Top 5 Places To Still Buy Budget AR15s!

This entry details the Palmetto State Armory AXR SSP rifle, introduced at SHOT Show 2024. Expert insights highlight its short-stroke piston system, adjustable gas knob, modular rail system, and AR-15 barrel nut compatibility for easy barrel changes. The AXR SSP is designed for suppressor use and features ambidextrous controls, offering a lighter front end compared to the JAKL. Availability is slated for early summer with pricing comparable to existing JAKL models.

Palmetto State Armory introduces the AXR Series, a highly modular firearm platform designed to surpass the traditional AR-15. The series includes pistols, rifles, shotguns, and PDWs, all built around adaptability and featuring innovative systems like the short-stroke piston in the AXR SSP and the serialized Modular Fire Control (MFC) unit in the handgun line. Expert insights cover specific technical details and collaborative options like the Icarus Precision aluminum frames.

This video provides a comprehensive guide to building a reliable AR-15 rifle for around $750, focusing on value and performance. It highlights the PSA Sabre upper assembly, featuring a .223 Wylde chambered barrel with various muzzle device options and a robust rail system. The recommended PSA complete lower assembly offers Magpul or B5 furniture and various trigger options, including Geissele. The build is completed with a Vortex Triumph red dot optic and an Olight Odin weapon light, creating a versatile rifle suitable for duty use and personal defense.

The Gathering 2026, presented by Palmetto State Armory, offered attendees a comprehensive firearms experience. The event featured live fire shooting with various pistols and rifles, including those chambered in 300 BLK, and showcased a wide array of tactical gear and accessories from numerous manufacturers. Attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the engaging activities and diverse product displays.

Palmetto State Armory introduces a new line of left-handed AR-15 uppers, addressing a long-standing request from left-handed shooters. Five configurations are available at launch, designed to be compatible with standard mil-spec lowers. These uppers offer left-hand ejection and are available in various barrel lengths and rail systems, including 5.56 NATO and 300 Blackout calibers.

The popularity of AK-pattern rifles in the US market has declined due to rising prices, decreased availability of affordable imported firearms and ammunition, and increased competition from the more affordable and customizable AR-15 platform. Factors like sanctions on Russian imports, bans on steel-core ammunition, and the perception that US-produced AKs may not match the quality of imports have contributed to this trend. The future may lie in domestic production focusing on common Western calibers like 5.56x45mm NATO and 300 Blackout, alongside efforts to reduce manufacturing costs and improve quality.

Elliott Delp, a firearms enthusiast with practical shooting experience, recommends a 16-inch barrel AR-15 as the standard, worry-free choice for most shooters due to its versatility. He highlights its advantages in muzzle velocity and long-range ballistics. For specialized home defense or CQB, he suggests considering a 10.5-inch 5.56 SBR if budget and legal compliance allow.

This guide compares the auditory intimidation factor of a pump-action shotgun versus an AR-15 charging handle for home defense scenarios. Elliott Delp, a firearms enthusiast, demonstrates the distinct sounds and discusses their potential psychological impact on an intruder. While both are noted as intimidating, the iconic sound of a shotgun pump is highlighted for its unique deterrent effect, especially in a home defense context.

This video features firearms content creator Elliott Delp discussing the psychological impact of pump-action shotguns for home defense. He demonstrates how the distinct sound of racking the shotgun can act as a significant deterrent, potentially stopping an intruder without the need for firing a shot. The focus is on the intimidation factor and the immediate recognition of danger associated with this sound.

This video reviews the Aero Precision AR15, specifically focusing on its slick side upper receiver which omits the forward assist. While this design offers weight reduction, the reviewer humorously questions Aero Precision's confidence in the rifle's reliability without this feature, suggesting it implies an assumption of no bolt-to-battery issues. The review highlights the trade-offs between minimalist design and traditional AR-15 functionality.