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Posted: 7/13/2009 10:43:11 AM EDT
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Just got done writing an article for my website- figured I would float it here first.
Accessories for a Citizen's Combat Rifle 
There are a few things that every citizen soldier should have as accessories to their primary rifle. Some of these things are best kept at home, but most should be attached to the rifle or carried with your second or third line. I will explain these things and describe options. A- Magazines and Ammo: These are the most important accessories for a rifle, period. (A cleaning kit would be next, then sling, then spare parts kit.) I’ve discussed it elsewhere, but how much to have? I like to think in terms of “basic load,” how much can you realistically and comfortable carry? For me that is five mags- one in the gun and 4 in a chest rig. So five mags would be minimum, and lets say enough ammo to fill them twice. Then double that for emergencies- get your first mags tested then put them back and test some more, keep one basic load of ammo in the go-bag and another in an ammo can. Then you add on spare mags, kept in the wrapper (I figure anything over 3x your basic load as fluff) and as much ammo as you can afford. But don’t skimp on practice. B- Slings: Every long arm should have a sling. The sling allows you to perform two-handed tasks in the field without setting down your weapon. Personally I prefer the two-point “IDF” sling for my carbines. This is an assault type sling that allows your weapon to fall very close to the patrol carry (when it is adjusted correctly.) There are other types of slings to consider, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The traditional sling allows you to shoot in a sling-supported position, but it does nor allow for an easy ready carry. Single point slings attach near the stock of the weapon and allow the weapon to hang perpendicular to the ground. Three point slings are a more complicated and hold the weapon in a better ready position. I do not like single or three point slings because both can block access to my chest rig, also single points tend to angle the barrel precariously close to my male equipment as well as don't control the muzzle, and three point slings can be a pain to get on when you are half asleep and in the dark. C- Big Cleaning Kit: This is a large bag or box that has all of the things you need to do deep and complete cleaning of your rifle. Large bottles of oil, solvent, the bi rods and brushes for all of your guns, etc. I also keep a good supply of cotton swabs (Qtips) and pipe cleaners as well as various patch sizes because I really cant stand a dirty weapon. It can be kept at home or in your range bag. Small Cleaning Kit: This should be with your second or third line gear. It should include the minimum supplies to keep your weapon “field clean” and oiled. In mine I have a small bottle of oil, a small silicon cloth and a string with a bore brush that can be pulled though the barrel. There is a company called Otis that makes a very good minimal cleaning kit. D- Spare Parts Kit: Every person that envisions themselves every having to fight with a particular gun should have a kit that includes all of the user replaceable parts. There are quite a few of these on the AR platform, not nearly so many on an AK. For an AR I wouldn’t have less than a spare extractor w/spring, firing pin and retaining pins and bolt cam pin. For an AK I would keep a spare trigger group. I keep these as well as spare optic batteries in the pistol grip of my rifle. Some butt stocks allow for this much storage. I also keep a complete bolt carrier group in my large cleaning kit/range bag. Of course the best spare parts kit is another complete rifle. E- Broken Shell Extractor: This is a nifty little device that fits the face of your bolt and will pull out a casing if the bottom rips off. I’ve never had to use it but I know it would be a pain without it. I keep it with the spare parts kit. F- Optics: Arguably (and I agree) once you put an optic on a rifle it becomes part of the rifle and not an accessory per se. But, this is a good place to discuss them. Not to long ago, optics on a combat rifle was considered a no-no. However, the advent of durable non-magnified red dot type sites (EOTech and Aimpoint being the most common) as well as low powered, illuminated magnified optics (ACOG being the standout) have changed this. What I end up seeing at the range is a motley collection of sights, with variable hunting types in the 3-9 power range being the most common. Optics that do not allow for rapid close in shooting (such as a hunting 3-9) have no place on a combat rifle. And any optic you have should be “combat rugged.” This excludes all of the lower end stuff. Also, if you have an optic of any type, back up iron sights are a must. And, if your optic is battery powered spare batteries should be in your spare parts kit. G- White Light: If you ever intend to use your rifle as a home defense weapon you should have a capable white light attached. This can range anywhere in price from $80=$600 