2016 AR Upgrades: Make it Your AR

The AR is still the King; Long Live the King. SHOT 2016 had an impressive array of new products for a variety of firearm platforms, but the AR was still the top dog (although the AK was not far behind). While the 1911 vs Glock debate may rage on, the AR is the quintessential American gun today. And why not? They are affordable, useable, and customizable. So if you don’t have an AR yet, or just bought one and don’t know where to start making changes, here are some out of the box upgrades to consider.

Optics

While iron sights are a great starting point to teach fundamentals and invaluable as a backup, a dual plane sight system is always slower than a single plane. That is why getting either a red dot or a riflescope is always worth the investment.

If you are looking for a red dot, then keep an eye on the Hartmann MH1 which is being brought to market here in the US by CAA. Built by a shooter for shooters, this red dot is packed with one of a kind features. PTT compatible, dual power source (USB rechargeable battery and backup CR123 battery), the largest field of view currently available, and almost completely programmable are the main highlights. The reticle and ergonomics are also superbly designed. While the optic isn’t on the small size, it should fit on just about any platform you can put a picatinny rail on.

If you are looking for a riflescope, these days the world is your oyster. Sig has entered the optics market with force and their riflescopes are nothing to sneeze at. They have quality optics available in both low end magnification ranges and high end magnification ranges with a variety of price points to accommodate most budgets whether you are hunting, precision shooting, or running a 3 gun match. EoTech is another familiar name that is branching out into the riflescope sector. Their Vudu series is launching with 3 models; 1-6x, 2.5-10x, and 3.5-18x. While the models at the show were still prototypes, these scopes look promising and should compete well in the higher end market space.

Lights & Lasers

It is hard to hit what you can’t see, which is why weapon lights and lasers are so useful. But activating your light or laser should be second nature, which several new products are getting closer to achieving.

Crimson Trace LINQ

The Crimson Trace LiNQ system not only makes activation more intuitive, but also does away with the clutter of PTT wires. The AR grip houses the controls and uses a secure, Bluetooth-like, wireless connection to communicate with the rail mountable light/laser module. Even if
the grip communication fails, the light/laser module can be manually operated.

TNVC is also declaring war on PTT wires with their TAPS switch. While technically it was announced last year, the TAPS is finally in production. This switch has 2 buttons and each is programmable for multiple functions. Compatible with Surefire and Steiner cables, users can create a low profile setup that controls all of their electronic accessories from one source. While the switch does use a battery to power the programmable module inside, the TAPS unit would still activate a light or laser if the battery fails.

LaserMax wasn’t as concerned with going wireless but they still were focused on intuitive ergonomics when they designed the Manta Ray. This rail-mounted light can be used with a pressure switch, but has a rubber exterior so that it closely feels/resembles a rail cover panel when mounted on the handguard. Snap it onto the rail (just like you would a rail cover) and you have a comfortable, low profile, rechargeable, adjustable intensity weaponlight.

While I’d like to think that with the right sight and light, you can take on any challenge with an AR, there is no end to how you can set up your rifle. So here are a few other things I think are worth your time and money.

Galco released a single point bungee sling which has a shock-absorbing elasticized synthetic bungee that keeps your rifle close when you drop it to transition to your pistol, but stretches enough to allow you to wield the rifle with the opposite hand. Available in flat dark earth or black, this sling embodies all the quality you’ve come to associate with Galco.

Timney is offering a two-stage trigger for the first time, likely in response to the increasingly popular two-stage CMC and Elftmann triggers. Franklin Armory had some very exciting trigger innovations with their Binary and Release triggers, but unfortunately they are currently only offering those in their own rifles.

Cobalt Kinetics was a name on the tip of everyone’s tongue and not just because of their complete rifles. Their buffer replacement kit, while only available for rifle length systems at this time, is an innovative approach to the age old setup. Their tube is lined with a low friction material and the buffer can be configured with different weight inserts for fine tuning.

While there were more muzzle devices than I could count, one really stood out. “Blast Shields” have become much more common in the last year, in large part due to AR pistols in my opinion. Fortis Manufacturing came out with the Control Blast Diffuser which uses a unique and simple quick detach system. Fortis is freely sharing this QD design so that their diffuser will be cross compatible, although currently only the Fortis brake and Rainier Arms brake are available.

All these products are focused on enhancing the end user’s experience. Just because you bought a factory rifle does not mean that it has to stay that way. Whether you are a “plinker” or a “door kicker”, it’s your AR. There may be many like it, but this one is yours.

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Matt S.

Hi, my name is Matt and I am a Gear Aficionado.I like trying out new gear whether it is a bag, a knife, an optic, or a firearm accessory. I want to know exactly what an item can and can't do or whether it's worth recommending or not. My friends may say I have a problem, but that doesn't stop them from asking for my feedback. Hopefully you do too.