Field Tested AR-15 Accessories

Mission First Tactical's series of Battlelink AR-15 shoulder stocks have been developed with plenty of input from the professional operators who use them. The Battlelink Minimalist Stock (BMS) is designed to be as lightweight as possible, while maintaining a high level of functionality. The angled non-slip rubberized buttpad allows for faster presentation on regular clothing or body armor. A quick-detach sling swivel can be positioned for use by left- and right-handed operators, and the top edge of the stock is shaped for an enhanced cheek weld. This slide-on replacement for collapsible six-position buttstocks is available for either commercial-size or mil-spec buffer tubes.
MSRP: $59.99

The TacOps-1 ambidextrous AR-15 charging handle was developed to overcome certain long-standing tactical shortcomings of the original design. Re-charging with a standard handle requires the operator to waste precious time by taking eyes off-target and shifting rifle position. This can be even more cumbersome when an optic protrudes over the charging handle. The extended TacOps-1 handle allows for easy access and operation with minimal body movement in both low-light and concealed-shooting situations. The installation of the right-side release was accomplished without the use of additional handle-weakening drill marks or extra parts. This release greatly enhances weak hand reloading of the AR platform. The TacOps-1 charging handle has been awarded the coveted Gold Seal by the National Tactical Officers Association, for scoring 5 out of 5 in all test areas. It also has a lifetime warranty, even if it is damaged during combat or police operations.
MSRP: $67.95

Although they certainly do get the job done, there's not much to get excited about when it comes to stock AR grips. The ERGO SureGrip, designed to fit all AR-15 and M16 rifles, provides ergonomically shaped finger grooves designed for a comfortable grip. The integrated rear upper extension supports the web of the shooting hand. Constructed of a polymer that's resistant to oils and solvents, the Suregrip texturing improves rifle control for both bare-handed and gloved operation.

Adding a vertical grip to the forearm of an AR-style rifle also enhances muzzle control. The ERGO Straight Broom Handle XPRESS Mount vertical forward grip features an over-molded rubber grip attached to a durable anodized aluminum base. The quick-release XPRESS Mount allows the grip to be quickly attached or removed from Picatinny rails without the need to detach other rail-mounted accessories. Both of these ERGO products are available in black or a selection of other colors.
Sure Grip MSRP: $26.40
Vertical Forward Grip MSRP: $69.99

Designed to fit into the storage compartment of a standard AR-15 or M-16 fixed buttstock, Space Age Weaponry’s  6-ounce Deployable Compact Armorer’s Tool (D-CAT) can comfortably replace an entire box of tools for when your rifle needs to be serviced in the field. The D-CAT is manufactured from high-quality materials, including 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, 303 stainless steel and H13 tool steel. The tool set arrives as a single unit but can be disassembled and reconfigured to facilitate a variety of AR-related maintenance tasks. The list of tools this system contains is extensive, including a vinyl flash hider protector, a front sight tool, an A1 rear sight tool, magazine gauge and lip bending tool, carbon scraper, screw driver, and a mix of punch pins and screwdriver bits. The D-CAT tool system can be used with military-style cleaning rods and brushes.
MSRP: $159

Many quality AR-15 rifles arrive from the factory ready to shoot but with stiff 6- to 8-pound gritty "stock" triggers. Timney's precision drop-in competition fire control group unit does not require any gunsmithing to install. The components are fitted into a lightweight 6061, T6 aluminum alloy housing that's been anodized for increased durability. Replacing the existing assembly with this Timney unit provides a smooth, crisp, single-stage 3-pound trigger pull. This American-made trigger group is available in configurations for small pin (.154-inch) or large pin (.168-.174) receivers.
MSRP: $219.95

Crimson Trace garners so much attention for its high-quality handgun laser sighting systems that some folks forget that the company is taking care of long gun owners too. The CMR-203G Rail Master green laser sight is designed to be used with the M1913 Picatinny or Weaver accessory rails of handguns, shotguns and AR-15 rifles. This low-profile switch-activated laser is easy to mount in front of a vertical fore-end grip and activate with either the index finger or thumb of the support hand. The 532-nanometer green laser beam produces a bright 0.5-inch dot on targets at 50-feet and is easy to see in most lighting conditions, including bright daylight. The CMR-203G is powered by a single CR2 lithium battery, which provides over two hours of continuous run time.
MSRP: $269

From its rail-mounted thumb rests to its off-set ambidextrous safety selectors, BLACKHAWK provides a diverse set of accessories for dressing up the AR-15 Rifle. The company's two-piece quad-rail system features a slim profile for a more comfortable, handguard-like feel. The four Picatinny rails are milled into the guard and the vent hole pattern is designed to help dissipate heat and reduce weight. Limited rotation, push-button sling swivel attachment points are incorporated on both the left and right sides. The interlocking halves of this fore-end are secured using four screws for extra strength and stability.
Carbine MSRP: $154.99
Rifle MSRP: $204.99

Weaver's Deluxe Tool Kit can turn a workbench into a professional gunsmithing station. Whether mounting accessories, punching out pins to replace a trigger or separating a stock from a receiver, the Deluxe Kit provides the right tools for the job. This 88-piece kit gathers together all the essentials in one box, including a double-faced hammer for precision adjustments, punches, a bench block and a removable tip driver with an extensive array of bits. All of the tools are neatly tucked into a hard case for easy storage.
MSRP: $96.49

If you are looking for an ordinary gun vice, several companies provide different models from which to choose. But if you are a gunsmith or a serious fan of the AR-15, then there's nothing else out there quite like the modular AR-15 Gunner's Mount. Machined of non-marring synthetic polymer, the base plate features strategically placed cutouts, part pockets and block supporting post holes for maintenance work on everything from the charging handle latch to AR-style magazines. The Gunner's Mount supports the addition of various specialized mounting blocks, including Present Arms' AR Upper Mount, AR Lower Mount, AR Receiver Tube Alignment Block and Brownells’ AR Front Sight Bench Block. This system also accepts various pistol magazine posts to support 1911 and double-stack, semi-auto handguns for cleaning and repairs.
MSRP: Starting at $143

A good magnified optic can make all the difference when taking precise shots at long distances with an AR-15. But the same optic can become a nuisance when there is a need to shift from far-out to up-close targets in a hurry. Working in collaboration with Lone Star Armory, XS Sight Systems developed the Xpress Threat Interdiction (XTI) angle-mounted tactical sight system. Featuring the XS Express Standard Dot Tritium front and White Stripe Shallow "V" rear, these back-up iron sights are designed for quick acquisition in close-quarters combat situations. XTI sights are ambidextrous, easy to install and a top-notch addition to tactical or competition rifles.
MSRP: $150