AR-15 Makeover

[kennyboy]

For my Colt LE9620, I and want to dress it up nicely. I have already decided that the scope will be an Aimpoint. So, please provide suggestions, brand names, and prices for the following accessories. Please do not get out of control (turning a $1200 rifle into a $5000 rifle or anything like that). My budget after I buy the scope is $500.

1. Quad-rail Picattanny handguard
2. Verticle Foregrip
3. Weapon Light and mount with pressure switch (preferably a Surefire)
4. Tactical Sling
5. Flip Up Sights
6. Anything else that you think is cool if there is money left.

Thanks.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

My budget after I buy the scope is $500

That is a workable budget; but you are going to have to prioritize where you want to spend it and what items are most important to you. I'd also consider buying used where you can to save money.

1. Quad-rail Picattanny handguard

Lots of good choices here: Troy, Samson, Larue, Daniel Defense, Knights, YHM, PRI, etc. There are so many rails out there now I can only speak for a few; but I have always been impressed with the Daniel Defense, Larue and Knights products. The Daniel Defense also offers an aluminium barrel nut that makes the weight lighter if weight is an issue (actually lighter than the plastic M4 handguards). Buying new, you'll spend from $276 (DD or Knight) to $330 (MRFS). The Larue is a nice midrange choice (~$300).

Also consider ease of installation and whether you have the tools necessary to install the handguard. Some of these go on very easy, some will need an action block, vise, wrench, removal of muzzle device and a mount to align the rail with the upper receiver. It isn't very hard; but you will need the tools.

2. Verticle Foregrip

Personal preference mostly. Tangodown is a very popular grip; but make sure the rail system you buy has the depth of rail slot specified by Picatinny (the SIR does not and neither do some other systems). The TD runs about $60. I am using the Grippod; but that is probably outside the budget you have specified.

3. Weapon Light and mount with pressure switch (preferably a Surefire)

This will eat up pretty much the remainder of your budget unless you are able to cut corners on the rail system. About the only Surefire light you could go with that wouldn't totally destroy your budget would be a heavily modified Surefire G2. I would talk with a dealer called BrightFlashlights. They have a lot of practical; but affordable solutions for weapon lights and this is an item where you can end up spending anywhere from $40 to $400.

4. Tactical Sling

What do you need the sling to do for you? There are a dozen different tactical slings depending on what special needs you have. Do you train to tuck the rifle after transitions? IF so, that eliminates several "tactical" slings right there. If you don't know the answers to these questions, the safest answer is the Blue Force Gear Contractor's Pack Sling that is basically a lego-set of slings that will let you make a single-point, two-point, three-point sling for 20 different rifles; but it costs about $60.

5. Flip Up Sights

I assume you just need a flip up rear sight? If so I have owned both the Troy and ARMS. I like the Troy a little better; but the ARMS is better suited to your budget and is a perfectly fine sight that will do everything that needs to be done. Regardless of which sight you go with, use blue loctite on the locknut when you install it. The ARMS #40L runs about $85.

6. Anything else that you think is cool if there is money left.

You'll be pretty fortunate if you have money left. I would highly recommend buying used parts from guys upgrading to the latest new thing as one way to keep your rifle under budget.

 

[kennyboy]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I appreciate all your helpful advice.

 

[DontBurnMyFlag]

check out the thread I started a few days ago about dressing up my AR15. there is a lot of good advice in there too

 

[Lebben-B]

I've had good experiences with the YHM drop in rail system; it's sturdy and tight as well as being at the low end of the expense spectrum. One thing you might want, if you budget allows, are rail covers. The covers will protect unused portions of the rail system and protect your hands from heat and give you a better gripping surface. There are many brands out there, none of them too expensive.

I've never liked pressure switches or cables on my weapons. They always came unplugged or broke at the WORST possible moment. May I suggest a simple tac-light/1" scope ring combo mounted on the strong side of the rifle within thumb's reach, just forward of the VFG. When you need the light, simply move the thumb up to the tail cap and press.

By the way, have you accounted for the need to buy a mount for the Aimpoint? It might seriously impact the amount of money you have left to spend.

Mike

 

[mrmeval]

So the bolt action .50BMG upper is out?!

 

[Josh Aston]

For the light check out DigiLight. I've been very impressed with their products, easily equal to if not better than SureFire and a bit more affordable.

Tactical Tailor makes my favorite sling, but if you're not using MOLLE gear it's kind of worthless. Without MOLLE gear I prefer the standard GI sling.

 

[MrAcheson]

If you're on a budget, you can also make your own sling for not very much money (~$10). AR15.com has a good thread on that subject. Appropriate sling mounts will probably cost more than the sling does.

