While it's certainly a saturated marketplace these days, the AR-15 has never been more popular with American firearm enthusiasts, and many manufacturers are continuing to feed the need with new options loaded with new features. For the year 2026, the flow of new rifles hasn't stopped, and there are a few notable examples worth examining. From the budget-priced to the fully loaded, here are seven new AR-style rifles out this year.
Hi-Point | Model HP-15 Rifle M81
Hi-Point’s HP-15 lineup has expanded to include hydro-dipped camo patterns (and a gold Cerakote, if you really want attention) with a few nice ergonomic upgrades and UTG Super Slim folding flip-up iron sights. The M81 woodland camouflage pattern is pictured.
▶ B5 Systems Bravo stock
▶ Mil-spec compatibility
▶ B5 Systems P-Grip 23
▶ One polymer magazine
Specifications
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 36 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 4 ounces
MSRP: $699
(877) 425-4867 hi-pointfirearms.com
IWI US | Arad 5
This AR-pattern rifle is a blend of proven systems used worldwide. It utilizes a semi-monolithic upper receiver and the patented IWI CamLok barrel lock-up mechanism, increasing the rifles modularity and eases of maintenance. Inside is a two-position short-stroke piston system allowing flexible suppressed and unsuppressed use.
▶ Adjustable gas block
▶ M-Lok handguard
▶ B5 Systems P-Grip 23
▶ B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD stock
Specifications
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 31.9 to 35.4 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,599
(717) 695-2081 iwi.us
Maxim Defense | MD:15 Duty Precision
Designed for confidently engaging distant targets, the MD:15 Duty Precision incorporates a host of selected components for consistent accuracy. It should be well-suited to quick deployment from prone or supported positions. Its MD flash hider functions as an effective muzzle brake. Further, the rifle can also mount a suppressor, and is available in 5.56 NATO, too.
▶ Maxim QD flash hider
▶ Magpul PRS Lite stock
▶ Thrill RTG pistol grip
▶ Lancer magazine
Specifications
Caliber: 6 mm PRC
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 37.75 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $1,895
(239) 580-7800 maximdefense.com
Primary Weapons Systems | MK216 MOD 2-M
Combined with the adjustable gas regulator and long-stroke gas piston system, the MK216 is intended to be an ideal suppressor host. The MOD 2-M features a bore evacuation chamber, which pressurizes and directs gases out the muzzle, resulting in even less back pressure when shooting suppressed.
▶ Bilateral selector switch
▶ Magpul MOE-SL stock
▶ Free-float M-Lok handguard
▶ Radian Raptor ambidextrous charging handle
Specifications
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.1 inches
Overall Length: 34.5 to 37.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds
MSRP: $2,600
(208) 344-5217 primaryweapons.com
Ruger | Harrier
The Ruger Harrier is a re-engineered line of modern sporting rifles that represents the latest evolution in mil-spec AR-pattern firearms. This model features a nitrided bolt carrier group, staked gas key, partial Picatinny-railed handguard with M-Lok attachment slots and M4-style stock.
▶ Single-sided controls
▶ A2 pistol grip
▶ Mil-spec charging handle
▶ Free-float M-Lok handguard
Specifications
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.1 inches
Overall Length: 32 to 35.25 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $699
(336) 949-5200 ruger.com
SIG Sauer | 516 G3
First introduced as the “Mohawk,” a name which has been abandoned for the typical number/letter combo, the 516 G3 is the latest evolution, or perhaps a reintroduction, of SIG’s piston-driven AR-platform rifle. The 516 G3 should last, with its forged steel barrel and with high-wear components like the feed ramp being steel-reinforced.
▶ Matchlite DUO curved trigger
▶ Free-floating M-Lok handguard
▶ Fully ambidextrous controls
▶ Adjustable gas system
Specifications
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 33 to 36.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $2,179
(603) 610-3000 sigsauer.com
US Palm | Storm Cat4
Best known for its excellent accessories, US Palm is launching its first complete firearm, an AR-pattern rifle festooned with some of the top furniture and operating parts. From its anodized 7075-T6 aluminum lower receiver to its cold hammer forged 4150 chrome-moly steel barrel and beyond, AR enthusiast have reason to cheer.
▶ Magpul DT Carbine stock
▶ Hiperfire EDT Designated Marksman Trigger
▶ US Palm seven-sided M-Lok fore-end
▶ US Palm Hurricane hybrid flash hider/brake
Specifications
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 33.5 to 36.8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP: $1,399
(561) 908-7993 uspalm.com
