Probably the most attractive aspects of the AR-15 system is the way very modular and versatile it is. There are tens of thousands of possible configurations, making it feasible to get or build the AR-15 that is right for your weapons needs and your budget. The AR-15 system is top of mind in popular culture. The latest article from the technology publication Wired Magazine was entitled The AR-15 is more than a Gun. It is a Gadget. If one ignores the small undercurrent of gun phobia, it is a good article on the history and current state of the AR-15.

Jay Duncan, VP of Sales at Daniel Defense, describes the appeal of the AR-15, Because it is so modular, so you can construct the firearm the manner that you would like this, and it may be like nobody else’s firearm. It is about personalization. If You Purchase or Build An AR-15? Or Purchase Now and Upgrade Later? You may buy a pre-built AR-15, or you can mix and match elements to create an AR-15 to your precise specifications and budget. Pre-built AR-15’s could be had decked out with high-end components, like the Daniel Defense DDM4v1.

Or they could be had at quite base entrance level configurations, such as some offered by Colt, DPM Panther, and others. The great matter is that what you buy today can be upgraded after. If buying a pre-built AR, go with a high excellent base stage, and improve the individual components as your needs/wants evolve and your budget permits.

Here are the AR-15 accessories that you need to be looking in&hellip. AR-15 Magazines. Arguably probably the most crucial weapon accessories are your magazine. Always have extras. And there are some manufacturers to select from. Magpul revolutionized the AR magazine market in the year 2007 with their well known PMAG merchandise. While everybody was generating metal magazines, Magpul came out with a high-quality polymer magazine&hellip, essentially their Glock moment. Their polymer design signifies magazines which are lighter, more lasting, more weather resistant, not as predisposed towards harm discarded and textured for a positive traction.

Living in Dallas, I’m pleased that Magpul lately relocated their headquarters to Texas. The more, the merrier. For a notion of available options, below are a few Magpul PMAGs. AR-15 Slings & Sling Mounts. A sling might seem to be an afterthought; however, unless you would like to carry your rifle by the handle like a briefcase, it is quite essential. In case you have an AR-15, you will need to find a sling. And not just any sling&hellip, you would like to find a correct sling for your particular requirements, i.e., By the way, you would want to carry and deploy the weapon. This may also require sling mounts so that the sling can be safely mounted on your weapon.

The rights will keep the weapon at the position you need — smoothly, will probably be quite easy to attach and detach — while still being strong and reliable at all other times, and will allow you instant access to your weapon should the need arise.
For a notion of available options, below are a few Magpul slings and mounts.

AR-15 Stocks

AR-15 Stocks, also called a shoulder stock, or even a buttstock, or is part of a gun to which the barrel and firing mechanism are attached, so that’s held against your shoulder when shooting the gun.
The stock provides a means for the shooter to securely support the rifle and quickly aim it. The stock also transmits recoil into the shooter’s body, and when nicely engineered, can consume and minimize recoil. A good stock may also prevent slippage and provide for a much more comfortable shooting stance.
Most rifles come with fixed stocks, which are one-size-fits-all. However, as all of us know, one size rarely does match all. Luckily you can find collapsible stocks that rapidly adjust to the right length for you, personalizing your rifle to get comfortable and accurate shooting.
For a notion of available options, below are a few Magpul stocks.

AR-15 Handguards

The barrel of an AR-15 becomes quite hot when in use, and stays hot for a while after shooting. A nicely constructed AR-15 Handguard will allow you to fire and hold the weapon efficiently, without the threat of burning your hands/arms when changing positions or changing grip. A vertical fore-grip may also be attached to handguards, for added flexibility and support.
For a notion of available options, below are a few Magpul handguards.

AR-15 Rails

Rails are where many of the magical happens with AR-15’therefore, allowing you to attach various accessories to your rifle. These are available in various configurations, such as quad railings Picatinny rails.

Picatinny rails, also known as Mil-Spec 1913 railings, or tactical railings, are utilized to mount accessories such as flashlights, scopes, red dot sights, lasers and more to your AR15 weapon system.
The railing consists of a succession of ridges with a T-shaped cross-section interspersed with horizontal “spacing slots. ” pliers are mounted either by slipping them on from one end or the other; with a Weaver mount that is clamped to the railing with bolts, thumbscrews or levers; or onto the reels between the raised sections.

AR-15 Charging Handles

The AR-15 Charging Handle, aka cocking handle or bolt handle, is a device on a gun that, when operated, results from the hammer or striker being cocked or moved to the ready position. These devices vary considerably between firearms but frequently occur in the form of a little protrusion or hook from the side of the bolt, a pumped slide or lever.
It enables the operator to pull on the bolt to the back, easing any number of the following:

• Ejecting a spent shell casing or unfired cartridge from the chamber.
• Loading a round from the magazine or by hand throughout the chamber.
• Clearing a stoppage like a jam, double feed, stovepipe or misfire.
• Verification that the weapon’s chamber is clear of any rounds or other obstructions.
• Moving the bolt into the battery, acting as a forward assist but not necessarily.
• Releasing a bolt locked to the rear, like will be the case after firing the last round on a firearm equipped with a last-round-hold-open feature.
• The charging handle performs comparable actions as a slide in a pistol.