As several people have indicated, the trouble with tricking out is that you often will need to budget for tools like an action block.

 

[Rob96]

1. Quad-rail Picattanny handguard
MI 2 pc. handguard. Is mil spec, and $129 from BravoCompany USA
2. Verticle Foregrip
If you don't mind an aluminum one, Bravocomapny has a nice one for $37
3. Weapon Light and mount with pressure switch (preferably a Surefire)
Tac light with one inch ring or the Vltor ring for $35 from G&R Tactical
4. Tactical Sling
Israeli sling from DSG Arms $22.00
5. Flip Up Sights
Cut your carry handle down=$FREE
6. Anything else that you think is cool if there is money left.

Not knowing the price of the light, you could hace close to $200 left for more mags and ammo.

 

[Correia]

Some good things here.

If you are on a budget, I would go with the Yankee Hill free float rail system. They are under $150. No, they aren't nearly as nice as a Daniel Defense, but I like mine. And at the price point I think they are the best on the market.

 

[M.E.Eldridge]

How long have you had your AR? If its new or if you don't have much experience with ARs, I would think that a lot of ammo, quality instruction, some good magazines and good old fasioned range time would be an excellant place to start "accessorizing" your rifle. Now, I might be way off base since I don't even own an AR. However lots of ammo and spare clips helped me improve my skill with and understanding of my M1.....

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

1. Quad-rail Picattanny handguard

Get the DD or LaRue. In fact, get the LIGHTEST one possible. I can't emphasize this enough. LIGHTWEIGHT is better.

2. Verticle Foregrip

Any decent grip will be good. No need to spend a lot here. Plastic is lighter, but make sure it is sturdy.

3. Weapon Light and mount with pressure switch (preferably a Surefire)

I have no advice here as I'm not into lights.

4. Tactical Sling

There are some nice ones...but I made my own with the instructions found at AR15.com. It was cheap, a fun project, and works GREAT.

5. Flip Up Sights

DON'T CUT YOUR CARRY HANDLE. Colt carry handles are REAL, and high quality, and they come at a premium. Don't cut up a carry handle that you can EASILY sell for $120. Also, it won't fold down and will be in the way, and it will be an ugly bubba job.

Just get the rear and get the TROY. It is far and above the higher quality choice. it also costs about $30-$40 more, but remember, it will also have superior resale value too. The best feature is that it has a detent system - so windage cannot be bumped or rubbed off.

6. Anything else that you think is cool if there is money left.

YES! For that Aimpoint, which is the best choice for a reddot optic by far, mount it with the Larue QD mounts. There's a straight one, and a cantilever style mount. These REALLY do hold zero when you attach/detach. They have a spiffy extra battery compartment. They co-witness in the lower 1/3 (which is ideal). They are HIGH, HIGH quality. Worth every penny.


Larue is the best - period.


If you get that stuff, you'll have the absolute best, top of the line, tier 1 gear that is available. You've already got the best AR available on the market, you're going for the best reddot there is...with the other components - it simply does not get any better than that.

 

[Chris Rhines]

1. Quad-rail Picattanny handguard
2. Verticle Foregrip
3. Weapon Light and mount with pressure switch (preferably a Surefire)
4. Tactical Sling
5. Flip Up Sights
6. Anything else that you think is cool if there is money left.

1. I'm probably not the best person to advise on the quad-rail handguard, as I don't personally care for them. That said, LaRue makes excellent products. I'd rather have a JP-VTAC or PRI float tube with removable M1913 rails.

2. If you can leave anything out, this is it.

3. My favorite is the LaRue BattleLight, but those run $200+. A cheaper and very good alternative would be a Surefire G2 on a VTAC mount from BrightFlashlights.net

4. Mostly personal preference here. Get one that won't drop the rifle barrel between your knees when you release it. Blue Force Gear has the Vickers Sling, which I like a lot.

5. Troy.

6. If you have any cash left over, get a JP trigger installed. Nothing else will do so much to improve your shooting.

- Chris

 

[Rob96]

DON'T CUT YOUR CARRY HANDLE. Colt carry handles are REAL, and high quality, and they come at a premium. Don't cut up a carry handle that you can EASILY sell for $120. Also, it won't fold down and will be in the way, and it will be an ugly bubba job.

The Colt carry handles come out of the same forge houses as the others. I even think I have read that the Colt carry handles are supplied by CMT. I don't think as much is made inhouse as in the past. With a fixed buis in place, you don't have to waste time flipping it up when your optic goes tango uniform. As for being an ugly bubba job. Take your time and do it nicely, it will look just like the LMT unit that is sold.