Advice/Recommendations on Accessories for AR-15

H

Harblar

New member
Hey all!

New to the boards and the world of AR's. I recently got a Bushmaster Modular Carbine and am looking to start outfitting with some accessories. For the most part I'm going to use it as Varmint rifle I can easily carry around in the truck and take coyote hunting.

Right now there are 4 main things I am looking to put on my rifle. Any advice or recommendations on which accessories will fit my needs based on the following:
1.) Light - Don't need anything overly spectacular. Good battery life, Decent brightness, priced $50-$80 (will go slightly higher if there is a significant increase in quality)

2.) Vertical Grip - Again nothing overly fancy, just has to be solid and relatively inexpensive... $30 or less

3.) Laser sight - Would like a Green laser (if price/quality allows), good battery life, operable in cold temps (SD cold, so, like, sub zero), Daylight bright 50-100yds viewed through scope, $75-$125(like light, will go higher for significant increase in quality)

4.) Scope - Don't need a ton of advice here. Planning on putting a decent mid to long-range varmint scope on it... though I had been considering possibly going with the Bushnell range finding scope, though I can't hardly find any user reviews on it's effectiveness. I've seen it for $600 on amazon so I might give it a try all else being equal.

As far as varmint hunting goes, I realize that a lot of this probably isn't necessary, but this is more or less my screw around/home defense intimidator/zombie apocalypse survival rifle.
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Anyway, the light and the laser are the two key things I'm having trouble zeroing in on one in my price range (at least one that will work below freezing), so any recommendations would be welcome.

Thanks!
 
Harblar, I mounted a small SureFire light on one of mine,,, it's hanging under the barrel, mounted in an extra scope ring at the front of the handguard below, the position allows me to operate it with my finger/thumb.. I don't normally keep the bipod on the weapon:

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I've never found the need for a laser dot on one outside of hanging a light weight one under the barrel to make sure I don't shoot my chrono at the range..
 
I have a little advice on a light. Check out LumaForce. The quality sure isn't a Surefire but the price is right and it truly is one of the brightest lights I have ever used. I had a problem with a pressure switch and whoever was helping me at LumaForce really hooked me up. If anything goes wrong, he will help you without question. Give them a look if you have a chance and you won't be disappointed. I went out on a limb and bought a light and bunch of accessories and after my buddies saw my light they went and ordered one also. The light I got is one of the smaller ones but when mounted on my rifle, I can use it like a spotlight for my scope.
 
I don’t use Lasers but the scoop on Green Lasers was poor operation in cold temps.
I am not promoting this product but they are honest; scroll down on their site for the text (below) on low temp operation. Laser Link


Quote:Q: My Uni-Green looks dim in the extreme cold.

A: The green technology is temperature sensitive, and most green lasers have a narrow operating range, typically 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. LaserMax used proprietary technology to engineer the 5 mW Uni-Greens to work between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need a Uni-Max to work at significantly colder or hotter temperatures, the red Uni-Max may be a better option for you.



Laser Genetics has a Sub-Zero Laser / light for about $350
LZR Genetics

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Originally Posted By: TexasTexas95I have a little advice on a light. Check out LumaForce. The quality sure isn't a Surefire but the price is right and it truly is one of the brightest lights I have ever used. I had a problem with a pressure switch and whoever was helping me at LumaForce really hooked me up. If anything goes wrong, he will help you without question. Give them a look if you have a chance and you won't be disappointed. I went out on a limb and bought a light and bunch of accessories and after my buddies saw my light they went and ordered one also. The light I got is one of the smaller ones but when mounted on my rifle, I can use it like a spotlight for my scope.

I gave Luma Force a look and it looked good. Price and features were right (though I wish they had a weapon pack set up for the 5 mode and/or pro models oh well) so I grabbed the basic weapon light pack. I think it should work pretty good. Thanks for the suggestion!

Quote:I don’t use Lasers but the scoop on Green Lasers was poor operation in cold temps.
I am not promoting this product but they are honest; scroll down on their site for the text (below) on low temp operation. Laser Link


Quote:
Q: My Uni-Green looks dim in the extreme cold.

A: The green technology is temperature sensitive, and most green lasers have a narrow operating range, typically 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. LaserMax used proprietary technology to engineer the 5 mW Uni-Greens to work between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need a Uni-Max to work at significantly colder or hotter temperatures, the red Uni-Max may be a better option for you.




