The AR15 rifle is a popular choice among gun enthusiasts, hunters, and competitive shooters. It’s known for its versatility, reliability, and ease of customization. If you own a stock AR15 and are looking to make some upgrades, you’re in luck. There are countless high-performance parts available that can turn your basic rifle into a top-tier firearm. This guide will walk you through the steps to upgrade your AR15, making it more accurate, reliable, and fun to shoot.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the upgrades, it’s essential to understand the basic components of an AR15. The main parts of the rifle include:
- Upper Receiver: This houses the barrel, handguard, and bolt carrier group.
- Lower Receiver: This includes the trigger group, magazine well, and buttstock.
- Barrel: The part through which the bullet travels.
- Bolt Carrier Group (BCG): This is responsible for loading, firing, and ejecting cartridges.
- Handguard: The part you hold while shooting, which also protects your hands from the hot barrel.
- Trigger: The mechanism you pull to fire the rifle.
- Buttstock: The part that rests against your shoulder.
Each of these components can be upgraded to enhance your rifle’s performance. Let’s look at some high-performance parts that can transform your AR15.
Upgrading the Barrel
The barrel is one of the most crucial parts of your AR15. Upgrading to a high-quality barrel can significantly improve your rifle’s accuracy and longevity. When choosing a barrel, consider the following factors:
- Material: Stainless steel barrels are popular for their accuracy and durability. Chrome-lined barrels offer corrosion resistance and extended barrel life.
- Length: Barrel length affects accuracy and velocity. A 16-inch barrel is a standard choice for general use, while a longer barrel (18-20 inches) can increase accuracy for long-range shooting.
- Twist Rate: This refers to the rate at which the barrel twists the bullet as it travels through. A common twist rate is 1:7, suitable for stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights.
Upgrading the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)
The BCG is another vital component. A high-quality BCG ensures reliable cycling and can handle the rigors of high-volume shooting. When selecting a BCG, consider:
- Material: Look for BCGs made from high-grade steel.
- Coating: Nickel boron or chrome coatings can reduce friction and make cleaning easier.
- Staking: Ensure that the gas key is properly staked to prevent loosening during use.
Enhancing the Trigger
A good trigger can make a significant difference in your shooting experience. A lighter, smoother trigger pull can improve accuracy and control. There are two main types of triggers to consider:
- Single-Stage Trigger: These have a consistent pull weight and are simple to use. Ideal for general shooting.
- Two-Stage Trigger: These have an initial take-up (first stage) followed by a break (second stage). They are preferred by precision shooters for their control.
When upgrading your trigger, look for one with a crisp break and minimal creep.
Customizing the Handguard
The handguard not only provides a place to hold your rifle but also allows you to attach accessories like lights, lasers, and grips. When choosing a handguard, consider:
- Length: Ensure it matches the length of your barrel.
- Weight: A lighter handguard can improve handling.
- Mounting System: M-LOK and KeyMod are popular systems for attaching accessories. Choose one based on your needs and preferences.
Improving the Buttstock
The buttstock affects your comfort and shooting stance. An adjustable stock can improve your rifle’s ergonomics and make it easier to handle. Look for features like:
- Adjustability: The ability to adjust the length of the pull and cheek weld.
- Comfort: Padding and ergonomic design for better shoulder support.
- Storage: Some stocks offer compartments for batteries or small tools.
Optics and Sights
Upgrading your optics can drastically improve your shooting accuracy. Depending on your shooting needs, you might consider:
- Red Dot Sights: Great for quick target acquisition and short to medium ranges.
- Magnified Scopes: Ideal for long-range shooting and precision.
- Iron Sights: Reliable backup sights in case your primary optic fails.
When selecting optics, consider factors like durability, battery life, and clarity.
Upgrading the Muzzle Device
The muzzle device can affect recoil, muzzle rise, and flash suppression. Common types of muzzle devices include:
- Compensators: Reduce muzzle rise, keeping your rifle on target during rapid fire.
- Flash Hiders: Minimize the visible flash when shooting, which can be useful in low-light conditions.
- Muzzle Brakes: Reduce recoil, making the rifle more comfortable to shoot.
Choose a muzzle device based on your shooting style and needs.
Adding Accessories
There are numerous accessories that can enhance your AR15’s performance and usability:
- Grips: A vertical or angled foregrip can improve control and comfort.
- Lights and Lasers: Useful for low-light shooting and target acquisition.
- Slings: A good sling can make carrying and handling your rifle easier.
- Bipods: Provide a stable shooting platform for precision shooting.
Final Considerations
When considering upgrading your AR15, balancing performance with reliability is essential. Also, upgrading to an ergonomic ar 15 mag release, does not only improve the functionality of your firearm but also enhances the ease and speed of magazine changes, crucial for dynamic shooting situations. While high-performance parts can enhance your rifle, ensure that they are compatible and installed correctly. Here are some additional tips:
- Research: Read reviews and watch videos on the parts you’re considering.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the parts you choose are compatible with your specific AR15 model.
- Installation: If you’re not confident in your ability to install the parts, seek help from a professional gunsmith.
- Budget: Upgrades can be expensive, so prioritize the parts that will have the most significant impact on your shooting experience.
Conclusion
Upgrading your AR15 can be a rewarding experience, transforming a stock rifle into a high-performance firearm tailored to your needs. You can enhance your rifle’s accuracy, reliability, and overall performance by carefully selecting and installing high-quality parts. Whether you’re a hunter, competitive shooter, or simply a gun enthusiast, these upgrades can help you get the most out of your AR15. Happy shooting!
