AR: The letters stand for “Armalite,” but you’d be forgiven for thinking it means “America’s Rifle.” In the United States, no long-gun platform is more popular—a fact pretty well evidenced by the sheer number of ARs being made and brought to market year after year after year. And, 2014 is shaping up to be no exception, with virtually every AR maker complementing its existing product line with new releases in a wide variety of lengths, colors and chamberings. To help the AR enthusiast navigate the perhaps imposing lineup of 2014 products, we’ve assembled a list of 25 AR rifles that especially caught our eye. From 5.56mm SBRs to 3-Gun tack drivers to wooden-stocked hunting guns, we’ve run the gamut, picking an exciting array of new rifles from established AR all-stars, like Colt and Daniel Defense, and bold up-and-comers whose names you’ve perhaps never heard. ‘Til now.
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Adams Arms COR Ultra Lite
Adams Arms has unveiled its new COR (Competition Optic Ready) Ultra Lite rifle for 2014. This 5.56mm, AR-style carbine features a 16.5-inch, ultra-light barrel; a low-mass, skeletonized bolt carrier group; a Hiperfire 24C competition trigger; and a VooDoo Innovations Jet compensator. The COR Ultra Lite Rifle can be purchased in a Kryptek camouflage pattern.
For more information, visit adamsarms.net.
ATI Omni Hybrid
American Tactical Imports (ATI) has unveiled the Omni Hybrid, a new fiberglass-composite polymer lower receiver for a 5.56mm AR. But unlike most polymers lowers, this one is steel-reinforced with an insert. It includes an integrated enhanced triggerguard and a beveled magazine well, and weighs 0.5 ounces less than a traditional aluminum receiver. ATI also offers it as part of a complete rifle with an aluminum upper receiver and a Melonite-coated, 15-inch barrel.
For more information, visit americantactical.us.
Bushmaster Enhanced Crimson XM15E2
Bushmaster’s new Enhanced Crimson XM15E2 is a 3-Gun AR rifle with rather unique-looking crimson red anodized upper and lower receivers. The rifle has many extra features, including a stainless steel, 16-inch barrel, a Rolling Thunder compensator, custom carbon-fiber handguards, a Timney trigger, Magpul furniture and a PVD-coated bolt carrier group. This package represents all of the most popular upgrades for 3-Gun competition in a factory rifle.
For more information, visit bushmaster.com.
CMMG MK4 T-Series
The new Mk4 T-Series of AR carbines from CMMG is value priced but feature heavy. Chamberings in this versatile line include 9mm, 5.56mm, 300 Blackout or .22 LR, and the rifles have 16-inch barrels in either 416 stainless or 4140 nitrided chrome-moly steel, free-floating KeyMod handguards, full-length flattop upper receivers, single-stage triggers and collapsible stocks.
For more information, visit cmmginc.com.
Colt LE6940AE-3G
3-Gun competitions have really taken off in popularity, and now Colt is getting into the action with its new LE6940AE-3G AR carbine. Chambered in 5.56mm, the rifle has a direct gas-impingement system, an extended-length rail system and fully ambidextrous controls. The 16.1-inch barreled Colt LE6940AE-3G will not be available until late 2014.
In the meantime, please visit colt.com for more information.
Daniel Defense MK12
The new MK12 from Daniel Defense is a commercial version of SOCOM’s designated AR. This 5.56mm rifle promises to be a tack driver with its 18-inch stainless steel barrel, Geissele two-stage trigger and 12-inch, free-floated quad rail handguard. The commercial version will also feature a Daniel Defense proprietary buttstock, pistol grip (with trigger guard) and forward vertical grip, all ergonomically designed with rubber overmolding.
For more information, visit danieldefense.com.
DoubleStar Star-10
DoubleStar’s new Star-10 is a full-billet rifle chambered in 7.62mm NATO with an enhanced mag well and an outstanding two-stage trigger. Other features include a deep blue anodized finish, an 18-inch fluted stainless steel barrel and an Ace Hammer stock. The enlarged triggerguard incorporates detailed machining.
For more information, visit star15.com.
