More than 5 million U.S. citizens own an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. Known as “America’s Rifle,” AR-15s are sometimes mistakenly called assault rifles, due to both their appearance and the AR designation. By definition, however, an assault rifle must be capable of firing in a fully automatic mode, which AR-15s legally available to the public are not. The rifle’s AR label actually stands for Armalite Rifles, the division of Fairchild Aircraft that developed the first AR-15 rifle during the 1950s.
In addition to the almost 100 U.S. firearms manufacturers that make AR-15s, many gun owners now build their own by purchasing and assembling the individual components, which is perfectly legal under federal law. To comply with the law, however, the lower receiver that will ultimately house the trigger group must be only partially finished at the time of purchase. Known as “80% lowers,” they require final milling and drilling by the owner before the firing mechanism can be dropped in, making them operable firearms. Complete or Stripped Lowers may also be purchased through a federal firearms dealer which are treated and regulated like a normal firearm.
Much of the AR-15’s wide appeal is its versatility. The AR-15 is a platform to which a seemingly endless array of accessories can be added, making it a truly personalized firearm matched to the shooter’s unique shooting style and preferences. The result is increased shooting comfort, accuracy and enjoyment.
The good news is that adding AR-15 accessories usually doesn’t entail the services of a gunsmith. Most accessories, such as laser sights, scopes, flashlights or grips, are easily attached to slotted metal or synthetic rails and handguards incorporated into the AR-15’s upper and lower receivers. Popular systems include Picatinny rails such as Centurian Arms’ Modular Top Rail, quad rails like the Blackhawk 71QF, the 2-rail Sampson’s KM-2 kit and Phase 5 Weapon Systems’ LPSN15 free-floating M-Lok rail system.
Here are some of the most popular AR-15 accessories, all of which are available from Hinterland Outfitters:
Red Dot Optics
Red dot optics are small aiming devices used to quickly acquire targets by superimposing an illuminated holographic reticle over a target. Red dots work by bouncing the light beam from a battery-powered LED that illuminates the reticle off a slanted glass element within the body of the sight and back into the shooter’s eye. Although they’re collectively referred to as red dots, reticles can vary in color, shape and size, depending on the sight manufacturer and model. Some red dots are 1x, non-magnifying devices, although most are between 2x and 4x. Red dot optics are used by the military, civilian law enforcement agencies, hunters, home defenders and target shooters. Entry-level red dots are relatively inexpensive, and are usually among the first accessories added to an AR-15. Examples of typical red dot optics are Trijicon ACOG and the Eotech XPS2.
Iron Sights
AR-15 Iron Sights were once frequently used to teach beginners to shoot by familiarizing them with the basics of accurately aiming a firearm. They’re often overlooked by today’s shooters, who tend to prefer high-tech red dot, laser or adjustable power precision rifle scopes. When red dot optics coupled with a free-floating handguard are used as a primary sighting device, securely mounted front and rear flip-up iron sights make great back-up aiming systems. Many of the AR-15s sold today have flat-top upper receivers, making it simple to attach back-up iron sights for use when the rifle’s primary optics fail due to a dead battery, fogging or are accidentally knocked out of zero alignment.
Rear iron sights have two types of apertures, which are ghost ring and peep. The ghost ring is used for quick alignment when shooting at targets within 200 yards or under low light situations. When using the ghost ring, the emphasis is on speed rather than precision sighting. The shooter ignores the front sight while looking through the aperture, but rather simply focuses on the target and pulls the trigger. The much smaller peep aperture is primarily for daylight shooting. It’s flipped up when the situation requires precision shooting at either close in or distant targets and time isn’t an issue. Unlike the ghost ring, the eye should focus on the front sight rather than the target when using the rear sight’s peep aperture. Examples of front and rear flip-up iron sights are Troy’s Micro BattleSights.
Stocks
AR-15 Stocks are another popular AR-15 after-market accessory. Stocks such as the Daniel Defense AR-15 Collapsible Buttstock can be adjusted for length of pull to match the shooter’s height and arm length for more comfortable firing and improved accuracy. Collapsible stocks weigh less than fixed stocks, and can be folded for compact storage and field portability. When needed, collapsible stocks can be quickly and easily snapped into place in preparation for shooting. The advantages of a stock that can be adjusted to match the shooter’s size and the convenience of portability are partially offset by AR-15s equipped with collapsible stocks being slightly less accurate than those with fixed stocks.
Although less versatile than a collapsible stock, a fixed stock in a length that matches the shooter’s body size and arm length will generally provide superior stability, which translates to improved accuracy. AR-15 stocks are generally more durable than collapsible stocks, and often have built-in compartments for storing spare batteries, lubricants or small tools for making adjustments in the field. An example of a fixed stock designed for the AR-15 platform is the Magpul MOE Stock.
