Best "bang for your buck" AR 15 upgrades

[BigBL87]

After initially telling myself I was going to leave my AR (PSA Classic Lower w/ PSA Premium M4 upper) stock, I've already added a micro red dot and switched out the grip for an MOE+ as well as having a Magpul MOE handguard on the way. I do have a Magpul BUIS to go with the F marked front as well, so irons are covered. Ammo and mags are covered as well.

The next few things I'm looking at are:
-H2 buffer (since it's a 16" with a carbine gas system, I've heard/read this will help offset being over gassed), currently has a CAR buffer
-Magpul MOE stock (might get a CTR, this is more just vanity though, want furniture to match)
-Light

What other inexpensive but useful upgrades might be worth making? It's mostly just for range/plinking, but in a home defense situation I'm thinking it'd be the best option for my wife as opposed to my 12 gauge or my B6P so that's an unlikely but potential use if I can get her to start going shooting sometime.

 

[dogmush]

5000 rds of 5.56
A carbine course
A bunch of mags (to save range time)

Those are hands down the best bang for the buck upgrades for an AR. I hate to be trite, but they really are. They will allow you to learn to use the rifle effectively, and they will also highlight if something needs to be changed on your rifle. For example: The buffer you talk about: Is your rifle overgassed? Is it malfunctioning? Does your rifle like a little extra gas to help when it get's dirty? What size is your gas port anyway? I'd wager from your post that the answers are: dunno, no, dunno, dunno. Yet you're thinking about new parts. Why?

That said, I'll tell you what I like on a 16" (5.56) AR for, as they say, social work: Low power variable optic (1-6 or 1-4), Ambi safety, light, long rail, Sling. Here's why: Optic: I keep it at 1X and it's just a tic slower then a red dot while keeping the ability to dial up if a long shot comes up. I don't expect to use that in an HD situation, but I do in gun games, and like to keep the same equipment. Ambi safety: I shoot left handed, light: Gotta see what I'm shooting at, and training has taught me to use it in a fashion that I feel mitigates the risk of incoming fire. Long rail: By this I mean a light forearm that lets me get my hand within 2-3" of the end of the barrel. I have found that being able to get my support hand close to the muzzle lets me use the weapon faster and more accurately. Target transitions and weapon retention are improved. Sling: Leets me drop weapon and use both hands if needed, also trained that way in the .mil and I'm comfortable with it.

But that's MY list. Yours could very well be different. Go shoot your carbine and figure out what it could do better in your hands before blowing money on mods you don't need, and in the end you don't want. It'll keep you from collecting a box of cast off AR parts as big as mine.

 

[Browning]

A Nickel Boron WMD bolt carrier group
https://www.wmdguns.com/content.cfm

Other drop-in AR parts for reliability.

http://www.defensereview.com/the-bi...pingement-gas-system-makes-the-m4-unreliable/

- Heavier Sprinco buffer spring (correctly called an action spring).
- DPMS Extra-heavy buffer (.2oz lighter than a Colt H3 buffer).
- 5 coil extractor spring with a Crane O-ring for added extractor tension.

Those drop-in parts made my rifles obscenely reliable, and still do

The Crane 'O' ring and 5 coil extractor spring can be found here...
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Extractor-Spring-Uprade-Kit-p/bcm%20extractor%20spring%20%203pack.htm

 

[gotigers]

Free float forend. There are options if you want to keep your FSB.

Trigger: Either JP yellow springs for 4lb break, ALG Defense with JP springs or a Giesselle of some sort.

Stock: Get the CTR. The locking mechanism is nice. It will match. CTR is basically locking MOE.

Buffer: Maybe a Spikes ST-T2 buffer instead of a H2.

I've never worn out a bolt carrier. I dont see a need for the nickel boron coated stuff.

 

[BigBL87]

Dogmush, I'm not set on the buffer so I appreciate the insight. Mostly I've read it helps reduce wear on the internals a bit and slightly reduces recoil, the first of those being the main reason I'm thinking about it. I have no issue with the CAR buffer, just trying to be proactive based on what I've read.

 

[Browning]

Okay, then don't buy one. :Shrug

They're a little easier to clean.

NiB BCG's also require less lube.

 

[HJ857]

Magpul BAD lever

Oversize mag release button

Oversize trigger guard

 

[earplug]

upgraded trigger

Geissele is what I have, it is highly recommended. Quality steel and no screws to shoot loose.

 

[Willie Sutton]

Ammunition + Range Time.


Bolt new stuff into your brain, not onto your (already perfectly satisfactory) rifle.


Willie

.

 

[jrdolall]

If you have plenty of money and ammo then the slide stock is fun. $10 in 10 seconds ain't my cup of tea though.

 

[BigBL87]

Geissele is what I have, it is highly recommended. Quality steel and no screws to shoot loose.

I'd like to do a trigger eventually, but seems like most are on the more expensive side. I'm not looking at really bolting much of anything on besides a light, moreso replacing parts that could improve reliability/performance (not that it is unreliable now).

 

[J_McLeod]

5000 rds of 5.56
A carbine course
A bunch of mags (to save range time)

Sling: Leets me drop weapon and use both hands if needed, also trained that way in the .mil and I'm comfortable with it.

