How often do you shop for gun parts and attachments? If you’re anything like us, the answer is likely daily. We can’t help it, and we’re sure you can’t either. With an AR-15, it’s almost like they built the firearm to customize. Oh, wait, it was. ArmaLite and Colt designed the AR-15 as a modular weapon system. What does that mean for you? It means you may tune your rifle to your precise specifications. Whether you’re shooting at the range, building for home defense, or competing with the best, there are parts for you.

Are you ready to invest in your AR-15? If so, start early. Consider building an 80% rifle for the full experience.

Common AR-15 Upgrades

As we said, the AR-15 is a versatile, modular platform with seemingly limitless potential. It accepts a broad range of weapon attachments designed for increased comfort, accuracy, durability, and usability.

From flashlights to stocks, what AR-15 attachments are on your radar?

Some of the most common  AR-15 upgrades include:

• Grips
• Triggers
• Trigger Guards
• Sights/Scopes
• Stocks
• Handgaurds
• Muzzle Devices

If you want to get fancy and both customize your rifle and increase usability, consider adding an extended bolt release, enlarged trigger guard, flared mag well, or an ambidextrous charging handle.

Five Ways to Customize Your AR-15

To make life slightly easier and offer you some direction, here are five ways to customize your AR-15.

AR-15 Barrels

The ability to select a barrel at your local gun store, install it yourself, then know that, due to your hard work, your rifle will shoot more efficiently is an unparalleled feeling.

A custom AR-15 barrel allows you to fire different calibers, such as .223 Remington or .300 Blackout, or provide a greater twist rate. Consider a new barrel an investment. Depending on the material you choose, you’ll wind up using that same barrel for many years to come.

The average  rifle barrel is good for up to 20,000 rounds. If you intend to fire more than that, make a new barrel your first upgrade.

AR-15 Handguards

Whether you prefer M-LOK or Keymod handguards, without one, you won’t enjoy the many attachments available for the AR-15.

Most rifles and rifle owners prefer the M-LOK rail system. It’s stock on most rifles, and there’s a reason for this.  Magpul is one of the biggest names in the firearm manufacturing industry, they designed the MLOK system, and have licensed it out to many rail manufacturers. Their products are widely available, high-quality, and allow for popular attachments, including foregrips and lights.

Furthermore, installation is a breeze — an essential factor for a newbie.

AR-15 Magazines

Sure, you could us a standard magazine. You know, the one the gun store provided for free with your purchase. Unless that magazine was a Magpul PMAG - Gen 3, set it aside and put some money into a high-quality magazine.

Most don’t realize that the magazine typically causes cycling issues. To avoid malfunctions, opt for a Gen 2 or Gen 3 magazine for your AR-15.

AR-15 Grips

You chose a rifle for many reasons. One of those may be because you want an accurate firearm. If accuracy is your goal, along with a sight and upgraded barrel, consider your  grips. It would be best if you felt comfortable holding your firearm.

Today’s AR-15 grips come in countless styles, colors, and configurations. If you’re upgrading, consider an ergonomic grip at the front and a foregrip along the handguard. Adding both will increase your accuracy and control tenfold.

Suppose you select the right setup, along with better accuracy. In that case, you’ll also enjoy reduced wrist stress and avoid burns from the barrel and rail system overheating while firing for extended periods.

How do you feel about weapon attachments? Do you prefer a stock rifle or one with grips and sights adorning the rails? Either way, the attachments you choose are only as good as your rifle, so start with the right base. An 80% lower is the perfect starting point for an AR-15.

Customize With 80% AR-15 Lower

If you want the last word when building your AR-15, customization, and functionality, consider an  80% lower receiver. You finish the last 20% of a blank receiver, completing the firearm.

On top of having a hand in the overall construction of your rifle, you’re the only one who needs to know it exists. Most states do not require you to register or serialize an 80% lower. It’s a ghost.

If you’re concerned about building a firearm, know that finish an 80% lower is easier than ever, especially with the right tools on-hand.