Recommendations

I often get asked about what I recommend on rifles, optics, etc. These are my recommendations for particular products and the reason I think they are the top (or 2^nd - see Runner Up) choice. Most of these I own or have used. More items will be added as I see the need or get requests. This section differs from the Product Reviews because I don’t so much review the items as state my preferences and reasoning (any member can post a review – good or bad).  This is not an indication other manufacturers or products are bad/inferior - this is how I would (and in many cases DID) spend my money.

Shoot Straight - Forest

Rifles: Since there is such a variety of purposes I've broken it down by catagory.  click on the Title (or photo) for details.

Left-Handed AR-15 Modifications

Description:  Modifications intended to make the AR easier to use for people who are left handed (e.g. Magazine Release, Selector (Safety) Switch, Charging Handle, etc.).

I have not used any so I have no recommendations on specific products, but since they are asked about I added this catagory.  Please check the Parts FAQ (near the bottom) for info on left-handed AR-15 modifications & rifles.

Trigger (improved) for General Purpose Rifle/Carbine

Description: A improved trigger with less creep and grit, and a lighter pull than the stock single stage trigger. This trigger should be ‘drop-in’ (no gunsmith) installation, be CMP legal, have a pull weight in the 4.5 to 5.5 pound range (for drop safety), and have no ‘set screws’ or other mechanically adjustable parts (for reliability).

Manufacturer/Model (Single Stage): Accuracy Speaks single stage match trigger.

Manufacturer/Model (Double Stage):  KAC 2 stage trigger or the Armalite two stage.  The RRA 2 stage is no longer recommended on a 'defensive carbine' as it wears down to a single stage over time.  The RRA 2 stage is a nice and inexpensive upgrade to a plinker of competative rifle.

Ammunition (General Purpose)

Description: Ammunition for the AR-15 that should be usable for plinking, practice, and self defense.  Ammo should duplicate the M193 US Military round (55gr FMJ running hot).  It is preferable that it be sealed, have the harder military primers (but not as hard as those Russian ones!), the bullet should have the cannalure, the rounds should be consistant, and the necks should be annealed (that discolored area).  If the brass is reloadable that is a bonus, not a requirement. 

Manufacturer/Model: Winchester Q3131A (made in Israel by IMI).  This ammo (often called Winchester 'White Box') is very common but should not be confused with the other 'White Box' Q3131 load which is produced in the USA.  This ammo is made to US M193 specificaitons and will reliably fragment at velocities over 2700fps.  It is clean, reliable, and relatively inexpensive.

Ammunition (Defensive/Duty)

Description: Ammunition for the AR-15 that would be used to protect oneself.  It should be reliable, accurate, and have excellent terminal ballistics.  Bullet should have a cannalure, primers should be staked, the primer & bullet should be sealed against moisture, and the ammo should have flash retardants. I will not make any recomendations as I'm not qualified to do so.  For a qualified opinion on what makes a good defensive round see Dr. G.K. Roberts recommendations (bottom of the page).  Personally I follow his advice and use the 75gr Black Hills OTM (my 2nd choice is the Black Hills 68gr OTM).

Cleaning Gear (portable)

Description: A kit needed to clean your rifle (bore, chamber, bolt carrier group) in the field, on the range or at home.

Manufacturer/Model: Otis Cleaning Kits.  Specifically the M16 Butt Stock kit for rifles with trap door butt stocks, and the M4 kit for rifles w/o the trap door and for rifles that have optics. [Click here to see a review of the kits]

Runner Up: USGI kit just because they are so cheap and easy to find. I would not use this on a expensive rifle – but it will work fine on a chrome lined bore. At a gunshow spend a $1 and get the GI-to-commercial adapter (a 2" rod) so you can use commercial brushes if you desire (like a pistol caliber brush so you can clean your handgun too).

Red-Dot sights

Description: A ‘red-dot’ sight aids in quickly acquiring the target and sending quick, accurate aimed fire. It also allows you to keep good situational awareness since you shoot with both eyes open. This type of sight has no magnification and comes in a variety of reticule styles. Since not everyone can use the Tritium powered models (some people’s eyes seem to have sensativity problems with amber) we have classes for battery powered and non-battery powered.  They must have a 'scout' mount/'gooseneck' mount option for carryhandles.

