Quoted: All, Just registered to this site after lurking for a while. Welcome aboard! Allow me to introduce myself.  I am an active duty AF Member in FL.  I finally decided to get an AR for several reasons.  One, primarially to have a weapon much like I would be issued.  Since I cant have a 16  (not in my budget) the AR will make a suitable fill-in.  I also bought it to help a friend.  He is doing home renovation and needed some $$$. It is a pre-ban SGW lower with a A2 HBAR upper.  1:9 barrel.  It has the Trijicon reflex II sight on the "gooseneck" mount.  It is the triangle sight. I have a few questions on accessories and about the AR in general. 1.  Where can one find suitable pipe cleaners to clean the gas tube?  Does anyone have a better way to clean it?If I want to clean the gas tube, I just use a spray cleaner, usually carb cleaner. 2.  One of the coolest things I ever remember seeing on a AR (and can't find now) is someone found a way to mount a M-60 bipod and I think flash hider on the end of the barrel.  Does anyone know where I could possibly find this setup? No idea. 3.  Do any of yall have any recomendations on the extended bolt carrier release latches?I don't like them because they can have greater odds of catching on things. 4.  Is/Has anyone used the Pearce Grip adaptor for the AR (the one that simulates the M1911 grip)?IMO the Houge grip is the best grip around for an AR. It's not a 1911 style though. 5.  I have seen buttstocks that hold a 30 round magazine from Cabellas.  Are these any good?  Have any of you used them?  What would be better, this stock or the Blackhawk strap on mag pouch?User preference. I don't like extra items hanging on the rifle. 6.  Rifle buttstock lead weight...is it worth it?  How much does it affect recoil?  Does it make the rifle too heavy?You need to decide what you want to use the rifle for, before deciding on this issue. It definitely increases the weight. 7.  Brit SA80 mags.  I have heard that some may not fit in AR rifles.  Is this correct?I've seen issues with the slot for the mag catch not being in the correct place. I stick with USGI mags. Thank you for the help.  I am happy to be here and a contributing member.

Thanks for your service and welcome to AR15.com, we're happy to have you.

I'm no expert but here goes


1. Where can one find suitable pipe cleaners to clean the gas tube? Does anyone have a better way to clean it?

Don't use 'em. I don't think you need to do that

2. One of the coolest things I ever remember seeing on a AR (and can't find now) is someone found a way to mount a M-60 bipod and I think flash hider on the end of the barrel. Does anyone know where I could possibly find this setup?

Got me!

3. Do any of yall have any recomendations on the extended bolt carrier release latches?

Someone here has partially convinced me that using the charging handle, like slingshotting a pistol slide, is the better way to go. In any event I'd think they'd be more of a pain in the butt then they are worth-just whack it with the whole palm of your hand if you don't want to try the charging handle thing

4. Is/Has anyone used the Pearce Grip adaptor for the AR (the one that simulates the M1911 grip)?


Don't know

5. I have seen buttstocks that hold a 30 round magazine from Cabellas. Are these any good? Have any of you used them? What would be better, this stock or the Blackhawk strap on mag pouch?

Never used them, I'd go with the CQB sling/mag pouch system instead.

Oh not that you asked but Comp tac makes a nice kydex 20 round mag holster that goes on your belt like a pistol holster.

6. Rifle buttstock lead weight...is it worth it? How much does it affect recoil? Does it make the rifle too heavy?

Never did that, maybe those are for competition?

7. Brit SA80 mags. I have heard that some may not fit in AR rifles. Is this correct?

Far as I know they work fine-heavy and they rust, but some people like em 'cause they are steel.

Schuetzen Gun Works (the name of the company before it became Olympic Arms).

Warpusher,

Honestly, most of the parts you are referring to aren't very popular modifications for the folks here.  Folks that buy their first AR often fall prey to a lot of gimmicky accessories, which usually end up in a box in the garage somewhere after a short period of use.

What I strongly suggest is that you figure out what style of shooting you plan to do.  For example, the lead stock weight is used by Service Rifle match shooters to help stabilize their rifles on the range.  They also often add lead weights to the handguards (these rifles must LOOK like stock M16A2s), and they use very heavy match barrels.  But these guns aren't designed to be carried or pointed quickly; they live on the firing line at the range.

The rifle you have is a carbine (a shorter version of a rifle).  Carbines are usually used as CQB/MOUT type weapons, engaging multiple targets from ranging from a few feet out to 150m or so.  Most folks would prefer a light rifle, often a collapsable stock to allow adjustment with body armor or for shorter-statured shooters, and a CQB-style optic such as an AimPoint (M68 CCO) or EOTech.  You probably would not want the "spare mag" stock, and almost certainly not the extended bolt release.  You will want a good sling and probably some side-sling adapters.  A weapon light is a very good idea, as most gun-related incidents in the civilian world are at night, and you MUST know what you are shooting at.  A vertical forward grip is a very valuable accessory as well.  Today, the preferred way to mount these accessories is on a free-floating railed handguard.

The best advice I can give you, though, is to put your credit card away for a month or so and READ a LOT here.  Most of the forums have the most-asked questions (along with the answers) tacked to the top of the forum.  Read all of the relevant links.  Do a search on anything you can't find answers to, and read those posts.  If you still can't find the answer, then post your question and you will get the answers you need.

Welcome aboard and thanks for your service.

-Troy