buyers are better sticking with the 4140 barrel.

 

MP and HP tested — While you can buy AR15 rifles with barrels that have not been tested, it is not generally recommended. Especially if you are a first-time rifle owner, and do not have experience with fully-tested rifles.

 

That is why most experts recommend only buying an AR15 rifle if it has been both MP and HP tested.

 

Avoid those that are labeled as ‘batch tested’ as well, as that can mean one AR15 in every 500 has been tested or one rifle in every 5,000.

 

Cold hammer or barrel forged — When choosing an AR15, go with one that has been either cold hammer or barrel forged.

 

This will give you a gun with a barrel that is much more accurate than one that has not gone through any extra process.

 

There are many other specifications to consider when buying an AR15, but these will get you started in choosing the right gun for your needs.