Started By
Message

Beginner AR-15 Startup Kit

Posted on 10/30/17 at 9:03 am
Posted by nastytaco4
Member since Oct 2016
253 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 9:03 am
Just built my AR-15 and have 7 mags and plenty of ammo. I have the basic cleaning kit. Want to go ahead and purchase all the things needed to feel comfortable with my setup. What all would you recommend for basics (trying to stay away from gimmicky stuff). Very new to the gun club, thanks ahead of time.
Posted by Shepherd
Member since Nov 2009
2942 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 9:13 am to
So many options. Optics, pictanny setup, sling, front handle, light, telescoping stock, etc.
Posted by nastytaco4
Member since Oct 2016
253 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 9:16 am to
Failed to mention I put a good scope on it. I guess where I'm getting at is where would you begin after building your rifle on a college kids budget. Trying to get all the basics without breaking the bank and getting into every small detail of accessories.
Posted by SquirrelBones
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2014
392 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 9:32 am to
gotta get the gripod...
Posted by TheBoo
South to Louisiana
Member since Aug 2012
4485 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 9:46 am to
Sounds like you have everything already. KISS method.

But, you should build this..







Posted by DeoreDX
Member since Oct 2010
4053 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 9:49 am to
I say avoid the rookie mistake of trying to bolt anything and everything on your rifle to make it do everything. What's the purpose of your rifle? Long range shooting? Close quarters home defense? Plinking toy? Patrol rifle? Choose options based on what you plan on using the rifle for.

For example a target rifle with magnified optics certainly doesn't need a light, BUIS, and vertical grips.

You don't want a BiPod on a home defense CQB rifle but BUIS and light would certainly find a home on such a setup.

Outside of options that make your rifle more special purpose the fist thing that goes on my rifle if it's a standard rifle is the A2 grip and the basic stock. I actually like the standard rounded handguard if you aren't looking to bolt stuff to the handguard. Options like the MOE feel fat in my hand and the Moe SL which certainly feels much better get in the way of the sling swivel.

A better trigger is always welcome on any rifle. Love my LaRue MBT S2 which can be had for $99 from time to time.
Posted by tenfoe
Member since Jun 2011
6839 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 9:51 am to
What are you planning on doing with this gun? Shooting targets? Putting in a safe to collect dust? keeping by your bedside to thwart off intruders to your abode?

quote:

purchase all the things needed to feel comfortable with my setup.


What in the absolute hell kind of statement is this?
Posted by nastytaco4
Member since Oct 2016
253 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 11:15 am to
I go the range roughly once every two weeks. I’m using it as well for home defense.

Purpose of thread is now that I built AR and am looking around on what to either put on the weapon or have as accessories, as well as casing it I see nearly limitless options. Came to the board to see suggestions to narrow down so many options and see advice on what y’all found handy when first starting off.
Posted by wickowick
Head of Island
Member since Dec 2006
45794 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 11:17 am to
You might need a sling, then call it a day...
Posted by Sancho Panza
La Habaña, Cuba
Member since Sep 2014
8161 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 1:04 pm to
Sling, ammo, 4 USGI 20 round mags for the range.

More ammo.
Posted by Sgt_Lincoln_Osiris
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2014
1077 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 1:09 pm to
Check out Reddit subreddit r/gundeals. If you're patient you can find a lot on a budget. Black Friday should have some great deals
Posted by nastytaco4
Member since Oct 2016
253 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 1:23 pm to
Glad this thread went a little longer. Starting to find actual useful advice! Haha
Posted by Damone
FoCo
Member since Aug 2016
32530 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 4:13 pm to
Posted by Carson123987
Middle Court at the Rec
Member since Jul 2011
66377 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 4:35 pm to
Posted by Propagandalf
Baton Rouge
Member since May 2010
2528 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 5:39 pm to
quote:

I’m using it as well for home defense.


A flashlight setup you are comfortable with and a fast acquisition optic, like a red dot sight, or irons. I think you mentioned you has a scope on it already, which would be less than ideal for home defense unless you live in a ballin' arse palace/castle like Versailles where 200yd hallway shots are a real possibility. After that I would probably upgrade the trigger and furniture, if you haven't already.

ETA: Damone, you forgot the grip pod
This post was edited on 10/30/17 at 5:41 pm
Posted by jdavid1
Member since Jan 2014
2465 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 6:54 pm to
If this is your first AR then the best advice is to get a lot of trigger time before you go and spend a bunch of money on accessories. The more you shoot you will find what suits your rifle the best. Unfortunately for most it takes buying products and finding out there is something better out there. Most everyone who shoots ARs a lot can tell you about their box of discarded accessories.


I have several ARs and each have their own use. These are the must haves for my basic AR setup.

Sling - There are a lot of good ones out there. I personally like the adjustable two point. I started with a one point and found they move too much when walking around. Find one you like and go with it.

Weapon light - A must on a home defense gun or any AR for that matter. Buy a quality light. The cheaper ones are garbage and you will end up getting a surefire, inforce, or something similar once you realize that.

Optic - Sounds like you already have one. Best advice is to buy reputable sight that fits the needs of your gun. Stay away from leapers and UTG stuff. They are made for airsoft guns, and even though the price looks enticing they WILL fail you.

Ambi safety - This is a must have for me. I take the safety off with my thumb, but I put the safety back on with my trigger finger. I found this way is easier and quicker for me to re-engage the safety. This is a personal preference, but still a must have for me.

Enhanced trigger guard - This isn't really a must have for me as much as it is a quick cheap mod that I like a lot. It just makes it easier to get into the trigger when moving or in an awkward position. Also, I like to ride my finger low on the trigger when making long precision shots so it helps.


Posted by Geauxtiga
No man's land
Member since Jan 2008
34377 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 7:17 pm to
quote:

What in the absolute hell kind of statement is this?


Apparently some people didn't agree with your statement. I say it's spot on.
Posted by nastytaco4
Member since Oct 2016
253 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 8:17 pm to
Great post, thanks for the help!
Posted by JamalSanders
On a boat
Member since Jul 2015
12135 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 9:32 pm to
I have that red Dot on my m&p right now.
Posted by bapple
Capital City
Member since Oct 2010
11875 posts
Posted on 10/30/17 at 9:50 pm to
quote:

I say avoid the rookie mistake of trying to bolt anything and everything on your rifle to make it do everything.


This is an excellent suggestion and I believe others have said it too - make your rifle have a purpose rather than making it try to do everything. For a home defense setup as you mentioned, a fast acquisition sight setup, a mounted light, and a lightweight handguard would be my top suggestions, except...

quote:

A better trigger is always welcome on any rifle.


This is probably the best suggestion here so far. You will be amazed how much a good trigger helps with your shooting and how much more fun it is. I'm shocked when guys have a $2000 AR build with a mil spec 10 pound trigger. Could you really not afford even a mid level trigger like a Rock River National Match for $100?

Jdavid has a pretty good summary of suggestions as well. A lot of good suggestions in this thread.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 2Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram