AR-15 Accessories, AR-15 Basics
Combat-Ready AR-15: Top 10 Considerations When Building a Reliable Rifle
Jul
At AR15Discounts.com, we have ARs build for target shooting, range fun, hunting, etc., however, we understand the critical importance of building a reliable, durable, combat-ready AR-15 rifle that can withstand the most demanding conditions. What we’re talking about is a go-to rifle for when your life is on the line and you’re defending your home and your loved ones. Just what does a rifle like this need. If you ask around, you’ll get a lot of opinions. Unfortunately, too many are informed by half-truths and gun store fudd talk. We aim to push past the noise and give you some basics you can base your own research around. Consider this blog post a starting point. This comprehensive guide explores the key components and considerations for creating a truly combat-ready AR-15, drawing on expert insights and real-world experience.
Understanding the Combat-Ready AR-15
At AR15Discounts, if there’s one thing we know, its what parts it takes to build a functional, reliable AR. That said, a true combat-ready AR-15 is more than just a collection of parts – it’s a carefully engineered system designed to perform reliably under the most demanding conditions. Unlike range toys or competition builds, a true combat-ready AR-15 must prioritize durability, reliability, and consistent performance in harsh environments. When considering a combat-ready AR-15, it’s crucial that you pause, and look beyond aesthetics or trendy features. For a hard-use rifle, function must always come before form. It’s very easy to get lost, swing wildly, and end up buying something because it looks cool. That is NOT the proper approach.
Key Components of a Combat-Ready AR-15
Barrel
What is the proper approach on a combat-ready AR-15? There are probably a few, but for us, the first thing we do is decide on the barrel. The heart of any combat-ready AR-15 is its barrel. For a combat-ready AR-15, we recommend opting for a heavier barrel profile, despite the current trend towards lightweight builds. A heavier barrel offers several advantages:
- Improved heat management
- Extended longevity
- Enhanced reliability
For maximum durability, consider a cold hammer forged (CHF) barrel. While slightly more expensive, CHF barrels generally offer superior heat resistance and longer service life.
Chrome lining is another feature to look for in a combat-ready barrel. It provides excellent corrosion resistance and can extend barrel life significantly.
Gas System
For optimal reliability on a combat-ready AR-15, a mid-length gas system is often recommended. This configuration allows for increased dwell time and improved extraction, leading to more consistent performance across a wide range of ammunition types.
Handguard
While lightweight M-LOK handguards are popular, some prefer the robustness of quad rails for combat applications. Regardless of your choice, ensure that your handguard is free-floated for improved accuracy and consistency.
Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) and Bolt
The BCG is a critical component in any AR-15. For a combat-ready rifle, consider a chrome-plated BCG. Chrome doesn’t wear off, has self-lubricity when it heats up, and cleans easily.
The bolt is a crucial component of any AR-15, and its quality can mean the difference between a reliable firearm and a potential failure in critical situations. At AR15discounts.com, we strongly recommend sticking with mil-spec or better when it comes to the bolt. Carpenter 158 steel is a proven material that can withstand the high pressures generated in the AR-15 system.
One of the most common issues with subpar bolts is premature breakage. This is often seen with 9310 steel bolts that have been improperly heat-treated. Top-tier manufacturers like Forward Controls Design, Bravo Company, Colt, and Daniel Defense rarely experience these issues because they adhere to a strict formula: Carpenter 158 steel, properly heat-treated, high-pressure (HP) tested, and magnetic particle inspected (MPI).
Small Parts: The Hidden Heroes
At AR15discounts.com, we emphasize the critical importance of small parts in building a combat-ready AR-15. These components, often overlooked, play a crucial role in the rifle’s reliability and performance.
Extractor Spring: We recommend upgrading to a high-quality option like the Sprinco 5-Coil Extra Power extractor spring. Rated for 150,000 compression/decompression cycles, it eliminates the need for unreliable O-rings and ensures consistent brass extraction, even in adverse conditions.
Ejector and Ejector Spring: A robust ejector and spring ensure positive ejection of spent casings, preventing malfunctions.
Gas Rings: Quality gas rings maintain proper seal between the bolt and carrier, ensuring efficient operation of the gas system.
Firing Pin and Retaining Pin: These small but critical parts must be of high quality to prevent misfires or premature pin wear.
Cam Pin: A crucial component that must withstand significant stress. Always use a high-quality, properly heat-treated cam pin.
Remember, the strength of your AR-15 is only as good as its weakest component. At AR15discounts.com, we offer premium small parts that meet or exceed mil-spec standards, ensuring your rifle performs reliably when it matters most.
Lower Receiver
This is an area where a lot of people get caught up on cool logos, etc. We’d encourage you to move past that. Consider an ambidextrous lower receiver for improved ergonomics and versatility. Features like ambidextrous magazine releases and bolt catches can be advantageous in high-stress situations. Forged or milled is not a huge consideration for us.
