First AR-15
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You are currently reading a thread in /k/ - Weapons
You are currently reading a thread in /k/ - Weapons
I'm getting my first AR-15 today as it is my birthday. I have a general idea as to what I want to do with it but I'm curious if there's any absolute essentials I should have for the rifle.
I've been around weapons all my life, I currently have two .22 rifles and one handgun stored away in my room, so this would be my first intermediate-caliber weapon. I'm looking more for suggestions and what /k/ommandos think are essential for an AR platform. Pic related, but I'm not sure if this is the rifle I'm getting.
>>30164803
>absolute essentials
Do you mean accessories or do you mean essential to the AR build itself?
>>30164808
Accessories, sorry for lack of specifics
4 Things:
A sighting system of some type. This could be a red dot, scope, or just irons, tho ide recommend something other then buis for this
A good white light and mount. If the rifle is going to have even the possibility of defensive use, it needs this.
Good mags, at least 6.
Ammo.
>>30164824
In that case:
>Flip up irons if your base model doesn't have a set/only has the front post (can't aim without some kind of sight and irons never die)
>3-4 Pmags (magpul/lancer are generally to go to)
>Sling (double or single, depending on preference)
Those are the only real "essentials" for a base build. If you ever have to actually use your rifle outside of the range, those will prove invaluable. I would obviously recommend some kind of optic, however irons should come first and then act as your fall back once you put on something else. For budget, I'd recommend a PA micro red dot or a Vortex StrikeFire II red dot. They'll do the job reliably for a good price. Longer range/magnified optics have too many to list.
>>30164803
Knowledge. Every brand has it's quirks, know if the buffer tube mil spec or commercial, if the bcg is full auto or not, and if the receiver is otherwise mil spec or some bastardization. Also helps to know what barrel and gas system you want before you walk into the store to buy it.
>>30164803
Iron sights if it doesn't come with any. At least 6 magazines, Magpuls not Tapco. A sling, two point is good to start. Cleaning kit and gun oil. Rifle bag.
>>30164840
>>30164835
With the optic, what's your opinion on TruGlo red dots? I have one for the .22 rifles mentioned
>Cheap and reliable
>Sturdy and tough as far as I can tell for the price
>Easy to replace batteries, easy to clean, and easy to sight in
Question is, should I keep on my .22 for plinking or will it suffice for an AR build?
Dont over do it tho. Think about what you want the rifle to be, dont try to make a do all gun. Youll end up with a very expensive and heavy rifle thats not good for much.
>>30164862
Ide keep it on the 22. For a 556 you want something a little tougher, or at least ide recommend it. Depending on your budget, look at Primary Arms, Vortex, and maby Aimpoing (used deals or sales) for a red dot or prisim scope.
>>30164863
>>30164863
It's just going to be my entry level AR I plan on keeping and caring for for some time to come
>>30164871
>aimpoing
* i meant Aimpoint. They run sales on the ACO and RCO now and then, or look for a used one on arfcom. Thats a good place to scout for light used parts. Most of the dudes on there take good care of there stuff (never use it)
>>30164862
Like >>30164871 said, I'd leave that with the .22. The suggestions this anon said and the specific models I listed here >>30164840 are good choices and can serve as good, reliable placeholders until (if you want) you find something higher end.
>>30164874
Know what brands your looking at?
>>30164875
I was thinking about an Aimpoint. I've never used one though nor handled one. I'll check one out on Monday at the range I help out at
inb4 "Why don't you ask the range guys these questions???"
>>30164884
S&W M&P Sport 2
>>30164901
>S&W M&P Sport 2
That's a solid base option. Other options (if you're looking for bare-bones models for you to make into what you want) would be Bear Creek Arsenal stock builds (just over $500) or alternatively Core15 base models (prices vary. I live near their HQ in FL and all of their stuff I've ever handled and shot has been great at a great price).
