Not sure what furniture or accessories to make your AR-15 run better?
With our guide, you’ll be able to make a better-informed decision on how to make your AR-15 the best fitting and looking one out there.
We go over our favorite buttstocks, all kinds of grips, rail protectors, slings, and more. You ready?
*Update 2019*: New stuff added!
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We consider the pistol grip, buttstock, and handguard the primary furniture of the AR-15 since almost all AR’s need to have the three essential ingredients to function comfortably.
Best AR-15 Pistol Grips
So-called a “pistol grip” since they resemble the grip angle of pistols as opposed to traditional rifle grips. For most, the pistol grip is more ergonomic, not to mention more “normal” looking on an AR.
If you bought a stock AR-15, it most likely came with a standard A2 grip that for most is a little too skinny and cheap feeling. It’ll do fine, but there are too many affordable options out there that will fit your hand much better.
Magpul AR-15 MOE Grip
The go-to grip for our ARs…lighter, more comfortable, and still affordable. Also has a hollowed space with a cap on the bottom to store essential items like an extra bolt. Comes in several colors and around $18. Also, the MOE+ Model which has a rubber anti-slip coating ($23) which we highly recommend.
Hogue Overmold AR-15 Pistol Grip
Another of our favorites that is ergonomic and very grippy due to the larger size, rubber material, and finger grooves. ($20). With the beavertail which we prefer.
Magpul MIAD AR-15 Pistol Grip
And for those of you who want the best fit and customization, we recommend the Magpul MIAD which gives you a couple swappable choices for the palm size and front finger grooves. $34
Best AR-15 Buttstocks
It’s that thing you rest your cheeks on. Here’s a couple of ones we own and use with some specialty designs thrown in for fun.
We go in-depth over a dozen of the most popular choices in our Best AR-15 Stocks article…but here are some of our favorites:
Magpul MOE-SL
New slimline version that offers a better cheekweld and some weight savings. Great so far in my testing. ($56)
Magpul PRS Buttstock
For the precision rifle. This buttstock offers fine adjustments for both cheekweld and length of pull. Almost 2 lbs but built to last. Requires rifle length buffer tube assembly. ($240)
VLTOR IMOD Stock
The most comfortable adjustable stock we’ve tried and what we used to run in our race carbines. It has a sloped cheek weld that just feels right. Light enough but a little expensive. ($90)
ELF Ultralight Stock
When you absolutely need the lightest stock while still being adjustable. Not the comfiest but comes in at just around 5 oz…and looks super cool. ($134)
B5 Bravo Stock
My current favorite that is light and reasonably priced. Great cheek weld that’s almost as good as the Imod Stock but sheds ton of weight and saves you a couple bucks.
What’s your take on having a great buttstock and cheekweld?
Best AR-15 Handguards
We’ve covered these in detail in the previous article on Best AR-15 Upgrades.
But we do want to go over rail protectors which are polymer attachments that keep your Picatinny rails in tip-top shape and give you a better grip. They also look great when done in contrasting colors.
Magpul Rail Covers
Magpul XTM Rail Covers
Thicker covers that cover the rails entirely. ($8 for 4 pieces)
AR-15 Sling Plates and Slings
There are tons of choices for sling plates and slings, but we like the Magpul (seeing a pattern here?) series that lets you choose between one-point and two-point sling attachment.
Magpul RSA Sling Attachment
Mounts securely to your Picatinny rails to give a front sling attachment point. $30
Magpul ASAP Sling Plate
Takes the place of your standard AR end plate and gives you a sturdy sling attachment point. Better than fixed attachments since it allows you to quickly swing over from strong side to weak side shooting. A minor annoyance is that it rattles if no sling is attached. $30.
Magpul QD End Plate
An attachment point for quick-detach swivels on your slings. No more rattling problem like the above. Just make sure you choose the right end plate for your kind of sling. ($30)
Magpul MS3 Sling
Lightweight and durable sling that lets you easily transition between one point and two point sling modes. $50
Vickers Combat Applications Sling
Our new go-to if you don’t need quick detachment options. Used by tons of US troops. Simple, tough, and easy to adjust. ($45)
Also, check out our full review of the best slings for your specific purpose.
