essential upgrade for your AR-15

[22lr]

Id say a red-dot scope of some kind. Be it a real aim-point or a clone I don't think id own a AR and not but a red-dot on it (outside of the retro M16a1 clone I want to build).

That an a close second being a better grip.

 

[243rem700]

I would shoot it in its stock configuration to see what it is you don't like about the gun before replacing anything. If you shoot it and think something can be improved on then replace it. You may find out that your rifle is just fine as is.

 

[tharlow514]

Just thinking along the lines of SHTF components for your AR it might be nice to have a good sling, spare mags are a must (and ammo for that), and a good repair kit. As far as comfortable "furniture" I think a good optic is first on the list.

 

[cce1302]

I think the Mil-spec AR-15 A2 is the cat's pajamas/bee's knees/gerbil's backgammon set.
One upgrade I'd possibly ever consider would be putting in a better trigger.
Anything else is like graphics on a honda.

I have never had a problem with the A2 pistol grip.

 

[ihateiraq]

I think the Mil-spec AR-15 A2 is the cat's pajamas/bee's knees/gerbil's backgammon set.
One upgrade I'd possibly ever consider would be putting in a better trigger.
Anything else is like graphics on a honda.

I have never had a problem with the A2 pistol grip.

i hate not having optics, or i would agree. and before anyone says it, im not attaching anything to the top of the carrying handle. that looks gay. i also never had a problem w/ the stock pistol grip, until i tried another one. it was like the difference between the "real thing" and using porn.

 

[wally05]

Keep it simple at first, put in a lot of ammo and range time. Reliability is number one. Add the black o-ring to the extractor, run it hard, and see how it does. I have a VTAC 2 point sling and KAC rail system on mine, but I just did that until I put more training in, then we'll see what I'll put on. For the most part, I'll probably just get an ACOG or other quality optic and leave it be. A flashlight mount for my surefire g2 is a possibility too. I like how it is balance without a lot of crap on it. It's a Colt 6920... an amazing piece.

 

[Huzrjim]

All good advice. I just built my Stag carbine this weekend. The only upgrade I included was the oversize Magpul trigger guard, based on previous experience with stock. Shot great with open sights, but I'm beginning the search for optics at the moment.

 

[westfork]

aside from any personalizing you'd like to do i second the idea of spare parts. availability on parts kits is back now that the factories have caught up so now is as good a time as any to sink a little $ into keeping that puppy running for the long haul. same with ammo... i'm seeing good brass cased stuff back down around 40 cents a round. a fine investment!

 

[elaw555]

Good sling, BUIS, Trijicon or EOTECH w/ magnifier, and training/ammo. Thats it.

 

[cosmicjetfighterpilot]

parts kits?

when you say parts kits do you mean lower parts kits, or a general parts/rebuild kit thing?

 

[shooter521]

For the first-timer:

Ammo
Mags
Not really "upgrades," but money should be spent on these before you start changing/replacing stuff on the gun

Sling (preferably something other than the GI "carry strap")
Training
White light (if your mission calls for it)

In that order. Everything else is gravy, and can come later as the needs/desires/funds arise.

 

[westfork]

re: parts kits

if you are stocking up on spare parts the economical solution is to buy the pre-packaged parts kits. they don't all come with "everything" but are a good start. dpms markets lower parts kits, field repair kits, and "ultimate" repair kits. these will cover most of your small parts replacement needs, but don't forget to address other spare parts such as maybe a complete spare bolt assembly, etc... it is easy to go overboard both in "inventory" and $ buying spare parts (practically have enough stuff laying around to build more rifles) but when there is another shortage of retail parts like we experienced here a while back it does at least offer some peace of mind.

honestly i haven't broken a part yet after perhaps thousands of rounds through my ar's, but in a shtf scenario i'd feel a lot better having the stuff laying around.

pace yourself - the black rifle is quite an addiction.

 

[Kimbertrace]

I have heard bad things about the triggers. Would a Timney trigger be a good place for the first upgrade?

 

[esrice]

I have heard bad things about the triggers. Would a Timney trigger be a good place for the first upgrade?

Will you be shooting bad guys or bullseyes?

 

[Kimbertrace]

Will you be shooting bad guys or bullseyes?

Bulleyes.... unless I am forced.

 

[esrice]

Bulleyes.... unless I am forced.

Then an upgraded trigger would probably suit you just fine.

 

[USMC_0311]

First thing is bullets

Then a sling, nothing else is needed.

 

[IndianaResident]

kirilp has Once a Marine, Always a Marine in the signature.....hopefully there's already been at least a little training there.

But then there's always Know yourself and seek self-improvement...

 

[magic man]

kirilp has Once a Marine, Always a Marine in the signature.....hopefully there's already been at least a little training there.

But then there's always Know yourself and seek self-improvement...

All praise IndianaResident, he has the power to raise threads from the dead!

 

[techres]

A good websling and the training to know how to use it.