5 Things Every AR-15 Owner Should Know

Published on May 9, 2026
Duration: 33:07

This guide outlines five essential things every AR-15 owner should know, focusing on the foundational principles of firearm safety and proper weapon handling. It details the four cardinal rules of weapon safety and provides practical techniques for mounting and holding the rifle, emphasizing consistent points of contact for improved control and accuracy. The information is presented by Brandon from T.REX ARMS, who draws on his experience in Marine Special Operations.

Quick Summary

Every AR-15 owner should understand five key areas: the reason for owning military-grade equipment, the four fundamental weapon safety rules, how to budget and plan their purchase, the weapon's operating system and manual of arms, and proper practice techniques. Safety rules include treating all firearms as loaded, keeping fingers off triggers, never pointing at unintended targets, and knowing your background.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: The AR-15 as a Tool
  2. 00:30Speaker Introduction: Brandon from T.REX ARMS
  3. 01:40The Five Essentials for AR-15 Owners
  4. 02:05Reason for Owning: Second Amendment and Preparedness
  5. 03:29Essential 1: The Four Weapon Safety Rules
  6. 04:02Acronym: TREAT (Treat, Keep, Never, Be)
  7. 04:08Safety Rule 1: Treat Every Weapon as Loaded
  8. 04:30Safety Rule 2: Keep Finger Off Trigger
  9. 04:58Safety Rule 3: Never Point at What You Won't Destroy
  10. 05:12Safety Rule 4: Be Sure of Target and Background
  11. 06:43Essential 2: Establish a Plan and Budget
  12. 07:33Budgeting Considerations: Rifle Build and Supporting Equipment
  13. 09:31Shopping for Deals and Used Equipment
  14. 10:05Common Mistakes: Buying Multiple Rifles Prematurely
  15. 10:48Proper Rifle Setup and Accessory Placement
  16. 11:05Most Important Accessories: Optic and Sling
  17. 11:38Increasing Capability: Weapon Light and Magnification
  18. 12:03Night Shooting Accessories: Suppressor and Laser
  19. 12:08Component Upgrades: Trigger, Safety, Grip, Stock
  20. 12:51Attachment Placement: Optic on Upper Receiver
  21. 13:13Balancing Accessories: Avoiding Front-End Weight
  22. 14:29Essential 3: Understanding Your Weapon
  23. 14:40Operating System and Manual of Arms
  24. 14:54AR-15 Operating System: Direct Impingement
  25. 15:31Commonalities in Operating Systems
  26. 16:43Correct Manual of Arms: Techniques and Procedures
  27. 17:06Dry Fire Practice for Manual of Arms
  28. 17:40AR-15 Grip and Points of Contact
  29. 18:01Point of Contact 1: Shoulder and Stock Placement
  30. 18:48Point of Contact 2: Face and Cheek Weld
  31. 19:20Point of Contact 3: Firing Hand Grip
  32. 19:50Point of Contact 4: Support Hand

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five essential things every AR-15 owner should know?

Every AR-15 owner should know: 1. Why they need military-grade equipment, 2. The four weapon safety rules, 3. How to set a budget and plan their purchase, 4. How to understand their weapon's operating system and manual of arms, and 5. How to practice properly.

What are the four weapon safety rules for firearms?

The four weapon safety rules are: Treat every weapon as if it were loaded, keep your finger straight and off the trigger, never point your weapon at anything you are not willing to destroy, and be sure of your target's foreground and background.

What is the primary purpose of the Second Amendment according to the video?

The video states the Second Amendment exists to ensure citizens have the same capabilities as the government, thereby preventing government overreach and protecting God-given liberties.

What are the most important accessories to purchase for an AR-15 after the firearm itself?

After purchasing the AR-15, the two most important accessories to get are a way to aim your rifle (like an optic, preferably a red dot for beginners) and a way for the rifle to be attached to your body (a sling).

How does the AR-15's operating system work?

The AR-15 uses a direct impingement operating system. Gas from a fired round is captured and funneled through a gas tube into the bolt carrier group, causing it to reciprocate and cycle the weapon.

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