5 Things I Don’t Want To Use On My AR 15’s Anymore

Published on February 22, 2025
Duration: 15:11

This video discusses five accessories the presenter no longer wishes to use on AR-15 platforms unless absolutely necessary. These include vertical/angled foregrips and hand stops due to snagging and discomfort, pressure switches due to fragility and complexity, buttstock storage for weight and unnecessary clutter, 45-degree offset sights as snag hazards and awkward to use, and muzzle brakes for their concussive blast and flash signature, preferring flash hiders or suppressor hosts instead.

Quick Summary

Avoid vertical foregrips and hand stops on AR-15s due to snagging issues and discomfort when slung. Pressure switches for lights are less reliable than tail caps. Buttstock storage adds weight, and 45-degree offset sights are snag hazards. Muzzle brakes are overly concussive; opt for flash hiders or suppressor hosts instead.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 5 Accessories to Avoid
  2. 01:121. Vertical/Angled Foregrips & Hand Stops
  3. 03:02Why Foregrips Are Sometimes Necessary
  4. 04:342. Pressure Switches
  5. 05:53Why Pressure Switches Are Sometimes Necessary
  6. 07:323. Buttstock Storage
  7. 08:524. 45 Degree Offset Sights
  8. 10:43Why Offset Sights Are Sometimes Necessary
  9. 11:215. Muzzle Brakes
  10. 12:13Why Muzzle Brakes Are Sometimes Necessary
  11. 13:24Final Thoughts & Ideal Rifle Setup

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I avoid vertical foregrips on my AR-15?

Vertical foregrips can hinder stability when bracing against rounded cover and cause discomfort when the rifle is slung. While useful for activating accessories on short rails, they often add unnecessary bulk and snag points for general use.

Are pressure switches for weapon lights reliable?

Pressure switches are generally less reliable than tail cap switches, being more fragile and prone to failure. Their wiring also presents a snag hazard, and they add complexity to weapon manipulation, especially in low-light conditions.

What are the downsides of buttstock storage on an AR-15?

Buttstock storage adds unnecessary weight to the rifle and can encourage carrying more gear than needed. For most users, the added weight and potential for rattling outweigh the convenience of storing small items like spare batteries.

Why are 45-degree offset sights not recommended for AR-15s?

45-degree offset sights are prone to snagging on obstacles and can be fragile. They also require canting the rifle, which can limit effective shooting positions and make transitions slower compared to 12 o'clock mounted optics.

When should I use a muzzle brake on my AR-15?

Muzzle brakes are best reserved for use as suppressor hosts. For general shooting, their extreme concussion and loud signature are undesirable. A flash hider or a suppressor host is typically a better choice to manage recoil and signature.

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