Best AR-15 Accessories [2025]: Stocks, Grips, Bipods & More
Your AR-15 is a blank canvas, and the right accessories can turn it into a masterpiece—or a clunky mess. Whether you’re fine-tuning for precision, enhancing ergonomics, or just adding some tactical flair, the right upgrades can make all the difference in performance and handling.
But with endless options—optics, grips, stocks, slings, lights, and more—how do you separate the must-haves from the gimmicks? Some accessories are game-changers, while others are just expensive paperweights.
Some of the key factors we consider when choosing AR-15 accessories are functionality, durability, weight, compatibility, and overall value.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best AR-15 accessories to enhance your rifle, from essential upgrades to nice-to-haves that bring extra performance and style. Whether you’re building a home-defense setup, fine-tuning for competition, or just making range days more enjoyable, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s deck out that rifle.
BEST AR-15 STOCKS
When it comes to customizing your AR-15, the stock is one of the first parts operators look to upgrade. It can significantly affect your shooting comfort, accuracy, and overall performance. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one?
If you want a deep dive into this, check out our guide on the Best AR-15 Stocks.
B5 SYSTEMS BRAVO STOCK
B5 Bravo Stock
BCM (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
When it comes to butt stocks, the B5 Bravo should be the standard go-to for any AR build. You get a high quality product at a great price.
The stock has a clean design and is smooth to adjust, overall giving your rifle a solid, comfortable feel. Even big guys will find the ample surface area of the butt end fits their shoulder perfectly.
The cheek weld is excellent, and generally speaking, guys with beards will appreciate that it doesn’t snag. We like this stock on just about any AR build and think you will too.
MAGPUL MOE SL-S
Magpul MOE SL-S
Scheels (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
Grab A Gun (See Price)
Optics Planet (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
The Magpul MOE is another fantastic all-around stock. There’s a few different iterations, but generally speaking, they’re all lightweight, durable, and affordable.
The thing we liked about the MOE SL-S model is that you have expanded storage capabilities combined with a higher cheek weld.
When we switched from the Magpul CTR stock to the MOE SL-S, there was a noticeable difference in terms of comfort when holding our cheeks against the stock. It quickly became a favorite after extended use.
BCM GUNFIGHTER MOD 1 SOPMOD
BCM GUNFIGHTER MOD 1 SOPMOD
Primary Arms (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
The B5 Sopmod is considered the cool stock because you see it on a lot of SOCOM guns, but the BCM Mod 1 Sopmod is superior in a couple of ways.
Both the BCM Mod 1 and the B5 Sopmod offer storage compartments, but the BCM’s design is more functional and user-friendly. Great for stashing some batteries or a small tool.
One of the things we noticed about the BCM Mod 1 is its solid fit. Unlike the B5 Sopmod, which often has some play on the buffer tube, the BCM Mod 1 is rock solid with no play or wiggle.
The cheek weld on the BCM Mod 1 is exceptional. It offers a perfect alignment and feels great against the face. Plus, for those with beards, this stock is a lifesaver—it doesn’t pull your beard hair out, a small but significant comfort detail.
Magpul PRS Gen3
Magpul PRS Gen3
Rainier Arms (See Price)
Guns.com (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Magpul (See Price)
The OG of precision adjustable stocks was the Luth-AR MBA-1 rifle buttstock. The length of pull and cheek riser adjustments turned out to be frustrating and not very smooth. The charging handle would make contact with the cheek riser, forcing you to move the riser back into a different position.
And most annoyingly, the QD cups weren’t included with the stock, you had to purchase those separately.
Enter the Magpul PRS.
The PRS Gen3 offers more smooth and precise adjustments for length of pull and the cheek riser. It has a comfortable cheek weld surface and, thankfully, includes the QD cups.
It’s designed for rifle-length buffer tubes, but comes with spacers for carbine-length tubes. The rubber padding on the butt is about as thick as a NY Strip steak and offers an immense amount of comfort when shooting.
Though more expensive than the Luth-AR MBA-1, the Magpul PRS delivers a better overall experience for precision shooting with your AR.
Tyrant NexGen Buttstock Gold
Tyrant NexGen Buttstock Gold
Tyrant Designs is taking accessories to the next level with their sleek, futuristic designs and a touch of bling. If you want to add some flair to your setup, this is the way to go.
