Just picked up my first AR15, what to do now?

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Paincakesx

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Hello all,

I just purchased a brand new Windham Weaponry AR15. I've heard great things about it and decided to take the plunge. I'm brand new to this whole AR15 thing so I'm not totally sure where to proceed from here. I will probably end up customizing this rifle extensively as I get time, but any pointers on where to get started? The gun comes with sights already installed, though the rear sights can be folded down, presumably to allow other rail mounted optics.

Some things I've been thinking about are a new railed handguard, optics and grip. Any ideas or advice? What are considered the top of the line brands for the magazines? Is it generally worth it to buy a foregrip?

Thanks for any and all advice?
 
Honestly I would go about learning how to use it first. Many of my guns have been accessorized with optics, lights, VFGs, etc. However, adding things one without knowing why specifically you are adding it and/or without knowing how to use it is just adding weight and wasting money. You often see these folks removing and replacing parts as well. Some evolution is only natural, but one tends to be happier longer with well thought out additions.

In that vein I would first seek to learn your gun. Learn how it works. Learn its manual of arms. Learn to run the gun. This will allow you to know what accessories may be useful additions and which are most likely just going to be weight.

Is it generally worth it to buy a foregrip?
Click to expand...

This is a good example of what I am talking about. It depends on your shooting style.

For optics, I almost universally think they are an improvement, I use aimpoints. They are top of the line.

For magazines I like Pmags.
 
Go shoot it, extensively. When you KNOW what you need to change and why, then make decisions. You're about embark on a needlessly long, and expensive journey with your current "tell me what I need" mindset. Let your mission drive your gear. Let experience tell you whether you need something or not.
 
What I would do:

Buy at least 1,000 rounds of brass case ammo
Buy at least 6 high quality, full capacity magazines (I like pmags)
Shoot it. When you almost run out of ammo, buy more.
Take a carbine training course or at least buy some of the DVDs/etc to learn techniques.

As for customizing, you will probably want to get some trigger time with it before doing much there. A defensive carbine could always use a light. Slings are great for carrying and/or as a shooting aid. A red dot site like the above mentioned Aimpoint is hard to go wrong with. Keep those things in mind when you start shooting it.
 
You may want to give this a read. While it is the USMC technical manual for ORGANIZATIONAL AND INTERMEDIATE MAINTENANCE of a M16 it will help you become familiar with your rifle and the parts identification as well as proper care an maintenance. You can download and save the PDF file through the link. That would be a good start. Then get a pile of ammunition and enjoy the rifle.

Ron
 
Put as many rails on it as will fit. Then add flashlights, lasers, bipods, optics, foregrip, and grenade launcher just like the Seals do.




Or, as said,..... go shoot the heck out of it! Truly, the only thing that really improves a stock AR would be optics/sights that fit you and the intended use. All else is mall ninja tacti -crap.
 
guyfromohio said:
Put as many rails on it as will fit. Then add flashlights, lasers, bipods, optics, foregrip, and grenade launcher just like the Seals do.
Click to expand...

And hire a crew to help handle all that stuff.:)

Just shoot it and have fun. Accessorize the next one (AR-15s are like Lays).
 
guyfromohio said:
All else is mall ninja tacti -crap.
Click to expand...
Eh, some but not all. I like a VFG, but I tend to use it predominantly as close to the mag well as possible, because that is where I find the best balance point for me. I don't shoot like that fatty Larry Vickers, with my hand with a death grip just behind the front sight.

If its not a HD carbine, probably don't need a light. Dozen or more PMags loaded would be good to have, probably an optic. I like the Bushnell TRS-25 for ARs, it's not going to kill the wallet and adds negligible weight. You could spend beau coup money on "top of the line" optics, or optics that work with your budget. Since I've no idea what that may be, I'm STILL going to suggest a TRS.

As far as a training course, depends on what youre doing or do what i did many years ago,read your manual. Hit YouTube for stripping and cleaning procedures, run the bolt wet and shoot it like you stole it. Buying and shooting a carbine shouldn't feel like work, and until you've decided what niche the rifle fills, extras on the rifle, courses, or ridiculous amounts of money dumped into it are possibly wasted.
 
Read the instruction manual, play with the gun at home while unloaded to familiarize yourself with the operation, then go shoot the heck out of it. As you use it, you'll find what you need and what you want are totally different.
 
Picatinny rail cup holder. Must have accessory. ;)

Seriously though, just buy some ammo and go shoot it and learn what it does and doesn't do. See how accurate it is, what you like and don't like about it in its current form first.

If you don't like your trigger, I can recommend the Geissele Hi-Speed National Match trigger; it is very very good.
 
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No, don't shoot it, add accessories and change out various parts.
 