DPMS GII .308 SASS
DPMS has introduced a completely redesigned .308 AR for 2014. Three years in the making, the GII .308 AR SASS from DPMS will be a game changer. The rifle is much closer in its weight and dimensions to a standard .223 M4 than any other .308-caliber AR and is loaded with features and improvements, including a reinforced extractor, dual ejectors, a monolithic bolt carrier group, a redesigned bolt head and steel feed ramps. Most revolutionary, the GII will also accept most standard AR handguards for easy upgrades and versatility.
For more information, visit dpmsinc.com.
FNH USA FN 15
FNH USA has begun making all-american AR rifles and carbines. The FN 15 series marks the first time that a complete FN AR rifle will be available for commercial sale. These weapons are as close to the military-contract rifles American soldiers are using today.
The 5.56mm FN 15 Carbine has a 16-inch chrome-lined, alloy steel barrel and is available in 5.56mm NATO. The polymer forearm and butt stock are both black, and the stock is collapsible into six positions, making the total length 31.9 inches at its shortest and 35.2 inches at its longest. The FN 15™ Carbine also features an A2-style compensator and a 1:7-inch RH twist rate. It comes with fixed A2-style front sights, a removable M4-style rear carrying handle, and one GI pattern 30-round aluminum magazine.
The 5.56mm FN 15 Rifle has a 20-inch chrome-lined, alloy steel barrel and is available in 5.56mm NATO. The polymer forearm and fixed butt stock are both black, and the total length is 39.5 inches. The FN 15 Rifle also features an A2-style compensator and a 1:7-inch RH twist rate. It comes with fixed A2-style front sights, a removable M4-style rear carrying handle, and one GI pattern 30-round aluminum magazine.
For more information, visit fnhusa.com.
High Standard Enforcer & Crusader
For 2014, High Standard has released two new AR carbines designed to meet the needs of the tactical market without breaking the bank. The Enforcer is available in 5.56mm with a 15-inch barrel with a 1-in-9-inch twist rate and a full quad-rail handguard. It also includes standard flip-up front and rear sights, forward vertical grip, and it is also available in 300 Blackout. The Crusader model is chambered in 5.56mm, has a 1-in-7-inch twist rate barrel, a two-stage trigger and an ambidextrous safety.
For more information, visit highstandard.com.
JP Enterprises Always Be Ready
JP Enterprises and 5.11 Tactical have teamed up to create three new rifle models for 2014 that all feature a custom storm grey Cerakote and 5.11 Tactical logos. The “Always Be Ready” series offers three distinct models. The SCR-11 is a competition rifle in .223 or 300 Blackout. The JP-15 is a .223 perfect for military or law enforcement operators. And the LRP-07 is a .308 rifle customized for precise long-range accuracy.
For more information, visit jprifles.com.
Lancer L30
Lancer has unleashed its new L30 series of 7.62mm rifles. Several variations will soon be available, including the Modern Battle Rifle, a carbine-sized, full-power gun. The rifle comes standard with a 16-inch barrel, a carbon-fiber free-floating handguard, an Ergo grip, a collapsible stock and an ambidextrous rear single-point sling attachment. All L30 rifles also feature changeable magazine well extensions and billet upper and lower receivers. For more information, visit lancer-systems.com.
LMT SLK8
The new SLK8 rifle from Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) is specifically designed to meet the needs of 3-Gun shooters. The SLK8 features a match-grade, stainless steel barrel with a 1-in-7.5-inch twist rate and 5R cut rifling for superior accuracy (available in 16- and 20-inch lengths). The 5.56mm rifle also features an ambidextrous magazine release, a two-stage match trigger and an exclusive Ergo grip. For more information, visit lewismachine.net.
LWRCI M6 IC PSD
Based on LWRCI’s Individual Carbine (IC) platform, this 5.56mm rifle combines an 8.5-inch barrel with an Ultra Compact stock (1 inch shorter than the Compact stock). The M6 IC PSD rifle is also outfitted with a patent-pending ARM-R rail system, featuring a removable top portion and a return-to-zero system that requires no tools. The carbine-length rail over the low-profile gas block provides plenty of room for adding sights and accessories. The M6 IC PSD rifle combines submachine gun size with a battle rifle cartridge and LWRCI’s ultra-reliable gas-piston operating system, offering the professional shooter never-before-realized capabilities in one sweet little package. For more information, visit lwrci.com.
