Hi-Point HP-15 

When I saw that Hi-Point was releasing an AR-15 with an MSRP of $499.99, I was immediately intrigued. For a newer gun owner or someone who has never owned an AR before, $500 is much easier to swallow than $1,000. Sure, you might get what you pay for in ergonomics and aesthetics, but much of the AR-15 platform can be upgraded with aftermarket parts later. The HP-15 is not the best-looking AR-15, but it does feature mil-spec controls, a mil-spec trigger, and a mil-spec stock, which just plain work at the end of the day. I tried 55-, 62-, 75-, and 77-grain ammunition, all with different bullet profiles, and the HP-15 fed them all without any issues. The accuracy of this rifle was highly dependent on the ammunition. I used some of the best-quality ammunition I have, and two loads shot under an inch, while the other two shot over a one-inch group. That said, the accuracy is impressive for the rifle’s price, and both accuracy and reliability matter more to me than parts that can be swapped out. This is an excellent starter AR-15 and will teach any new shooter how to use and operate single-sided mil-spec controls.