As with many AR-15 options, the choice between fixed and adjustable gunstocks ultimately comes down to the shooter’s comfort and personal preference. Because they are easily interchanged and are relatively affordable, some AR-15 owners have both. Some states also require that an AR-15 style rifle only features a fixed stock.
Muzzle Devices
Muzzle devices are attachments that are screwed into the muzzle of an AR-15’s barrel, most of which are pre-threaded, which makes attaching the devices simple. Muzzle devices function by redirecting the gasses released when a round is fired before they exit the muzzle, causing them to perform various functions. Here are two commonly added muzzle devices and their purposes:
- Flash hiders, which are also known as flash suppressors or flash guards, reduce the visible flame from burning gasses after a fired round by redirecting or cooling them. The primary purpose is to reduce the possibility of the shooter being temporarily blinded by the flash when shooting under low light conditions. An example of a flash suppressor is Advanced Armament’s 100209 Blackout Flash Hider.
- Muzzle brakes are added to reduce the recoil felt by the shooter when a round is fired. They function by venting the released gasses out of either side of the device after the bullet leaves the muzzle. An example of a muzzle brake is 2A Armament’s Brake-X4. Some hybrids, such as Advanced Armament’s Brakeout 2.0 Compensator, combine a muzzle brake and compensator in a single device.
Free-Floating Handguards
Free-floating handguards are secured to an AR’s upper receiver by a barrel nut, which leaves a space between the handguard and the barrel. A free-floating handguard’s design prevents it from making contact with the barrel, reducing the possibility of its being bent or warped, which is an inherent shortcoming of traditional two-piece handguard designs. Attaching a sling or vertical forward handgrip to a two-piece handguard system transfers stress directly to the barrel, which over time can result in its becoming slightly warped. Using a free-floating handguard eliminates the problem, since it’s attached to a single, solid mounting point where the barrel and receiver meet, which prevents the barrel from being strained from the tension from a sling or forward grip.
Another advantage of free-floating handguards is that they allow many accessories to be easily attached. Optic combinations of red dots, magnifiers and back-up sights often require more rail space than a two-piece handguard provides. Many free-floating systems have quad rails that extend above, below and to either side of the barrel, and some newer systems are modular with removable rail sections. Free-floating handguards also allow for the mounting of bulky night vision equipment in front of the upper receiver. Diamondhead USA’s VRS-X is an example of a free-floating handguard rail system.
Weapon Lights
Weapon lights are mounted on AR-15s used primarily for home or business defense. Their purpose is to allow the shooter to locate and positively identify threats and avoid injuring innocent parties in dark or low-light situations. For obvious reasons, a weapon should never be discharged in the dark without the target having first been identified.
When choosing a light for a tactical firearm, the following items should be taken into consideration:
- Dependability. Be sure the light you select is both easy to operate and will function properly when the on/off button or switch is pushed.
- Durability. A mounted light needs to be highly shock resistant and able to withstand being knocked about or bumped in rapidly evolving defensive situations.
- Weight. AR-15s are intended to be lightweight firearms. Choose the lightest and least bulky model that meets the other criteria.
- Battery Life. A light that quickly drains battery power can be a liability. Consider an LED light, which generally will provide longer battery life and more illumination than incandescent lights.
- Brightness. Measured in lumens, the brightness of the light’s beam should be between 300-600 lumens, which normally is plenty for close-in tactical or defensive situations.
A typical example of a weapon light for an AR-15 is the 350-lumen Surefire Scout. Many shooters prefer to mount a light opposite their trigger hand, believing it’s easier to switch on and off. With today’s pressure switches such as Surefire’s SR07 Remote, however, the light and on/off switch can be independently mounted anywhere that’s convenient.
Vertical Foregrips
Vertical foregrips are attachments that offer an alternative for placement of the non-shooting hand other than the front portion of the lower receiver’s handguard. They’re especially popular among shooters who tend to grip the rifle’s magazine rather than the handguard. Using a vertical foregrip helps control the firearm when moving about during close-in, rapid-fire defensive situations or participating in competitive shooting events. Grasping the vertical foregrip, however, tends to negatively affect accuracy, particularly in the hands of inexperienced shooters. An example of a vertical foregrip is the Bravo Company BCM-V6, which is available in models for either Picatinny or quad rails. Another example is the Bushmaster 93390, which is compatible with all standard rail systems. A somewhat unique vertical foregrip is the Crimson Trace MVF515, which is a modular grip system that includes both a tactical light and laser sight in a single device.
Laser Sights
Laser sights are battery-operated aiming devices that produce a bright dot of light that, when properly zeroed, shows where the bullet will hit when the rifle is fired. They’ve been used for years by military and civilian tactical units and SWAT teams, and are becoming increasingly popular among civilian gun owners.
