Probably no other weapon has been so hated and adored at the same time as the AR-15. With its popularity and widespread – also came the dark side. Many people dispute AR-15 because of the frequent shootings in the US. However, responsible fans of this ‘beauty’ know they should not abuse it. Many owners customize it, so they can use it for different purposes – from hunting to home defense. So, if you were thinking about customizing, here are some tips you might find useful.
History and Characteristics of the AR-15
You won’t find any weapon fans or collectors that haven’t heard of the famous AR-15. This semi-automatic rifle is considered one of the masterpieces of American production – and today, it is popular and widely distributed in the US and also other parts of the world. Although its purpose was originally for the military because it is a so-called small-caliber assault rifle – AR-15 has undergone certain changes over time. First of all, these changes related to the caliber – but also to the use of aluminum alloys in its production. That’s what’s made this rifle significantly easier to handle. Also, the rifle cartridge capacity was increased, which made this weapon far more powerful than in its original version. That way, we got the rifle made of super-light alloys that could be worn around the neck – and it could be easily controlled.
These changes in design took place until the 60s of the last century. After that, only minor changes would follow, most often through modification – that is, in customizing this rifle for particular purposes.
Controversy That Has Followed the AR-15
During the 70s of the last century, the AR-15 came into focus due to the great controversy it caused. Namely, with the popularity and spread of this weapon, the group of opponents has also grown. They consider this type of weapon undesirable for civilian use. We can say that, in a certain sense, it is still the case today – especially in the past few years, due to the frequent mass shootings in the US. However, true fans will not engage in abuse – and also, in the wrong hands, even a slingshot can be a deadly weapon. Therefore, this controversy is left to the legal regulation – as well as the moral codes of the owners of this weaponry.
Today’s Appearance of the AR-15
From the 60s and 70s until today, this rifle has not changed significantly. Its basic assembly consists of an upper and a lower receiver. The upper receiver has a shutter to which you fix the barrel from the front. The lower receiver, on the other hand, contains the trigger group, the handle, and the frame holder. Also, on the back side, it carries a tubular container with a shutter spring and a stock. We can say that this assembly is more than simple. You can visit here and you’ll see that regarding the replacement of parts and customizing – this rifle is also very suitable. That is also the key to its great popularity today.
However, we must emphasize the difference between the civil and sporting purposes of the AR-15 in semi-automatic operation mode from the official version. Although there are visual similarities with the automatic version – they are practically and legally completely different categories of weapons.
Do You Want To Customize It? Here’s What You Can Do!
Most rifle fans say that the AR-15 is a toy for adults. It’s almost like Lego. You can assemble it, unfold it, finish it, and customize it for various purposes. Even in markets outside the US, can customize and market almost every part of the rifle to particular, individual requirements. It is impossible to enumerate all the configurations that can be put together, so we will only give a few suggestions.
1. Customized Rifle Stock
It is incredible how many stories there are among fans about the impact of the stock on the accuracy, shooting efficiency, quick response, and comfort of use. If you want to customize the rifle stock on your AR-15, we can say you have many options. First, there are well-known manufacturers like Strike industries or Magpul that offer you top-quality parts. On the other hand, it is also important what exactly you want – because there are many types of stocks. You can choose fixed or folding, or adjustable ones. Each style has its pros and cons, but also its purpose – so make your decision accordingly.
2. Barrel
We don’t have to say much about the barrel having a big impact. It is only important to adapt it to the purpose. For example, if your AR-15 will serve as a hunting rifle for longer distances – a longer barrel is a completely logical choice. Many people are in a dilemma because the barrel can be from 4.5 to 26 inches. Therefore, it may be good to opt for a medium solution such as a 16-inch barrel, which can be quite OK for this purpose. On the other hand, if you’re going to use your AR-15 for home defense – a shorter barrel is a far better choice.
3. Additional Trigger
For experts and fans of this rifle, it is clear that this is an important detail. Namely, a good additional trigger will guarantee you functional shooting that goes smoothly and without jamming. That certainly doesn’t mean that the existing trigger on the AR-15 is poorly made. On the contrary, it will be excellent for you in most cases. However, if you want a high-performance rifle – then you will think about customization.
4. Customize Scope According to Your Needs
For most owners, scopes are some of the most important parts that are often customized. However, here you need to be clear about what you will use this rifle for. Will it be used for hunting or home defense? Depending on that, you will choose a different range of sights and scopes. Of course, for those who are passionate fans, today we can find a wide offer and buy holographic sights, or those with a red dot, etc.
The Bottom Line
These are just a few of the items you can customize on your AR-15. Of course, there are many other things too. However, the things we mentioned above are the most common among the owner’s requests. Once you customize the rifle to fit your unique needs and purpose – then that’s it! Such a rifle is only yours, and you are already developing a special bond because you have invested time and effort into it. Just always keep in mind that it should serve a purpose and not be misused.
