The AR 15 is one of the most modular firearms to ever exist. To many, it is an adult version of firearms Legos. Our ability to modify and add on to this great gun is almost endless. From sights to lasers, there seems to be a spot for everything. In fact, the accessories market rivals the actual manufacturing side of this realm, with hundreds of companies making things they think you absolutely need. To many, it can be overwhelming. This is especially true for the new gun owner. We buy these great rifles, but in our heart of hearts we know they will not remain stock for long. Before you break out the credit card and hit the internet, let’s look at some of the most essential and sensible accessories on the market.
Stocks
While your new AR will come with a stock, it may be a very simple and entry-level style. Many shooters opt for an aftermarket stock that fits them better. These can range from fixed old-school-style stocks to modern lightweight, collapsible stocks with storage compartments. Of all the styles available, I encourage the use of a collapsible stock. It provides you with the ability to adjust your length of pull should you put on a heavy jacket or even a tactical vest. These are easy to replace on your new gun and will add a level of customization you will enjoy.
Optics
Optics are another great accessory. While iron sights are good, optics are better. They allow you to be more accurate when used correctly. As with all accessories, they range in style and price. Solid performers at a reasonable price are red-dot and holographic-style optics. These work well at the distances I find most new shooters working at. These styles of optics also have the benefit of being used with both eyes open, giving you better awareness downrange. There are also several manufacturers in this space, which keeps prices competitive.
Lights
Lights are next on the list. Like the rest of the accessory market, the tactical or weapon light market is full of options. Many companies make great options, and prices have become very customer-friendly over the years. The general guidelines I use for lights is that they range between 300 and 600 lumens and are LED. Depending on your needs and desires, you can choose a light with a pressure switch or a toggle switch. For the longest time these lights were run with lithium 123A-style batteries, but advancements in LED design have allowed more and more for the use of common AA or AAA batteries. I am a fan of this simply because of availability and cost. On a side note, if you do choose a light with 123A batteries, visit the Surefire website for what I believe is the best price on these sometimes-expensive necessities.
Handguards
The handguard on the rifle is another area I see many people change after they get their rifle. Some rifles come with plain-Jane plastic handguards, which limit the ability to add items in the front of the gun. There tend to be two major schools in the area: one uses “key mod”-style holes for accessories, the other uses “M-LOK”-style attachment slots. The choice is yours, as there are adapters readily available on the market. If I were forced to choose one, I would lean toward M-LOK because of my experience. I have found it to be very stable.
Triggers
In most cases, the standard mil-spec-style trigger that’s found in most rifles will be adequate for most shooters. However, upgrading to a mil-spec trigger almost always offers immediate performance improvements. The trigger market is deep and wide, with options ranging from cassette-style units that are self-contained and just drop in to traditional units. They can also vary in poundage, from featherlight competition units to mil-spec weights. Ultimately, select the trigger that will serve your most common use.
Slings
A good rifle sling is something I consider an essential accessory. It can be used to carry a rifle as well as provide stability when lining up a shot. As with all the other items in our accessory search, there are many options in the sling world. Two versions are the most common: single-point and two-point slings. The name is self-descriptive, as the single-point connects on the gun at one point, while the two-point connects at two different spots on the gun. The single point is popular because it allows easy gun manipulation on both sides of your body. The downside to this sling is that the gun tends to swing a lot when you are moving. I prefer a two-point sling. This version keeps the gun more stable, but it requires some practicing when transitioning from strong- to support-side shooting. There is a design and color to fit the needs and desires of any shooter.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the most common accessories. Everything from lasers to levels and even chainsaws are available for your gun. I encourage you to decide if it is something you will really use on the gun or is it just more for dress. Regardless, enjoy accessorizing your new rifle!
FAQs
Q: Can I put a light and a laser on my rifle?
A: Yes. You can mount pretty much whatever you want on your new gun. In this case, I would seek out a unit with both features integrated into one. I try to keep the number of items on my rail to a minimum just to keep the weight down. The more you put on your gun, the more it will weigh. While it may not seem like a big deal in the comfort of your tinkering with it, you will notice it if you do a course with it.
Q: Are all optics equal?
A: No. Optics quality can range from those intended for airsoft guns to glass built for special operations personnel. I would encourage you to take your time and buy the best quality optic you can. Good glass can be expensive, but you get what you pay for. A hasty purchase of a cheap optic just to get glass on the gun is almost always followed by regret. These cheap optics rarely hold zero well and are notorious for just dying on the range. I live by the motto, “Buy once, cry once.”
Q: Can I put a rifle stock on my AR15 pistol?
A: The answer to this one is a huge no. AR15s are broken into two groups: rifles and pistols. An AR pistol is a pistol-length AR15 with no stock. In place of a stock, an AR pistol usually has a pistol buffer tube or similar piece that does not allow for the attachment of a traditional stock. To qualify as a pistol, there must be no vertical foregrip. Many people use “braces” in place of a traditional stock. The problem is that most, if not all, AR pistols have a barrel length of less than 16 inches, which is the minimum for rifles. If you put a stock on your pistol, the ATF considers the gun a short-barrel rifle and requires that it be registered through the NFA for $200. Possession of the modified pistol without the paperwork in line can cause legal issues.
Q: Can I put a competition trigger in my home-defense rifle?
A: While there is no official answer to this, I would advise against it. Most competition triggers are light and designed to fire with little effort. In a self-defense-based gun, you want a standard trigger that provides sufficient resistance to avoid a negligent discharge. In short, you do not want to unintentionally fire the rifle after being startled or jostled. Having a self-defense-centered trigger can help you avoid a possible tragedy.
Q: Should I mount a bipod on my rifle?
A: This depends on the application for which you will use the rifle. A bipod is an excellent accessory that helps you stabilize the gun and in turn enjoy greater accuracy. The downside is that they can be heavy and cumbersome. If you plan on doing a great deal of bench-type shooting where you are very focused on accuracy, then a bipod can be a good choice. If this is a standard fighting rifle setup, I suggest you ditch the bipod. The extra weight outweighs the benefit that you would occasionally get from it.
