AR-15 rifles suit many roles. They work for range days, small game hunting, and home defense. At Webbs Place, we help new shooters find rifles that match their needs and budget. This guide gives clear buying advice. It skips hype and focuses on what new owners need to know.
Who This Guide Is For
You’re considering your first rifle purchase. Maybe you’ve shot an AR-15 at the range, or you’re starting fresh. You want practical advice without the forum arguments and brand wars.
This guide helps new shooters buying their first rifle. We’ll cover comparing new versus used ARs and whether you want a simple build or a ready-to-shoot rifle. You’ll learn what actually matters for your first AR-15.
What An AR15 Is, In Plain Terms
The AR-15 is a semi-automatic, modular rifle platform. One trigger pull fires one round. The “AR” stands for ArmaLite Rifle, not what you might have heard elsewhere. Many parts interchange between brands, which makes customization easy down the road.
Common calibers include 5.56/.223 and .300 Blackout. The rifle’s modularity allows easy upgrades, but beginners should master the basics first. Companies like Springfield Armory and Taurus offer solid entry-level options that shoot well right out of the box.
Match The Rifle To Your Purpose
Decide your primary use before buying. This choice drives everything else.
For regular range practice and affordable ammo, 5.56/.223 works perfectly. You’ll find ammunition everywhere, and recoil stays mild. Most AR rifles come chambered for this caliber.
For suppressed or short-range use, .300 Blackout performs better. It hits harder at close range and runs quieter with a suppressor. Griffin Armament makes excellent suppressors for this caliber.
For hunting or longer shots, consider 6.5 Grendel or similar options. These reach out farther with more energy, though ammunition costs more.
Always confirm local firearm regulations before selecting any configuration. Some states restrict features or require specific modifications.
Buy New Or Buy Used
New rifles offer a warranty and consistent reliability. You know the round count is zero, and any problems get fixed by the manufacturer. Springfield Armory stands behind their products with solid customer service.
Used rifles can save 20 to 40 percent off retail. The savings let you buy better optics or more training ammo. But inspect carefully. Check for barrel wear, gas system leaks, and bolt carrier damage. Look at the feed ramps and chamber condition. If unsure, have a gunsmith evaluate before purchase.
Key Parts That Affect Performance
Barrel
Length and twist rate influence accuracy and ammunition compatibility. A 16-inch barrel balances handling and velocity. The 1:7 or 1:8 twist stabilizes most common bullet weights. Chrome-lined bores last longer but might sacrifice a tiny bit of accuracy.
Gas System
This determines cycling reliability and felt recoil. Carbine-length systems work but can feel snappy. Mid-length systems on 16-inch barrels shoot softer. Rifle-length systems need 18-inch or longer barrels.
Bolt Carrier Group
The heart of reliability sits here. Keep it clean and check that gas key screws stay properly staked. Quality matters; don’t buy the cheapest option. A good BCG runs thousands of rounds without issues.
Trigger
Lighter pulls improve precision but increase safety demands. Start with a moderate 4.5 to 5.5 pound trigger. Military-spec triggers work fine for learning. Save match triggers for after you’ve built fundamentals.
Caliber Choices Explained
5.56/.223 Remington: Most affordable and widely available. Perfect for range use and home defense. Mild recoil helps new shooters build confidence. Most manufacturers chamber their entry rifles in this caliber.
.300 Blackout: Stronger performance at short range. Excellent for suppressed setups. Uses standard AR15 magazines and bolts. Ammunition costs more than 5.56 but offers versatility.
6.5 Grendel: Extends effective range for hunting applications. Better wind resistance and energy retention. Higher ammunition costs and less common on store shelves.
Optics And Sights
Start simple with your sighting system. Iron sights build marksmanship fundamentals. Every shooter should know how to use them, even with optics mounted.
A red dot sight speeds target acquisition. New shooters find them intuitive. Battery-powered models from reputable brands run for years on a single battery. Mount securely and zero at 50 or 100 yards based on your range setup.
For distance work or hunting, a low-power variable optic adds flexibility. Something in the 1-4x or 1-6x range covers most needs. Higher magnification means heavier scopes and more complexity.
Magazines And Ammunition
Have at least three reliable magazines. Magpul PMAGs and okay Industries aluminum magazines feed consistently. Test several ammunition brands for feeding reliability. Your rifle might prefer certain loads.
Follow local magazine capacity laws. Some states limit capacity to 10 rounds. Others have no restrictions. Know your local rules before ordering.
Reliable ammunition improves function and accuracy. Avoid unknown surplus or remanufactured rounds for defensive use. Stick with known brands from reputable manufacturers.
Practical Early Upgrades
Skip cosmetic parts initially. Focus on function over form. A cerakoted handguard looks cool but won’t improve your shooting.
Consider these functional improvements:
- Durable red dot or upgraded iron sights
- Adjustable stock for proper length of pull
- Quality charging handle for smoother operation
- Sling mount points for field carry
Train extensively before adding match triggers or advanced optics. Master the basics with standard equipment first.
Maintenance And Reliability
Clean the bore, bolt carrier, and gas key after every range session. Carbon builds up quickly in the gas system. A boresnake and CLP make quick work of basic cleaning.
Lubricate lightly; ARs don’t need oil baths. Focus on bolt carrier rails, cam pin, and firing pin. Inspect gas rings, buffer, and springs every few hundred rounds.
A clean rifle runs longer without malfunctions. New shooters get frustrated with stoppages. Prevent them through regular maintenance.
Used Rifle Inspection Checklist
Before purchasing any used AR15, check these items:
- Clean bore with strong, sharp rifling
- Smooth cycling bolt with tight gas key
- No cracks in upper or lower receivers
- Minimal wear on bolt lugs and barrel extension
- Verified headspace (have a gunsmith check)
- Function test of safety selector and trigger
Walk away from rifles with questionable histories or excessive wear. The savings aren’t worth potential problems.
Training And Practice Plan
Start with a basic rifle safety course. Many ranges offer AR-15-specific classes for beginners. Learn proper handling, loading procedures, and malfunction clearing.
Practice at 25 to 50 yards initially. Work on sight alignment, breathing, and trigger control. Once groups tighten, move targets farther out.
Run reload drills and malfunction clearing until they become natural. These skills matter more than tiny groups at the range. Keep a logbook noting ammunition used, zero data, and round count.
Explore Other Rifle Options
While AR-15s dominate the semi-auto rifle market, Webb’s Place carries numerous alternatives. AK rifles offer legendary reliability. Bolt-action rifles excel at precision shooting.
For traditional shooters, browse our lever-action rifles and pump-action rifles. Specialty needs might point toward single-shot rifles or other rifle configurations.
Buying From Webb’s Place
Our knowledgeable staff helps match rifles to shooters. We stock quality brands, including Taurus and Springfield Armory. Browse our current rifle inventory online or visit our Wynne, Arkansas location.
We handle transfers and special orders and can source specific models. Our team stays current on regulations and helps ensure legal compliance for your area.
Your Next Steps
The best AR-15 for a beginner is one you can handle, maintain, and afford to shoot regularly. Start with a trusted factory rifle from a brand like Springfield Armory. Add a reliable optic and invest in training ammunition.
Put time on the range before upgrading components. Learn what you actually need versus what looks interesting online. When ready for modifications, Webbs Place stocks parts and accessories to customize your rifle. Visit us in store or browse our selection online to begin your AR-15 journey.
