AR15 Accessories, what works & what doesn't?

[desert_scorpion]

Hi All
I don't get many chances to get on and ask questions. I have been building a Bushmaster AR15 for awhile now and mostly have it operational at this point, However I am down to two components that I would like to upgrade. The Stock and the Handguards, I like the ARFX stocks but I cannot decide which I like more the full size or the Compact one?? For the HAndguards I would like to have a tactical rail system, I have spent much time peruseing the internets sources for AR parts and I am still no clearer on my decision than I was before. I have looked at both a Free Float 4 rail Handguard as well as the 2 piece 4-rail handguards, by various makers. I am hopeful that someone will have some input into these areas, as to what works and what does not. I do not especially want to buy a several hundred dollar item only to find out that it is not worth the aluminum it was made from. Thanks to anyone that has some insight in this area.

 

[NMshooter]

You can not go wrong with anything from LaRue.

I like Vltor stocks, and have heard good things about the Magpul M-93B.

LMT makes a good enhanced collapsible stock, about $100 gets you everything behind the lower receiver.

The Surefire M-73 fore end is very nice too.

This should get you started.

 

[desert_scorpion]

Thanks for replying so quickly NMshooter. I jumped over to Surefire's website and they are asking $195 for the M-73. On Del-Ton's web site they have a 4-rail 2-piece handguard set for $119.95 and a 4-rail Free Float tube for $114.95. I have also looked at what SOG, Bushmaster, CMMG, and Lone Star have to offer, and they all have better deals cost wise than Surefire. As for the stock, I already have an Aluminum 6-position stock on the rifle, but I am looking for something that gives me compactness of the stock that I have, but with the strength of a standard stock and without the hassel of catching on everything. I was hopefully that someone has had experience with the ACE ARFX stocks and can give me some opinions on their performance. Also I am after the pros and cons of 2-piece stocks vs. free-float tubes. I have already decided that I want to have the 4-rail option regardless. Hopefully I have cleared up my earlier question, This rifle is actually my second AR, and I have built and rebuilt many different types of firearms before, this time I am trying to get some input to avoid having a box full of parts that I don't use, besides I don't have any more room for more gun parts. Thanks

 

[444]

IMO (and the opinion of most real serious AR people) the best rail system out right now is the LaRue. It just so happens that I installed one tonight on my main, go-to AR.
As far as stocks, different people like different things. IMO, the best stock for an AR is the original A1 length fixed stock. IMO, the second best stock is a fixed entry stock. It is my opinion that the only person that can answer the stock question is you.

Of course if you want something cheap, rather than the best, I can't help you there.

 

[desert_scorpion]

Thanks 444, I am not famaliar with Larue, but will check it out when I get an opportunity. As for the Stock question, I too like the old Standard, and it is what I have on my Colt. However for the rifle I am building I am looking to shed some weight, this why I was looking for input on the ACE stocks. I am trying to avoid collapsible stocks, as they also tend to be noisy and add another possible failure point on the weapon. I just happened to settle on the ACE ARFX stock because it falls somewhere into that category that I am looking for. I was just hoping to hear from someone that has already used one. Thanks again

 

[444]

Ok, I have a couple ACE stocks. To avoid looking it up, which one are you looking at, the single tube or double tube stock ? I have both.
I can give you the hook up on the single tube stock if that is what you want. I have a brand new one still in the wrapper as well as a used one lying on the floor.

http://www.laruetactical.com/marketplace/servlet/Marketplaces?marketplaceID=1&webEvent(SplashPage)

 

[desert_scorpion]

Thanks 444, the LaRue might just have been exactly what I was looking for. I am waiting for some specs back from them. As for the Ace stock that I have been looking at, I have been toying with either the full length or the compact ARFX(the one with the aluminum support rod beneath the buffer tube), I momentarily looked the ACE Socom stock over, but I am wary of it, as it has no additional support for the buffer tube. So which do you have? The full size or the Compact ARFX Stock?

 

[444]

I bought all three of the ones I own during the "ban".
They are all full length.
I bought the single tube stock for a: lightest possible AR build.
The two tube stock is on something else. I haven't shot it in years. A friend of mine wants it, but so far hasn't come pu with any money. I have nothing against it. It is a good stock. I just pretty much went with the A1 stocks.

 

[desert_scorpion]

Hi 444
I am interested in getting the ACE stock that has the alum. support rod under the Buffer tube(two tube stock), How much do are you asking for it?? I am curious because, I have seen a full spectrum of prices,(from $200 down to $69) and even with and without the Buffer tube, buffer, and spring. So let me know, I will be buying one within the next week. Have a happy Turkey day

 

[TarpleyG]

I am continually amazed at all these folks that show up to the carbine match we have once a month with a 30# M4/AR15 and cannot hit the broad side of a barn with it. I'll use an old addage by our friend Dave McCracken in the shotgun forum. Go out and shoot your gun bone stock until it feels like a body part. Then, and only then, add or remove things you absolutely need and that will allow you to shoot better. My M4 is stripped down as much as possible and I use an IDF-type sling for simplicity. The only thing I did to it was to put a same-plane rear aperture to eliminate the confusion with the typical rear sight. I know it's fun and it looks cool to hang all this crap off your gun but like someone else said, it's the indian, not the arrow, that counts.

Greg

 

[444]

I am not selling the two tube model. It is on a receiver and I am not going to seperate the two.

 

[desert_scorpion]

Thanks again 444, your info on LaRue turned up pretty good. I guess you probably want $$$ for the Two-Tube and Reciever? Its all good, I have found a source that is decently priced. TarpleyG.......I am sure you have a point, but I am unsure how it applies to the questions that I posed??? As far as being familiar with the AR rifle, this one is my second AR15. And I used this style of rifle extensivily while in the 82nd Airborne, and consistently scored expert on all the ranges that I went to. My purpose of this post was to get personal experiences on specific accessories before purchasing them,(like doing one's homework before the test). At any rate, I appreciate your offering your time.

 

[Beren]

Give the KAC RAS-II a look if you don't want to pay someone to install a Larue rail or do the work yourself. The RAS-II goes on without changes to your rifle and works fine with both Aimpoint M2/3's and ACOG TA-31's. You can find "Shot Show Specials" that come with rail covers and a vertical grip for about $275.

I can second the LMT collapsing stocks. I have one on a Stag Arms lower and love it. But my Colt rifle still has the standard M4 stock on it.

 

[Lebben-B]

YHM

Desert_Scorpion,

The rail systems you described at the beginning of your thread are made by YHM. For the money they're a very good buy and Del-Ton's service is top notch. I ordered the drop-in 2-piece rail system for my civvie M4 and I've got no complaints. It's a good piece of kit.

Mike

 

[Too Many Choices!?]

Bump!

I second(or third as the case may be) the M73 handguard from surefire. I didn't want to have to remove AK74 brake that is welded onto my Bushmaster M4AK. I also did not really feel I would gain any tangible/measurable increase in accuracy from a free float tube.. At around $189 or so shipped, it was the best value of what I wanted. It required no special tools for install(included allen wrench), and took about 5 minutes to take of the old 'guards and add the new ones. Repeatable zero for my optics when removed and added too...