Laser Genetics has a Sub-Zero Laser / light for about $350
LZR Genetics

.

After spending the day researching I was starting to come to the same conclusion. The only one's I was finding that were rated for colder temps were in the $200 or more range, and while really cool, were considerably out of my price range. I ended up grabbing a Green laser from Leapers UTG for about $60. It's not cold rated, but I figure the only times I'm really going to need/use the laser is for home defense or popping a skunk or coon out the window of my heated truck. Either way, I'll give it a try... If I don't like the way it works I figure I can always return it and get a better performing red one for a good price.

I looked at the Laser Genetics designators last night. Cool, but not exactly what I was looking for. Want a a laser for an aim point instead of night vision. If I really get into Coyote hunting at night I might give one a try down the road. Can't justify $350 on one just yet.
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I also picked up a Vertical Foregrip from Leapers UTG. It's got flat spots on both sides for pressure switches and only cost me about $13.

Now I just need to figure out some kind of scope. I was thinking about the Bushnell rangefinder one, but I think I'm going to skip it. Wait and see where the technology goes. Any good suggestions for a mid to long range scope, 4.5x14 give or take in the $200-$300 range? Would like one that has 1/4 MOA adjustments, a BDC reticule of some sort, and illuminated. Not sure if that exists in my price range or not.
 
Originally Posted By: Harblar
TexasTexas95 said:
Now I just need to figure out some kind of scope. I was thinking about the Bushnell rangefinder one, but I think I'm going to skip it. Wait and see where the technology goes. Any good suggestions for a mid to long range scope, 4.5x14 give or take in the $200-$300 range? Would like one that has 1/4 MOA adjustments, a BDC reticule of some sort, and illuminated. Not sure if that exists in my price range or not.

Mueller Tactical 4-16x50 with illuminated mil-dot for $219.95 is right in there, but a 50MM objective is kinda big for some people/setups.

The Mueller TACII 3-10x44 at $289.95 is a REALLY nice scope with Jap glass and mil-dot, but not illuminated.

TheMueller APT 4.5-14x40AO at $144.95 is a good buy with a 30MM tube and fast focus knob and mil dot, but not illuminated.

It's hard to find all the variables in the same scope sometimes...
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Originally Posted By: JoeBobOutfittersOriginally Posted By: Harblar
TexasTexas95 said:
Now I just need to figure out some kind of scope. I was thinking about the Bushnell rangefinder one, but I think I'm going to skip it. Wait and see where the technology goes. Any good suggestions for a mid to long range scope, 4.5x14 give or take in the $200-$300 range? Would like one that has 1/4 MOA adjustments, a BDC reticule of some sort, and illuminated. Not sure if that exists in my price range or not.

Mueller Tactical 4-16x50 with illuminated mil-dot for $219.95 is right in there, but a 50MM objective is kinda big for some people/setups.

The Mueller TACII 3-10x44 at $289.95 is a REALLY nice scope with Jap glass and mil-dot, but not illuminated.

TheMueller APT 4.5-14x40AO at $144.95 is a good buy with a 30MM tube and fast focus knob and mil dot, but not illuminated.

It's hard to find all the variables in the same scope sometimes...

Actually, That first one you listed would be about perfect. The 50mm doesn't bother me at all and I like the added bonus of 1/8 MOA adjustments. The mil dot would work fine for me as well. Only hitch is I don't know a whole lot about Mueller Optics. I like the looks, the specs, and the price, but I want to get a little more info on them first.

Anyone else running the Tac 4-16x50 on their AR? I've got a Leupold VX-L 4.5-14X50 on my Savage 325 WSM. How do the Mueller's compare to the likes of one of the big names? I'm guessing not as good as a higher end Leupold or Swarovski, but if we're in the same ball park at that price I'm game. As I said before, this is pretty much my screw around rifle, so I'm willing to give a cheaper brand/scope a shot. For me, biggest bang for my buck beats out name brand every time.

If I do end up going with the 50mm, what type of mounts would I need to fit my ar?