The NexGen buttstock is available in five different colors, though we’re particular to gold. It’s crafted from polymer, carbon, and aluminum, with stainless steel internal components.
More for AR-15 Owners: Guide to Buying Your First AR-15, Best AR-15s, Best Foldable AR-15 Stocks, Best AR-15 Barrels
We like that the cheek weld design helps maintain a constant surface temperature. It’s comfortable, ambidextrous, and lightweight. It fits on any standard mil-spec buffer tube and provides exceptional stability and comfort.
It’s not just a pretty stock, it’s well built.
BEST AR-15 PISTOL GRIPS
Out of the box, most AR-15s will come with a stock A2 pistol grip. The thing is that the angle might not feel right, it’ll feel like you’re gripping sandpaper, and the grip isn’t very ergonomic.
The good news is that you can quickly and easily swap that out for something better.
Magpul MOE+ Grip
Magpul MOE+ Grip
GrabAGun (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
Magpul (See Price)
The Magpul MOE+ grips are our standard when it comes to AR grips. We have used it on a number of builds and have never been left disappointed.
Magpul has a variety of options, including Slimline grips with a tighter midsection. The bottom of the MOE grip features a cap for storing all sorts of goodies like batteries, gun lube, or some, uh…other things. Hey, we won’t judge!
The thing we like about the MOE+ is the added rubberized grip. The angle gives you much more leverage over the weapon, and generally helps in terms of speed and confidence in run & gun scenarios.
Original Ergo Grip AR-15 – SureGrip
Original Ergo Grip AR-15 – SureGrip
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
Rainier Arms (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Natchez Shooting Supply (See Price)
If you’re looking for a step up in terms of comfort, one of the best grips to use, particularly with no gloves on, is going to be the Original Ergo Grip for AR-15s.
The rubber feels nice and soft, and the grip is formed to fit your hand well.
Magpul MIAD Pistol Grip Type 1 Kit
Magpul MIAD Pistol Grip Type 1 Kit
Magpul (See Price)
Optics Planet (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
The most modular grip available is going to be the MIAD grip from Magpul. This allows you greater flexibility to mix and match the parts of the grip according to your preference. This way you can get it just right.
The Type 1 Kit is more for AR-15 users, but can fit AR-10 receivers as well. The Type 2 Kit has taller back straps, which are more optimized for 7.62x51mm receivers.
Tyrant CNC Mod Grip
By far, the winner for coolest grips on the market goes to Tyrant CNC. These bad boys look built for the future, but they’re comfortable as heck to operate.
The grips are available in six different colors. Red and gold are our favorites, but you do you.
Simply put, they’re the best looking grips on the market.
BCM Grip MOD 3
BCM Grip MOD 3
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Rainier Arms (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Another one of our favorite grips! It has an excellent profile and texture.
The angle is improved over a standard grip, meaning it’s more ergonomic, and it feels more natural when you’re runnin’ & gunnin’.
BEST AR-15 VERTICAL GRIPS
Vertical grips are great for increasing weapon handling and control, though there are some restrictions with using them on an AR pistol.
BCM Vertical Grip MOD 3
BCM Vertical Grip MOD 3
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Rainier Arms (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Kygunco (See Price)
Fresh off the heels of talking about the BCM Mod 3 pistol grip, we’re right back here to tell you about the vertical grip. It’s another one of our favorites and our go-to vertical grip on builds.
It’s easy to install and the angle of the grip gives you perfect pull to get the butt stock pulled in nice to your shoulder. It also has a really good grip texture.
You can pick these up for $20. They also have 1913 Pic and M-LOK mounting options.
Troy Modular Combat Grip
Troy Modular Combat Grip
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
Troy Industries makes one of the most durable and modular grips on the market. Unlike most vertical grips, this one is made from aluminum, making it heavier but significantly more durable than polymer grips.
We like the modularity of it as well. It has three parts to it, so you can adjust the height based on your preference.
Magpul RVG Rail Vertical Grip
Magpul RVG Rail Vertical Grip
Brownells (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
Rainier Arms (See Price)
GunMag Warehouse (See Price)
Scheels (See Price)
Another great option for attaching a vertical grip to a picatinny rail. Will only cost about $23 and comes in black, grey, FDE, and olive drab green.