complete. I find that at the low end, a small LED weapon light such as the surefire G2L will suffice for most people. Realize that this light is for use in clearing a structure, not for identifying targets at range! Other Stuff: There are plenty of other things you can hang off of a rifle, especially an AR15. Some of it has use, but much of it does not. My suggestion is that you start off shooting your rifle with the bare minimum of stuff and try out other things like bipods and fore grips as you see fit, then test them in practical shooting situations (not on the benchrest.) If they don’t make a marked improvement on the comfort or performance of your rifle, or if they get in the way, take them off. The more stuff you have attached to a rifle, the more tired your arms will get, the harder your weapon becomes to handle, and the more stuff there is to go wrong. Of Note: I’m a big fan of books about past combat experiences. In books on Vietnam I have seen two weapons modifications done by people who really seem to know what they are doing. First, I have seen a lot of pictures of Special Forces recon types with a full length cleaning rod taped down the length of their rifle. This would be very handy for clearing a failure to extract during contact. I have also seen a lot of pictures of Australian SAS types with a battle dressing taped to their weapon. While I don’t have those things done to my weapon while it’s sitting around the house or at the range, I think they are very good ideas if you can do them without changing the handling characteristics of your weapon. |
Like the rest of the content on your site, this info is top-shelf and spot on 
Thank you for posting it Currahee. I've been a lurker at your site for a while now, but for some reason I never made the connection that it was your site-despite your screen name being in both places 
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Fail. I see several missed opportunities where batteries can be stored. I'm thinking with the proper stock and FVG you can get at least 10 batteries on that gun. Also needs more rail space. A quad railed forearm at the minimum with some of those tri rail adaptors hanging off. I'm gonna need to see at least 15 railed surfaces on that gun. And one flashlight? Come one Two is one, one is none. I like to be safe and go with a bare minimum of 4 flashlights on any weapon (including handguns).
J/K I have also read some on your site. Nice job! |
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I agree with you on everything but the cleaning kit....
I would like to thank you for pointing out a basic load of five mags which is near perfect I prefer 4 one in the mag 3 on the belt...it is needed info here where so many wnat to carry 12 or more mags. You can get by just fine with a bore snake, CLP, T shirt, and carbon scraper...thats it no cue tips, pipe cleaners, or other things for white glove inspections. Take the spare parts kit and double it on cotter pins and extractor parts |
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Quoted:
Like the rest of the content on your site, this info is top-shelf and spot on
Thank you for posting it Currahee. I've been a lurker at your site for a while now, but for some reason I never made the connection that it was your site-despite your screen name being in both places I guess nobody reads sig lines
I try not to blatantly advertise my site on ARFCOM, except the occasional relevant article, or when I use a pic from the site. Thanks for the kind words. |
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I agree with you on everything but the cleaning kit.... I would like to thank you for pointing out a basic load of five mags which is near perfect I prefer 4 one in the mag 3 on the belt...it is needed info here where so many wnat to carry 12 or more mags. You can get by just fine with a bore snake, CLP, T shirt, and carbon scraper...thats it no cue tips, pipe cleaners, or other things for white glove inspections. Take the spare parts kit and double it on cotter pins and extractor parts That is why I list two cleaning kits, my "small" is basically the same as yours. The "big" basically has stuff to make a complete (not white glove) cleaning easier, and an extra BCG. |
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Great article Currahee! I like your handle," Currahee." My late uncle Lee (passed away 1982), my Dad's brother, served in B Company, 506th PIR,
101st Abn, from the jump in Normandy on D-Day, into Holland during Market Garden and at Bastogne during the Bulge then through the end of the war. Won a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. |
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I like the article and your website too. I do have one disagreement though, your advice to add spare mags and keep them new in wrap. I believe although rare, faulty magazines do get produced. I have had several name brand and even high quality OEM factory magazines that weren't up to par. I really don't see any benefit to keeping them new unless you're collecting for a future ban investment resale purpose. I believe that it would be best to at least make sure the mags load properly, that the followers don't bind, and that you can minimally hand cycle rounds through the action (if you have a SAFE place to do so) Optimally one would want to run a live fire function test before packing them away but I do understand the cost may be beyond the budget for some. Of course I do understand there are issues with cycling live ammo through a gun and that after repetitive chambering some loss of ammo reliability has been observed. |
