What Accessories Should You Add to Your AR-15?

by
posted on October 8, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
what-accessories-to-add-to-your-ar-15-f.jpg

It's really kind of amazing to look at the gun-parts catalogs and see all of the accessories available for popular firearms. Sometimes the tendency is to order a bunch of accessories because they look good and might be useful. For any defensive firearm, this can often be a mistake. This is especially true in the case of the AR-15, or "modern sporting rifle" as some like to call it.

Col. Jeff Cooper, founder of the well-regarded Gunsite Academy, once said that all the defensive gun really needs is a good trigger and high-visibility sights. Of course, he was talking about his beloved 1911, but the same holds true with the AR-15. The defensive AR-15 should be lightweight and easy to get into action quickly. One often sees competition-ready AR-15 carbines loaded down with all sorts of attachments. It is best to remember these are competition guns and may not be properly outfitted for defensive use.

Recently, I had the chance to shoot several ARs from a major manufacturer. They were nice, well-built guns, but the triggers were atrocious. If the price was right, however, that wouldn't stop me from purchasing one because I would quickly have a Timney trigger installed. Timney is just one of several companies that make good aftermarket triggers, and a decent trigger is always a wise investment for your defensive carbine.

The defensive shooter should also carefully evaluate his needs before replacing the iron sights that come on an AR-15. Certainly, a red-dot or other optical sight might be just the ticket for improved accuracy. The important thing for the defensive shooter to remember is whatever sight he uses should be lightweight and low profile. And, given a choice, I would not select a sight that uses batteries. Murphy has seen to it that batteries will fail at the most embarrassing moment.

Beyond sights and trigger, the defensive shooter should be very careful about adding anything else. Certainly, left-handed shooters will want an ambidextrous safety. And, after due consideration, one might also feel the need for a high-intensity weaponlight. However, you should avoid the temptation to add one of everything you can afford.

We are fortunate that so many aftermarket accessories are available to us in the defensive world. But, from a personal-defense standpoint, the goal is to have a lightweight, reliable AR-15 carbine. Accessorize with care.

Latest

Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box
Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box

First Look: Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box

Finished with in patriotic royale blue and crimson red colors.

Mechanical Advantage

There are two things which cause you to miss. Here's how to correct both of them.

First Look: Mission First Tactical 5L Achro Sling Bag

Keep your gear on you without standing out from the crowd.

First Look: Streamlight SL-SideSaddle Light

Add a little light to your hat or helmet.

NRA Foundation Grant Program Fueling the Future

In 2024 alone, The NRA Foundation awarded $8.6 million in state fund grants.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.