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Posted: 1/31/2015 7:26:35 PM EDT
Hey all. I've been a long time stalker of the site but just recently joined because I finally made my first AR purchase  It's a Daniel Defense v5 Tornado. I will post pictures when I go pick it up.
Anyway, I'm posting because I could use any recommendations or advice regarding what I should equip this tool with. Let me give you an idea of what I'm looking at right now so you have a better idea of what I'm looking to use the rifle for. I must add that I am a lefty and bought the "standard" platform. Scope: Leopold VX-R Patrol. Any recommendations on alternatives? I've heard Viper is coming out with a new 1-6x. What kind of experience have you had with these scopes (quality, eye relief, position, glass clarity, ruggedness). I also considered a Burris. I'm concerned with the scope not being well sealed as I've heard some have had issues with this. Dependability is vital, of course. Illuminated is a must with good battery life. Below $800. Mount: Not sure. Flashlight: Looking at Nitecore. I realize Surefire, Streamlight and Fenix are popular. Why? I need something bright with generous throw and good to great battery life. Sling: Magpul MS4. Any recommendations are appreciated. I would like one that is fairly flexible with how I can carry the rifle. At my front with quick acquisition as well as throwing over my back if I'm hiking. Controls: Any ambit controls you recommend? BUS: I'm looking at Diamondhead (steel or polymer) or Magpul. How do you feel about polymer vs steel? I'm not going to be throwing the rifle around but want something I can depend on if I were to need it in a SHTF situation. Foregrip: I'm torn on this. Vertical? LaRue stops? Magpul angled? Unnecessary altogether? Don't want to ad unnecessary weight but would like good wielding. Help. The rail does have a rubber type cover so the "cheese grater" issue is no longer. Anything else that you all can contribute is always appreciated. Thank you in advance! 
-J |
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Scope: I would not recommend a low power variable because they are big and heavy. You should look at a 3xACOG or a red dot by Aimpoint or EOTech.
Flashlight: I just got a Surefire 6PX and I think it is great. Not to heavy or expensive and good illumination and build quality. Controls: Ambi controls are certainly not necessary if you are a righty but I do like an ambi safety selector. All of mine are BAD-ASS (standard-thin). BUIS: Not necessary if this is a range gun especially if you get an ACOG/Aimpoint/EOTech, otherwise I would recommend KAC or Troy. Foregrip: Not necessary. |
| If i were you i would ask yourself what exactly you plan on doing with your rifle. I would probably set that up and invest in ammo and shooting time before adding anything else. Most people spend $1000 on a rifle then $1000 on stuff for it and then six months later they strip most of that stuff off of it. |
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I can say with absolute certainty that the vast majority of items that "first time buyers" purchase to throw on their rifles ends up in a Tupperware container in the closet. Take your time with any add on accessories and buy ammunition instead. Shoot it a lot before you make any major changes. |
| Okay, definitely understandable. This rifle doesn't come with any sights at all, at least, I don't think it does. So sights are a must. I will never buy a Troy product. I've heard good things about KAC. I will take a closer look at them. Thank you all for your quick replies. |
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Quoted:
Hey all. I've been a long time stalker of the site but just recently joined because I finally made my first AR purchase It's a Daniel Defense v5 Tornado. I will post pictures when I go pick it up.
Anyway, I'm posting because I could use any recommendations or advice regarding what I should equip this tool with. Let me give you an idea of what I'm looking at right now so you have a better idea of what I'm looking to use the rifle for. I must add that I am a lefty and bought the "standard" platform. Scope: Leopold VX-R Patrol. Any recommendations on alternatives? I've heard Viper is coming out with a new 1-6x. What kind of experience have you had with these scopes (quality, eye relief, position, glass clarity, ruggedness). I also considered a Burris. I'm concerned with the scope not being well sealed as I've heard some have had issues with this. Dependability is vital, of course. Illuminated is a must with good battery life. Below $800. Mount: Not sure. Flashlight: Looking at Nitecore. I realize Surefire, Streamlight and Fenix are popular. Why? I need something bright with generous throw and good to great battery life. Sling: Magpul MS4. Any recommendations are appreciated. I would like one that is fairly flexible with how I can carry the rifle. At my front with quick acquisition as well as throwing over my back if I'm hiking. Controls: Any ambit controls you recommend? BUS: I'm looking at Diamondhead (steel or polymer) or Magpul. How do you feel about polymer vs steel? I'm not going to be throwing the rifle around but want something I can depend on if I were to need it in a SHTF situation. Foregrip: I'm torn on this. Vertical? LaRue stops? Magpul angled? Unnecessary altogether? Don't want to ad unnecessary weight but would like good wielding. Help. The rail does have a rubber type cover so the "cheese grater" issue is no longer. Anything else that you all can contribute is always appreciated. Thank you in advance!