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Quoted:
I like the article and your website too. I do have one disagreement though, your advice to add spare mags and keep them new in wrap. I believe although rare, faulty magazines do get produced. I have had several name brand and even high quality OEM factory magazines that weren't up to par. I really don't see any benefit to keeping them new unless you're collecting for a future ban investment resale purpose. I believe that it would be best to at least make sure the mags load properly, that the followers don't bind, and that you can minimally hand cycle rounds through the action (if you have a SAFE place to do so) Optimally one would want to run a live fire function test before packing them away but I do understand the cost may be beyond the budget for some. Of course I do understand there are issues with cycling live ammo through a gun and that after repetitive chambering some loss of ammo reliability has been observed. Valid points, I'm well past the 3x basic load (I have fluff) and like to have some still in wrappers... but if I only have 3x I would want them all tested. I will amend the article. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I like the article and your website too. I do have one disagreement though, your advice to add spare mags and keep them new in wrap. I believe although rare, faulty magazines do get produced. I have had several name brand and even high quality OEM factory magazines that weren't up to par. I really don't see any benefit to keeping them new unless you're collecting for a future ban investment resale purpose. I believe that it would be best to at least make sure the mags load properly, that the followers don't bind, and that you can minimally hand cycle rounds through the action (if you have a SAFE place to do so) Optimally one would want to run a live fire function test before packing them away but I do understand the cost may be beyond the budget for some. Of course I do understand there are issues with cycling live ammo through a gun and that after repetitive chambering some loss of ammo reliability has been observed. Valid points, I'm well past the 3x basic load (I have fluff) and like to have some still in wrappers... but if I only have 3x I would want them all tested. I will amend the article. Good artricle. I am not a fan of lights on a rifle, but then again, I do not use it for home defense. I use my handgun in my house and a handheld LED light. Basiclly I keep my rifles bare bone, except for an optic and back up irons on top, its just my personal preference. Good write up though. |
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Excellent write up! I suppose in a SHTF situation you don't really need to concern yourself with what type of ammo to use as long as it goes bang.
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so are you saying that this is too much? i saw this and had to laugh. great read BTW, very informative.
 Aimpoint on the side for shooting gangsta style? |
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Nice write up. Only thing I'll reinforce on is to get as much practice/training and range time as you can. CD Thanks- the website has gotten pretty large. Practice/training is emphasized pretty much across the whole thing and in several supporting youtube vids. So I agree completely, this is just one page out of 30 or so. Edit: I've got the article on the net if you want to see it http://www.everycitizenasoldier.org/id33.html |
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Sir,
Great write up... My only suggestion is a change to the title. The term "Accessories" usually means something non-essential used simply for convenience or attractiveness. I believe for a citizens "Combat Rifle" everything you mentioned is an "essential" or "necessary" item for "combat"... not an accessory. I am sure one could argue that some of those items are "accessories" but not for MY combat rifle they aren't. 
Good work and great site. |
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Sir, Great write up... My only suggestion is a change to the title. The term "Accessories" usually means something non-essential used simply for convenience or attractiveness. I believe for a citizens "Combat Rifle" everything you mentioned is an "essential" or "necessary" item for "combat"... not an accessory. I am sure one could argue that some of those items are "accessories" but not for MY combat rifle they aren't.
Good work and great site. Thanks, let me think of a way to change it. Maybe I'll add a subtitle or something. |
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