How much does it cost to build an AR-15?
Today it costs $379.52 to build a standard 16-inch 5.56 AR-15 from the cheapest parts in stock, and $984.36 at typical (median) prices, before an optic. We work it out every night from the prices of every store we track. Updated October 4, 2026.
Cheapest build today
$379.52
the lowest-priced part in each slot
Typical build today
$984.36
the median price in each slot
Cost by part
| Part | Cheapest | Median | Parts compared |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete lower receiver | $119.99 | $500.00 | 20 |
| Complete upper, 16" 5.56 (no BCG or charging handle) | $169.99 | $249.99 | 35 |
| Bolt carrier group, 5.56 | $69.99 | $145.60 | 65 |
| Charging handle | $12.56 | $74.95 | 112 |
| Magazine, 30-round 5.56 | $6.99 | $13.82 | 56 |
| Total | $379.52 | $984.36 |
Add an optic, a sling and spare magazines on top: see our accessories checklist. Want a real parts list at today's prices? Open the budget AR-15 starter build.
Month by month
| Month | Cheapest build | Typical build |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10 | $379.52 | $984.36 |
How we calculate it
The build is a standard 16-inch 5.56 AR-15 bought as a complete lower, a complete upper sold without a bolt carrier group or charging handle, a bolt carrier group, a charging handle and one 30-round magazine. For each part we look at every product a store can sell right now (priced, seen in the last three days and not marked out of stock) and take the cheapest and the median price. The totals add those up. Prices don't include shipping, tax or the dealer's transfer fee for the lower.
You're welcome to quote or chart these numbers: please link to this page as the source.
See also: AR-15 ammo cost per round · today's price drops