by Ace Luciano - Tuesday, February 25, 2025
For decades, bolt-action rifles have reigned supreme in the hunting world. They are simple, reliable and, most importantly, accurate. But times change, and so do the tools on which we hunters rely. Enter the modern sporting rifle (MSR), or AR-platform rifle.
Once dismissed as a military-style rifle and considered to have little use in the field, the AR-platform rifle has become one of the most versatile and effective hunting rifles available today. But how did we get here? Why is the AR now a serious contender for hunters? Let’s take a look at the evolution of this platform, the accuracy issues it once had, how those have been solved, and which calibers work well for different types of game.
History of the AR
The semi-automatic AR-platform rifle has a similar appearance to fully automatic military rifles such as the M14 and M16 but do not function the same way, leading to confusion over their applications for hunting. The AR platform traces its origins back to the late 1950s when Eugene Stoner designed what would become the AR-10, a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. Shortly after, a scaled-down version, the AR-15, was developed to fire the smaller 5.56 NATO round. While the AR-15 gained prominence in military and law enforcement circles, civilian hunters largely stuck with their bolt-action rifles, viewing ARs as less accurate and more suited for tactical applications, and, to be fair, they were not wrong—at least in the early days. Back then, AR rifles had a reputation for being functional but not as precise. Early military-issued rifles were built with looser tolerances to ensure reliability in combat conditions, which often meant sacrificing accuracy. A rifle that shot 2 MOA (minute of angle) was considered exceptionally accurate, with 3 MOA being much more common.
Barrel quality varied, triggers were heavy and inconsistent, and optics mounting options were limited. For hunters looking to take precise shots on game, those early ARs left a lot to be desired. Fast forward to today, and the AR platform has undergone a transformation that has made it a legitimate hunting rifle in every way. Precision barrels, improved triggers and modern optics-mounting solutions have eliminated the accuracy concerns that once plagued the platform. Free-floating handguards reduce barrel deflection, helping to maintain shot consistency, while advancements in manufacturing techniques permit tighter tolerances, delivering accuracy that can rival that of bolt-action rifles.
AR-Platform Improvements
With numerous companies now manufacturing AR-15s and accessories, one of the biggest improvements has been in barrel technology. Cold hammer-forged and stainless-steel barrels from companies like Geissele, Springfield Armory and Luth-AR now offer sub-MOA accuracy, something unheard of in early ARs. Match-grade triggers from brands like Timney, Velocity, Hiperfire, CMC and Geissele have replaced the old, gritty, military-style triggers, making precise shot placement easier than ever. Optics and optics-mounting methods have also changed for the better over the years. MSRs can be fitted with high-quality scopes that stay securely mounted, thanks to improved Picatinny and M-Lok rail systems. This means that whether you're taking a 50-yard shot in thick timber or a 300-yard shot across an open field, today’s AR can handle the task with confidence while being customized to fit every hunter’s physical stature. The modular nature of the AR allows for easy adjustments to stock length, trigger weight and optics, ensuring a perfect fit for any shooter.
Adaptability and Popularity
Another reason MSRs are so popular among hunters is their ability to be modified to suit any use. AR-platform rifles offer a range of calibers that suit different types of wild game. The AR-15, with its lightweight frame and manageable recoil, is ideal for smaller game and predators. Chamberings like .223 Remington and .224 Valkyrie are great for coyotes and varmints, while the 6.5 Grendel provides the power needed for medium-sized game like white-tailed deer at longer distances. Bump up to a caliber like .300 Blackout or .458 SOCOM in an AR-15 and you’ll have what might be the ideal rifle for feral hog hunting. Move up to the stouter AR-10 and you can use .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 (and even larger calibers) for larger-sized animals.
Predator hunters, for example, will appreciate that the AR platform is especially well suited for coyote hunting. Coyotes are fast, elusive and often travel in pairs or packs, making quick follow-up shots a necessity. The AR’s semi-automatic action allows for rapid engagement of multiple targets, something a bolt-action rifle simply cannot match. Additionally, the ability to use high-capacity magazines, unlike with bolt-action hunting rifles, ensures that hunters can take multiple shots without needing to reload when dealing with fast-moving predators. Whether hunting in open fields or dense brush, the AR’s lightweight and customizable configurations make it an excellent choice for staying mobile and adapting to different hunting environments.
When it comes to deer hunting, the fully customizable AR platform has proven itself to be an excellent choice as well. The ability to chamber rounds like 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Win. and .308 Win. gives hunters plenty of options for ethically taking down deer at even extended ranges. Again, the fact that the AR rifle’s semi-automatic action allows for quicker follow-up shots offers a major advantage in hunting situations where a second shot might be necessary. And with modern suppressor-ready configurations, an AR hunting rifle also can be set up for a suppressor to aid both noise and recoil reduction in step with the NRA-backed Hearing Protection Act currently working its way through both houses of Congress.
Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons driving deer hunters to gravitate toward the AR platform is its versatility beyond the hunting season. The same rifle that serves as a precision deer rifle can also be used for self-defense and home-defense, eliminating the need for multiple firearms. The AR rifle truly embodies the concept of “one gun for all,” giving hunters peace of mind that their firearm serves multiple purposes while maintaining high performance in each role. All of these reasons are why MSRs like the AR-15 are regularly referred to as “America’s rifle.”
The idea that MSRs are inaccurate or unreliable for hunting is simply not the case as today’s AR-platform manufacturers have fine-tuned these rifles for performance. Companies like 51Fifty and POF are pushing the envelope with lightweight, high-accuracy builds that rival the best bolt guns on the market. For more examples, Ruger’s AR-platform rifles have become go-to options for many hunters looking for an affordable yet high-quality rifle, while Springfield Armory continues to deliver top-tier options with premium barrels and well-thought-out designs. Some still argue that the semi-automatic action of an AR-platform rifle is unnecessary for hunting, but anyone who has ever had to make a fast follow-up shot knows that having one on deck is never a bad thing. Remember that the modular nature of the AR means you can tailor the rifle to your specific needs, thanks to ample barrel length, forearm and grip options, adjustable stocks and the fact you can simply change the upper AR receiver to change calibers.
The modern AR-platform rifle is not just a capable hunting rifle—it’s one of the best options available for hunters looking for accuracy, versatility and reliability. It is no surprise that today’s MSRs are so widely embraced.
Editor’s Note
As noted in a January report from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the modern sporting rifle (MSR) is the most popular rifle sold in America today with more than 30.7 million in circulation. When it comes to hunting with AR-platform rifles, perhaps the best testimonial comes from NRA Life member Randy Luth, who founded DPMS Panther Arms in 1985 and is the founder and owner of Luth-AR. A pioneer in promoting and hunting with AR-platform rifles, Luth was likely the first person to successfully hunt eight of the North American Super 10 big-game species using AR-platform rifles in various calibers, and he has taken numerous game species worldwide—including Africa’s Big Five—going far as to secure the AR platform’s position as a viable and popular tool of choice for American hunters.—Karen Mehall Phillips