Hope I can get this all sorted out before next weekend. I gotta get it all sighted in and play with some loads before my local area's Coyote Tourney on the 8th.
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Originally Posted By: Harblar Actually, That first one you listed would be about perfect. The 50mm doesn't bother me at all and I like the added bonus of 1/8 MOA adjustments. The mil dot would work fine for me as well. Only hitch is I don't know a whole lot about Mueller Optics. I like the looks, the specs, and the price, but I want to get a little more info on them first.

Anyone else running the Tac 4-16x50 on their AR? I've got a Leupold VX-L 4.5-14X50 on my Savage 325 WSM. How do the Mueller's compare to the likes of one of the big names? I'm guessing not as good as a higher end Leupold or Swarovski, but if we're in the same ball park at that price I'm game. As I said before, this is pretty much my screw around rifle, so I'm willing to give a cheaper brand/scope a shot. For me, biggest bang for my buck beats out name brand every time.

If I do end up going with the 50mm, what type of mounts would I need to fit my ar?

Hope I can get this all sorted out before next weekend. I gotta get it all sighted in and play with some loads before my local area's Coyote Tourney on the 8th.
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Muellers are a good bang for your buck. They've been around about a decade, and for the most part customers are happy with their purchases. They do have a lifetime warranty and from our experiences as a dealer, unless their is some obvious abuse, they take care of any problems very quick and customers get taken care of good. There are quite a few third party reviewers besides your normal customer reviews. Here's one:

ChuckHawk's "Scope Ratings" by star. This kind of shows you what the optics will "Compare" against for the most part. They may not compare against a $1000 scope, but they'll hold their own in the $3-600 range!
 
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Originally Posted By: JoeBobOutfitters
Muellers are a good bang for your buck. They've been around about a decade, and for the most part customers are happy with their purchases. They do have a lifetime warranty and from our experiences as a dealer, unless their is some obvious abuse, they take care of any problems very quick and customers get taken care of good. There are quite a few third party reviewers besides your normal customer reviews. Here's one:

ChuckHawk's "Scope Ratings" by star. This kind of shows you what the optics will "Compare" against for the most part. They may not compare against a $1000 scope, but they'll hold their own in the $3-600 range!

Ok, that puts it more into perspective. Mid range performance for budget price. That works for me! Did a little bit of research and most people seem to have pretty positive reviews. I'm about ready to buy one, but before I do I've gotta ask how it compares to the Vortex Crossfire 4-16x50AO. They seem to have pretty close to the same specs... both have illum mildots. The only major differences I see is the mueller has 1/8MOA adjustments and the Vortex has a 30mm tube. They even have the same price. All else being equal, which has the better glass/build quality? I'm guessing the Mueller since you didn't mention the Vortex earlier, but my curiosity has got the better of me and I have to ask.
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Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it!

Thanks for the suggestion on the light, Dust. I already bought one of the luma force ones, but I'll keep that one in mind if the other one doesn't work for me.
 
I put a new Burris Eliminator scope on my Ar15 Prairie Dog rig. If you havent seen one, you may want to take a look - you can see it on the Burris website.

They list for a bunch but I paid $675 for mine off the internet. It is a terrific for those that have difficulty estimating range and hold over.
 
Originally Posted By: FarmerJonly accessory you need for an AR.

Ammo.

And when you think you have enough, double it.

If you can't kill em with kindness, try an obscene amount of ammunition, eh?
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Well... I settled on the Mueller 4-16x50 from Joe Bob. I kept going back and forth looking at a lot of different scopes and options. Gave a long hard look at the Burris eliminator... Had all the tech and automatic adjustment features that I wanted... but I just can't justify $700 on scope for this rifle... at least right now. It seemed like about everything in my price range was very comparable, with only the Mueller and Vortex having the illum ret that I wanted. Ended up being a horse a piece so I went with the mueller since it came with a free sunshade.
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I figure worst case scenario, If I don't like the Mueller, I can sell it and move my VX-L over from my 325wsm and get a better scope for that rifle. The Eliminator would be perfect for that rifle. It's a great 300 yd rifle already, but there is a fair amount of fall off after the 200 yd zero I currently have it set for. I figure that burris scope could make it a very viable rifle out to 400-500 yds, which is pushing the range I'd be willing to take a shot on any major big game animal anyway.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice. It helped a lot. Hopefully I should have my AR all setup and ready to go by next weekend. I'll post some pics once it's all put together.
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