ar-15 options for various components

L

Light Infantry

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
350   0   0
There seems to be a multitude of options to selecting components for the ar-15 style rifle. Is there a site that has something like a pro/con of components? I.e buttstocks, so many to choose from, would like to see a comparison and some good/bad notes on various ones.

Looking to build/reconfigure an ar for my son, but the selection out there is a bit overwhelming. Don't mind trying out a few different ones, just dont want to waste a lot of money going through garbage. Also not necessarily looking at going absolute top end/exotic, just good quality.
 
Good quality that is available and affordable:

MAGPUL.
CTR, or ACS stocks
handguards that have MLOK attactment compatability
Grips like the K, MIAD or MOE
 
For what it's worth, I've gone through my fair share of grips and stocks and my preferences are as follows:

Stock - Magpul MOE SL
Grip - BCM Gunfighter or MOE SL

Make sure you check what type of buffer tube is on the rifle you're working with and buy accordingly (comm. or milspec).
 
Light Infantry said:
Is there a site that has something like a pro/con of components?

...
Click to expand...


A couple of forums that specialize in the AR platform may keep you busy: ar15.com and m4carbine.net but it's the internet, so make sure your BS inoculations are up to date (probably not really any worse than here on CGN though).

I also make regular use of the reviews component of various online retailers (brownells, midwayusa, etc.) for your stated purpose. I haven't come across much in the way of poor quality product when staying in the "upper half" of AR component manufacturers. If you're looking for good low-to-mid price point value, I personally have been very happy with DPMS and Armalite parts. For mid-to-high, I like Magpul and Bravo Company (BCM).

There is a HUGE degree of personal preference at play, and you won't know if you like something until you try it on for size: e.g. some people can't stand a buttstock that has play in it, while others wouldn't even notice it and would rather spend the extra funds on a smoother / lighter trigger. If you just don't know where to start, I suggest looking at a particular complete off-the-shelf rifle build that you like the look of, and simply copy the parts spec from it.

Have fun!
 
Last edited:
Light Infantry said:
There seems to be a multitude of options to selecting components for the ar-15 style rifle. Is there a site that has something like a pro/con of components? I.e buttstocks, so many to choose from, would like to see a comparison and some good/bad notes on various ones.

Looking to build/reconfigure an ar for my son, but the selection out there is a bit overwhelming. Don't mind trying out a few different ones, just dont want to waste a lot of money going through garbage. Also not necessarily looking at going absolute top end/exotic, just good quality.
Click to expand...

There's a lot to learn and lots to read. Some parts are more important than others, butt stocks and pistol grips are not critical components. Stick with brand name stuff as has been mentioned and use what you prefer; It's all personal preference. What I will say is determine if you want a stock with storage or without before you start looking. Another point to consider is whether or not you want the lightest stock possible to save weight or if you intend to use the stock as a counterbalance for a heavier front end. If you're selecting parts from a practical sense then looks and feel have zero to do with the choice. A better balanced rifle will swing much easier than one that is nose heavy.
 
Thanks guys, I will look into some of your suggestions. To be clear I am well versed with the ar15 platform, including ones with the happy switch. Just a bit of old school knowledge on my part and not fully in tune with some of the more recent developments in parts and the ability of customizing. Already own a couple of AR's. One thing I already learned from the above posts, to go towards mlok and not keylok. In the end my boy will most likely go based on looks and look cool factor, but I at least want to have the ability to point out pros and cons of his choices.
 
There are an enormous number of Youtube videos explaining just about every minute detail of building ARs. Some are total bulls@!t but a lot offer very good information. You can start here:

 
View attachment 141502I like my strike industries viper mod 1 stock I picked up from CTC. It’s light, small, seems well built and was under 100$, only thing I don’t like is it doesn’t come with the rubber butt pad. They are available but still out of stock. I’ll get one eventually.
 
Pretty easy,

Gieselle for triggers and Handguards
Aimpoint / MRO for RDS
BCM For stock and Grips
Make sure everything is Mlok
Surefire for light
 
Generally you get what you pay for...that being said, depending on your intended use there is probably no need to buy high dollar brands like Gieselle or Aimpoint. You can get MLOK hand guards for under $100 from several site sponsors, and consider Holosun or Vortex (lifetime warranty) for decent optics. Hard to go wrong with Magpul stuff unless you are really against the "tupperware" look as some say. For buttstocks it might be best to try a few if possible and see what fits and feels best. A basic M4 style buttstock can be had for real cheap and works just fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom