AR15 Essentials (upgrades)

[blaxsun]

Okaaay, but I have a hard time believing a $250 trigger is that much better. And I do need a new trigger. Mine doesn't move smoothly.

Don't knock it until you've tried it.

I think when Magpul ever releases the XTM hand stops all my afg2 will dissapear.

It's perked my interest as well. Particularly the new grip/texture on it.

In terms of triggers, I've used Jewel, Giselle, RRA, and Armalite match triggers. I no longer bother with any of those, opting instead for a proper trigger job on good quality GI parts and JP reduced power trigger springs. I'd rather have a nice smooth breaking 4# GI trigger than a fancy match trigger which has more parts and won;t last as long. When the GI trigger starts getting gritty again, 5 minutes with a 60 grit stone and it's back to zen.

I'm far too lazy to spend the time zealously polishing a stock $20 trigger which, btw - does still not compare to a Geissele. But you're absolutely right: for those on a tight or limited budget, you can gain a lot with a little effort and for minimal expense - provided you're willing to put in the time.

 

[twistedbrilliance]

tagged....
Looks like all i have to do is hit print and I've got my newest shopping list.

 

[easysauce]

In all honesty, after years of being a huge gear wh@re, I've gone back to a basic C8-pattern carbine with fixed A1 irons and no non-standard gear being my favorit AR to operate. I can easily and quickly ring the gong at 100m all day long with it, with boring reliability and it's so light and fast pointing I find I don't even miss red-dot optics.

Essentially, I'm saying your premise that ANY "upgrade" over the basic M4 pattern is tough to sell as an "essential". If I had to pick something though, it would be Pmags.

I agree, I am very close to replacing my holographic optic with irons, just to save the weight, and for better accuracy past 100m since my optick is 3moa and the dot covers the whole target past 100m

irons all the way, light, reliable, ect just takes more skill to shoot.

less is more is my approach, only add on I add is a grip... I hate the standard grip

 

[radpipe]

I agree, I am very close to replacing my holographic optic with irons, just to save the weight, and for better accuracy past 100m since my optick is 3moa and the dot covers the whole target past 100m

irons all the way, light, reliable, ect just takes more skill to shoot.

less is more is my approach, only add on I add is a grip... I hate the standard grip

I swear, you purists are ruining the sport.

 

[Runt]

I swear, you purists are ruining the sport.

LOL!

 

[Kevin M.]

Blaxsun... how could you forget a Battery Assist Device???

 

[blaxsun]

Blaxsun... how could you forget a Battery Assist Device???

Meh, perish the thought!
"Selector ... I'm going to also stick Magpul's BAD ambi bolt release here as well. It's invaluable.

I see the gun room is coming along nicely. Can't wait to see the finished result!

 

[Kevin M.]

Nice list. However, I'd like to see a list like this but for people on a budget.

A used Norinco with Irons?

 

[blaxsun]

A used Norinco with Irons?

Good one.

 

[Kevin M.]

Meh, perish the thought!
"Selector ... I'm going to also stick Magpul's BAD ambi bolt release here as well. It's invaluable.

I see the gun room is coming along nicely. Can't wait to see the finished result!

Me too. Only a few more weeks until the door is installed, and then I have to finish trim before the guns move in. Don't want them getting all dusty and dirty.

 

[Kevin M.]

And back to the original topic, I really want a Giselle SSE for my AR, any idea on dealers who stock them?

My GI trigger really needs to go.

(Mine is now sporting an EoTech 552 with magnifier, nice combo of optics.)

 

[blaxsun]

ArmsEast. I guess the SSE just rocks for double taps.

 

[KevinB]

Sling, White Light, and Optic sight -- the only real Essentials.

Everything else is really a luxury or mission specific.

 

[hbean]

Everything else is really a luxury or mission specific.

Sadly being restricted most of the AR owner's mission in this country is just make it home in time for supper

 

[radpipe]

Sadly being restricted most of the AR owner's mission in this country is just make it home in time for supper

Oh, I dunno. Once the wife has gone off to work, and the kids have gone to school, clearing the house is a very important daily task. Don't you think?

 

[TDC]

Sadly being restricted most of the AR owner's mission in this country is just make it home in time for supper

Think outside the box...

TDC

 

[OICU812]

The speed and accuracy gain of a reddot over irons has been proven repeatedly. Irons are backups to more superior methods/systems of aiming.

Tdc

Agree at least my eyes I'm sure to many can pick up a red dot way faster then aligning irons.

 

[Leg]

Sling, White Light, and Optic sight -- the only real Essentials.

Everything else is really a luxury or mission specific.

Agreed.

Essentials and upgrades are two different things in my mind. Can you even call it an upgrade if it doesn't improve performance?

 

[Amazingkg3]

Needs more LaRue...

I've used all sorts of Rail interfaces, such as Daniel Defense, Troy, YHM, JP, VTAC, Samson, and Surefire, and LaRue hands down beats all of them. Daniel Defense is a close second though. That said it's hard to come by...

 

[nza]

Agreed.

Essentials and upgrades are two different things in my mind. Can you even call it an upgrade if it doesn't improve performance?

performance of what? the person behind the gun, or the gun?

white lite, optic, and a good sling setup are (dare I use the term) force multiplier. Without these, ops and trg might not go so well.

Rails, stocks, handguards, grips, sling attachments, levers, buffer springs, etc etc etc...aren't really all that paradigm shifting. A shooter can still be effective without these enhancements. Before the days of rail, Zap straps, guntape were king. I'm not old school'ing it, I'm just saying, rails didn't make me a higher performer behind the gun. Neither did, ergo grips or recoiless buffer wizardry.

There is one enhancement or rather de-enhacnment that has help me improve, and that is, the use of crappy mags. These really help build up the mag change/transition skillsets LOL.