BEST AR-15 FOREGRIPS AND HANDSTOPS
If you like to rock the C-clamp but want a little extra something that offers more control without a big ole vertical grip jutting out, then you can add a foregrip or handstop.
There’s a lot of different iterations on the market, here are some of our favorites.
Magpul Angled Foregrip AFG2
Magpul Angled Foregrip AFG2
Optics Planet (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Rainier Arms (See Price)
We like this angled foregrip because it provides a great anchor point, ensuring a snug fit of the rifle stock into your shoulder.
It offers a more natural feel than the original and helps reduce arm fatigue. By positioning your hand high on the centerline of the bore, it effectively mitigates recoil and enhances weapon control.
Strike Industries LINK Curved Fore Grip
Strike Industries LINK Curved Fore Grip
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
This foregrip is a nice step up from the polymer Magpul offering. It has a sleek design and some colorful options, like red and blue.
It addresses some of the problems found in the Magpul AFG2, namely that you don’t need an M-LOK adapter and it sits flush with the rail. You can pick these up for about $40.
Strike Industries LINK Angled Handstop w/ Cable Management System
Strike Industries LINK Angled Handstop
GrabAGun (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
Strike Industries has made some great innovations that clearly demonstrates they understand the needs of the operator. The Angled Handstop w/ Cable Management is another one of those innovations.
This handstop is the best if you have to manage cables for a weapon light. There are a couple of cutouts near the rear and mid section for passing a cable through.
BEST SLINGS AND SLING ATTACHMENTS
VTAC Wide Padded Upgrade Sling
VTAC Wide Padded Upgrade Sling
Brownells (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
The VTAC Sling was developed by former Special Forces operator Kyle Lamb. These slings have not only become favorites of ours, but favorites of the military elite too.
The quick adjust cam buckle makes it uber easy to adjust on the fly, tightening excess webbing to secure the sling against the body.
They’re available in a plethora of colors, the standard black, coyote brown, desert tan, and multicam, but they also come in ranger green, grey and even hunter orange.
You have the option of a wide padded sling or not. You can also save a few bucks if you opt for the ITW acetyl triglides instead of the metal ones. Expect to pay about $55 for one of these.
Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
Optics Planet (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Rainier Arms (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
No doubt, another massively popular sling is Blue Force Gear’s Vickers Sling. This sling was developed by former Delta operations member Larry Vickers, a legend in the competition shooting world.
You have the choice of either padded or non-padded.
The US military has deployed over 300,000 Vickers slings for good reason—they’re easy to adjust and durable as hell.
BCM QD Sling Mount M-LOK
BCM QD Sling Mount M-LOK
Optics Planet (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
Rainier Arms (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
An easy to install mount on your rail for a QD attachment point. Magpul also makes a great QD Mount, but BCM’s is a couple of bucks cheaper and there isn’t a big difference between the two.
Magpul RSA Rail Sling Attachment
Magpul RSA Rail Sling Attachment
Scheels (See Price)
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Optics Planet (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
The RSA sling attachment is great for placing on a pic rail to give you a front sling attachment point. This is a good choice if you only have upper pic rails and don’t already have QD sling swivels.
Strike Industries- Link Angled QD Sling Mount
Strike Industries- Link Angled QD Sling Mount
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
This is a nice alternative to the standard QD mounts from Magpul and BCM. What’s great about the ones from Strike Industries is the 30 degree angle and anti-rotation built in. With this, your sling swivel won’t jut out at an odd angle, as the mount is angled back to provide better support.
They’re low profile and snag free. You can get them in M-LOK or KeyMod.
Phase 5 Sloped Quick Disconnect End Plate
Phase 5 Sloped Quick Disconnect End Plate
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
GunMag Warehouse (See Price)
A lot of people will use end plates with a QD mount, but this end plate provides a 30 degree angle.
The angle of QD placement makes the swivel work much better than a flat unit, and it makes adjusting smoother when attached to a sling. It allows the mount to swivel perfectly without interfering with your trigger hand.
BEST AR-15 HANDGUARDS
Handguards are one of the first things people love to replace on their AR-15. A different handguard adds a very different feel and aesthetic to your rifle, and can drastically alter the operator experience.
