The Top 5 Must-Have Accessories for AR-15 Enthusiasts

They say the modern AR platform is like LEGO for adults. With its wide variety of accessories, it's seriously true. With attachment systems like picatinny, M-LOK, and, to a lesser extent, KeyMod, you can customize your AR-15 with all sorts of add-ons, from the essentials like optics and lights to the downright quirky, like a rear view mirror or even that infamous tactical chainsaw you might have seen in USA Today.

In this article, we’re going to talk about the gear that actually enhances your rifle's combat effectiveness. Here are five top-notch accessories that'll take your AR to the next level:

Optics

Slapping an optic on your AR-15 is pretty much a no-brainer. Sure, your classic iron sights are nice and reliable, but they've got their limitations. However, if you're in a high-pressure situation trying to line up your shot, and your target's nothing but a blur because you’re focusing on your front sight post, that's where optics come in clutch.

• Red Dots. Whether they’re of the hooded or reflex variety, the red dot is a versatile, dependable optic. While shooting with a red dot like the Firefield Impact Mini, you can keep both eyes open, giving you a wider field of view while still keeping your aim on point, like having a heads-up display in real life. Plus, they can be used in a wide variety of situations. Close-quarters combat? Red dot's got you covered. Need to reach out and touch someone at a distance? Just add a magnifier.
• Riflescopes. Speaking of magnified optics, let’s talk about the sniper’s best friend: the riflescope. Built for long range precision, a quality riflescope will allow you to hit targets at great distances with pinpoint accuracy. Some types, such as the Low-Power Variable Optic (LPVO) allow shooters to comfortably engage targets at both close and medium range. The Firefield RapidStrike is a stellar example, offering a base magnification of 1x for close encounters while allowing for 6x for longer range targets. For accuracy at longer range, there are precision optics like the Firefield Agility II with multicoated glass and nitrogen-filled tubes that make the optics shockproof and fogproof respectively. These longer range scopes are perfect for delivering shots with surgical precision at distances well beyond what iron sights or red dots are capable of.

Foregrip

Maneuverability and stability in combat are key, and a foregrip, whether vertical, angled, or otherwise, adds a lot of both to a shooter looking for a simple but effective utilitarian solution to those two problems.

The creation of the foregrip for the AR15 came about during the days of the SOPMOD program in the 1990s, when Special Operations Command realized that by adding so many accessories to their rifles, support hand control would become an issue.

Even if it weren’t for weight control, foregrips still help with weapon stability and maneuverability. For example, a vertical foregrip can be used to act as a barrier support, bracing it against a barrier such as a low wall or a corner. Manipulating the rifle also becomes less strenuous on the wrist of the support hand since a good foregrip allows the user to hold his rifle with a natural position.

Some foregrips, like the Rival XL Foregrip, even come with useful attachments like flashlights and lasers for shooting in low light environments.

Flashlight

Speaking of low light environments, a majority of responsible firearm owners envision a home invasion or self-defense scenario happening in the middle of the night. If you’re using an AR15 for home defense, why not equip it with a flashlight?

Think about it—visibility is key in any tactical situation, especially when you're dealing with potential threats lurking in the darkness. With a weapon-mounted flashlight, you're not just illuminating your surroundings; you're also shining a spotlight on any potential dangers, giving you the upper hand in a potentially life-threatening encounter.

A weapon mounted light like the BattleTek from Firefield helps you with friend/foe identification. In a high intensity combat situation, a split-second decision could mean the difference between saving your own life or a tragic mistake.

Plus, let's not forget about the element of surprise. When you light up the scene with a bright beam of light, you're not just alerting your adversaries to your presence; you're also disorienting them, throwing them off balance and giving yourself a split-second advantage to assess the situation and react accordingly.

Sling

If you’re hunting, the vast majority of your time in the bush will be spent doing other things besides shooting. Realistically, you’ll have to use your binoculars, check your GPS, eat, drink, and hike. All of these things are easier if you have two hands that aren’t both holding your rifle. If you’re a security guard on duty or a patrol officer, the same logic applies. The vast majority of the time you’re on patrol, you will want both hands free – which is where the sling comes in.

While the sling can be used for transport, that’s not the only thing it’s good for. When applied correctly, it also becomes an effective brace, improving a shooter’s stability.

Cleaning Kit

You can’t hunt or fight with a gun that won’t shoot. Cleaning your weapon is crucial if you don’t want to be lugging around a very expensive club. After a long day at the range, putting your AR-15 through its paces, you might be tempted to toss it in the safe and call it a day, but you’d be doing your baby a disservice without running it through the proper preventive maintenance.

First off, let's talk about the obvious: dirt, grime, and fouling. Every time you squeeze that trigger, residue builds up inside your gun. Over time, this buildup can lead to malfunctions, affecting everything from your trigger pull to your accuracy. It's like trying to drive a car with a clogged fuel line—it's not gonna end well.

And let's not forget about corrosion. Moisture, humidity, even the oils from your own skin—all of these can contribute to rust and corrosion over time, eating away at your gun's metal components like a slow-acting poison. Before you know it, that beautiful AR-15 you once cherished is nothing more than a rusted hunk of metal, rendered useless by your neglect.

Needly A dirty gun can also pose a safety risk. If you have that prize buck in your sights or you find yourself face to face with one of society’s undesirable elements and you hear a click instead of a bang when you know for a fact there is a round in your chamber, you’d definitely wish that you gave your firearm the TLC it deserves.

The solution, of course, is regular maintenance. That means breaking out the cleaning kit and getting down to business, scrubbing away the dirt and grime, oiling up moving parts, and giving your gun the love and attention it deserves. It's like giving your car a tune-up or changing the oil—it might not be the most glamorous task, but it's absolutely essential if you want your firearm to perform at its best when it matters most.

Outfitting your AR-15 with the right accessories is essential for optimizing its performance and ensuring your readiness in any situation. From optics to grips to maintenance tools, each accessory plays a crucial role in enhancing your firearm's capabilities and your own effectiveness as a shooter. By investing in quality accessories like those offered by Firefield, you can equip yourself with the tools you need to stay ahead of the curve without breaking the bank. So, whether you're a seasoned marksman or a novice enthusiast, take the time to explore the wide range of accessories available and elevate your firearm experience to new heights.

Click here to browse Firefield's collection of red dots
Click here to browse Firefield's collection of riflescopes
Click here to browse Firefield's collection of flashlights
Click here to check out the Firefield slings
Click here to check out the Firefield cleaning kit