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Posted: 3/31/2013 7:13:09 AM EDT
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Okay, I'm at a point in my build in which I'm not sure what i want to do next. I'm open to suggestions on what I should add or change. What have you put on your rifle that has helped you shoot better or just made it nicer to handle. Here is where I'm at.
http://home.comcast.net/~tbcoins/areo2.jpg http://home.comcast.net/~tbcoins/areo3.jpg Let me know what you think. Thanks! |
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I see you have an ambi charging handle, why not get ambi sling mounting points too?
Get like a double loop end plate, or a Magpul or IKH variety for the rear, and a CQD front sling mount that you can attach on the bottom rail. BAM, ambi 2-point sling mounting and you can also run a 1-point sling too. |
| Replace the quad rail with a lighter free float like a Troy that lets you add only the rails you need. If you aren't running a PAQ or PEQ, light, grip, etc, you really don't need all that rail space. A light and a sling. Maybe a vertical grip, an AFG, or handstop if one of those works for you. |
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I'm not sure why you have to change anything as it looks like you have added on a lot of new parts already.
If that was mine, I would be changing out the rear sight, forearm, pistol grip, stock, and optic. But aside from the stock, those are all after market products you put on there so there's nothing for you to change if that's what you want on there. What you are missing that I don't see is a solid flash light and sling. It seems like you had a small budget for this, but just make sure you get a light that won't die out from the recoil. |
I really got caught up in the "what can I buy next to 'improve' my rifle" mentality when I first got into ARs and I honestly think it typically doesn't end well for your rifle or your wallet. Just a little perspective (this is all the same rifle)
and this is excluding about 5 or 6 configurations that I did that I immediately didn't like and never took a picture. I went back and forth between optics, stocks, BUIS, ect ext and never was happy. I seriously cost me a fortune trying to "upgrade" a commercial grade AR. I finally just had to sell the thing and start over. I made a checklist of what I expected from my rifle and I spend time researching the best part to meet my expectations. It turned out MUCH better. Now, if I have something that I want the rifle to do that doesn't match my configuration, I will build a new rifle to meet that need. |
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Quoted:
Thank for all the replies and suggestions. Just wondering, does a different stock make that much of a difference? The best part about a new stock, IMO, is that it helps balance the weight. Better cheek weld, capability to use QD sling swivels and overall more comfortable.....but my favorite benefit is the balance a better stock will bring. But at this point, not having a sling or light should have been your 1st and 3rd priorities (sling first, electronic optics debateably second, and light third -- assuming you already had iron sights prior to all of these things). You sort of missed the boat on the sling and light, but you should make them your next focus. |
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Quoted:
... What have you put on your rifle that has helped you shoot better .! Carbine classes. Period. No amount spent on do-dads will help you perform better, faster - clear problems quicker than a good carbine class or two from a Gunsite rated instructor. If I have to choose between a new gadget or a class I take the class every time because NO amount of gear improves your skill and it's skill that enables hits not toys. Besides after taking a class you'll learn first hand what works, what doesn't and what is just useless crap/dead weight. ETA: I just noticed you're in PA - check out the FIRE Institute outside of Pittsburgh. |
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Depending on the purpose of the gun I'd add a flash light, a higher end rail, a new stock, new grip....Or skip all of that and take a carbine class This is what I have been trying to relay. I'd rather only have one quality part then a bunch of cheaper ones. But the most important piece would be training. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
... What have you put on your rifle that has helped you shoot better .! Carbine classes. Period. No amount spent on do-dads will help you perform better, faster - clear problems quicker than a good carbine class or two from a Gunsite rated instructor. If I have to choose between a new gadget or a class I take the class every time because NO amount of gear improves your skill and it's skill that enables hits not toys. Besides after taking a class you'll learn first hand what works, what doesn't and what is just useless crap/dead weight. ETA: I just noticed you're in PA - check out the FIRE Institute outside of Pittsburgh. I'll agree with what most have said and sign up for a carbine class. I was just like most here and added needless stuff to my AR's cause I couldn't leave well enough alone. a quality sling, light, and a new stock would be the first things I swap out then sort it all out at the class.. |
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Just go out and get some trigger time then upgrade as you see fit, if at all. Don't start replacing things just for the hell of it, wait until you find a legitimate shortcoming in your rifle for YOUR uses.
This is what I started with: 
This is where it's at now: 
As I started training and getting a "feel" for the rifle and how I was going to use it I began to notice some shortcomings. I needed to be able to use the rifle at night so I added a light. Soon I realized irons weren't going to cut it so I picked up the PRO, and so on and so forth. One thing I am confident in recommending you get is a quality light. It's something that I believe everyone should have on at least one rifle. |
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