There’s so many options on the market and everyone has their own personal preferences. Here are some of our favorites, but if you want the full list, go check out our review of the Best AR-15 Handguards.
Geissele MK4 Handguard
Geissele MK4 Handguard
Primary Arms (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Rainier Arms (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
Euro Optic (See Price)
The Geissele rails are some of our favorites. They’re sleek and sexy. They have ample M-LOK slots and pic rail space. The fit and finish is just perfection.
While we’re not a fan of the full-on quad rail, Geissele doesn’t dismiss it altogether. Instead, it provides pic rail space at the end of the handguard in the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions in the places people typically need to add a pic rail for mounting a weapon light or other accessory.
STNGR M-LOK VYPR Handguard
STNGR M-LOK VYPR Handguard
We’re big fans of the STNGR lineup of handguards, and for the price you pay, they’re the best value on the market.
The VYPR is the standard model, but the HWK and RPTR are also excellent options.
There are several features we love about STNGR handguards. They have built-in anti-rotation tabs, making them more secure and stable. The barrel nut makes assembly a breeze, and a major bonus is that it comes with a crowfoot wrench. Additionally, STNGR has some really cool rail covers that pair perfectly with their handguards.
You can pick these up for about $150.
BEST CONTROLS
The standard safety selector that comes with most guns definitely deserves an upgrade. We strongly recommend opting for an ambidextrous model like the ones below. Personally, I prefer to disengage the safety with my thumb and engage it with my index finger.
Radian Talon 45/90 Ambidextrous Safety
Radian Talon 45/90 Ambidextrous Safety
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Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Rainier Arms (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
The full 90 degree rotation of a safet can be cumbersome for some. The Radian Talon 45/90 Safety offers a versatile solution.
The Radian Talon allows you to configure the selector for either the traditional 90-degree throw or a shorter, more efficient 45-degree option.
We use the Radian Talon 45/90 safety on a couple of builds and love it. It can be installed as a standard 90° or as a 45° short throw by simply rotating the shaft 180° inside the lower receiver.
Elftmann Speed Selector
Elftmann Speed Selector
Primary Arms (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Optics Planet (See Price)
Push button safeties are common on other firearms but not on AR-15s. The Elftmann Speed Selector changes that by eliminating the need for a lever. While it’s a unique addition to the AR-15 platform, it’s incredibly practical. It allows for faster engagement and disengagement compared to a traditional lever safety. Simply push the button to take it off safe and push the opposite side to engage.
When the safety is disengaged, you’ll see the typical orange protrusion indicator, providing a clear warning that the safety is off.
BEST AR-15 BIPODS
Bipods are great for balancing a rifle in the prone position or on a bench when a gun rest isn’t available. Plus, they’re portable since they attach directly to the AR. Here are some of our top picks.
Harris Bipod M-LOK Ultralight
Harris Bipod M-LOK Ultralight
Euro Optic (See Price)
Optics Planet (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
GunMag Warehouse (See Price)
There’s something to be said about reliability when you use the same bipod as legendary American sniper Chris Kyle. Harris bipods are the tried-and-true.
It has a very “solid” feel. The swivel feature has adjustable tension and works well. At the range, it sets up easily, and the legs extend and lock tight with ease.
Cost: About $110.
Atlas Bipods PSR with ADM 170-S Lever
Atlas Bipods PSR with ADM 170-S Lever
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
GunMag Warehouse (See Price)
Botach (See Price)
Atlas bipods are among the best on the market, though they come with a high price tag ($300-$350). But as the saying goes, “Buy once, cry once.” The build quality and capability of this bipod are unmatched.
What sets the Atlas bipod apart is its sturdiness and solidity. It’s easy to mount, features a quick-detach mechanism that is a huge plus, and offers excellent adjustability.
The legs have five different positions—0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 degrees. Once installed, it leaves extra rail space compared to other bipod models.
FAB Defense T-POD Foregrip & Bipod
The FAB Defense T-POD combines the functionality of a vertical grip and a bipod into one rugged, well-designed accessory. This Israeli-made component lives up to its reputation for toughness and reliability. It offers a stable platform with no slop or flex, making it perfect for punching paper.
In vertical grip mode, the T-POD has an excellent, solid grip and can withstand significant abuse. When needed, it transforms into a bipod, ideal for both table and ground shooting.