A quality laser sight should be straightforward to install, simple to adjust and zero in, and emit a dot that’s highly visible and easy to track. Laser sights are available in models that emit either a red or green dot. Both green and red laser sights are particularly useful devices, and are comparably visible under dark or low-light conditions. Green laser sights, which most experienced shooters tend to favor and are usually more expensive than red, emit a more powerful beam and are preferred for shooting long-range targets because they’re easier to spot, especially during daylight hours. Crimson Trace LNQ100G is a good example of a green laser sight for the AR platform. Since their beams are more powerful, however, green laser sights have shorter battery lives, which is why it’s always a good idea to carry a spare. If the laser sight will be used under very hot or very cold situations, a red laser is the better choice, since they’re more resilient and tend to perform better under extreme weather conditions. An example of a red laser sight is LaserLyte’s CMGAR Lyte Ryder. Using laser sights on bright, sunny days isn’t very efficient, regardless of the color.
Triggers
AR-15 Triggers on AR-15s once required the skills and services of a gunsmith to be adjusted or replaced. Given the AR-15’s versatile platform and today’s drop-in components, however, it’s now a fairly simple task.
Replacing a factory installed AR-15 Trigger with a firing mechanism that matches both the shooter and the rifle’s intended use can improve a beginner’s performance and enhance even an experienced shooter’s skills. Although they’re not adjustable, standard factory-installed Mil-Spec (military specification) triggers are rugged and reliable, and work well under most conditions. Many shooters, however, prefer a trigger pull that’s smoother and lighter than the Mil-Spec’s 6.5 or more pounds. Depending on the intended use, someone building an AR-15 using an 80% lower can save a considerable amount of money by installing a Mil-Spec trigger.
The two primary categories of AR-15 replacement triggers are standard single-stage triggers and two-stage triggers, both of which come in various pull weights, bow shapes and widths and construction materials.
- Single stage triggers are the most common AR-15 trigger type and are preferred by most shooters because there’s no initial resistance when pulled, which results in a crisp break. The trigger bow is connected directly to the internal mechanism’s sear, so there’s very little or no slack in the pull. An example of a simple to install, single stage trigger upgrade for the AR-15 platform is CMC Triggers’ 91501 with its curved bow and match-grade 3-3.5 pound trigger pull.
- Two stage triggers provide the safety of a heavier trigger pull with the improved accuracy of a lighter breaking trigger. Two stage triggers require two separate actions before the firing pin is released by the sear, which, unlike a single stage sear, is held at two points. The first stage of the pull takes up the slack, which helps prevent accidental discharge of a lighter trigger pull. When it’s time to take a shot, a smooth, final pull releases the pin and the weapon fires. Timney Triggers’ AR-15 Trigger with its short first stage and 3-pound pull is a good example.
Slings
AR-15 Slings are accessories often overlooked by many shooters who consider them an unnecessary addition to an AR-15’s platform. Obviously, they haven’t experienced long hours in the field lugging their rifle over hilly terrain. Long favored by sharpshooters, slings are an ideal means that help ensure accuracy while hunting or target shooting.
Typically made from either nylon or leather, the basic types of AR-15 slings are one-point, two-point and three-point connections. Before purchasing a sling, it’s necessary to check the configuration of the AR-15 to which it will be attached. Here’s general information about each of the 3 types and their uses:
- One-point connection slings are the easiest of the 3 types to use. Once they’re looped around the shooter’s body, both ends are fastened to a single point on the assault rifle, which is usually just behind the upper receiver. An advantage of one-point connection slings is that they’re easy to attach and detach. Economically priced one-point slings offer the shooter freedom of movement and are a good choice for multi-target shooting courses and general firing range uses, although they lack the support of two or three-point slings. The Allen Solo Single Point is an example.
- Two-point connection slings are versatile, easy to use and by far the most popular of the three sling types. They’re preferred for tactical uses and can also be used as a convenient carry strap. Two-point slings, as the name suggests, are attached to the rifle at two points, which are usually at the front of the handguard and the rear of the stock. A two-point sling, like the EMA Tactical 6003, comes with a quick adjustment mechanism. The front attachment requires an EMA Center-Pivot Sling Mount, which fits Picatinny rails and is purchased separately. Most AR-15 stocks have a slot through which the rear portion of the sling is looped and secured.
- Three-point connection slings are attached in much the same manner as two-pointers, which is in front of the handguard and at the rear of the stock. Three-point slings also have a third section, which runs between the front and rear connection points and is looped over the shooting arm’s shoulder. Three-pointers can also be used as a two-point sling when the third section isn’t looped over the shooter’s shoulder. The Grovetec GTSL53 is an example of a three-point connection sling.
Purchasing AR-15 Accessories from Hinterland Outfitters
Whether you’re accessorizing a new AR-15 or further personalizing an existing platform, we make it easy. From stocks to muzzle devices and everything in between, you’ll find it all at Hinterland Outfitters. Need help or have questions? Call us toll free at 877-446-8370 or email us at info@blog.hinterlandoutfitters.com. Our friendly and knowledgeable team members will be pleased to help you decide which accessories, brands and models are best for your unique situation.