Which Budget AR-15 Is The Most Accurate? - PSA, Ruger, Anderson, S&W, Radical Firearms

Published on July 21, 2025
Duration: 17:55

This review compares five budget AR-15 platforms for accuracy, testing them with various ammunition types and a consistent setup. The Palmetto State Armory (PSA) Blem and Ruger AR-556 emerged as top performers, with PSA achieving the best overall average MOA and Ruger showing a tightest single group. The test highlights that budget rifles can achieve impressive accuracy when paired with suitable ammunition.

Quick Summary

The Palmetto State Armory (PSA) 'Blem' model was the most accurate budget AR-15, achieving an overall average of 1.9 MOA. The Ruger AR-556 also performed well, showing the tightest single group at 1 MOA. The test emphasized that budget rifles can be accurate when matched with suitable ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Budget AR-15 Accuracy Test
  2. 00:55Ammunition & Testing Setup
  3. 01:32Experiment Controls & Fair Comparison
  4. 03:22Ruger AR-556 Accuracy Results
  5. 05:51S&W M&P15 Sport III Accuracy Results
  6. 08:14Anderson AR-15 Utility Pro Accuracy Results
  7. 10:34Radical Firearms RF-15 Accuracy Results
  8. 12:37PSA Blem AR-15 Accuracy Results
  9. 14:12Conclusion: Best Budget AR-15 for Accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

Which budget AR-15 was the most accurate in the test?

The Palmetto State Armory (PSA) 'Blem' model achieved the best overall average accuracy of 1.9 MOA. The Ruger AR-556 showed the tightest single group at 1 MOA.

What factors were controlled for in the budget AR-15 accuracy test?

Controls included similar round counts, free-float handrails, 16-inch barrels, standard muzzle devices, and mil-spec triggers to ensure a fair comparison across the budget platforms.

How much did the budget AR-15s tested cost?

The prices for the tested budget AR-15s ranged from approximately $350 for the Anderson Utility Pro up to $650 for the Smith & Wesson M&P Sport III.

Does ammunition choice affect budget AR-15 accuracy?

Yes, ammunition choice significantly impacts accuracy. The test showed that budget rifles can achieve sub-MOA results when paired with the right ammunition, like Hornady V-Max or AAC loads.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Elliott Delp

View all →