What's the best sequence of upgrades/accessories for an AR15?

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  • Hohn

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    Jul 5, 2012
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    Let's you are starting with either a basic A2 or a flat top that is otherwise mil-spec.

    What do you upgrade first or accessorize? Optic first? Sling? Furniture? Chrome-lined upgrade to CHF?

    I'd be curious to hear YOUR sequence of upgrades and the rationale for it.

    Personally, I've already got about as good of hardware as I'll ever need, and I'm focused more on accessories (optic, front grip, light. bipod, etc). But I figured it's a spectrum and most people would include hardware upgrades in the plan...

    What say you?
     

    NyleRN

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    Dec 14, 2013
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    Sights/optic, trigger, and longer handguard. If running an A2 front sight, then a forward grip. Both of these help me drive the gun better from target to target
     

    Black Cloud

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    Oct 22, 2012
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    1. Read manual.
    2. Read Gun Cleaning for Dummies.
    3. Firearms Training.
    4. Get proficient with said firearm.
    5. Decide for yourself if you actually need any accessories...
     

    Hop

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    If you don't take various types of classes you will have no idea what works and what doesn't.

    Fancy triggers are less important when you know proper trigger control.
    Fancy optics are less important when you learn how to run 100 yards, hit prone with only a sling and make head shots at 300 yards with iron sights.
    Fancy molle gear tacticool pouches mean nothing if you get tangled up in that sling as you pie that corner and need to transition to a side arm.
     

    Excalibur

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    If I don't have ammo to at least load the mags the rifle came with, get ammo first and or get mags if don't have mags

    Get sights if rifle didn't come with iron sights.

    Get a light to attach - See about how to attach said light - If different handguard is needed for my purposes, get different handguard

    Get sling since I can still live without getting a slight first.

    After getting what I think are "the basics", see about an optic and how much I am willing to spend. Red dot for in doors and adjustable scope for mid range to far if I see a situation where I am going outside, it depends on what I am building this rifle for

    More ammo and more mags

    After getting extra stuff see what I want to change. Do I like the current handguard or the stock, or the pistol grip or the charging handle. Would changing them be better? Does the new stuff I put on the gun adds more or less to it. Will my hardcore buddy in the Marines keep on *****ing to me about going away from "just the basics"...the answer is he'll say something regardless of what I do.
     

    Thegeek

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    For me, it was:

    1) A quality aiming device (irons on one, optic on another).
    2) Ergonomics - a grip I liked and charging handle
    3) A good sling.

    That goes for all. After that, your purpose dictates what's needed.
     

    Mgderf

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    Mil-Spec A2, and what do I change first?
    I change the stock trigger guard out for an enhanced one.

    That was easy.
     

    bulldogs42

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    I changed out the trigger to a Giessele and it has a crisp clean trigger now. My Ruger SR556 came with about a 9 lb trigger pull. The upgrade is well worth it. Now about a 4 lb trigger pull.
     

    BehindBlueI's

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    A pistol grip that doesn't create blisters during a long range day.
    A sling.
    A light.
    An optic.

    I've yet to find anything else I want...and it took me awhile to warm up to an optic.
     

    Hohn

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    Since I'm starting with a nice DDV11pro, I don't need to upgrade anything on the rifle itself.

    im just thinking about sling, light, bipod, or optic.

    Since I don't use this as HD gun, I think I'll skip light, go first with sling , then maybe optic. I might add bipod if I can QD it-- that's too much weight to leave on all the time.
     

    Hohn

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    If I may, why do people seem to think you need a mountain of magazines? I see little use for more than 10 or so. Enlighten me.
     

    CampingJosh

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    A pistol grip that doesn't create blisters during a long range day.
    A sling.
    A light.
    An optic.

    I've yet to find anything else I want...and it took me awhile to warm up to an optic.

    This is basically it.

    I also change out the handguard, but it's certainly not a necessity.
     
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