Coming soon if you live in Virginia: a gun ban involving AR-15-style rifles. Currently on Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk, SB 749 would ban the sale, purchase, manufacture or import of certain rifles, (which the bill calls “assault firearms”), along with “high-capacity” magazines holding more than 15 rounds.
Unless specifically vetoed, the ban would begin on July 1, 2026.
Table of Contents
Great All-Around Intro Rifle: Springfield Saint
Lowest Price: Radical RF-15
Trusted Performance: Daniel Defense DDM4 V7
Big Brand, Low Cost: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III
Battle-Ready Brand: FN 15
Affordable All-American: Diamondback DB15
Budget Beginner Tank: Ruger AR-556
Inexpensive Warranty Pick: ATI Milsport
Optics-Ready Option: DPMS Oracle II
Expensive, but Worth It: LWRCI IC DI
What You Need to Know
Virginia residents must take possession of their rifles by July 1 to be grandfathered in. After that date, purchasing certain models will be prohibited.
That’s not all.
After July 1, you’ll no longer be able to transfer semi-automatic centerfire rifles with certain features, including those with a detachable magazine, threaded barrels, pistol grip, adjustable stock, etc.
The good news? It’s not too late. The current bill does include a grandfather clause, which would allow Virginians who already owned the soon-to-be banned firearms or magazines before the law takes effect on July 1 to keep them. So, if you live in Virginia, you’d better act fast before the Virginia assault weapon ban 2026 takes effect.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, or looking to add to your existing collection, we have the best AR-15s that law-abiding citizens can buy in Virginia before the “assault weapons” ban goes into effect.
The July 1 deadline will be here before we know it, but rifles on this list will be considered grandfathered firearms in Virginia because Guns.com has them available for you to purchase right now, so get them while you can. After July 1, these will no longer be options for Virginia residents.
The Springfield Armory Saint offers a solid value in the AR-15 market, with top-of-the-line components. It’s lightweight, rugged, dependable, and available in a few configurations to suit your needs. It’s a great all-around rifle.
Caliber: .223/5.56
Capacity: 30+1
Weight: 6.11 pounds
Expert Review: Springfield Saint – High-Value Performance
The Saint isn't just another base-model rifle; it’s a purpose-built defensive tool featuring BCM furniture and a smooth-shooting mid-length gas system. It represents a top-tier, reliable platform that’s ready for duty from day one.
Radical Firearms RF-15 SOCOM RPR
Made in America, the RF-15 SOCOM RPR is a duty-grade, mid-length gas system that’s one of our best-selling AR-15s. It’s outfitted with mil-spec components for easy customization, an adjustable stock, and an M16-cut bolt carrier group. It’s a versatile option at a great price.
Caliber: 5.56
Capacity: 30+1
Weight: 8.8 pounds
Expert Review: Radical Firearms RF-15 Accuracy
The RF-15 proves that you don't have to break the bank to get sub-MOA potential. For Virginians looking for a modern, optics-ready platform with upgraded ergonomics before July 1, this rifle offers an incredible balance of aesthetics and on-range performance.
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7
The DDM4V7 features an ambidextrous GRIP-N-RIP charging handle, making it a great choice whether you’re left or right-handed. It also offers a mil-spec upper, lower, and flash suppressor, as well as a six-position mil-spec aluminum receiver extension.
Caliber: 5.56
Capacity: 30+1
Weight: 6.2 pounds
Expert Review: Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 – Professional Grade
When reliability is non-negotiable, the DDM4 V7 is the gold standard. Featuring a cold-hammer-forged barrel and impeccable rail system, it is built for a lifetime of hard use. For Virginians looking to grandfather in a truly premium, 'duty-ready' rifle, this is the ultimate choice.
SMITH & WESSON M&P 15 SPORT III
With its mid-length gas system, adjustable stock, and free-floating handguard, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III is engineered to be versatile and reliable, making it a solid pick for recreational, competitive, and professional applications. It’s lightweight, rugged, and easy to shoot.
Caliber: 5.56
Capacity: 30+1
Weight: 6.52 pounds
Expert Review: S&W M&P15 Sport III – The Modern Standard
The Sport III builds on the legendary M&P15 legacy with a mid-length gas system and a sleek M-LOK handguard. For those looking for a trusted, American-made rifle that is ready for any optic or accessory, this is the quintessential 'do-it-all' carbine.
FN 15
Made in the United States, the DB15 is a feature-packed rifle that offers a great value whether it’s your first AR-15 or you’re an experienced shooter. The standard trigger is mil-spec and set to the lower end of trigger pull weights. All barrels are black nitride-coated, and different variations are available with a muzzle brake and threaded barrel.
Caliber: .223/5.56
Capacity: 30+1
Weight: 6.35 pounds
Expert Review: Diamondback DB-15 Diamond Series
The Diamond Series offers a significant step up from standard base-model ARs. With enhanced furniture and a sleek, functional handguard, it provides shooters with a custom-feel rifle at a production-line price—perfect for a long-term addition to the safe.
Ruger AR-556
Lightweight, mainly due to aerospace-grade aluminum, the AR-556 is an M4-style rifle packed with features including an 11-inch free-floating handguard that lends to better accuracy. It also has an enlarged trigger guard, making it a great choice for shooting with gloves. It’s a solid, well-priced choice for home defense, hunting, and target shooting.
Caliber: 5.56
Capacity: 30+1
Weight: 6.7 pounds
Expert Review: Ruger AR-556 – The Gateway Rifle
The Ruger AR-556 remains one of the most recommended rifles for a reason. It is a rugged, no-nonsense platform that performs straight out of the box. For those looking for a proven legacy rifle, this is the definitive entry-point into the AR-15 world.
ATI Milsport
While some might consider this a budget pick, the Milsport is a solid value with a great warranty. An all USA-made rifle manufactured in South Carolina, it features an aluminum upper and lower, an adjustable stock, and flip-up sights.
Caliber: 5.56, .300 BLK
Capacity: 30+1
Weight: Not specified
Expert Review: ATI Mil-Sport – A Solid Entry AR
For those in Virginia seeking an affordable way to secure a versatile rifle before July, the ATI Mil-Sport offers an impressive out-of-the-box experience. It’s a straightforward, reliable carbine that covers all the basics without the premium price tag.
DPMS Oracle II
Delivering quality and innovation, the LWRCI IC DI (direct impingement) rifle has fully ambidextrous controls and lower receiver. There’s also a modular, one-piece free-floating rail and Nicor-treated spiral-fluted barrel. Sure, these features cost more, but LWRCI thinks you’re worth it!
Caliber: 5.56
Capacity: 30+1
Weight: 7.1 pounds
Expert Review: Is LWRCI's IC DI Worth the Price?
With Virginia's upcoming legislative shift, this AR-15 stands out for its reliability and long-term value. Our team put 500+ rounds through this model to ensure it's a platform worth grandfathering into your collection.
Annette Doerr
Annette Doerr is a freelance outdoor writer living in suburban New York. In addition to writing, she manages social media and digital marketing/PR content for companies in the firearms industry. Annette is an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer and is passionate about helping new shooters get involved with the firearms community.
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