Precision Reflex Tactical Operator
The rifle is available in 5.56mm NATO with either a Douglas (16-inch, 1-in-8-inch twist) or a Bergara barrel (17-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist), or in 300 AAC Blackout with the Douglas barrel. The round, rifle-length handguard is built using carbon fiber, aluminum and steel with extended rails, flip-up rear and front sights and a custom muzzle brake. For more information, visit precisionreflex.com.
Rock River Arms X-1 Series
The new X-1 ARs from Rock River Arms all feature 18-inch, fluted, stainless steel barrels, free-floating handguards, Hogue pistol grips, custom muzzle brakes, enlarged triggerguards, two-stage triggers, furniture in either black or tan and fixed or collapsible stocks. They are available in 5.56mm NATO, 7.62mm NATO, 6.8 SPC and .458 SOCOM. The 7.62mm NATO models also include an ambidextrous trigger-finger-activated bolt-hold-open. For more information, visit rockriverarms.com.
Ruger SR-762
For 2014, Ruger has introduced the semi-auto, piston-operated SR-762 carbine chambered in 7.62mm NATO. The SR-762 offers a 20+1 capacity, is lightweight and includes a smooth-sided, round handguard; a chrome-plated, two-stage piston with a four-position adjustable gas regulator; and a chrome-lined barrel with a 1-in-10-inch twist rate. For more information, visit ruger.com.
Sarsilmaz SAR109 & SAR223
Turkish gun-maker Sarsilmaz has introduced two AR-style rifles for 2014. The SAR109 is a 9mm rifle originally designed as a blowback-operated submachine gun, and the SAR223 serves as a standard-configuration AR carbine chambered in 5.56mm NATO. As expected, there are some subtle differences in the designs, but the controls and operation are all standard. For more information, visit sarsilmaz.com.
Serbu SB-15
Serbu Firearms has introduced its own AR. The Serbu SB-15 is a piston-operated rifle with a reversible charging handle. Serbu will also be releasing its new AR lower receiver as a standalone part for custom builders. For more information, visit serbu.com.
SIG516 Carbon Fiber
New for 2014 from Sig Sauer is the piston-operated SIG516 Carbon Fiber carbine chambered for .223 Rem./5.56mm NATO. While the upper and lower receivers are both aluminum, it is the handguard that is free-floated and made from carbon fiber, as is the stock. The rifle also features a four-position gas system and a two-stage trigger. For more information, visit sigsauer.com.
SIONICS Patrol Rifle Zero
SIONICS Weapon Systems is now offering a new entry-level AR with top-of-the-line features and performance. New for 2014, the Patrol Rifle Zero represents the company’s base model AR carbine and comes standard with a mid-length gas system, a premium barrel with a 1-in-8-inch twist rate, a nickel/PTFE-treated M16 bolt carrier group, an ALG Defense mil-spec trigger, a Vltor IMod stock and an Ergo pistol grip. For more information, visit sionicsweaponsystems.com.
Vltor XVI Warrior Carbine
Vltor is now manufacturing complete carbine-length ARs for commercial sale, along with its existing line of short-barreled rifles. The new XVI Warrior carbine, chambered in 5.56mm NATO, is loaded with Vltor accessories and comes with a 16-inch barrel, a mid-length gas system and a full-length KeyMod handguard. For more information, visit vltor.com.
Windham Weaponry .308 SRC
Windham Weaponry’s .308 SRC is the company’s first foray into .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO ARs, and this one is sure to please. The rifle comes with a flattop upper, 20-round Magpul magazines, direct gas-impingement operation and a forged upper and lower receiver with an integral triggerguard. With a 16.5-inch barrel and a collapsible stock, the rifle stays handy, and at 7.5 pounds empty it will be easy to carry. For more information, visit windhamweaponry.com.
Windham Weaponry Varmint Exterminator
Windham Weaponry is also producing wood-laminate-stocked versions of its well-regarded Varmint Exterminator rifle for 2014. The rifles all feature stainless steel, 20-inch, fluted bull barrels and Hogue grips. Three models will be available: a black anodized model with a black and gray laminate stock and handguard; an OD green anodized model with a camo laminate stock and handguard; and a tan version with a blonde laminate stock and handguard. For more information, visit windhamweaponry.com.
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