The bipod offers a small amount of swivel and rotation, providing stable support when the gun is set down. In its closed position, it helps maintain steadiness when standing.
BEST AR-15 OPTICS & ACCESSORIES
The AR-15 accessory that is most likely to provide the biggest difference in terms of operator experience is going to be the optics you go with. Upgrades to triggers, BCGs, barrels, etc can make marginal differences, but upgrades to optics can provide a significant upgrade in terms of user experience.
There are many types of optics. If you want a closer look at all of the options, check out our guide on the Best AR-15 Red Dots and the Best LPVOs.
Here are our quick picks for some of the best optics we recommend.
Sig Sauer Romeo 5 Red Dot
Sig Sauer Romeo 5 Red Dot
Sig Sauer (See Price)
Bereli (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
Scheels (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
The Sig Romeo 5 is the go-to red dot for many firearms enthusiasts.
The reasons we like it are simple: you get a well-functioning red dot that will work at long distances, with an incredible battery life, that has a 1 MOA at 100 yards.
We’ve got a lot more to say about it. Check out our full review below.
Sig Romeo 5 Review
One of the most popular red dots on the market is the Sig Romeo 5. But how does it perform when put to the test?
Read our full review here.
EOTech EXPS3 Holographic Dot
EOTech EXPS3 Holographic Dot
Euro Optic (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
The EOTech EXPS3 is an absolute favorite for us. It has a larger frame and window, giving a wider field of view, and a zeroed 1 MOA dot for close to mid range target acquisition.
The nice thing about the EXPS3 is that the sight never diminishes while shooting. If you transition from downrange to natural sunlight, the dot adjusts along with your environment, ensuring a clear and consistent sight picture in any lighting condition.
Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic)
Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic)
Euro Optic (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
GunMag Warehouse (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
Sportsman’s Guide (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
The Aimpoint PRO looks reminiscent of a scope, but functions as a red dot. This is one of the most trusted red dots among law enforcement and military personnel.
They carry a hefty price tag (between $475-$500), but the price is worth it.
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm LPVO
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm LPVO
Euro Optic (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Sportsman’s Guide (See Price)
Botach (See Price)
Upgrading from a red dot to your first LPVO is a serious investment. The Vortex Razor HD Gen III is the ultimate user experience, providing a 10X-power optic with Vortex’s First Focal Plane (FFP) illuminated reticle.
The cost of a great LPVO is not for the faint-of-heart. This comes in at a price point of about $2500, but if you want to upgrade to an LPVO with short and long range capabilities, nothing will beat this optic.
Primary Arms PLxC 1-8×24 FFP Rifle Scope
Primary Arms PLxC 1-8×24 FFP Rifle Scope
If you still want a great LPVO but aren’t quite ready for the price tag of the Razor HD Gen III, this optic from Primary Arms is a great alternative. It’s considered to be the “jack of all trades,” suitable for CQB and long-distance shooting.
Comes in at about $1,500. Still hefty, but about 40% less than the Vortex.
BEST AR-15 RAIL COVERS
Rail covers are good for protecting your hand from getting torn up by the exposed cuts from pic rail. They also serve as a stylish upgrade, giving you some options for how you want your handguard to look.
Magpul Picatinny Ladder Rail Cover
Magpul Picatinny Ladder Rail Cover
The standard that most people use are Magpul ladders. These come in a variety of colors and sizes. They fit perfectly over the recesses within the pic rail, giving you some protection from the unused parts of the rail.
Magpul M-LOK Rail Covers
Magpul M-LOK Rail Covers
For those looking to cover M-LOK, Magpul’s rail covers are also an excellent choice. These add a really cool texture, making it that much easier to grip the rail.
Installation and removal are both easy. To install, align the panel to the M-LOK slots and push in the strip until flush. To remove, pry the strip out using a small flathead screwdriver or a punch.
LaRue Tactical Index Clips
LaRue Tactical Index Clips
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
GunMag Warehouse (See Price)
Optics Planet (See Price)
Our favorites are the LaRue Tactical Index Clips. It takes a little more work to install, but they have a little cutout in the center for running pressure pad wires. You don’t get this with the run-of-the-mill pic ladders. They click onto the rail and likely require a bottle opener or Dillo tool to remove.