+1
The experience gained from 5000rds and a course will be better than a lot of upgrades.

I think any AR should have a sling. My favorite is the VTAC adjustable.

 

[Jackal]

For hard parts, I'd get a stock or a ALG trigger w/ JP springs.

 

[crazysccrmd]

There is nothing wrong with the rifle as it is. If you aren't shooting for tiny groups or at long range don't waste your time do I g a free float or fancy trigger. The carbine buffer is fine, the stock works just as well as a Magpul, a light wouldn't be a bad idea if you intend to use it in the house, but otherwise it will just turn into a money pit. Nothing really wrong with that, but it isn't going to improve the rifle much either.

I'm with the guys who say to buy ammo, magazines and practice time for you and your wife.

 

[MIL-DOT]

I concur with the ammo recommendations. It's about as cheap and available as it's been in years, and that could (and assuredly will) change in an instant. When ammo dries up or skyrockets, you'll still be able to find all the nifty stuff to goober it up with. An AR without tac-rails,lights, optics,slings,Mag-pul furniture,etc. is STILL an AR........unless it has no ammo.

 

[HoosierQ]

Ammo and mags far and away. The optics. I am working on the first two before I venture into optics. The last time I shot, I was very pleased with my results with my irons so I'm sticking to ammo and mags for the foresable future.

 

[hso]

Training

 

[strambo]

Carbine course. On the gun you need a good light and sling next. I like quick adjust 2pts like the one from Gear sector or VTac. I can switch to left hand shooting fast with it and back again no issues.

 

[MachIVshooter]

-Magpul MOE stock (might get a CTR, this is more just vanity though, want furniture to match)

Go with the CTR. Well worth the extra $20 to have the stock lock down tight on the RE.

I find angled and vertical forward grips improve ergonomics and handling. Just my opinion, though.

You didn't mention what micro RDS you went with, but if it's not at least a Burris Fastfire, I'd forgo other mods until you get a quality optic. The cheap micro red dots are just that: Cheap. Fine for plinking & playing, but since you mention HD, I wouldn't skimp on the sight.

 

[frankenstein406]

I think nordic components has a free float hand guard for $100

More ammo or reloading stuff and pmags

 

[BigBL87]

Go with the CTR. Well worth the extra $20 to have the stock lock down tight on the RE.

I find angled and vertical forward grips improve ergonomics and handling. Just my opinion, though.

You didn't mention what micro RDS you went with, but if it's not at least a Burris Fastfire, I'd forgo other mods until you get a quality optic. The cheap micro red dots are just that: Cheap. Fine for plinking & playing, but since you mention HD, I wouldn't skimp on the sight.

It's a Bushnell TRS25, so not high end by any stretch. I've actually toyed with the idea of getting a Primary Arms 1x-4x scope but not seriously. I can't justify footing for an EOtech or Aimpoints when it's mainly a fun-gun, and it's my 3rd option for HD after my shotgun and my pistol so HD is way down the line as far as priorities, just a consideration. I don't see myself buying high end, but I'm also not going to be going all UTG either. I like finding the balance between cost and quality.

 

[earplug]

Trigger

The trigger is the only part you press to make it go bang when your on target.
A good one is worth the money.


'd like to do a trigger eventually, but seems like most are on the more expensive side. I'm not looking at really bolting much of anything on besides a light, moreso replacing parts that could improve reliability/performance (not that it is unreliable now).

 

[MachIVshooter]

I don't see myself buying high end, but I'm also not going to be going all UTG either. I like finding the balance between cost and quality.

Actually, some of the UTG sights aren't half bad. I picked up one of the 3.9" ITA sights when Amazon was offering $10 off select UTG items. For $42, it's an excellent plinking sight. But, like the Bushnell TRS series (I have a TRS-25 and one of the ACOG-looking 1x32 AR sights), I wouldn't consider it for serious use.

Also worth mentioning, if you're considering a free float handguard, don't overlook the UTG Pro series. I'd put them at the top of the heap for value. They're US made with very good quality, fit and finish, and don't hurt the pocket book too bad at $90-$150.

 

[BigBL87]

Actually, some of the UTG sights aren't half bad. I picked up one of the 3.9" ITA sights when Amazon was offering $10 off select UTG items. For $42, it's an excellent plinking sight. But, like the Bushnell TRS series (I have a TRS-25 and one of the ACOG-looking 1x32 AR sights), I wouldn't consider it for serious use.

Also worth mentioning, if you're considering a free float handguard, don't overlook the UTG Pro series. I'd put them at the top of the heap for value. They're US made with very good quality, fit and finish, and don't hurt the pocket book too bad at $90-$150.

Ya, I kinda painted with a wide brush on that one, my bad. My big area of interest/expertise is softball equipment, and much like in firearms you usually get what you pay for, but there are also good values that will serve the Average Joe well. FWIW, I'm probably closer to Average Joe than shooting enthusiast.

 

[moxie]

Training course(s). Once you are more proficient, knowing your capabilities and those of your rifle, you will be able to make good decisions about upgrades, if any.