Sounds like you got the same rifle I did, congrats :D
I put a quad rail on mine because I wanted the VFG, but now I can't decide if I like it with or without.
I want to get a decent scope for it, I'm planning on using it on coyotes, and I want a decent sling but aside from that, I don't think I'll change much.
Maybe a different butt stock
Maybe a light
but that's it....maybe
 
First things as others have said is shoot it....second thing that I haven't seen said is Don't let the wife or kids shoot it or you will really see how expensive it will get..and you still won't even be upgrading yours.
 
Get a sling first.

Then shoot 500 rounds or so before you even think about buying other accessories.
 
Get a sling first.
Click to expand...

Even a sling depends on use. Should he get a two point, one point? Which one?

the only thing that really improves a stock AR would be optics/sights that fit you and the intended use. All else is mall ninja tacti -crap.
Click to expand...

Really? I find this statement to be woefully over broad. Is a geissele SSA trigger mall nija tacti crap? Is an improved grip? How about replacing a rattling CAR stock with say a UBR or a CTR? If it is a gun to be used for SD/HD is a light that one understands the how and why of using mall ninja crap? If one uses a hand stop or a VFG to index off of and facilitate a consistency of a certain shooting grip is that mall ninja crap? Is a battle comp or a Smith Vortex? Is a sling? I can tell you that a sling can be an extremely handi piece of gear for a number of different uses. It facilitates easier transitions to a pistol. It is also really nice if you need to use your hands to do something. Each of these things, and many others, can be a very useful additions to a rifle. They may also be something that one doesn't need or even want.

Again it depends first on intended use. Once that is identified then one can determine if it really aids in that task or if it is just in the way/extra weight, adds to much extra complication or is not durable or reliable enough for the task. One can also assess if one knows how to use the equipment in question. What is a wise and wonderful addition for one person might not be for another. However, to say anything beyond optics is mall ninja crap is a pretty inane statement. It is even more absurd when the OP hasn't even stated what the intended use of the rifle is.

I don't shoot like that fatty Larry Vickers, with my hand with a death grip just behind the front sight.
Click to expand...

First Mr. Vickers has actually lost a lot of weight recently. He isn't fat now and so if you want to attack him for no apparent reason you need to come up with something else. Second calling someone "fatty" is not particularly highroad. I'd hope its not something you'd say to his face and it isn't something you should do hear. Third, Vickers has probably forgotten more about the AR platform than you or I know combined. I can guarantee you he has put in WAY WAY more time training, etc than everyone on this thread combined. I would also wager my bottom dollar he can shoot and run an AR better than you can. If not you are in the wrong business as he makes a good living training folks. I know he can do it better than I can. Fourth, the guy has done a lot for his country, including going into harms way. He is a person that doesn't just deserve a certain amount of decency and respect but has earned it. When Mr. Vickers talks about fighting with a rifle it is based on MUCH more than just theory. I'm not saying you need to mimic his shooting style (no matter how much merit there is to it) but it is really uncalled for to needlessly be disrespectful.
 
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Paincakesx said:
Hello all,

I just purchased a brand new Windham Weaponry AR15. I've heard great things about it and decided to take the plunge. I'm brand new to this whole AR15 thing so I'm not totally sure where to proceed from here. I will probably end up customizing this rifle extensively as I get time, but any pointers on where to get started? The gun comes with sights already installed, though the rear sights can be folded down, presumably to allow other rail mounted optics.

Some things I've been thinking about are a new railed handguard, optics and grip. Any ideas or advice? What are considered the top of the line brands for the magazines? Is it generally worth it to buy a foregrip?

Thanks for any and all advice?
Click to expand...

Invest in some ammo (Lots. Any gun that feeds from 30rd mags can really eat ammo fast!). Get some spare mags and go shoot the snot out of it.

After you give it a good workout, you might look into some basic upgrades: a Red Dot sight and a sling. After that the sky is the limit.
 
No matter what your intended use for that rifle is, the best money you could spend on it is to take it to an Appleseed marksmanship clinic. It is only $70 for a weekend, and is the best course you can take on the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship. The course is based around the old Army Qualification Test course of fire, and is designed to teach all the skills necessary for the shooter to hit man-sized targets out to 500 yards.

You will need a sling (GI web sling, M1 and M-14 issue is best) and at least 2 mags (I recommend P-mags) for an Appleseed.

www.appleseedinfo.org
 
I'll be shooting my AR at another Appleseed this weekend, matter of fact. :)


No sling for me this time, though I would absolutely use a web sling for your first weekend before considering anything else.


But anyway...DEFINITELY see if there is an Appleseed you can get to.
 
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buy a 1000 rounds and go shoot it.
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+1 on this. I might also add a few extra 30 round magazines.

Don't just start sticking on accessories and replacement parts becuase they are popular or look cool. Get to actually know your gun and how it shoots and then you'll have a better idea what would be a good addition and what would just be tacticool tomfoolery. Does it need a vertical foregrip, or is the regular one comfotable for you? Are the iron sights good for you, or would a scope, red-dot or reflex sight serve you better? Is your trigger okay, or do you need a fancy target trigger?
 
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