BEST AR-15 AESTHETIC UPGRADES
Making simple cosmetic changes can give your AR a nice boost and accent. Here’s a couple of upgrades to enhance the flair of your rifle.
Brownells Aluma-Hyde II Epoxy Finish
Brownells Aluma-Hyde II Epoxy Finish
For touching up or completely changing the finish on a part, we recommend using Brownells’ Aluma-Hyde epoxy. If you’re applying to an already painted surface, wash it thoroughly with a cleaning degreaser. Make sure the surface is dry and free of any oil, wax, loose paint, etc.
There’s a wide variety of colors and a can only costs about $20.
Gunskins Vinyl Wrap
Gunskins Vinyl Wrap
If you want to skip the paint job, but still rock a cool aesthetic for your rifle and mags, Gunskins is the way to go.
They offer a wide variety of badass vinyl wraps for your gear. The best part is that they’re not permanent, so if you change your mind or want a different look after a while, it’s easy to switch them out.
Gunskins are much less expensive than a custom Cerakote job and look pretty dang cool.
BEST AR-15 WEAPON LIGHTS
A good weapon light is essential for a plethora of tactical situations. It can make a world of difference in home defense situations or when identifying a target at night.
Here’s a look at our recommendations, but for a full breakdown, check out our list of the Best AR-15 Flashlights.
Cloud Defensive REIN 3.0
Cloud Defensive REIN 3.0
Bereli (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
The Cloud Defensive REIN 3.0 is the top of the line for AR-15 weapon lights. It’s phenomenally durable and packs a super-punch of 1,250 lumens and 100,000 Candela.
This may be overkill for some operators, but the REIN 3.0’s durability, long runtime, and impressive throw put it in a class of its own.
Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 2L (88059)
Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 2L (88059)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
GunMag Warehouse (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
The ProTac Rail Mount 2L is our top pick for the best value. It doesn’t necessarily pack the biggest punch Candela-wise, but it’s a solid working weapon light that comes in at a very affordable price point.
If you’re looking for an entry-level flashlight, we recommend you start here. It won’t break the bank and will give you a ton of power and features, allowing you to get comfortable with operating a weapon light before potentially upgrading to a more advanced model.
SureFire M640DFT-PRO
SureFire M640DFT-PRO
Euro Optic (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
When it comes to beam distance, the SureFire M640DFT-PRO is unmatched. SureFire has long been the leading name for AR flashlights because of their reliability and extensive aftermarket of accessories.
This light offers superior beam distance, making it ideal for identifying distant targets while maintaining enough spill for situational awareness.
Ozark Armament TFL-1-R
Ozark Armament TFL-1-R
If budget is your primary concern, the Ozark Armament TFL-1-R is a solid, cost-effective choice. While it may not be as durable as brands like Streamlight or SureFire, it serves well for occasional use.
Priced around $50, it’s a practical option for those who need a basic weapon light. If you find it doesn’t meet your needs over time—especially if you’re firing a lot of rounds—you can always upgrade to a more robust option later.
BEST AR-15 MAGAZINES & ACCESSORIES
Magazines are one of those things you can never have enough of.
People ask us how many mags they should get. Here’s our answer:
N+1=Y
N is the number of mags you have
Y is the number of mags you need
—> You always need more. Here is what we’d recommend.
Magpul PMAGs
Magpul PMAGs
Magpul (See Price)
Scheels (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Botach (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
When it comes to magazines, the industry standard is the Magpul PMAG. These polymer magazines marked a significant shift away from the traditional steel magazines, offering enhanced durability and reliability in feeding ammo.
The Gen M2s are still available. You can get them for less than the newer Gen M3s.
While the Gen M2s are perfectly fine, if you want the latest and greatest iteration, we like the Gen M3 Window version.
It’s a simple idea, but uber helpful for allowing a quick visual check of your ammo count.
The window on the side of the mag basically gives you a sneak peek of what’s inside. That’s particularly useful when you’re out in the field, where knowing your remaining rounds at a glance can make a crucial difference.
Magpul Original Mag Assist
Magpul Original Mag Assist
Brownells (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Optics Planet (See Price)
The OG when it comes to AR-15 accessories. The flagship product of Magpul, the company was founded on this Magazine Pull product (Hence, mag-pul). It’s a novel concept that allows for rapid pulling of magazines to assist in magazine changes.
