I have a Colt HBar and a M&P 15T that I would like to upgrade on a budget. What I mean my upgrade is change things that help functionality and long term usage (not in to gadgets) . Things like do you upgrade the Bolt to Chrome, things that prolong life, do you upgrade parts with in the bolt, etc.
I also am looking to use a dot and magnifier (buy I can not afford $900 bucks with 3 kids in college). I have an old Bushnell Holographic Sight and a Redfield 2x7 installed. Suggestions?
I am using 3 gun matches to learn to use the AR (Pistol Shooter for 30 years) an are a no frills kind of guy. I have ordered the Magpul video to help with drills.
Everyone has their own favorite set-up as far as parts go and this is something you will learn by either buying and trying or by shooting other guys’ setups to see what you like and dislike.
The biggest thing I would do at this point is to check you bolt carrier groups to make sure they are done right. If they are rock on, if not get a DD/LMT (FA one)/BCM and go from there.
As far as the optic goes, get an Aimpoint without the magnifier or a good 1-4X or 1-6X. Don’t skimp on optics! If you cannot afford a quality optic I would say use iron sights until you can.
Next, get a good sling like a VCAS and start shooting.
In my humblest of opinions, everything else is secondary. You can also change grips, stocks, hand guards and shit like that as you go, but these are the things I would pay attention to.
About 2k thru each. Had to replace rings in Colt and had wrong buffer on collapsible stock. Holographic sight on M&P which I like that style dot and RedField $150 2 by 7 on Colt which seems to work fine. Last three gun had 2 & 300 shots which I made fine. Got a Magpul 2 point sling which I like the concept on being able to flick safety and drop infront of you to get to pistol.
I assume that you have ammo (at least 1000 rounds) and the spare parts that Grant mentioned. I echo the H2 buffer for the S&W.
The upgrades that I’d get are an Aimpoint T1 or H1, Surefire X300 light, and a good sling (either Vickers or VTAC). After those, you should look at a stock and BCM charging handle.
At this stage, Why don’t you just concentrate learning the weapon and start working on malfunction drills and the like. I’m guessing that nothing is “wrong” with the weapons as they are? Save your money for the items that you’ll get the most value from. In your case, with 3-gun and all, that would be quality optics.
Go shoot the matches as they are. Man is plagued by “if only…”
The “upgrades” or changes you need to make will reveal themselves immediately. Do not be swayed by “oh that guy beat me and he has X so I better buy X”. Figure out WHY he has X and WHY that helps him beat you, and if the downsides of X are worth the trade off for YOU.
and don’t let anyone talk you out of competition shooting with their own fears, phobias, and reservations.
"I have also been heavily involved in competition shooting with pistols, rifles, carbines, and shotguns. This competition experience has helped to make me a better-rounded tactical shooter."
-SGM Kyle E. Lamb (RET)
I recently also trained with a former compatriot of Lamb’s, Pat McNamara, and his sentiments were identical. I have his book around here somewhere too and if I could put hands on it right now I’d share a similar quote from him. We call this a “clue”.
I’d upgrade to an aimpoint and worry about the magnifier later.
I have 3x. They’re nice to have every now and then, but add weight to the gun. Mine is on the standard twistmount and most of the time sit’s in a pouch when I shoot.
Same for the lights. Don’t get me wrong I own a couple just in case. But then again, I don’t need them except on the nightstand gun.
Shoot first, upgrade as needed. When you do buy something for an upgrade, buy QUALITY or you will be buying again and again and again…
If no cash for quality, save up until you do have the cash. I am one of those “bought before I knew” and thankfully I didn’t go crazy but I am researching and now buying “informed” (thanks to M4C and all who post here).
Good luck.
Colt- should have the gold extractor spring. They are good. I switched mine out to the 5 coil sprinco extractor spring. $3 part. Female dog to put in, but bomber and positive extraction for the life of the gun. A sprinco “White” standard power action spring for the simple reason, you don’t have to replace it as often. Geissele triggers are slick if you have the money. Ensure you have the H buffer.
As the highly knowleadgable Grant said, M&P is over gassed so get a H2 buffer and a Sprinco “Blue” spring (about 15% more tension).
Blue Force Vickers sling.
SOPMOD or VLTOR EMOD stock, because cheek rests are the shheeeaaat.
Spring kits- $20
Trigger-$150
Stock- $100-190
Sling-$50ish