The AR-15 rifle platform is vastly popular for many reasons, but one of the most popular is its versatility. With AR-15 build kits and the vast number of available options, any gun owner can create a genuinely one-of-a-kind weapon that is entirely personalized to their use.
However, this can be quite overwhelming for a novice gun builder. Where should you begin with AR-15 build kits? Should you purchase an off-the-shelf AR-15 rifle and learn the ropes first? Or should you order one of many basic AR-15 build kits and start experimenting?
Gun enthusiasts will have varying opinions. How you begin may be insignificant, but if you plan to personalize your weapon to any degree, AR-15 build kits are a great way to get your hands dirty and gain valuable knowledge along the way.
Here are the top 5 mods for AR-15 build kits that most beginners should experiment with first.
Barrel
The barrel is the primary consideration when shopping for AR-15 build kits or looking to make changes to your existing weapon. The barrel will determine your rifle?s accuracy, effective shooting distance, ammo size, and purpose for which you can use your gun.
There are also other considerations, including:
- Type of material
- Finish coating
- Lining
- Length
- Twist rate
AR-15 build kits can accommodate a wide range of barrel sizes and types, so be sure to spend the time necessary to decide which combination is best for your needs.
Trigger
The trigger should also be a primary consideration when shopping for AR-15 build kit mods. If you?ve ever fought with a rifle or handgun with a godawful trigger pull, too hard, too long, or whatever, you know you won?t take that weapon to the range often. And a gun that isn?t fun to shoot will not get used.
You have two basic options when it comes to triggers for your AR-15. Drop-in triggers are available to make simple changes, or you can take your rifle to a gunsmith for precise machining and other modifications. A clean breaking trigger with a smooth pull improves your accuracy, so this is another area to spend time with.
Grips
Handling your AR-15 proficiently and safely in various shooting scenarios depends on good grips. There are lots of options with AR-15 grips. Unfortunately, most novices only see two aspects of grips: aesthetic features and price. There are many more factors to learn about.
Consider the following when shopping for grips:
- Orientation (right- or left-handed)
- Materials (impacts weight, comfort, and durability)
- Contours/grooving
- Grip angle
Balancing these can be tricky, but getting the proper grips can make the difference between hitting your targets and dropping your weapon to create a risky situation.
Sights
The optics, or sights, for your AR-15 build kit are essential if you want to hit where you aim. Types and styles of sights vary, from basic peep sights to long-range tactical optical solutions. Consider how you plan to use your rifle and what kind, size, range, and type of sights would serve your needs best.
- Target shooting (short, medium, or long range)
- Hunting (types of game, shooting distances, day or night)
- Self-defense (light or dark situations, compact, quick-use)
- Competition
Rails
A sound rail system is essential for all AR-15 build kits. Mounting any mods or improvements will depend on your rails. Pay particular attention to rail weight, as a weapon loaded with mods and ammo may become too cumbersome to handle efficiently. Polymer rails are solid and lightweight options that make a considerable difference.
AR-15 Build Kits for Any User
CBC Industries has AR-15 Build Kits for any user, from beginners to experienced builders. Browse our online store for kits, mods, parts, and accessories to customize your AR-15 shooting experience.