The texture and grip are nice, they’re easy to pull with or without gloves. They can be picked up for under $10.
Magpul PMAG Ranger Plate
Magpul PMAG Ranger Plate
Primary Arms (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Finding a comfortable position to rest your firearm while you attempt to aim can sometimes be a hassle. Adding these ranger plates to the base of your magazines will give an upgrade to the speed and control you feel during stressful situations.
They offer a level of balance when positioning to fire and protect against damage caused by impact of the magazine.
Magazine Bands
Magazine Bands
These are great for labeling magazines with different caliber ammo. There’s not much of a difference between 300 BLK and 5.56 mags, this will help you to clearly identify the correct ammo type.
BEST AR-15 BACKPACKS AND CASES
Transporting and carrying your AR-15 can be a hassle. If you’re going to the range, these are some of the best backpacks and cases to help you carry the load.
5.11 Tactical LV M4 Shorty 18L Rifle Bag
5.11 is known for making rugged and durable products, and the LV M4 Shorty 18L Rifle Bag is no exception. This bag wears like a backpack and can fit rifles up to 29 inches, making it ideal for those with folding stocks. If you need something longer, 5.11 offers other options to suit your needs.
The shoulder straps are well-padded, making it incredibly comfortable to carry. You can also wear it crossbody for added versatility. We love the strap inside for keeping the firearm in place, preventing it from moving around inside the bag. The colors are subtle and don’t scream tactical, making it a discreet option for carrying your rifle.
Savior American Classic Double Rifle Case
Savior American Classic Double Rifle Case
Primary Arms (See Price)
AR-15 Discounts (See Price)
Can’t decide which gun to take to the range? Take two!
If you need a soft case big enough to fit two ARs and maybe a couple of handguns, this is an excellent choice.
The zippers on these cases are better than most others. There’s nothing more annoying than spending cash on a nice case and then dealing with crumby zippers.
For about $60, it’s gonna be hard to beat.
Pelican Vault V800 Double Rifle Case
Pelican Vault V800 Double Rifle Case
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
For unparalleled protection and convenience, the Pelican V800 Vault Double Case is built like a tank. With a rugged hard shell and wheels for easy transport, it’s perfect for securely transporting your rifles.
This bad boy can accommodate two rifles and a couple of handguns, but has a hard exterior that you typically see musicians use for their guitars. The lock tabs are robust and large enough for heavier padlocks if you’re traveling or need extra security.
If you’re unfamiliar with Pelican, their cases use a customizable foam interior. You can cut the foam to your specs, ensuring a snug and secure fit for your firearms.
BEST AR-15 AMMO STORAGE
Ammo cans are essential for storing ammunition, protecting against the elements, and keeping it organized. Here are some of our top picks.
MTM 4-Can Ammo Crates
MTM 4-Can Ammo Crates
The MTM storage cans are our current favorite—they stack really well and the side handles make them easy to transport.
They offer great storage capacity, making it simple to keep different ammo types separate yet organized. They come in a couple of different options: 3, 4, or 5 cans. These are great for taking to the range and run about $40.
Fortress Metal Ammo Cans
Fortress Metal Ammo Cans
Metal ammo cans are getting harder and harder to find these days. The costs have gone up significantly. But if you want the tight seal and durability these cans offer, we recommend these ones from Fortress.
They can accommodate various ammo types and come in different sizes depending on your storage needs. The hinge is very sturdy and the latch works reliably. Overall, the construction on these is excellent.
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FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST AR-15 ACCESSORIES
There you have it, all the bells and whistles you can use to accessorize your AR-15! Of course, this is just the beginning. There really is unlimited potential with all of the new gear coming out each and every day.
Hopefully you find this to be a great starting point on your journey, or at least, some food for thought while you look for the next piece to finish out your setup.
What did we miss? What’s your favorite AR-15 accessory? Let us know in the comments.
Justin Trump is the managing editor and owner of CAT Outdoors. The son of a Vietnam veteran, he’s an avid gun enthusiast and 2A advocate. He holds two firearm patents for the CAT M4 and Talon tools. When not managing CAT Outdoors, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, rooting for Michigan sports teams, and serving his church.