Trigger
While personal preference plays a role in trigger selection, ensure you choose a high-quality option from a reputable manufacturer. Even a standard mil-spec trigger from a trusted company can be suitable for combat use. Lately, we’ve been puttting triggers from Dirty Bird in our builds and we could not be happer.
Buffer System and Springs
The buffer system and springs are often overlooked components that play a crucial role in the reliable operation of a combat-ready AR-15. At AR15discounts.com, we emphasize the importance of selecting the right buffer and spring combination for your specific rifle.
One size does not fit all when it comes to buffer springs. Springs are essentially stored energy, and selecting the right one is key to getting your AR to run smoothly. The “best” spring depends on several factors unique to your rifle’s configuration and intended use.
When tuning your buffer system, consider the following:
- Buffer Weight: Heavier buffers can help reduce felt recoil and slow down bolt carrier velocity, which can be beneficial for reliability in some setups.
- Spring Rate: A stronger spring can help ensure positive return to battery, but too strong a spring can cause other issues.
- Gas System: The length of your gas system (carbine, mid-length, rifle) will affect how you should set up your buffer system.
- Ammunition: Different loads will produce different amounts of gas, which may require adjustments to your buffer system.
One indicator of proper buffer system setup is case ejection trajectory. Ideally, spent casings should eject at roughly the 3 o’clock to 4 o’clock position. If cases are consistently ejecting forward of 3 o’clock, it may indicate that your carrier velocity needs to be optimized.
Remember, there’s no substitute for actual testing. Get out to the range and thoroughly vet your setup to ensure reliability across different conditions and ammunition types.
As for what buffer system? As of today, if building a new combat-ready AR-15, we’d be looking at using the VLTOR A5 system, or a standard setup, but using Sprinco springs.
Optics
On a combat-ready AR-15, the days of iron sights are over, and for your combat-ready AR-15, as you start calculating the damage to your wallet, you’ve also got to add optic cost to the grand total. While not strictly necessary, a Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) can significantly enhance the versatility of a combat-ready AR-15. These optics allow for both close-quarters engagements and accurate shooting at extended ranges.
For those who prefer a simpler sighting system, quality red dot sights are an excellent option. At AR15discounts.com, we strongly advocate for transitioning from iron sights to red dot optics, but with an important caveat: quality matters.
The market is flooded with budget red dot sights, often priced between $50 to $300, typically manufactured offshore in China. While these may be suitable for hobbyists or for use on .22 caliber firearms, they are not appropriate for a combat-ready AR-15 that you may stake your life on.
When selecting a red dot sight for a combat-ready AR-15, prioritize the following factors:
- Durability: Your optic must withstand harsh conditions, impacts, and heavy recoil.
- Reliability: It should function consistently in various environments and temperatures.
- Battery Life: Long battery life is crucial for extended operations.
- Thorough Testing: Look for optics that have undergone rigorous testing and have a proven track record in demanding situations.
This is why optics from manufacturers like Eotech, Vortex, and Aimpoint stand out. With over a million units in use by the U.S. Military and having won three separate, hard-fought contracts, Aimpoint optics have demonstrated their reliability and durability in real-world combat situations.
At AR15discounts.com, we offer a range of high-quality red dot sights that meet these stringent criteria. While they may come with a higher price tag than budget options, remember that when it comes to a combat-ready AR-15, your optic is not the place to cut corners. The ability to acquire targets quickly and accurately in high-stress situations can be the difference between life and death.
Invest in a quality red dot sight that has been proven in the field. Your life may depend on it.
Rethinking Accessories: Less is More
When building a combat-ready AR-15, it’s tempting to load up on accessories. However, at AR15discounts.com, we advocate for a “less is more” approach. Every additional component adds weight, complexity, and potential points of failure to your rifle.
Avoid the trap of simply copying someone else’s setup. What works for one person may not be optimal for your needs, body type, or shooting style. Instead, carefully consider each accessory’s purpose and how it fits into your specific requirements.
Focus on essential accessories that enhance the rifle’s core functionality:
- A reliable weapon light for target identification
- A sling for weapon retention and support
- Backup iron sights as a failsafe
Remember, a combat-ready AR-15 should be streamlined and purpose-driven. Unnecessary accessories can hinder performance and reliability in critical situations. You don’t need or want a bunch of crap hanging off your gun to impress an imaginary geek at the range.
The Cost of Your Life: Investing in Quality
Just what is your life worth? Just how many lesser ARs do you need, when what you really need is ONE rifle you can grab and bet your life on when it truly counts? Do you have a single AR that can survive an intense 3-day rifle course without crapping out? Be honest. When building a combat-ready AR-15, it’s crucial to consider the value of your life or the lives of those you’re protecting. While a price tag of $2,000 to $3,000 may seem steep, it’s a small investment when weighed against the potential cost of failure in a life-or-death situation.
