The AR15 Handguard
If you’re building your next AR-15 with an assembled upper, it’s tempting just to take what AR parts come with it. That’s the entire point of building with a complete, assembled AR upper - it comes with everything you need to complete the build.
Yet, despite the convenience of building with an assembled upper, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for any subpar parts that come with it. You still have the flexibility to swap parts in and out as you see fit.
On that note, here are some AR parts that you might want to consider for replacement, whether you’re building with an assembled upper or not.
The AR15 Bolt Carrier Group
First up, it’s the AR15 BCG. The good thing is that some assembled uppers don’t even come with bolt carrier groups, so you might not have to replace it - just consider the first one you get and make it a good one.
Many assembled uppers that come with AR15 BCGs come with mil-spec models. A mil-spec BCG is phosphate coated. This is a relatively affordable coating which is non-reflective and which has a little bit of tooth for holding onto liquid lubricants.
However, there are many other alternative bolt carrier group finishes that offer much better permanent dry lubricity, enabling better corrosion resistance while simultaneously requiring less liquid lubrication. Some of the best of these are:
- Black nitride
- Titanium nitride
- Nickel boron
- Diamond-like carbon (DLC)
All of these AR15 BCG finishes offer excellent permanent dry lubricity as well as wear and corrosion resistance, though they are more expensive than standard bolt carrier groups.
The Muzzle Device
Most assembled uppers come with threaded AR15 barrels, which are outfitted with flash hiders. The flash hider helps disperse the gasses and flash at the muzzle, keeping the sight picture clear.
However, the utility of flash hiders is severely limited. If you are looking for an AR part to make a solid upgrade here, go with an AR15 muzzle brake. Muzzle brakes also change the manner in which gasses are distributed at the muzzle, but they do so with the intention of cutting back on felt recoil.
They do this quite effectively. A good AR15 muzzle brake can cut felt recoil by 50% or more, all without adversely affecting shot power. This reduction in felt recoil minimizes muzzle jump, potentially enabling faster, more accurate follow up shots.
The AR15 Handguard
Not a fan of the Picatinny rail AR15 handguard that came with your assembled upper? Both KeyMod and M-LOK rail systems are lighter and more ergonomic. They’re also more comfortable to handle without gloves.
With a KeyMod or M-LOK rail system, you won’t need to waste money on rail covers, which only add weight and screw with heat dissipation. Swap your handguard for a KeyMod or M-LOK and shed weight - and if you want a real upgrade, go with a free float handguard that will empower greater accuracy.
If You’re Building an AR-15 Pistol
Now let’s say you’re building with an AR15 pistol upper. Here are two AR parts to upgrade that will decrease the size and weight of the platform, making it even more compact.
The AR15 Barrel
First, there are two great ways to make your AR15 pistol upper shorter with respect to the barrel. But, rather than replacing the AR15 barrel alone, just start the build with a 5-inch AR upper or a micro AR pistol upper. These uppers, which have 5-inch barrels (or even shorter) will instantly transform the build, making it lighter and more compact, and thereby easier to conceal. They’ll also be better in tighter, cramped quarters.
The one caveat is that 5 inch AR uppers or even shorter micro AR pistol uppers will be louder, produce a lot of recoil, will produce a lot of fouling and won’t be as powerful as builds with slightly longer barrels. But if your goal is to condense the platform, go right for a shorter AR15 barrel.
The Buffer Tube System
The other AR part to look at to condense an AR15 pistol is the buffer tube system, which houses the buffer weights and springs. The buffer tube system is responsible for storing potential energy and returning the AR15 BCG to battery after firing and extracting, completing the action cycle.
Micro buffer tube systems, which are shorter, will make your AR15 pistol shorter and more compact overall, making it easier to conceal and utilize in cramped quarters. Take a look through our collection of short buffer tube systems here to find one that works with your build.
Shop Assembled Uppers and AR Parts at MCS Gearup
Here for AR parts that will improve the performance of your rifle or AR15 pistol, or which will help make the platform more compact? Shop our collection of AR parts and assembled uppers and if you have any questions, get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com.