Customizing Your AR-15
So, you have your upper, lower receivers and all the basics. Now, it’s time to customize…
Sling Attachments
Standard sling attachments are not always ideal because they are located at the bottom of the rifle. With a collapsible buttstock (moving the rear sling mount to the side), you will want to place an M4 side attachment for the front sling mount. This attachment slips between the barrel and the front sight base and moves the sling mount to the side. An alternative is the “paper clip” style sling clip that attaches to your front sight.
AR-15 Magazines
A good supply of 30-round GI aluminum magazines is necessary. Plastic magazines are also usable, but the GI aluminum magazines are more widely available, more reliable and less expensive. The 30-round capacity is a better choice than a 5, 10, 20 or 40 (prone to jamming) magazines. The 20-round magazine is popular because they do not interfere with shooting in the prone position or from a bench. Suggestion: stock up on 20- and 30-round magazines.
Check Head Down Products for more information on magazines.
Iron Sights
The AR-15s iron sights are its primary sighting system. When optical sights, lasers and other aiming devices fail, the iron sights are always there to fall back on. Iron sights are also quicker to acquire and offer a greater field of view than most alternatives. Stay away from a rifle with detachable iron sights that can get lost.
The A2 sights appear to be superior to the original A1 style and allow for easy windage and elevation adjustments. Calibrate your A2 sights for adjusting range. Zero your rifle for 300 meters and you can dial in the range up to 800 meters (the bullet’s flat trajectory will require no adjustments from 0-300 meters). This ability to adjust sights is important in the event the sights lose their adjustment.
Check Head Down Products for more information on iron sights.
In my next post, I will give you ideas on more ways you can customize your AR-15. In the meantime, feel free to call or email me with questions or comments…
