There is a lot of information out there about what the best AR-15 is, and it can get a bit overwhelming.
However, if you’re looking to purchase an AR-15, there are things you need to know.
There are many things to consider when buying an AR-15 because not all of them are created equal.
Some will be more affordable than others, meaning you need to know precisely what you’re getting before making any decisions.
If you are on a budget and looking for the cheapest AR 15 with exceptional quality, this article is perfect for you. Read on to learn more about the 8 Cheapest AR 15’s for 2023 and where to buy them!
Note: There is STRONG evidence that the Biden administration is steadily working towards the banning of ALL long rifles. These include ALL rifles that they deem an ‘assault weapon‘, many of which are listed below.
It is STRONGLY recommended that, if you’ve been on the fence on buying a long gun, you get off that fence and buy one ASAP.
Table of Contents
#1. BLEM PSA PA-15 16” Nitride M4 Carbine 5.56 Nato Classic AR-15 Rifle With 13.5” M-Lok Rail
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32”
- Gas System: Carbine-Length
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Adjustable Stock: Yes
The BLEM PSA PA-15 16” Nitride M4 Carbine 5.56 NATO Classic AR-15 Rifle With 13.5” M-Lok Rail is excellent for those looking for a carbine length AR-15 on a budget.
It has high-quality features, such as a 16” Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel barrel with a nitride finish that is accurate and reliable.
It also comes with a Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum upper and lower receivers with a hard coat anodized finish, which makes it lightweight and durable.
You will have an excellent fit and enhanced control with a 6-position collapsible PSA Classic Carbine Stock and a Classic A2 grip.
You can add any accessory you want with the included PSA 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok Free Float rail system, and a custom sight or optics can be added up top with the Picatinny rail.
The BLEM PSA PA-15 16” Nitride M4 Carbine 5.56 Nato Classic AR-15 Rifle With 13.5” M-Lok Rail is a top choice for those looking for a high-quality AR-15 on a budget.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. PSA PA-15 16” Carbine-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Phos M4 Classic Rifle
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32”
- Gas System: Carbine-Length
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- Adjustable Stock: Yes
The PSA PA-15 16” Carbine-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Phos M4 Classic Rifle has a classic M4 look that is built for performance.
It has a carbine-length gas system and M4 hardware for an excellent feel and long-lasting reliability.
The M4 hardware includes an M4 barrel extension, an M4 receiver, M4 handguards with heat shields, and an adjustable M4-style stock.
For enhanced accuracy and longevity, it comes with a 16” Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel barrel with a 1:7” twist ratio, a phosphate finish, and an A2 flash hider.
It also has a single-stage mil-spec trigger for smooth, consistent trigger pulls.
With a Carpenter 158 Steel full-auto profile bolt carrier group, it will provide consistent feeding and firing.
It also features an F-marked front sight and a Picatinny rail to add your favorite iron sight or optic.
If you are looking for a solid performing M4-style AR-15, the PSA PA-15 16” Carbine-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Phos M4 Classic Rifle is a top choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. PSA PA-15 16” SS A2 Mid-Length 5.56 Nato Classic AR-15 Rifle
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 33”
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Adjustable Stock: Yes
PSA’s PA-15 16” SS A2 Mid-Length 5.56 Nato Classic AR-15 Rifle was designed to provide shooters with an excellent shooting experience with ergonomic hardware.
It has an adjustable 6-position polymer PSA M4-style stock built for comfort and control.
It also features a classic M4 polymer handguard with a heat shield for an easy-to-use grip.
With a 16” 416R Stainless steel A2-style barrel, it provides accurate shots down range that is built to last.
The rifle has a forged 7075 T6 Aluminum upper and lower receiver, making it lightweight and durable.
The single-stage Mil-Spec style fire control group will ensure you get a smooth shot every time.
It comes with an 8620 steel M-16 full-auto profile carrier that is chrome-lined and phosphate coated for reliability and longevity.
It also comes with a 30-round magazine in states where they are legal.
If you are looking for a Mid-Length AR-15 that can reliability engage your target, the PSA PA-15 16” SS A2 Mid-Length 5.56 Nato Classic AR-15 Rifle is perfect for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. PSA 16” Mid-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Nitride Freedom Rifle, Olive Drab Green
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32”
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- Adjustable Stock: Yes
PSA’s 16” Mid-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Nitride Freedom Rifle is perfect for those who want an AR-15 for home defense, hunting, or a day at the range.
It comes with a 16” Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel with a Nitride finish and an A2 flash hider.
The rifle has a full auto profile bolt carrier group that is crafted from mil-spec Carpenter steel and is chrome-lined and phosphate coated.
It also comes with a standard mil-spec trigger group for consistent trigger pulls.
This model has a modern Olive Drab Green adjustable stock, grip, and handguard with a heat shield.
They equipped it with a 7075 T6 aluminum upper and lower receiver for enhanced durability and weight reduction.
The upper receiver is also equipped with a forward assist and dust cover.
If you are looking for a reliable AR-15 for home defense, hunting, or the range, the PSA 16” Mid-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Nitride Freedom Rifle, Olive Drab Green, is an excellent option.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. PSA PA-15 16″ Mid-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Nitride A2 EPT Dissipator Rifle
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: Not Specified
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Weight: Not Specified
- Adjustable Stock: No
Are you looking for a lightweight, accurate rifle that can withstand the harshest conditions?
Look no further than the PSA PA-15 16” Mid-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Nitride A2 EPT Dissipator Rifle.