-J Optic: I would go with an SWFA 1-4 or 1-6 in mil/mil. Whatever you get, make sure the adjustments match the reticle. Mount: LaRue LT104 Light: Surefire in a heartbeat. I wouldn't (and dont) use anything else. Either the Mini Scout or the full size Scout would be great. Sling: I like the padded VCAS from Blue Force gear. They are running a special for the next few days where you buy 1 black VCAS for $45 and get 1 free, which is awesome. Controls: I've never used or felt a need for ambi controls BUIS: I've always used MBUS and love them. No problems to report. Foregrip: I've used a Tangodown Stubby, Magpul VFG, and Magpul AFG. Not a huge fan of the AFG but the VFG and Stubby are great. Love them. I would also recommend a SOPMOD stock if you haven't tried one yet. It does everything I want a stock to do. |
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Is the Blue Force Gear sling pretty versatile? Also, looking at the KAC micro, would you recommend 300m or 600m? Probably 300m right? What do you mean by versatile? It can attach to any swivel, and it has a pull-tab to quickly change the length on the fly. I have no complaints from mine. |
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Welcome!
I'd recommend trying out optics before you buy one Surefire, streamlight are popular because they put out quality stuff, as does most other names dropped here Sling, im absolutely smitten with my vtac mkII, nice and comfy Controls, BCM and raptor have some great ambi charging handles, and you can get a bad lever (but based on my experience, i wouldn't) you can also get a B.A.D. A.S.S. BUIS, if polymer is a concern, you could get some mbus pro's Forward grips, i found they did nothing for me, so i don't use them, ymmv |
| I think its fair to say that most if not all of us have gone through many iterations and that we aren't stuck to anyone until we get the setup that satisfies us. I personally have gone around the would with accessories and ended up with a configuration similar to what the military uses. |
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Sling: Check out the Proctor Rifle sling . Mounts with paracord to your rifle. Has a quick adjust also.
Controls: For the charging handle look at the BCM Mod 44. I have the Mod 4 which is non-ambi but I like it a lot. Safety selector, I have heard good things about the BAD-ASS. You can choose which levers for each side when you order. BUIS: Magpul MBUS have been tested to be more durable when dropped while attached to a rifle than the metal folding sights(Troy, Diamondhead). Foregrip: I like the Magpul. I use the MVG on my MOE handguard but for a rail you would use the RVG. I use the thumb break grip on the VFG. |
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Flashlight: My favorite long-gun light is the Inforce WMLx. It's 500 lumens with great controls and it only weighs of couple of ounces.
Controls: My rifle has a Magpul/Noveske 60 degree ambi selector. Trust me, after having a short throw, a 90 degree selector doesn't feel right anymore. BUIS: Magpul MBUS are pretty great for both quality and value. Foregrip: BCM foregrips are awesome. They're short, light, and slightly angled. |
Great! Thank you all for your suggestions and recommendations! Much appreciated! I will do more research on slings based on everything you all have told me. As for sights, I'm leaning towards magpul especially because they are a great price. Is there ever a chance of the polymer melting? Or is that with ridiculous rapid fire? I wouldn't see why they would make them if they had the possibility of melting. Just wanna know if you guys have ever heard of it. Also, is this a good sight to use as mains for a long time until I pull the trigger (pun intended  ) on an optic?
P.S. Thanks for the links and welcomes! |
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Quoted:
Hey all. I've been a long time stalker of the site but just recently joined because I finally made my first AR purchase It's a Daniel Defense v5 Tornado. I will post pictures when I go pick it up.