Manufacturer/Model (Batteries Required): Aimpoint M2  with the 4MOA dot, or the M3 with the 2moa dot. If you don’t mind using batteries or want the brightest possible output with military durability then this is the choice to make. If you don’t need the NVG (night vision goggle) settings you can opt for the ML2 model. Can be had in either a flattop model or a carry-handle model.

Runner Up: The EO Tech 552.  Boasting a built in mount, larger display area, lower cost (sight+mount), and the ability to use standard AA batteries you don't give up much with this holographic sight vs the M2.  The 552 is the ruggedized military version that takes AA batteries (to include NiMH rechargables).  Compared to the M2 its biggest issues are battery life and lack of mounting options.  This sight's ring & dot reticule is designed for fast CQB (25 yards & under) and precision at longer ranges.

Something for Plinking: Not everyone is interested in Duty/Defensive use for thier optics, nor will they be attend courses.  For those that just enjoy plinking with their AR there is a lower cost red-dot that is built well, made by Superior Precision Optical Technology (SPOT).  About the size & shape of the Aimpoint, but at a much lower cost.  Not as tough as the Aimpoint and it's battery life is far less (about 150 hrs for each CR2032 lithium battery).  It comes with a cantelever mount, but you can use any Aimpoint mount as well.  G&RTactical carries them.

Flattop ‘Iron’ Sights

Description: This sight is used in case of a failure of the dot sight or scope. This sight must be durable and accurate. It should have a small aperture for precision and a larger ‘ghost ring’ for snap shots and low level light shooting. It is preferred that the sight always be ‘at the ready’ so ‘flip-up’ sights generally are to be avoided. The exception would be for rifles that have scopes or rifles that often swap between scopes and dot-type optics.

Manufacturer/Model (Always Up & Ready): Cut down detachable carry-handle (see the How-To article). Costs less than $80 and is a bit cheaper than the other BUIS's. This is the best option for users of Red-Dot type sights on a flattop, as it allows use of the IBSZ, and retains full range use (to 600M).  Other good fixed sights are the LMT (an improved 'chopped carry handle) and the LaRue BUIS (no elevation but it has that slick throw lever mount)

Manufacturer/Model (Flip Up): Troy BUIS.  The arm locks in the upright position and gives the shooter the option of a large ‘ghost right’ style sight or a smaller peep sight on the same sight plane. It folds very flat and is very quick to click between the apertures. Recommended for rifles with scopes or rifles that often switch between scopes and dot type sights.  Other good choices ARMS #40 series, GG&G MAD, KAC series (the 600M version allows elevation adjustment from 200M to 600m).

Books/Sources for Tactics & AR Handling Skills

Description: Books & Other sources used to teach basic AR-15 rifle skills (loading, marksmanship, malfunction drills etc).  These sources should provide pictures and/or photos, describe auxillary equipment and suggest drills for building and/or testing skills.  These are a supplement NOT a replacement for live instructor training.  Most of these have reviews available on this site.  In order of importance (IMHO):

M16A2 Operator's Manual (downloadable from the AR Manual Depot) covers all the basics of rifle handling, zeroing, and cleaning. (the Bushmaster & Olympic Arms manuals are watered down versions of this).

Basic Marksmanship of the M16A2 Rifle by D. Scott Griffin.  A very good book that covers the basics of marksmanship and zeroing.  It covers position, breathing, wind, and tables for sight adjustments.

Some of the Answer: Urban Carbine by Jim Crews (available from his website).  A good book to get into once you've covered what is in Basic Marksmanship.  Urban Carbine covers basic weapon handling techniques, alternate shooting posions, supplemental equipment, shooting drills, and personal tactics and much more.

M16A1/M16A2 Marksmanship[FM23-9] (downloadable from the AR Manual Depot) covers basic marksmanship skills, advanced skills (such as leading for wind & movement), and suggests possible trainging drills & competancy testing (Alternate Course 'C' Qualification).

I'd also suggest a visit to the Tactical.DK website and check out there tactics section.  It covers the basics - with a focus on weak hand operation of the rifle (so strong hand never leaves the pistol grip).  Keld has (unknowingly) combined some of what the US military teaches with some of Jim Crews ideas, besides a few of his own unique techniques.  Worth a visit!