Best AR-15 Vertical Grips
Vertical grips give you potential increased weapon handling and control. Here’s a couple of our recommendations.
Troy Vertical Grip
Very sturdy grip that has a bar to lock down entirely onto the rail instead of just being held by one screw. Also modular so you can choose the perfect size. ($70) or the CQB-sized version. ($45)
Magpul RVG Vertical Grip (Picatinny)
Another great Magpul product that fits onto Picatinny rails. Comes in a wide assortment of colors. ($23)
Magpul MOE Vertical Grip
A version that fits onto Magpul MOE handguards that are not Picatinny rails, or on the newer M-LOKversions. ($18-21)
Best AR-15 Alternative Grips
Other grips that aid in control of your AR-15 but aren’t exactly vertical grips.
Magpul AFG
The Angled Foregrip offers a grip that is closer to the bore compared to traditional vertical grips. Seen a lot on builds where vertical foregrips are not allowed by law. ($33)
Magpul Hand Stop
Low profile way to improve weapon handling and prevent your hand from reaching the muzzle for shorter AR-15’s. $18
Best AR-15 Bipods
Fab Defense T-POD G2
How about BOTH a vertical grip and bipod?
The T-POD G2 is a good sized grip, releases to become a bipod quickly, and allows your rifle to cant left and right when deployed. The feet could be better traction on hard surfaces though. ($120-135)
Harris Bipods
The old school tried & true bipod. Spring loaded with quick telescoping legs. Just make sure to choose the correct method of attachment to your rail and leg length. ($70-100)
Atlas Bipods
What we run in our precision rifles. We love the ability to “push” into the bipod for a repeatable and very sturdy shooting platform. Expensive but you really get what you pay for. ($220-280)
It’s what we use on all our precision rifle setups.
Magazine Related Accessories
Magpul Magazine Pulls
The company actually started with these magazine pulls (get it?) that attach to the bottom of magazines to assist in removal from a rig and to cushion drops. ($12 for 3)
Magpul Mag Coupler
Lets you join together two magazines to have an extra 30 rounds on your rifle. Just be aware of the extra weight. Fits PMAG30 and PMAG 30 M3 magazines. ($17)
What’s Next?
We’ve covered tons of AR-15 stuff but we’re not done yet! Check out the rest of the AR-15 guides.
What is your favorite accessory? What do you upgrade first? Let us know in the comments!
A small point of correction in your article, but the Magpul PRS stock can be used with both a standard mil-spec carbine buffer tube, or a rifle length tube. It comes with an adapter for one or the other. I have 2 on my long range builds, and love them for that. Heavy and expensive are the downsides, but heavy is an advantage for a range/bench gun. If you shop around, you can usually get them for a little under $200 – still expensive, but once you shoot with one, and feel the stability it offers over other stocks, you’ll… Read more »
while your review was pretty extensive and complete, you didn’t mention that most AR furniture is imported, and sports a 1000% mark up. Aluminum is aluminum, and plastic is plastic. A plastic nylon sling, no matter what the clips, and buckles, is only a $3. sling! A reasonable profit is one thing, but having ten middlemen between China, Japan, etc. and the U.S. market is no excuse for the outrageous furniture prices. A whole AR with a 100% + mark up from the actual factory is only a $475. rifle. (property card value- new M-16).
I really like the Magpul PRS Buttstock, but $200 plus it is way overpriced. I don’t care how many adjustments it has.
How about the Tango Down BG-18 “Battlegrip”? Fits my hand perfectly and I prefer the more vertical angle which is easier on my wrist. It also has a small tab on the front to cover the “gap” between the grip and trigger guard that can raise a blister on your middle finger after a lot of rounds. Same price or a little cheaper than the MOE. I like it better.
The item FAB defense T-pod, is that something thats tough as in able to be trusted for a combat situation or is it mainly just a fun gadget to play with like say competition? I like the idea a lot because when you go prone if you need to change direction of shooting you grab the bipod and tilt and slide and a vertical grip should be mounted where its comfortable. Its a good join of the two.