The AR-15 has proven to be an enduringly popular weapon platform, due in part to the adoption of the M16 by the U.S. military as well as to the uniquely modular nature of the design. Combining terrific performance with a nearly unending list of available upgrades and enhancements, it should come as no surprise that the AR is one of today’s most popular platforms. Read on to see Black Guns magazine’s selection of the top 10 accessories for the AR available today.
BRAVO COMPANY BCMGUNFIGHTER VERTICAL GRIP
Bravo Company’s BCMGunfighter Vertical Grip mounts at a forward angle to increase the forearm’s rigidity while providing a more natural wrist angle. The grip’s flat sides supply better yaw control during firing and non-firing manipulations and feature aggressive texturing. A hinged trap door offers plenty of storage inside the grip with a water-resistant rubber gasket. Reversible clamps allow the user to set up fasteners on either side, and a spring-loaded clamp makes installation and removal easier. The BCMGunfighter Vertical Grip is available in black, Flat Dark Earth and foliage green. Suggested retail is $50. (bravocompanyusa.com; 877-272-8626)
BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE M30-A
Black Rain Ordnance’s M30-A suppressor is well balanced for handling 6mm and 6.5mm cartridges, and loads from 300 Blackout to .300 Win Mag. Like all of Black Rain’s suppressors, accuracy and quality are never compromised in the M30-A, which delivers exceptional sound and recoil reduction with reliable accuracy performance. The M30A suppressor has an overall length of 8.5 inches, a diameter of 1.5 inches and a weight of 28 ounces. Its noise reduction is rated at 25 to 29 decibels. Suggested retail is $999. (blackrainordnance.com; 888-836-2620)
BLACKHEART INTERNATIONAL QUICK-ADJUST WEAPON SLING
Blackheart International’s new BHI quick-adjust rifle sling is constructed of heavy-duty, 1.25-inch-wide nylon webbing for enhanced weight distribution. The sling comes with a long, comfortable shoulder pad and has a maximum length of 82 inches. The BH-000-009-BK comes without swivels so the strap can be swapped between rifles with QD or conventional strap swivels. By simply pulling the adjustment strap with the support hand, the sling can instantly transition the firearm from “loose carry” to a solid, tight-to-the-body shooting position, or anywhere in between. By lifting the strap’s upper rucksack-style buckle, the sling length can just as quickly be made longer. Suggested retail starts at $23.75. (bhigear.com; 877-244-8166)
CHIAPPA M4-22 UPPER CONVERSION KIT
Chiappa Firearms’ M4-22 Upper Conversion Kit has a 16-inch barrel with a 1-in-16-inch twist, the ability to accept 10- or 28-round mags, and a weight of 3.5 pounds. Using a conventional blowback design (the breechblock assembly, with its recoil spring, is sliding inside the upper receiver), the M4-22 contains all the parts necessary to change any mil-spec AR-15/M4 from 5.56mm to the inexpensive .22 LR. The conversion takes less than a minute—simply change out the upper—and requires no alterations to the lower receiver. The M4-22 also comes with a fixed .223 faux flash suppressor shrouding the muzzle. The standalone upper can be fitted to any existing .223 model. Suggested retail is $349. (chiappafirearms.com)
DIAMONDHEAD INTEGRATED SIGHTING SYSTEM
The Diamondhead Integrated Sighting System comprises the restyled Diamond Rear Combat Sight and the Diamond Front Combat Sight. The rear sight features diamond-shaped apertures for fast target acquisition and centering, reference posts and horizon bars, a restyled diamond-shaped upper housing, and dual same-plane short- and long-range apertures (at the same height of factory A2 sights). The rear sight fully deploys and stows away with the small or large aperture active. The front sight offers a proprietary diamond-shaped housing and accepts all standard A2 front sight posts. Both sights are made of stainless steel and Type 111 black anodized 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. Suggested retail is $238. (diamondhead-usa.com; 413-739-6970)
EOTECH XPS2
The EOTech XPS2 is the smallest, most compact sight in the EOTech line. It is powered on one 123 battery that supplies 600 hours of battery life at the highest brightness setting. This HWS (Holographic Weapon Sight) is available in five different reticles, from a single 1 MOA dot to a 65-minute ring with crosshairs and two 1 MOA dots. It is shockproof, fog-proof and submersible up to 10 feet. At 8 ounces, it is lightweight and only takes up 2.75 inches of rail space. (eotech-inc.com, 734-741-8868)
LAW TACTICAL FOLDING STOCK ADAPTER
While the standard AR buffer tube/receiver extension system normally prevents the use of a folding stock, Law Tactical’s Folding Stock Adapter takes a different approach. Featuring a simple one-button release, the system works with direct-impingement or gas-piston systems and fits any A2, carbine, mil-spec or commercial buffer tube and stock. A single, integrated sling attachment point is included. (The adapter is not intended for firing the weapon with the stock folded). Suggested retail is $219. (lawtactical.com; 267-209-0529)
MAGPUL EMAG 30 MAGLEVEL 5.56mm MAG
The Magpul EMAG 30 MagLevel is a 30-round, 5.56mm, polymer magazine for AR-15/M16-compatible weapons that features dual transparent windows to allow rapid visual identification of the approximate number of rounds remaining. The magazine is designed to work with a wide range of platforms. A redesigned bolt-catch notch in the rear of the magazine provides increased bolt-catch clearance, while an overtravel stop on the spine helps ensure the mag will not over-insert on compatible weapons. Similar to the standard PMAG 30, the EMAG 30 MagLevel features a long-life stainless steel spring, a four-way anti-tilt follower and constant-curve internal geometry for reliable feeding and simple tool-less disassembly. The EMAG 30 MagLevel is available in black or Flat Dark Earth. Suggested retail is $19.95. (magpul.com; 877-462-4785)
SIG SAUER SB15 PISTOL STABILIZING BRACE
Bringing a unique ergonomic enhancement to the AR pistol, Sig Sauer’s SB15 Pistol Stabilizing Brace improves one-handed shooting with these powerful handguns. Developed initially to help disabled shooters, the veteran-designed and U.S.-manufactured brace proved to enhance the accuracy and control for all shooters. Made from high-quality elastic polymer, the SB15 fits all pistols equipped with an AR-style buffer tube that is 1 to 1.2 inches in diameter. A flexible cuff with two adjustable nylon straps allows the SB15 to be custom fit to any user. Suggested retail is $139. (sigsauer.com; 603-772-2302)
SUREFIRE M900A
The SureFire M900A is a vertical-foregrip weapon light that attaches to weapons equipped with Picatinny rails via a built-in A.R.M.S. throw-lever mount. The M900A is equipped with five separate switches: two pressure-sensitive momentary-activation pads to control the main battle light (one on each side of the grip for ambidextrous operation); a constant-on switch; a system disable switch to lock the light in the off-position for covert operations or to eliminate accidental light activation during storage; and a third, smaller momentary-on switch to control two low-output LEDs. The M900A operates on three SureFire lithium SF123 3-volt batteries. (surefire.com; 800-828-8809)