Anyway, I'm posting because I could use any recommendations or advice regarding what I should equip this tool with. Let me give you an idea of what I'm looking at right now so you have a better idea of what I'm looking to use the rifle for. I must add that I am a lefty and bought the "standard" platform. Scope: Leopold VX-R Patrol. Any recommendations on alternatives? I've heard Viper is coming out with a new 1-6x. What kind of experience have you had with these scopes (quality, eye relief, position, glass clarity, ruggedness). I also considered a Burris. I'm concerned with the scope not being well sealed as I've heard some have had issues with this. Dependability is vital, of course. Illuminated is a must with good battery life. Below $800. Mount: Not sure. Flashlight: Looking at Nitecore. I realize Surefire, Streamlight and Fenix are popular. Why? I need something bright with generous throw and good to great battery life. Sling: Magpul MS4. Any recommendations are appreciated. I would like one that is fairly flexible with how I can carry the rifle. At my front with quick acquisition as well as throwing over my back if I'm hiking. Controls: Any ambit controls you recommend? BUS: I'm looking at Diamondhead (steel or polymer) or Magpul. How do you feel about polymer vs steel? I'm not going to be throwing the rifle around but want something I can depend on if I were to need it in a SHTF situation. Foregrip: I'm torn on this. Vertical? LaRue stops? Magpul angled? Unnecessary altogether? Don't want to ad unnecessary weight but would like good wielding. Help. The rail does have a rubber type cover so the "cheese grater" issue is no longer. Anything else that you all can contribute is always appreciated. Thank you in advance!
-J Welcome to the forum. What optic you choose is really dependant on what kind of range you plan on shooting. The 4x ACOG is a great all around optic, but it's pricey. I use Streamlight on my rifle and pistol and they work well for me. I also have a surefire aviator a2 and it's nice. I love VTAC 2 point adjustable slings. BUIS are over thought and overly expensive imo. Remember they are back up sights. I wouldn't worry about them until you have everything else set up. (Unless you plan on holding off to buy an optic, then you'd obviously need iron sights). I prefer plain old vertical fore grips (which seem to be out of fashion now), except when the rifle is supported I like to cup the handgaurds. It's best to see what is most comfortable for you. Try to hold other's rifles if you can and see what you like. Get some pmags and ammo and shoot her! |
Polymer sights will only melt if mounted directly on the gas block. On the rail, no worries. I went with the Magpul MS4 and have been very happy so far. The Battle Arms Development ambi safety selecter (BAD-ASS) is awesome. The BCM model A44 and AXTS Rapter charging handles are well worth the price for the quality you get. For $19 I tried the Tactical Link extended bolt release to see how i liked it and if the gun functioned well with it. I do and it does, so now i plan on switching out to the Phase 5 tactical version which is all one peice rather than a bolt-on. When it came to a light, i chose Streamlight TLR-1HP. 200 lumins and 46,000 candela that throws a tight, intense beam great for long range target identification.
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VX-R Patrol scope "not sealed well"? I would not use Leupold (any model) and that phrase in the same sentence, nor would I for any of the major scope manufacturers. I own, among others, Leupold, Burris, Redfield, Weaver, Bushnell, Bauch & Lomb, Pentax, Zeiss, Kahles, probably left out some. There are reasons to select one brand over another, but integrity of internal seals is not among them.
If you like the Patrol, get it. It will not leak. Among my Leupold scopes is the 3-9x40 version of the VX-R Patrol. The SPR reticle on the 1.25-4x version is better than the TMR on mine. I wish it were offered. As to the comment by one poster about weight, yes a variable scope will weigh a bit more than an ACOG, but is more versatile and has true mil rad turrets and reticle for effective long range shooting with any ammo. The Patrol is just about the lightest 30mm main tube variable scope on the market. |
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Quoted:
Hey all. I've been a long time stalker of the site but just recently joined because I finally made my first AR purchase It's a Daniel Defense v5 Tornado. I will post pictures when I go pick it up.