Again, ask yourself: What is your life worth? What about the lives of your loved ones? When viewed through this lens, investing in quality components and professional assembly becomes not just sensible, but essential.
A combat-ready AR-15 built with top-tier components offers:
- Increased reliability in high-stress situations
- Better performance under adverse conditions
- Longer service life, reducing long-term costs
- Peace of mind knowing your equipment won’t let you down
At AR15discounts.com, we believe that when it comes to a rifle you may stake your life on, cutting corners is not an option. Invest wisely in your combat-ready AR-15, because the alternative could cost far more than money. Have at least ONE AR in your lineup where you didn’t cut a single corner.
A Note on Tools: Your Life May Depend on It
Speaking of cutting corners, this applies to the tools you use to build it with, too. At AR15discounts.com, we cannot stress enough the critical importance of using the right tools when assembling a combat-ready AR-15. This is not a matter of preference or convenience – it’s a matter of life and death. If you’re building a rifle that you may stake your life on, you’d better have the right tools for the job. Anything less is an unacceptable risk.
The consequences of improper assembly due to inadequate tools can be catastrophic. Consider the castle nut, a seemingly simple component that plays a crucial role in keeping your rifle intact. Under-torquing this nut due to lack of proper tools or knowledge can result in your firearm literally falling apart during use. Let that sink in – your life-saving tool could become a liability at the worst possible moment. Whoops…you’re dead.
Conversely, over-torquing components without the ability to measure applied force can lead to stripped threads or damaged parts. These issues might not be immediately apparent but could cause critical failures when you least expect them.
We at AR15discounts.com are issuing a stern warning: Do not cut corners on tools if you’re building a combat-ready AR-15. Here’s what you need to know:
- Accuracy is Non-Negotiable: Your tools, especially torque wrenches, must be accurate. The torque applied must match what the wrench indicates. Inaccurate tools lead to improperly assembled rifles.
- Quality Matches Intent: If you’re building a single rifle for personal use, you might get by with more affordable tools. However, ensure they perform their job correctly. For professional or frequent builds, invest in high-quality tools that will maintain their accuracy over time.
- Professional-Grade for Life-Dependent Builds: If you’re a department armorer or building rifles that lives may depend on, there’s no excuse for subpar tools. Invest in professional-grade equipment that will ensure consistency and reliability across multiple builds.
- Essential Tools Include:
- Accurate torque wrench
- Proper vise and upper receiver block
- Armorer’s wrench
- Punch set
- Proper screwdrivers and Allen keys
Remember, the money saved on cheap tools is insignificant compared to the potential cost of a critical failure. If you’re betting your life on a combat-ready AR-15, you’d better be damn sure it’s assembled correctly. Don’t gamble with your life or the lives of others – use the right tools for the job.
At AR15discounts.com, we offer a range of quality gunsmithing tools suitable for various skill levels and intended uses. Invest in the right tools today – because tomorrow, your life might depend on it.
Building vs. Buying a Combat-Ready AR-15
While many enthusiasts enjoy building their own AR-15s, there are potential pitfalls to this approach when assembling a combat-ready rifle. For those whose lives may depend on their rifle, it’s often advisable to purchase a complete, factory-built AR-15 from a reputable manufacturer. These rifles undergo extensive testing and quality control to ensure all components work together seamlessly.
However, if you do choose to build your own combat-ready AR-15, be prepared to invest in quality components. Expect to spend in the $1,200-$1,500 range, minimum, for a truly combat-ready build.
Maintenance and Training
Remember, even the most well-built combat-ready AR-15 requires proper maintenance and operator training to perform at its best. Regular cleaning, inspection, and replacement of wear items are essential for maintaining reliability.
Additionally, invest time in training with your rifle. Familiarize yourself with its operation, practice malfunction drills, and work on your marksmanship skills. A combat-ready AR-15 is only as effective as its operator.
Conclusion
Building or selecting a combat-ready AR-15 requires careful consideration of components, quality, and intended use. By focusing on durability, reliability, and performance under stress, you can create a rifle that will serve you well in the most demanding situations.
At AR15discounts.com, we’re committed to providing the knowledge and components you need to build or upgrade your combat-ready AR-15. Remember, while having the right parts is crucial, true combat readiness comes from a combination of quality equipment, proper maintenance, and consistent training.
Whether you’re a law enforcement professional, a serious enthusiast, or someone looking to build the most reliable AR-15 possible, we hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the world of combat-ready rifles. Visit AR15discounts.com for all your AR-15 needs, and take the first step towards building your own combat-ready masterpiece.
