Making modifications and upgrades to your AR-15 can be fun and exciting. Whether you are doing it to increase your ability during competitions or just because you think an upgrade looks cool, it can be difficult discerning which ones are worth the effort. Some upgrades are more complicated than others. Sometimes, you do not have the time and energy needed to complete an upgrade or modification. Some upgrades like changing your AR barrel can add a lot of value to your build but requires a few special tools and a little more work. This article will show you some of the easiest upgrades that you can make. Check out these 5 easy AR-15 upgrades anyone can make without stressing out. Choose only one or choose to do them all; either way, you are sure to be pleased.
Enlarged Trigger Guards
Ensuring the trigger does not accidentally go off is one of the most important responsibilities any gunowner has. An enlarged trigger guard can give you the confidence needed to continue practicing and competing with your AR-15. Furthermore, an enlarged trigger guard can assist in protecting the trigger and the rest of the gun from unneeded exposure to dust and debris. This can keep your weapon functional for years to come; who does not want that? By spending an extra $20 or so on the trigger guard, you are really saving yourself time, energy, and money later down the road.
Magazine Releases
Another important thing to keep in mind when upgrading your AR-15 is how your magazine release works. Is it ambidextrous? Is it extended? Either or both options can be beneficial and make your sharpshooting experience better and more accurate. Some magazine releases are microscopic, making reloading a chore. If you are in competition mode or if you are in a place of needing to protect yourself, time is of the essence, so you do not have time to fool with a small magazine release that you cannot find. Having a larger magazine release can make the reloading process faster and smoother. The icing on the cake is that you can choose your own style of magazine release with assorted colors and designs. The options are endless.
Backup Sights
When seeking a backup sight, you want to keep in mind what your intended use is. There are different sights for different things, so letting your dealer know what you are going to be using the backup sight for so they can help determine the best one for your needs. Backup front sights serve you in the event your red dot or regular scope fails. If you prefer not to have an extra item cluttering the top of your rifle, you may opt for a backup rear sight. These can fold down and be out of sight, out of mind. You only must worry about pulling them out in the event your original sight fails. Trust us, you will not regret having a backup sight; if you need it and you, have it, you will be set to continue shooting. If you need it and you did not do this simple upgrade, you will regret it and have a struggle on your hands. Backup sights can range in price from as cheap as $38 to as expensive as $180. It all depends on what you are looking for and what you like.
Ambidextrous Safety Selectors
Safety, safety, safety. You cannot work with firearms and not be aware of safety. Safety is key in protecting those around you while also having the ability to protect them from dangerous adversaries in the event of an emergency. To do this with as much ease as possible without hindering your ability to use your firearm if needed, things like ambidextrous safety selectors are on the market. If you are left-handed, an ambidextrous safety selector will make it easier for you. If you are right-handed, it gives you more options to smoothly disengage quickly and easily on either side.
This can come in handy in situations where you need the most time management. These selectors can range anywhere from $12 to $100, depending on the style and design you choose. Why make an upgrade to your AR that you do not love? Look for a selector that feels good to your fingers and feels natural. The more you like it, the safer you will be and the quicker you will be able to disengage.
Stocks
Finally, you cannot talk about AR-15 upgrades without considering the stock. Stock mods can help you better absorb the recoil from your weapon and increase your comfort and precision. They have extendable stocks for competitors to adjust the weapon to rest differently against you depending on your situation. They also make stocks that are ambidextrous in the event you need the weapon for self-defense and need to be able to immediately use the weapon after picking it up. No matter your needs, there is a stock for you.
Do you want your stock to blend to your person? You can choose a short stock or one that collapses. Whatever your needs, there will be a stock to fulfill them. You may want to talk with your local gun dealer about your intended use and even test out some stocks in store. This will give you a feel for what is available before purchasing a stock willy nilly. The price range for these is wide, ranging from $40 up to $400. It all depends on what you want, what you need, and what you feel comfortable with. The choices are endless!
Conclusion
There you have it; 5 easy upgrades you can make to your ar-15. Some may have a larger price than others, but each upgrade will increase the ease with which you use your firearm. Increase your stability, speed, and reliability by making upgrades that suit your needs. Talk with other marksmen to see what works for them, test different things out, and decide what changes will increase your precision on and off the range. Take your time, do your research, and you will be building the best weapon for you and your needs in no time.