>>30164901
good rifle.
aimpoints are nice for the money, but the other main budget choices ppl have recommended are catching up, especially some of the newer holosun offerings.
>>30164920
>>30164882
I'm probably going to stay loyal and purchase a red dot from the range mentioned before. Fuckers could use the money.
>>30164918
Not my money, which is probably going to prove problematic. My family never let me down with what I wanted before though. Odds are it's going to be the Sport 2
>>30164938
>a red dot
They have EOTechs, a few Aimpoints, and I think some other miscellaneous brands. If there's nothing appealing there I'll definitely try some of the places mentioned in this thread
>>30164938
Nothing wrong with what you've described, so it sounds like you'll end up just fine anon; sport 2s are good rifles. Make sure you take care of the essentials before you dive into the extras, because it gets expensive.
Most importantly of all: buy at least the same dollar worth of ammo for whatever accessories you're wanting to slap on it. No point in having the best everything if you never learned to shoot well without it.
Good gear makes a good rifle, but only a good marksman can make good use of it. Practice practice practice m8.
>>30164954
Good advice I'll keep in mind for sure
>it gets expensive
Don't need to tell me twice. The clearance lights we sell at the range still push $230
>>30164976
>$230
That's about as cheap as they'll get when it comes to optics. Pretty much anything under $150 (with few exceptions such as the PA offerings) is usually garbage. Vortex is my go-to recommendation for low tier but still good quality optics. If you do end up getting an Aimpoint then great, they're good sights, just expensive.
Be sure to post whenever you get your rifle in and let us know how you like it. You'll probably get the normal trolls with the
>nice blog fgt
posts, but it's always nice to see an anon get his first AR.
Bushnell trs-25 any good?
>>30164998
Will do anon
>>30164998
>>30164954
>>30164918
>>30164882
>>30164855
>>30164849
>>30164840
>>30164835
It's nice having a civil discussion on this site. Thanks for the input once again to you guys. Sorry if I came off like a newfag, this is one of the few time's I've posted on /k/
>>30165029
>It's nice having a civil discussion on this site.
You were smart (or lucky) and posted at night when day/k/are is offline. Night /k/ is still alright for the most part. Nothing wrong with asking questions or being new, as long as you're not a dick about it (which you weren't). Best of luck with setting up your rifle and I hope you like it when you get your hands on it.
>>30165024
If you want an optic just to have something other than irons, sure, but it's pretty crappy honestly. I wouldn't use it on an AR.
>>30165024
It's pretty good. It's a simple red dot, and does the job. If you're gonna put it on an AR, get the UTG medium riser mount so it'll cowitness with your back up sights.
>>30165029
OH YEAH?! WELL YOU'RE A DORK!
I BET YOU'RE NOT VEGAN!!!!
There you go.
>>30165029
good luck anon
>>30164803
>Solid light and mount
>back up irons
Thats all you really need
>He's a Gemini
>>30165045
Isn't utg shit parts?
I see their scopes on sale, and hey have a lot of good reviews.
What gives?
>>30164835
You should include "sling"
>>30164862
If you're destitute poor and like red dots. Bushnell trs-25 for about $80
Then primary arms stuff from $100-$200
Then vortex or a used comp m2/m4 for $300-$400
Then aimpoint pro at $400. No need to drop more than that on a damn zero mag optic.
>>30165874
I'm probably going to roll with an Aimpoint when I have the cash
>>30164803
if you want to use it for self defence then a sling, red dot sight and a light, along with good mags and lots of ammo
a rifle without a sling is like a handgun without a holster
>all these fags telling you to buy magpul
Aluminum mags are fine. Get at least ten, also order a case of ammo online right right now. Primary arms red dot, of whichever style, will hold you over until you decide you need an aimpoint.
>>30166926
you can get either for $99/10 from Brownells, aluminium is fine but get ones with enhanced followers, bad mags is one of the top reasons for AR stoppages
