essential upgrade for your AR-15

[kirilp]

hey guys,

i was wondering, in your opinion, what is the most important and most essential item that you will add or replace in your AR-15. if you just got it and now you want to treat her with some new toy, like new stock, laser, flashlight grip or so...

im just interested to see some expert opinion...

Once a Marine, Always a Marine

 

[PunchPunch]

I would suggest lots and lots of ammo....

Seriously though, if this is your first AR, shoot it and get a feel for it before adding a bunch to it. My thoughts on what mine needed changed dramatically after the first few trips to the range. I'm saving up now for a railed forearm and vertical grip.

 

[mettle]

I would suggest lots and lots of ammo....

Seriously though, if this is your first AR, shoot it and get a feel for it before adding a bunch to it. My thoughts on what mine needed changed dramatically after the first few trips to the range. I'm saving up now for a railed forearm and vertical grip.

This; and, attend a carbine course with the irons, or borrow an electronic sight from someone. You'll learn a more, on top of the range trips, of what works and does not in a under stress environment as well.

Don't buy junk, you'll regret it. That's one thing I know for sure in life. Buy an Aimpoint, before you buy some BSA something if you plan on having that lasts, for instance. Buy Larue tactical products before you buy UTG brand, Daniel Defense before Olympic, you get the point. Buy the quality and you won't regret it.

 

[Turtle]

I cant speak for AR's.. But for rifles in general an awsome optic is a must have. You get the precision, spead, range, and a down right awesome coolness factor.

 

[ihateiraq]

personally, i only keep a vertical foregrip on my m4 because it has a bipod inside it. its handy for when i set it down. ive always held it by the magazine when im firing. i dont really like the aimpoint either. i would take an eo tech over that. but over both of them i would take an acog. i would say the ONE accessory i have to have is some sort of optic.

 

[alan robert]

I know this is the obvious. Fire the weapon, and see what mechanically needs to be upgraded, if anything.

The rifle functioning properly and reliably, should be the first priority. All firearms need to be broken in, before one would have total reliance in that firearm .

Like stated before, see if the current iron sights are adequate. See what magazines work the best.

Fire a couple of hundred rounds (also see how rifle, works with what ammo), do a good cleaning and inspection of the stock parts afterwards (bolt face, firing pin, staking on carrier, etc).

You will probably already have some what of a feel, what needs to be upgraded.

Vertical grips, optics, flashlights are nice aftermarket accessories, but are not necessary for a good "basic rifle". I know, my opinion.

Hammer spring, reliable magazines, the little rubber insert for the extractor spring (make sure it's there), rubber spacer to make rifle tighter (if needed), upgrade trigger, buffer or buffer spring, etc.?

Mechanical concerns first, if any, then the cool toys.

Good luck on picking them, the prices and choices are endless.

I say a vertical grip first. Then worry about the optics. Pick the right optic to fit the type of AR15, you will be using.

 

[esrice]

i was wondering, in your opinion, what is the most important and most essential item that you will add or replace in your AR-15.

It's not so much "essential", but the first thing I'd change on any AR would be the factory grip. (I can hear mettle and tyler34 giggling. . . . )

Why?

• stock grip is too small
• stock grip is too hard
• stock grip leaves gap between trigger guard that is rough on the top finger

• Ergo grip fills hand better, with subtle finger grooves and a comfy beavertail that supports the web of the shooting hand
• Ergo grip (Suregrip) has a hard rubbery surface that doesn't get hot in the summer or cold in the winter, and provides a good gripping surface
• Ergo grip comes with a rubber "gapper" plug to eliminate the gap (or a Mapgul Enhanced Trigger Guard will do the same)

This:

Versus this:

Personally, I prefer the looks of the MOE/MIAD, but the materials of the ERGO. If Magpul made a rubberized MIAD, I'd put that on every AR.

 

[esrice]

If I could add one thing, and one thing only, it would be a quality optic.

 

[WhitleyStu]

For target upgrade the FCG (I went with a Timney). I also bought a spare BCG (Young National Match). Now I have spart parts in case anything in the BCG or FCG break. Also, install optics that fit your needs...

 

[mvician]

It's not so much "essential", but the first thing I'd change on any AR would be the factory grip. (I can hear mettle and tyler34 giggling. . . . )


Personally, I prefer the looks of the MOE/MIAD, but the materials of the ERGO. If Magpul made a rubberized MIAD, I'd put that on every AR.

The Magpul MOE rubber overmold grip is on the horizon.

 

[alan robert]

Good point, about a good grip. I have the Mag Pul Miad grip, with the oversized trigger guard.

I would also suggest setting up a good lower receiver first, because you can add any upper, if you get tired of your present upper.

 

[Shay]

Essential upgrade?

Training.

Invest in yourself first.

 

[esrice]

The Magpul MOE rubber overmold grip is on the horizon.

 

[Scutter01]

I'm a big fan of the Hogue rubberized grip. I'd be interested in a Magpul as well.

 

[tyler34]

I'm a big fan of the Hogue rubberized grip.

this is obviously a man with very discerning and astute taste in hand grips

 

[Scutter01]

this is obviously a man with very discerning and astute taste in hand grips

I don't know about that. All I know is that it fits my hand and it's comfortable, and in the end I guess that's the only test that matters.

 

[tyler34]

you being this humble when unsolicited praise is present? who has dirt on you?

 

[Woodsman]

Essential upgrade?

Training.

Invest in yourself first.

I agree 100%.

Buy a high quality plain jane AR-15 w/ an adjustable stock. Get a feel for it before you get rails or other fancy furniture. Any standard Colt model or equivalent. Then go to a professional training class (not one class, but many). Learn how to shoot it and how it works.

Develop the plan for your intended use. Long range or under 100 meters? I think those are different requirements.

While you are taking the training you can talk to some of your classmates and the instructors to find out what works for them and maybe learn what you actually need, not what looks cool.

The instructors can help you to define your requirements and the needed accessories to implement your plan.

Nothing beats good training....

 

[Mrmonte]

Figure out what you want to do with your AR first. Mine is just for fun at the range so no flashlights, lasers, or disco ball for me.

First upgrade was a 2 stage trigger(RRA). I did not like the gritty factory trigger my rifle came with at all.

Then replaced my 6pos stock body to a Magpul CTR. Im not crazy about my cheek weld but I like that it locks into place and does not wobble like my factory stock did.

+1 for the Hogue grip, thats what feels best to me too!

Those were my essential basics, your mileage may vary.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Everyone is different. So find what you like, and want!