Anyway, I'm posting because I could use any recommendations or advice regarding what I should equip this tool with. Let me give you an idea of what I'm looking at right now so you have a better idea of what I'm looking to use the rifle for. I must add that I am a lefty and bought the "standard" platform. Scope: Leopold VX-R Patrol. Any recommendations on alternatives? I've heard Viper is coming out with a new 1-6x. What kind of experience have you had with these scopes (quality, eye relief, position, glass clarity, ruggedness). I also considered a Burris. I'm concerned with the scope not being well sealed as I've heard some have had issues with this. Dependability is vital, of course. Illuminated is a must with good battery life. Below $800. Mount: Not sure. Flashlight: Looking at Nitecore. I realize Surefire, Streamlight and Fenix are popular. Why? I need something bright with generous throw and good to great battery life. Sling: Magpul MS4. Any recommendations are appreciated. I would like one that is fairly flexible with how I can carry the rifle. At my front with quick acquisition as well as throwing over my back if I'm hiking. Controls: Any ambit controls you recommend? BUS: I'm looking at Diamondhead (steel or polymer) or Magpul. How do you feel about polymer vs steel? I'm not going to be throwing the rifle around but want something I can depend on if I were to need it in a SHTF situation. Foregrip: I'm torn on this. Vertical? LaRue stops? Magpul angled? Unnecessary altogether? Don't want to ad unnecessary weight but would like good wielding. Help. The rail does have a rubber type cover so the "cheese grater" issue is no longer. Anything else that you all can contribute is always appreciated. Thank you in advance!
-J Im reading your post but still missing the what you are using this rifle for part. Scope: I advise skipping the 1-4x's. You'll end up without a true 1x unless you're spending $$ and you'll most likely have it turned to 4x every time you're at the range anyway so go with a fixed magnification ACOG in that case. I can only assume your mention of flashlight hints towards HD in which case any magnification or looking through a long tube is a bad idea. But this is hard to answer without knowing your true uses and distances you'll be shooting at. Mount: Depends on above as well as your preferred mounting location and cheek weld etc. Light: Surefire because they are worth it. Sling: Very personal preference. I like my Vtac. I like others too. Not expensive enough not to try a few and find what you like best. BUIS: KAC Foregrip: Mostly likely none. But again, personal pref. I like something very small, light and simple. Just enough to give me some bite to pull tight. Here is my simple list for you....plenty of mags (10+ 20 rnds and 10+ 30 rnds). 20 round mags are best for the range in my opinion. An Aimpoint Pro. Some ambi controls if you're a lefty. Whatever sling you choose, maybe even 2 different ones to try then send one back. KAC BUIS. Nothing more till you shoot a bit and decide what suits you best. My favorite rifle after years of different things has standard hardguards, an Aimpoint M4s, a KAC rear sight, Vtac sling and an ALG trigger. Just my 2cents. BigBrakes. |
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I can tell you what I decided on, in the end it is all mission dictated and personal preference.
Optics: Totally depends on intended use. I have an ACOG w/ RDS on top on one rifle and an EoTech EXPS on another (have an old Aimpoint too, just not a fan) Mount: LaRue. Pay for quality out of the gate. No compromise Light: I own Surefire lights (all given to while AD) When I purchase a good light I go Streamlight. I prefer rechargeable power and I have a few of the rechargeables I use regularly, so it seems natural to try their weapon lights. I have several and am very happy. Sling: MS3 fan. Have not tried the BFG or VTAC though Controls: Raptor charging handle. Worth it. BAD-ASS safety lever. I run standard / short. Bad lever (looking to try phase 5 version) (more of a right tool probably) BUIS: I have Magpul and YHM. I like them both. I want to try the KAC ones. With an ACOG, unless you lose or really damage the sight, it is redundant. Foregrip: AFG fan. |
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Lots of great information you all are providing. Thanks again!
As for the scopes "leaking" I wasn't referring to the Leupy but alternatives that I've read have had leakage (Vortex, Burris). That is why I was asking if this was true or not. After reading what you all have told me I think I'm gonna go back to my original intention which was the Aimpoint PRO. If I feel I need magnification I will either buy a magnifier or try out a variable illuminated scope. I'm gonna go for a MS4 and VTAC sling and decide which I like better. I will wait on BUIS. Buy ammo and pmags and shoot the snot out of it 
As for lights... I will either save for a Surefire or settle on an alternative. For mounting the lights, what are the pros and cons of mounting to the bottom of the rail vs the side. Is it 100% personal preference? And if you will be using a bench? For mounting the Aimpoint, should I go with the Larue and be done or is the Daniel Defense just as good? Again, is it just preference? I'm gonna also check out the Phase 5 and B.A.D. A.S.S. And thanks for the picks, they help memo, a novice, get a visual.