Made with a forged 7075-T6 upper and lower receiver, this rifle is built to last. Its 16” A2 style nitride finished steel barrel ensures accuracy, while its mid-length gas system provides a steady shot.
The full-auto profile bolt carrier group ensures your shots go straight to the target, while the upgraded single-stage Enhanced Polished Trigger (EPT) provides a smooth pull.
The classic mid-length handguard with heat shields provides ample protection from the elements. Whether you’re hunting or on the range, this rifle will deliver.
It also comes with classic iron sights to provide out of the box accuracy and performance.
If you are looking for a smooth-operating, high-performance rifle, the PSA PA-15 16” Mid-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Nitride A2 EPT Dissipator Rifle is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. PSA 16” Mid-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Phosphate 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Rifle W/MBUS Sight Set
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32”
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Weight: Not Specified
- Adjustable Stock: Yes
The PSA 16” Mid-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Phosphate 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Rifle w/MBUS Sight Set is perfect for those who want a lightweight and versatile platform for home defense, hunting, and the range.
It comes with a 6-position adjustable MOE Carbine Stock that can be customized to your preferred length, a Magpul grip for a comfortable hold, and an Enhanced Polished Trigger (EPT) for a crisp, clean pull.
The PSA M-Lok free-float handguard gives you plenty of room to mount your favorite accessories, while the low-profile gas block ensures a smooth and consistent shot.
Its flip-up Magpul MBUS Front and Rear Sight give you a clear view of your target, while the A2 flash helps preserve your night vision.
The 16” chrome moly vanadium steel barrel with a phosphate finish ensures that your shots are accurate and powerful.
PSA’s 16” Mid-Length 5.56 Nato 1/7 Phosphate 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Rifle w/MBUS Sight Set is perfect for those who are looking for a lightweight, dependable, and accurate firearm.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#7. PSA PA-15 16″ Nitride A2 Mid-Length 5.56 Nato MOE AR-15 Rifle
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 33”
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Adjustable Stock: Yes
The PSA PA-15 16” Nitride A2 Mid-Length 5.56 Nato MOE AR-15 Rifle is perfect for those who want a high-quality, durable, and reliable weapon on a budget.
The hard coat anodized forged 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receiver ensures it will last a long time, and the single-stage Enhanced Polished Trigger (EPT) makes it easy to use.
PSA equipped the rifle with an F-mark front sight and a Magpul MBUS rear sight to quickly engage your target at any range
The Polymer Magpul Handguard provides a comfortable grip, and the 16” steel barrel with a 1:7” twist ratio and A2 flash hider ensures your shots will go straight and true.
PSA also equipped this rifle with a 6-position adjustable Magpul carbine stock for enhanced comfort and control.
If you want an AR-15 packed with features while on a budget, the PSA PA-15 16” Nitride A2 Mid-Length 5.56 Nato MOE AR-15 Rifle is a top pick.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. PSA 16” Midlength 5.56 Nato 1/7 Nitride 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok A2 Rifle – California Compliant
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length:
- Gas System: Mid-Length
- Weight: Not Specified
- Adjustable Stock: No
If you are a resident of California, you may know how strict the firearm ownership laws are.
The PSA 16” Midlength 5.56 Nato 1/7 Nitride 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok A2 Rifle – California Compliant is your best option to own an AR-15 in California.
It comes with all the significant features and reliability that PSA is known for, with a few tweaks to meet state guidelines.
It features a 16” steel barrel, a fixed PSA Classic A2 rifle stock, and a Strike Industries Featureless Grip.
Other features include forged 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receivers with a hard anodized finish, a PSA 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok Free Float Rail, and a low-profile gas block.
This model also comes with a 10-round magazine.
Another great thing about buying from Palmetto State Armory is that they back their weapons with a full lifetime warranty.
If you want a full-featured AR-15 in California, the PSA 16” Midlength 5.56 Nato 1/7 Nitride 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok A2 Rifle is your best option.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
What To Consider When Buying an AR-15
Manufacturer
Not all manufacturers are created equal, especially when you are on a budget.
Luckily for you, Palmetto State Armory has you covered with its reputation for using high-quality parts with budget-friendly options.
Adjustable
While fixed stocks are fine for most shooters, some require adjustable stocks to provide improved comfort and control.
Accessory Options
Depending on the weapon, it may feature Picatinny rails, standard handguards with heat shields, or M-Lok anchoring points.
Each has its own benefits, but may limit your accessory options.
Gas System
AR-15s come in three different lengths: rifle, mid-length, and carbine.
With each shot fired, they siphon some of the gas expelled from the round to the bolt carrier to load your next round.
Longer gas systems provide better recoil mitigation and performance.
Laws
When shopping for an AR-15, it is essential that you understand all the gun laws for your state.
What is a Featureless AR-15
To legally purchase and own an AR-15 in California, it needs to be featureless.
A featureless AR-15 does not include pistol grips, flash suppressors, forward pistol grips, folding/telescoping stocks, and thumbhole stocks.
With these restrictions, most AR-15s are not an option, which makes the PSA 16” Midlength 5.56 Nato 1/7 Nitride 13.5” Lightweight M-Lok A2 Rifle – California Compliant, the best choice for the state.
Also, the maximum magazine capacity in California is ten rounds.
References
3 Things You Should Know Before Buying an AR-15
See Also
9 Best AR-10 (& A Few .308 Caliber) Rifles
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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