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AR-15 Accessories

3/24/2008 7:28 PM
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 380

AR-15 Accessories

OKay, let's try a new topic that I have a current real interest in. I am going to be buying a new Bushmaster AR in the near future for duty and training use. The current agency rules are it must be on the AR platform and fire a .223 or 5.56 cartridge. The issue rifle is the Texas M$ as shown here: http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=BFM-BCWA3F16M4TX


I am thinking I prefer the older style rifle with a 20" barrel, full length handguards and full butt stock (Bushmaster calls it a Target rifle, as shown here:

http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_xm15_BCWA2S20.asp

As you can see, they have it as either the A2 or A3 carry handle.


Now, I am old fashioned and still think of a rifle as a distance weapon. I do not see me using it for an assault or in response to a sudden attack. Just the way I was trained many years ago.


But my question is what accessories do you all recommend? Should I go with a scope (3 power or less is authorized) a red dot type optic with no magnification, a laser, a flashlight, a bipod, what? The accessories decided on will make the decision between the A2 and A3 handles. Laser requires an A2 handle, scope or optic (I lean towards learning how to use the EOTech red dot type) require an A3 with a flip up rear sight (must still have iron sights available).
REPLY 1  -  5  of  5
4/1/2008 3:58 PM #1
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2

AR15

What distances do you see yourself using it at. I have a 16" barrel flat-top upper, zeroed at 50 yds. At 250 yds, using my eotech, its dead on.
4/1/2008 6:17 PM #2
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 380

RE: AR-15 Accessories

Our qualification course will range from 7 to 100 yards. I actually see myself using it from about 100 to 300 yards, which is why i am thinking the laser won't really be much good. It is nice to hear the EOTech is good for that range of distances though.
4/1/2008 7:01 PM #3
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2

50 yd zero

"Improved Battlesight Zero by LTC Chuck Santose. A great all purpose zero for all rifles/carbines (no matter the iron sight type); and you zero in yards (50) instead of meters. It keeps the bullet within 2" of the point of aim from 8M to 220M (very flat trajectory). Also perfect for carbines with A1 sights; and ARs having a 'Red Dot' type sight inline with their iron sighs [on a flattop or in front of the carry handle]. "

The above was from the Maryland AR15 site
6/12/2008 9:31 AM #4
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1

RE: AR-15 Accessories

If you buy a rifle, go for the 16" carbine, not the 20" rifle. You'll appreciate the size getting in and out of the car, and moving in confined spaces. For most LE stuff accuracy will be just as good with the 16". And by all means get the flat top.

Optics - An Aimpoint or Eotech. I prefer Aimpoint. With a good set of back up iron sights. Use the IBSZ as described above. Sight in at 50 yards.

Lasers have some psychological use, but have big limitations in practical use. If there is more then one officer with a laser, who's dot is it your looking at? You'll never know. A laser does not require an A2 handle. There are options for mounting them other places.

A good Surefire Flashlight is a must have for low light shooting. This will mean that you need to use a set of railed handguards, or add a rail someplace to hang the light. Make sure that any handguards or optics you choose work with your gun rack / lock.

Bipods add weight and will not add much to a standard patrol rifle. If you have a railed handguard you might look at the Grip Pod. Its a combination forward verticle grip and bipod in one. But again for most LE stuff you don't need a bipod.

A good sling is like a holster. Get one. You must have one.

Pick a basic rifle and then choose the accessories to make the gun work for your mission. Don't pick a bunch of stuff until you know what you need for your mission. You'll just be wasting a lot of time and money.

Buy magazines and a way to carry them. I highly recommend the new PMAGS from MagPul.
11/8/2008 3:45 PM #5
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1

AR/M4

Bigger is not always better. I have a M16A2 with an 11 inch barrel for Patrol and Swat team. Shoot as good and better than others with full size barrels. The advantage of having down size greatly outways the need for full size. Unless you plan on shooting past 100 yrds. which is rare, go with small size. Believe me everyone on my team wishes they had the 11 inch barrel. I'm even thinking of buying a DPMS panther 7inch barrel.

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