My First AR-15!

[atx2a]

Okay, I finally got my first AR....at least that actually belongs to me. I'm not a fan of major mods and tend to be an "out of the box" kind of guy. That being said, I'm curious what basic accessories you all would suggest for this Ruger AR-556? Sling, light, MAYBE optics?

It is basically for having fun at the range and for defense.

Suggestions?

[Jusme]

Okay, I finally got my first AR....at least that actually belongs to me. I'm not a fan of major mods and tend to be an "out of the box" kind of guy. That being said, I'm curious what basic accessories you all would suggest for this Ruger AR-556? Sling, light, MAYBE optics?

It is basically for having fun at the range and for defense.

Suggestions?

IMG_4353.JPG

I got the exact same AR for my anniversary, also my first, mine came with a sling, scope and bipod, all of which are far from top of the line,, but the only mod I have done is put in a Troy industries drop in handguard. I may get me a magpul angled forgrip, because I didn't feel comfortable with the vertical one my wife's cousin has on his. My next add on will be a red dot, I am still weighing my options, and a light. mine will also be for range shooting and home defense once I feel proficient with the platform. I do have to talk myself down from a lot of cool looking mods that I end up deciding I really don't need. But out of the box with iron sights I am already a fan.

[denwego]

Very very nice! I too am a basic-is-better AR person. I put a Magpul collapsable stock and a Magpul mid-length handguard on mine, but otherwise mine looks and acts just like yours, I bet. Most people use some sort of optic, obviously, but to me, I can't imagine using anything other than irons on any rifle which is, at its core, a US military rifle... no more on a basic AR than a Garand, at least for me.

One sling-ish accessory I can recommend heartily is this: https://www.magpul.com/products/firearm ... ts/asap-qd
It's a quick-detach mount which replaces the standard end plate, if you're looking for a very convenient way to use a one-point sling without slathering a good basic AR with rails and rail adapters.

[LTCTLB]

Call me jealous...I want one, but being forced to wait it out. Hopefully by September.

[C-dub]

Congratulations atx2a!

For the purposes listed, range and defense, there will probably be only one modification needed. You might want to change the hand guards to some type of rail system that would allow you to mount a light. If you want to do that you will then want to put a light on it and maybe some kind of sight that will allow you to see what you're aiming at in the dark or very low light.

Regarding a sling: Unless you're planning to get into three-gun matches or other events that would allow you to use the sling I would say that it is something that will only be in the way. I got a sling for mine with the intention of doing three-gun matches or something like that. However, the only one I've entered did not allow the carbine to be carried with a sling before or after firing the carbine. I left it one at home for a while, but eventually took it off because it was just in the way. If I was going to use it for home defense it took too long to get on properly and even longer at night in the dark.

[Bitter Clinger]

I carry my AR with a single point sling for tactical training, super easy to take on / off and you need a sling when transitioning to pistol.

A 1X red dot will provide much faster target acquisition in CQB training. Irons are good to learn on but have become back ups only for my purposes.

A holographic optic with a BDC reticle will allow you to shoot out for hundreds of yards accurately simply holding over.

Take some time to just run like it is out of the box. Over time you will come to find what works for you and your own individual preferences.

We need TAM to invite us all to ETTS for a tactical carbine outing!

[atx2a]

TOTALLY buying one of these: http://www.tacticalgearjunkie.com/diamo ... it-cannon/

[C-dub]

TOTALLY buying one of these: http://www.tacticalgearjunkie.com/diamo ... it-cannon/

And so it begins.

[Pawpaw]

The absolute #1 best mod you can do to almost any AR is to replace the trigger group. That will give you a smoother and more consistent pull, greatly increasing your accuracy.

Assuming you don't want to spend $150 or more for a new trigger, you should take a look at ALG Defense triggers. Their ACT trigger has been highly recommended by many.

[rob777]

I recently picked up a Ruger AR556 (my 2nd AR)
Added sling mounts. Mine only came with 1 on the stock. Added one up front and one in the middle.
Added a sling; can be used as a 1 or 2 point
Already had an extra red dot waiting for a gun so easy add-on

[Jusme]

TOTALLY buying one of these: http://www.tacticalgearjunkie.com/diamo ... it-cannon/

Thanks a lot atx2a!! I was almost over my "I really want one of those too" phase and here ya go messin' with my mind again!!

[The Annoyed Man]

I carry my AR with a single point sling for tactical training, super easy to take on / off and you need a sling when transitioning to pistol.

A 1X red dot will provide much faster target acquisition in CQB training. Irons are good to learn on but have become back ups only for my purposes.

A holographic optic with a BDC reticle will allow you to shoot out for hundreds of yards accurately simply holding over.

Take some time to just run like it is out of the box. Over time you will come to find what works for you and your own individual preferences.

We need TAM to invite us all to ETTS for a tactical carbine outing!

Indeed!

I have recently expanded the capabilities of my favorite AR by adding a 10.5" SBR upper in .300 Blackout. I like the 4x32 ACOG for the 5.56 NATO upper, and the Aimpoint T2 Micro for my SBR. Either would be great additions to your Ruger, but I fear the ACOG costs more than the rifle, and the Aimpoint nearly as much. However, there are less expensive alternatives in both an "ACOG-like" optic and a micro red dot sight. Here's a random list of a few less expensive optics I've considered before:

"ACOG-like":

• Lucid P7 Combat Optic: 4X with illuminated BDC reticle, MSRP $439, $350 on Amazon.com.
• Burris AR-536: 5X with illuminated BDC reticle, MSRP $479, $399 at SWFA. There is also a 3X version called the AR-332 that sells for something less than that.
• Primary Arms ACSS 3X Prism Scope: MSRP $259, I don't think you can beat that price unless you buy used. It is essentially a rip-off of the Burris AR-332....even in the reticle.

"Aimpoint Micro-like":

• Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot, MSRP: $169.99. They sell direct, so you can't beat the price.
• Holosun Micro Red Dot: $169.99 to $349.99 depending on features.
• Vortex Strikefire II: MSRP $239, $179.99 at SWFA

[bulletslap]

What every AR needs first is half a dozen quality magazines and couple thousand rounds of good ammo :)

[The Annoyed Man]

What every AR needs first is half a dozen quality magazines and couple thousand rounds of good ammo :)

You're wrong......it needs a full dozen magazines and a thousand rounds.....

[C-dub]

What every AR needs first is half a dozen quality magazines and couple thousand rounds of good ammo :)

You're wrong......it needs a full dozen magazines and a thousand rounds.....