12/15/2015
With endless variants available, the AR-15 is one of the most popular rifle platforms on the market. More importantly, there are also endless ways to customize an AR-15. Once you’ve chosen a solid rifle platform, you need to choose accessories to make the most of your new rifle – optics, rail systems, grips and more.
Optics
Unless you’re a huge fan of iron sights – and we know they have their place – you’re going to want to invest in some new optics for your rifle. Luckily, you have infinite choice when it comes to choosing sights as long as you’re prepared to invest in a quality optics system. EOTech and Aimpoint are the leaders in red-dot, reflex and holographic optics, while you should focus on Leupold and Trijicon for magnified optics.
Picatinny Rail
The Picatinny rail is what makes the AR-15 such a customization beast. While many AR owners may choose to buy an upper receiver that includes a Picatinny, budget-conscious owners can easily mount a rail to an AR. Once you choose a rail, you can mount just about anything to it – optics, lights and more. Before you choose a rail system, make sure you know what you’ll be adding to it.
Stock
The stock can often be the accessory that most improves an AR-15 for a specific shooter. Stocks typically come in two forms: fixed and adjustable (or collapsing), and each of their pros and cons. However, adjustable stocks give AR owners control for height, arm length, portability needs and shooting style. Fixed stocks typically offer more control and stability, but the versatility of an adjustable stock will make it the right choice for most shooters.
Ambidextrous Hardware
These are a little less of accessories and more modifications, but they can make a huge difference if you’re building out your own AR-15 or looking to buy one from a GunzMart auction. Some of our favorite improvements include:
Charging Handles – A new charging handle can make your AR feel like a totally new weapon, especially if it makes it easy to shoot with your dominant hand.
Magazine Release – This may require a new lower receiver, which is a significant upgrade (and technically a new rifle), but an ambidextrous mag release can make a huge difference for a left-handed shooter.
Safety Selector – Especially useful for competition shooters, ambidextrous safety selectors just make your rifle or carbine safer and easier to shoot. If you plan on changing guns quickly at any point, the ability to use either hand to make your weapon safe is invaluable.
Upgraded Trigger
For our money, the only aftermarket trigger worth purchasing is a Geissle. While a factory trigger is good enough for most buyers, many shooters like a lighter trigger pull. Geissle makes a very simple, light trigger that provides confidence and reliability in your shooting. For a general use carbine, the Geissle trigger is perfect.
Flash Hider
Flash hiders are essential for modern hunting with an AR-15. You may think it’s just for concealing your position, but flash hiders serve a dual purpose for shooters. Primarily, a flash hider can help preserve your night vision after a shot, and it also helps reduce the light that blooms in your optics, which can cause temporary night blindness.
Slings
A sling may seem like overkill if you’re not hoofing it on patrol, but if you expect to carry your carbine for any length of time, you’re going to want a sling. When choosing a sling, it’s important to consider the configuration of your rifle. Slings typically have 1-,2-, or 3-point connections, so select a sling that will work with your rifle and intended use.
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