AR-15 Triggers

We all know exactly what the AR-15 Triggers does, both in a rifle and in a pistol.

As with every other component on your rifle, a “stock” trigger on a cost-effective or mid-range rifle is going to be, well, “average.” A redesigned, re-engineered trigger mechanism can provide greater credibility, accuracy, and comfort for the shooter, which all translate into better shooting and a more enjoyable shooting experience.

AR-15 Muzzle Brakes

A AR-15 Muzzle Brake, or recoil compensator, is a device connected to the muzzle of a firearm or cannon that redirects propellant gases to counter recoil and undesirable rising of the barrel during firing. The concept was introduced for artillery and was a common feature on many anti-tank guns, especially those in tanks, to reduce the area needed to take up the recoil stroke. They’ve been utilized in various forms for rifles to help control recoil and the rising of the barrel that typically occurs after firing.

The capability to stay on target (i.e., to not lose the acquired target) while shooting allows for far more accurate and therefore more timely follow-up shots.

The benefits of muzzle brakes aren’t without downsides, however. The shooter or close bystanders might perceive a rise in sound pressure level as well as a rise in muzzle blast and lead exposure. It is since the sound, flash, pressure waves, and lead loaded smoke plume typically projected away from the shooter are now partially redirected outwards to the side or sometimes at partially backward angles towards the shooter or gun crew.
That said, this is an accessory you’ll want to look into.

AR-15 Silencers / Sound Suppressors

A silencer, or sound suppressor, is, in fact, a form of the muzzle brake. The silencer essentially slows the gasses and turn the loud BANG into a more squishy noise also act as an enormous muzzle brake and greatly reduce the recoil of the gun.

These were exceedingly rare for many years due to the difficult and expensive regulations of the NFA rules around silencers. Nevertheless, a lot more individuals are buying them, and more manufacturers are coming out with top quality options in this niche. The latest estimate put silencers at over 500,000 in the U.S. today and growing fast.

AR-15 Sights & Optics (Scopes, Red Dot Sights, etc..)

Just like with a pistol, your AR-15 needs some sights to enable you to target when shooting. There are various options for AR-15 sights… out of fixed “iron sights” which are often included on stock models, to flip-up “iron sights,” to add-on “red dot sights” (for mid-range target acquisition), to “optical stoves” to get longer range precision.

Upgraded optics became common among shooters both military and civilian for a valid reason. They supply clear shooting advantages like better precision, faster target acquisition, and increased range. And paired with a cheap price tag (compared with only a couple of years ago), which makes for a simple decision to upgrade.

Iron Sights

Iron Sights are the most basic sights you’ll locate on an AR-15. Depending upon the make, they might work just fine, especially for shorter distances. Including fixed iron sights (as found on the Daniel Defense DDM4v1 for example), or flip-up sights. Optical sights are great for longer distances, but for close-in shooting, iron sights are often more useful.
Folding/Collapsible Backup Sights

Occasionally it’s useful to have the option of maintaining AR-15 sights out from the way till they’re needed, using them as a concealed backup in case of a key optic collapse. In the case in which a main red dot sight runs out of batteries, or the mind becomes ruined, folding sights work as a failsafe, so true aiming remains possible.

AR-15 Scopes

A top excellent scope can completely change your AR-15 into a long range rifle, precise far beyond the standard 50 to 100 yards you could achieve with basic iron sights. There are various options currently available, from manufacturers like Leupold, Bushnell, and others.

Red Dot Sights

A red dot sight is a common classification for a kind of non-magnifying reflector (or reflex) sight for firearms, which gives the user an Aimpoint in the form of a lit red dot.

A normal design uses a red Light-emitting diode at the focus of collimating optics which creates a dot style lit reticle that remains in alignment with the weapon the sight is attached to no matter eye position (almost parallax free). They’re considered to be fast acquisition and easy to use gun sights, while also providing far longer battery life than the otherwise superior holographic weapon sights.

Holographic Weapon Sights. A holographic weapon sight or a holographic diffraction sight is a non-magnifying gun sight that permits the user to look through an optical glass window and sees a reticle image superimposed over the distance on the field of view. The hologram of the reticle is built in the window, and it is lit by a laser diode. One disadvantage of a holographic sight is a shorter battery life when compared to reflection targets which use LEDs, like red dot sights. The laser diode in a holographic view uses more power and a lot more complicated driving electronics than standard Light-emitting diode of an equivalent brightness, lowering the period holographic vision can run on a single set of batteries.

AR-15 Parts. While not accessories, per-se, moving parts inside of any machine are eventually going to need replacing. Various components such as springs and rings can wear out with time. Due to the modular design of the AR-15, these components are quite easy to replace, and they are often found in full kits. These are usually available from the producer of your AR-15, or from a wide range of component manufacturers. The trick is to have them on hand or readily attainable. A weapon is only as strong as its weakest spring, and if which goes out, your weapon is down. Preferably you will have a replacement kit or two sitting around ready for when it is needed so that your weapon isn’t out of commission for while you wait around for deliver on a tiny, but critical spring.