Kyle LewisPerformance Upgrades: A Guide to Tuning your AR Platform
The AR-15, renowned for its versatility and modularity, stands as a staple in the world of firearms. Whether for competitive shooting, hunting, or personal defense, enthusiasts often seek ways to optimize its performance through strategic upgrades. In this blog we jump into the realm of AR-15 modifications, exploring the key components and upgrades that can elevate your firearm to its fullest potential for reliability and performance. Some of this you may know, but some of it you may not. If you are looking to enhance your AR’s performance, this blog will give you some ideas of what to look into for those upgrades and some insight to each.
Understanding the AR-15 Platform
Before getting into the upgrades, understanding the AR-15's basic components is an essential part of the upgrading process. This rifle operates on a gas-operated, rotating bolt mechanism, typically chambered in .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO, but is also considered a multi-caliber platform; it can be modified for 300 BLK, 6.5 Creedmor, and so much more. All it will take to go between chamberings is a change of the upper assembly and changing the type of magazine you use. Its modular design allows for extensive customization, making it highly adaptable to various shooting preferences and scenarios, which is why it is one of the most favored firearms in the United States.
However if you are not comfortable enough to make these changes yourself, make sure you take it to your local gunsmith or consult a fellow shooter that has built a few of these platforms, and ask them to help you learn the components and how to replace some of the vital parts that can fail. When you are in the field or at the range, the firearm may go down and you may have to make the repairs yourself. If the AR is your primary weapon, it is always best to know the inner workings of the platform, the components, and how to replace them.
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Upgrading the Barrel: Precision and Longevity
The barrel plays a pivotal role in accuracy and performance. Upgrading to a high-quality barrel can significantly enhance both. Stainless steel or chrome-moly barrels offer durability and corrosion resistance. Consider factors like barrel length, as shorter barrels are handier in tight spaces like those found on most SBR and pistol platforms, while longer barrels provide better accuracy at longer ranges in tactical shooting scenarios. Match-grade barrels, with their tighter tolerances and better rifling, are ideal for precision shooting and competitive use in the sport shooting sector.
Optimizing the Trigger: Enhancing Control and Precision
The trigger is another critical component that directly affects shooting performance. Factory or Mil-Spec Triggers are functional but can often be heavy and gritty. Upgrading to a precision trigger with a lighter pull weight and a crisp break can greatly improve accuracy and shooter confidence. Options range from single-stage to two-stage triggers, with each offering different advantages depending on your shooting style and preference. These can be found in FCG (Fire Control Group) kits that you can build into the platform and easily replace at a later date. Or one of the more popular options of a drop in FCG which has all components already assembled in a housing, as all it requires to install is removing some components and pins on the lower assembly to replace.
Stock and Grip Upgrades: Comfort and Ergonomics
The stock and grip significantly influence handling and comfort. Adjustable stocks allow for customizing the length of pull, crucial for achieving a proper shooting position. Upgraded grips, often with more ergonomic designs or different textures, enhance control and reduce fatigue during extended shooting sessions. There are also many foregrip options ranging from stubby foregrips, full length foregrips, and angled foregrips to help pull the firearm into your shoulder for better recoil control. Investing in these upgrades can improve both performance and shooting endurance. There are many brands available on the market, so be sure to find the one that is right for you and your specific needs of how you're setting your platform up.
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Enhancing Accuracy with Optics and Sights
For shooters aiming to maximize accuracy, optics and sights are indispensable. Red dot sights offer rapid target acquisition and are ideal for close to mid-range engagements. Magnified optics, such as scopes, enhance precision for longer distances. Ensure compatibility with your shooting style and intended use when selecting optics, as they can significantly affect your shooting experience and overall performance. While these come in many different options and brands, be sure to pick the application that will be right for your setup noting red dot for close quarters, and LPVO for mid to longer ranges or standard tube scope with variable magnification powers for distance.
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Boosting Reliability: Bolt Carrier Group and Gas System
The AR-15's reliability is paramount, especially in demanding conditions. Upgrading the bolt carrier group (BCG) to a high-quality, properly staked unit ensures smooth cycling and reduces wear. Consider coatings like nickel boron or titanium nitride for enhanced durability and easier cleaning. Additionally, optimizing the gas system allows fine-tuning for different ammunition types and shooting conditions, improving overall reliability and reducing recoil. These are important to any platform that you intend to run suppressed with, however using it in an unsuppressed platform has its advantages as well to help with gas dispersion and cyclic performance.
Change Your Springs and Buffer
Changing the springs and buffer in an AR-15 rifle can provide several advantages, each contributing to the overall performance and customization of the firearm. There are some key benefits to changing out just your spring and buffer. It will help mitigate better recoil using heavier buffers and springs to tone down muzzle rise. Doing this will make it more comfortable to shoot especially during long range sessions or during rapid fire to aid you in making more consistent impacts with follow up shots. Also helping to enhance your platform reliability by ensuring consistent cycling of the action, reducing overall feed or ejection malfunctions. Using these different types of buffers and springs can help to optimize the firearm for various ammunition and environmental conditions. Upgrading the springs and buffer in an AR-15 can significantly enhance the firearm's performance, reliability, and user experience. It offers shooters the ability to customize their rifle to meet specific needs and preferences, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable and effective shooting experience.
Customize for Functionality
Customizing your AR-15 with tactical accessories can tailor it to specific roles and preferences. Rail systems allow for attaching accessories like lights, lasers, and vertical grips, enhancing versatility in various environments. Consider the balance between adding functionality and keeping the rifle lightweight and maneuverable, ensuring that each accessory serves a practical purpose without compromising performance. This is one of the reasons that the AR platform is considered to be LEGOs for the modern firearm enthusiast. It can be changed up to the shooter's preference for any scenario and every trip to the range.
Maintenance and Care: Ensuring Longevity
Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving performance and longevity. Clean your AR-15 thoroughly after each use, paying particular attention to the barrel, BCG, and trigger assembly. Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and wear, extending the life of critical components. Follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance intervals and use appropriate tools and cleaning supplies to avoid damaging sensitive parts.
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Conclusion
The AR-15's popularity stems not only from its modularity but also from its potential for enhancement and customization. By upgrading key components such as the barrel, trigger, stock, spring, buffer and optics, shooters can tailor their rifles to excel in specific roles, from precision shooting to tactical applications. Understanding your shooting needs and preferences is essential when selecting upgrades, ensuring that each modification contributes to improved performance and overall satisfaction with the performance in your AR Platform. While there are several options out there for the upgrades listed here, do not let it overwhelm you. Do some research on how you want your rifle set-up, look into the information about that type of set-up and find which components and brands will work best for you to upgrade to and enhance your platform's performance. Investing in quality upgrades and maintaining your AR properly can transform it from a standard rifle into a finely tuned, and accurate high-performance firearm. Whether you're a competitive shooter, a hunter, or a firearms enthusiast, optimizing your AR platform allows you to maximize its potential across various shooting disciplines and scenarios.
Photo by Bexar Arms onUnsplash
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