I am still on the learning curve, and for my first AR, which is also a custom build, I deferred to those with experience on what works and what to avoid in regards to aftermarket accessories.
I know it was only the tip of the iceberg, more to point it was only a couple items that I was told to stay away from, and a list of 2 or 3 that those particular consultants recommended depending on what it was (rails, BUIS, grips, stocks, gas blocks, FCG, illumination, optics, etc…)
Anyone willing to make a chart of common aftermarket accessories and upgrades from stock components, structured into strongly recommended [I’d take it into a theater of war], good [Great for competition and heavy shooters ], and OK [Perfect for the 1k or less a year shooter]. Let’s not list anything that falls into “avoid” to keep the pissing contests down.
This would be a user submitted list. Things like “I’ve shot 3k rounds through my rifle and ‘X’ brand is still rock solid”, “Accidently dropped my rifle and ‘X’ item retained zero”, or “‘X’ grip should have broke the way it landed but didn’t”, “‘X’ mags are great, but you need to install ‘Y’ springs or followers”
The first of Nov this year I knew nothing more about an AR other than caliber and they were black.
I had to do a months worth of research to make sure I made the right decision on what to buy, a great deal of hand holding from jonconsiglio (THANK YOU!) walking me through the various options and recommendations for components and accessories.
Had I not had a fellow forum member with the experience, not only would I have ended up with a sub standard rifle, I would have no doubt had it covered in the same sub standard accessories and optics.
We send members from other forums over here to read the AR Comparison chart for this very reason.
There are far more accessories than rifle manufacturers, and would be way to complicated to make a chart for that many things.
Basically, it’s fairy simple.
Best optics: Aimpoint, Trijicon
Best rails: Larue, Daniel Defense, Troy
Best optic mounts: Larue, Daniel Defense
Best slings: Magpul, Vickers BFG, Viking Tactics
Best Stocks: Magpul, Vltor
Now that’s just a basic list, and I did not include all of the best mfg’s. The bottom line is, stick with the proven stuff everyone is using and don’t use some cheap off the wall junk from some company in Taiwan or something.
Life would be easy if everything was in the m4 chart format… Which girls to date chart may help! :sarcastic: Also vehicles, boots, whatever but if you do the research and understand the quality but open micro xcl and make your own and you won’t end up with Tapco or a girl that sucks in the worst sense haaaaa
Why not just list those companies/manufacturers to avoid?? The chart(s) could be purely subjective. They would confirm what others whom are informed already know. Some consumers, no matter what is said on a chart, will just by what they want anyway. People are told “buy a Colt, buy a Larue” yet said person still runs out and buys Oly or Tapco.
Would be a massive, complicated and as I see it a highly unnecessary undertaking. The search function has served me well in this regard and I find you cast a wider net and have many more opinions and reviews to evaluate. How many points of comparison can you find for 3 different makers of Micro aimpoint mounts? Stick with known quality companies, be realistic about your needs and any budget considerations.
A quick search on here and other quality sites will reveal the places to spend your coin. Also, keep in mind your purpose. I have a Condor triple shingle thats going in a 5.11 COVRT Bug Out/In Bag…would I put that on a plate carrier? Nope:)
Once you have identified you want to buy a new part (Optic, stock, rail etc…) you research and narrow down choices for that specific part.
There are far too many options on the market to compile a list and that’s not even considering the attributes each part has. Personal preference plays a huge role in all of this. Different cheek welds on stocks, sizes of pistol grips, rail profiles, etc…
You just have to do the research. Shoot your rifle and identify what your needs are. The more you shoot the easier it is. For example I wanted a quad rail but all I was mounting was a light and vfg, so I just got an MOE handguard and it suits my needs perfectly.