Virginia statewide injunction goes into effect on July 21st. We will begin accepting orders to Virginia today and hold them until we can legally ship on July 21st.
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AR-15 Rifles, Parts, Uppers & Kits
Shop AR-15 5.56 & .223 rifles, parts, uppers, & more at Palmetto State Armory. Find high-quality AR-15s, trusted brands, and expertly crafted components. Customize or build from scratch with our vast inventory of barrels, stocks, and triggers. Palmetto State Armory is your destination for the best AR-15 essentials at competitive prices.
Shop AR-15 rifles, parts, uppers, & more at Palmetto State Armory. Find high-quality guns such as AR-15 .223 rifles and AR pistols from trusted brands, and expertly crafted components. Customize or build from scratch with our vast inventory of barrels, stocks, and triggers. Palmetto State Armory is your destination for the best AR-15 essentials at competitive prices.
Shop the complete AR-15 platform at Palmetto State Armory, your destination for rifles, uppers, lowers, parts, and build kits. Whether you’re buying a factory-built rifle or assembling a custom AR-15 from the ground up, you’ll find trusted brands, proven components, and configurations for every purpose. Explore options in popular calibers like 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout, and more. Build it your way or buy it ready to run—all at everyday low prices.
AR-15 Buyer's Guide: Build or Buy?
At Palmetto State Armory, we believe in the right to keep and bear arms—and the right to build them. One of the first choices you'll face is whether to buy a complete rifle or build one from parts.
Option 1: Buying Complete
Best for: First-time owners and those who want a "grab-and-go" solution.
Buying a Complete AR-15 ensures that all components (upper, lower, buffer system) are factory-tested to work together perfectly. It comes ready to shoot right out of the box (just add an optic!).
Option 2: Building (The PSA Way)
Best for: Customizers and those looking to save money.
By purchasing a Rifle Kit and a Stripped Lower Receiver separately, you can save 11% Federal Excise Tax (FET) and learn exactly how your rifle works. Plus, you get to choose every part, from the trigger to the barrel length.
Understanding Gas Systems: Carbine vs. Mid-Length
The gas system length determines how the rifle cycles. Choosing the right one affects recoil and reliability.
- Carbine Length (7"): The military standard (M4). It is punchy and reliable but has a sharper recoil impulse. Standard on most 14.5" and 16" barrels.
- Mid-Length (9"): Rapidly becoming the civilian favorite for 16" barrels. It provides a smoother recoil impulse and less wear on parts because the gas pressure drops slightly before cycling the bolt.
- Rifle Length (12"): Used on 18" and 20" barrels (like the M16). It offers the smoothest shooting experience possible.
Common Questions About AR-15s
What is the difference between 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington?
While they look identical, 5.56 NATO is loaded to a higher pressure than .223 Remington.
The Rule: You CAN shoot .223 ammo in a 5.56 barrel safely. You generally SHOULD NOT shoot 5.56 ammo in a barrel marked strictly ".223 Remington" (unless it is a .223 Wylde). PSA's 5.56 barrels and Complete Uppers can safely shoot both.
What is a "Mil-Spec" AR-15?
"Mil-Spec" stands for Military Specification. It refers to the materials and dimensions used by the US Military (e.g., 7075-T6 Aluminum for receivers, Carpenter 158 Steel for bolts). A Mil-Spec rifle ensures that you can swap parts with almost any other standard AR-15 on the market.
Can I hunt with an AR-15?
Absolutely. The AR-15 is a "Modern Sporting Rifle." While 5.56 is excellent for varmint hunting (coyotes, hogs), many hunters prefer larger calibers. We offer AR-15s in 6.5 Grendel (great for deer) and .300 Blackout (great for hogs and suppressed hunting).
Is the AR-15 a "Common Use" rifle?
Yes. With over 20 million in circulation, the AR-15 is the most popular rifle in America. Its modularity allows it to be used for home defense, competition, hunting, and recreational target shooting.