Anderson Manufacturing Utility Pro 5.56 AR-15 Rifle - 16"

I bought this on a Black Friday sale to write an article about what $329 plus tax would get you in an AR platform rifle.

I was not expecting much, but have been pleasantly surprised.

With 500 rounds down the tube there have been no malfunctions, and the accuracy is acceptable.

Surprisingly with inexpensive Federal American Eagle 55 grain ammo I am getting right at 2 MOA accuracy at 100 yards.
With Hornady Black ammo I get sub MOA. But I don’t want to spend $1.60 a shot to plink with.

I can live with that.

The core rifle you get is a great starter rifle for those on a budget. Leaving room for you to accessorize as you learn what you like and do not like.

My accuracy testing was done with a 6-36x56 ffp scope that cost more than the rifle did.

I have since switched to a dot sight for closer work.

Ian

I was a little unsure of quality since the price was so low. First time ordering a firearm online also. The whole process took longer than expected, overall it was fine. If you are an impatient person...don't purchase online firearms. LOL.

The rifle is solid and functions perfectly. The only finish 'blem' is where the handguard had to be spread open to fit on the barrel nut from the factory. Just some itty, bitty, super tiny, spider crack, marks in the coating. It is CRAZY tight on barrel nut
Compared to an Aero lower from 9 years ago, the Anderson magwell is shorter by a few thou. Gen2 Pmags won't drop free when empty but will with a few rounds left. It's that close
Stock ACS mag works great. I bough 4 Duramags, they function perfectly
A bit of gas leaking from the gas block leaves carbon on my left wrist. Not noticeable while shooting
The trigger space had to be filed to allow some triggers to sit right. A couple fit without relieving
Loving this rifle overall!

I have to give this rifle a 5 star review!
it handles great and it has great accuracy and it feels perfect.
i own a lot of rifles and i really like this upper. i don"t have big hands so this slim upper is perfect for me, it has plenty of space for furniture and it runs great. i did change out the trigger for an elf drop in and changed the grip and stock with a "Houge" replacement kit. You can do whatever you want to truly make it yours
LOVE IT !!

This 16-inch AR-15, made by Anderson Manufacturering, is THE rifle for someone who wants to obtain, study the mechanics, and easily modify it in his or her own desire.
When it comes to the rifle’s branding and looks, it appears to be the best “default” AR-15. No logos printed to be flashy - just letters and numbers that includes the model name, “AM-15” and the serial number. I love it tho - I don’t want to be the “Sig-guy” or the “Springfield-guy”. I just want to plain + simply riffle that doesn’t not flash and let the performance of a rifle do its flashy-performance. I did modify it a lot, but for its price, its humbly-branding, and its performance, this should be everyone’s first-time-AR-15 to purchase. But hey, that’s just my opinion.
I love AM!

No thrills no frills. Rifle had issues while attempting to utilize charging handle to load round in chamber from a magazine. The factory charging handle was bent and every time the charging handle was actuated the smell of burned anodized aluminum would waft into the air. Grease would not help, it was definitely a bent charging handle. I used a flat slab piece of polished granite as a straight base line, placed the charging handle on the granit and shined my flashlight from the opposite side of me and there was a lot of light escaping from the gap between the chandler and the granite. This was a cheap gun on sale so this level of quality was expected. I had a spare charging handle and when I swapped parts, there was no out of the ordinary hang up, tight tension, or burning anno smell.

Excellent Solid rifle. Well oiled machine. M-lok on both sides. Rails enough realty for what is necessary attachment. Gas block solid. Excellent BCG staking. Upper and Lower perfectly matched as well as matched Keyhole forging. Thank you Anderson and Primary Arms *****

Not sure why all the hate for a sub $400 556 I’d like people to tell me what is better. I’ve got nearly 1000 flawless rounds through and out better furniture on it. Love this one and buying another. Great tight specs and has been flawless from out of the box.

I have only shot 3 mags of 30 rounds each but so far, so good! It shoots straight at 50 yards with no issues. I did not use the magazine it came with yet because I already had some P-mags. I don't have a problem with the handguard and I like the way it looks. I don't consider it a battle rifle but, if necessary, I would trust it to protect my family and me. I don't plan on keeping it outside except when at the range and otherwise, it stays well protected inside. I have up to 250 yards available at my local range but have not shot that far so far. I just wanted to check how well it shoots and so far, so good! I look forward to outfitting it with more furniture and with what I see so far, I would purchase another Anderson rifle and I do recommend it for you.

Already put through 500 rounds with great accuracy and minimal issues. The only thing I’ve run into is the bolt carrier group not locking properly when using the bolt release

I bought this rifle to improve my gunsmithing skills. It gets taken apart and put back together in perpetuity. I didn't think I'd ever shoot it (I have plenty of expensive rifles for shooting), but I did, and was surprised by how solidly if functions. I'm not saying it's a great rifle. I am, however, saying it's a functional rifle, and has gone BANG every time I've pulled the trigger.