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LaRue and DD both make sweet mounts. Where a light is mounted is determined by what you are comfortable with. I personally found mine to be easy to operate at the 6 o'clock position due to the toggle switch being on the back end of the light. A couple side benefits are no snag when slung and with both eyes open sighting through the red dot, my feild of view isn't cluttered.
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Quoted:
Lots of great information you all are providing. Thanks again! As for the scopes "leaking" I wasn't referring to the Leupy but alternatives that I've read have had leakage (Vortex, Burris). That is why I was asking if this was true or not. After reading what you all have told me I think I'm gonna go back to my original intention which was the Aimpoint PRO. If I feel I need magnification I will either buy a magnifier or try out a variable illuminated scope. I'm gonna go for a MS4 and VTAC sling and decide which I like better. I will wait on BUIS. Buy ammo and pmags and shoot the snot out of it
As for lights... I will either save for a Surefire or settle on an alternative. For mounting the lights, what are the pros and cons of mounting to the bottom of the rail vs the side. Is it 100% personal preference? And if you will be using a bench? For mounting the Aimpoint, should I go with the Larue and be done or is the Daniel Defense just as good? Again, is it just preference? I'm gonna also check out the Phase 5 and B.A.D. A.S.S. And thanks for the picks, they help memo, a novice, get a visual. Good choice on the PRO. Those are good sling options, but don't discount the VCAS either. Stick with Surefire for the light, but don't mount it on the bottom. Nobody does that and it's the worst place you could put it. For an Aimpoint mount, stick with a QD LaRue mount. They're proven and they work. QD is a must IMHO. |
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Okay I see. Thanks for the reply! Do you recommend going with a cable button flashlight? I'm looking at Elzetta I don't like cable pressure switches. If you drop your weapon and go to grab it, or in a high stress situation you're more likely to have a negligent light discharge, which is bad. This is what I use. I keep it on the right side of my hand guard so I can accuaite it with my support thumb. http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-69215-Performanceed-Strobing-Tactical/dp/B0077RHY6W/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1422848161&sr=8-4&keywords=Tlr-1s |
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Okay I see. Thanks for the reply! Do you recommend going with a cable button flashlight? I'm looking at Elzetta Get a Surefire Mini Scout and it will come with a push button switch and a remote pressure pad. I prefer the traditional push button switch, but it comes with both so you can try what you like. |
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First, congrats on the rifle. And now for my recommendations.
Scope: If you're planning on using it for HD, I'd probably pick up a red-dot from either Aimpoint or EOTech (personal preference, Aimpoint, long battery life and built like a tank.) Mount: Probably LaRue for either the Leupold you're thinking of mounting or either red-dot. (LaRue's are known for holding zero.) Light: An alternative would be INFORCE WML momentary with an offset mount from Haley Strategic (good for quick target acquisition, with great throw and spill.) Sling: So far I've been fairly comfortable with the VTAC wide padded sling, quick and easy manipulation. Controls: AXTS Raptor CH, definitely a must if you are a lefty. Other than that I can't really advise considering the AR I purchased is fully ambi minus the CH which I replaced. BUIS: Again I can't really advise considering my AR came with a great pair from Knight's Armament. Foregrip: My advice on this is simple, what is your grip style? Thumb over bore, for more control, or something else? Find something minimal that allows you ease of access and quick manipulation of your light and possible laser. |
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Awesome stuff OP. Seems like you've done a fair bit of research yourself.
Lots of great comments on here. I too, as many others, have gone around the world with accessories. And as someone else posted on here, I'm now too back to "as issued" military specifications. I used to have Magpul everything - stock, hand guard, MBUS, vertical grip. I also had a Leupold 1.5-4 power FireDot AR scope. While they're great, they are bulky and take up a lot of room. I've now sold all that junk, and I'm running a stock AR with an Aimpoint Pro. Very similar to this: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Colt_M4_MWS_Carbine_Iraq.jpg It does everything I need it to do. And I've saved up some cash for other things. Something like the above should serve you very well. With the extra cash, purchase bulk ammo and shoot the crap out of it. Something I've found very valuable though is having a good quality sling. Remember that spending more $$$ doesn't mean you can forget the fundamentals. |
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