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Best AR-15 Furniture & Accessories

Find the best AR-15 furniture and accessories to make your rifle perfect for your end-use -- from buttstocks, handguards, grips, slings, bipods, and more.

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November 2023: Added the Lerna mount.

AR-15s are like the Legos of the adult world --- totally customizable with a ton of parts to swap out, upgrade, and change up.

But if you're like us, sometimes it can be overwhelming to decide exactly what to upgrade...

Modded AR-15s
Modded AR-15s

So, if you're unsure what furniture or accessories to make your AR-15 run better, you've come to the right place.

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'll go over our favorite buttstocks, all kinds of grips, rail protectors, slings, and more.

Even More AR-15 Uppers
Even More AR-15 Uppers

Note: we consider the pistol grip, buttstock, and handguard the primary furniture of the AR-15 since almost all ARs need to have the three essential ingredients to function comfortably.

AR-15 Primary Furniture
AR-15 Primary Furniture

Best AR-15 Pistol Grips

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.

22.-M1A-Scope-Mount
Traditional Rifle Grip

If you bought a stock AR-15, it most likely came with a standard A2 grip. That often feels a little too skinny and cheap. 

It'll do fine, but there are too many affordable options out there that will fit your hand much better.

1. Magpul AR-15 MOE/MOE+ Grip

The go-to grip for our ARs...the Magpul AR-15 MOE Grip offers a lighter, more comfortable, but still affordable option. 

AR-15 Grip Magpul MOE SL grips offer a great lightweight option. (image5)
Magpul MOE SL grips offer a great lightweight option.

Bonus, it also features a hollowed space with a cap on the bottom to store essential items like an extra bolt. And it comes in several colors.

Also, the MOE+ Model has a rubber anti-slip coating which we highly recommend.

AR-15 Grip Magpul MOE+ on a RECCE Rifle build that provides great traction. (image4)
AR-15 Grip Magpul MOE+ on a RECCE Rifle

2. 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 is the Hogue Overmolded AR-15 Grip. Hogue also offers a model that sports a beavertail --- which we prefer.

Hogue Overmold AR-15 Pistol Grip
Prices accurate at time of writing

3. Magpul MIAD AR-15 Pistol Grip

And for those of you who want the best fit and customization, we recommend the Magpul MIAD.

Why?

Well, it gives you several swappable choices for palm-size and front-finger grooves. Solid option for the price.

4. Tyrant Designs Mod Grip

When aesthetics AND comfort matter...

magpul sl-k
Tyrant Modded AR-15

We dig the Mod Grip, which gives you a rubberized front/back while keeping it sexy.

This one lets you get really high up on the rear of the grip, too, if that's your preference.

Tyrant MOD Grip
Tyrant MOD Grip

My only nitpicky thing is that I'd like to see an extra finger groove in the front for my hand geometry.

Otherwise solid if you want an AR grip that turns heads.

5. BCM Mod-1 Gunfighter Grip

Another of our favorite rifle and gear manufacturers...BCM.

They have several "Mods" for their grips...but the one we like is the Mod-1. It sports a reduced angle that makes it more comfortable for CQB and shorter guns.

The Mod-1 differs from the Mod-0 in that the back portion is thinner, which we found works best with the reduced angle.

Best Grip

That only touches a few of our favorite grips...for all the rest, check out Best AR-15 Grips.

Best AR-15 Buttstocks

It's that thing you rest your cheeks on. 

While we go in-depth with a dozen of the most popular choices in our Best AR-15 Stocks article, we'll keep it brief here with a couple of our favorites.

Best AR-15 Buttstocks
Best AR-15 Buttstocks

1. Magpul MOE-SL

The Magpul MOE-SL Stock sports a slimline build that offers a better cheek weld and some weight savings.

Magpul MOE SL Stock
Magpul MOE SL Stock

It's been perfect so far in my testing, and comes QD-mount is ready for slings.

2. Magpul PRS Buttstock

For precision rifles, the Magpul PRS Buttstock offers fine adjustments for both cheek weld and length of pull.

PSA AR-10 Lower with 2-Stage Trigger and Magpul PRS
Magpul PRS

Weighing almost 2 pounds, this stock comes built to last. It's built for a rifle-length buffer tube but also comes with spacers to make it work with regular-spec carbine-length tubes.

Though pricier, it's great for its specific purpose of precision shooting with your AR.

Best Precision Stock

3. VLTOR IMOD Stock

The most comfortable adjustable stock we've tried, the VLTOR IMOD Stock, is what we use to run on our race carbines. 

VLTOR IMOD
VLTOR IMOD

It features a sloped cheek weld that just feels right -- light enough but a little expensive at $90.

4. B5 Bravo Stock

The B5 Bravo Stock is my current favorite --- light and reasonably priced.

B5 Systems Bravo Stock
B5 Systems Bravo Stock

Great cheek weld that's almost as good as the Imod Stock but sheds a ton of weight and saves you a couple of bucks.

Best All-Around Stock

What do you think of the Bravo B5 Stock? Why not give it a rating below?

Readers’ Ratings

4.99/5 (2877 Votes)

Your Rating

5. Tyrant CNC Nexgen Buttstock

No doubt, Tyrant CNC likes to push the envelope in developing its accessories, using cool materials and precision machining. Their new buttstock is a great example of this.

Made of polymer, carbon fiber, and aluminum, this butt stock fits on all standard AR-15 buffer tubes and comes in five different colors.

This allows you to match them up nicely with other Tyrant products.

Tyrant CNC Nexgen Buttstock
Prices accurate at time of writing

The carbon fiber portion is laid on the cheek rest to protect you from extreme climes, and the stock adjustment lever is located on both sides, making it ambidextrous.

This is a high-quality unit that is easy to install.

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6. Law Tactical Gen 3 Side Folder Adapter

How about something that allows you to fold the buffer tube back until it's needed?

Enter the Law Tactical Gen 3 Side Folder Adapter.

Law Tactical Gen 3 Side Folder
Law Tactical Gen 3 Side Folder

Just make sure to never fire when it's folded, or else bad things might happen...

Law Tactical, Open
Law Tactical, Open

How about more buttstocks? Or how about AR-15 Pistols?

Check out our Best AR-15 Buttstocks as well as our Best AR-15 Pistol Braces articles.

Best AR-15 Buttstocks
Best AR-15 Buttstocks

Best AR-15 Handguards

We've covered these in detail in a previous article on Best AR-15 Upgrades. So check that out if you want a ton of options to choose from.

Best AR-15 Handguards
Best AR-15 Handguards

Best Controls

1. Blackout Defense 45/90 Selector

If you've ever felt like the full 90 degrees of a fire selector was a bit too far, especially during making it safe, Blackout Defense has you covered with options.

Blackout Defense 45/90 installed

Now you can configure the selector to switch with the traditional 90 degrees or shorten it up with a 45 degree option.

In addition, their selector comes with two different sized switches and you can place them however you wish to optimize your comfort.

Blackout Defense 45/90 Selector
Prices accurate at time of writing

Best Rail Covers

If you've got a lot of Picatinny rail space that's unused...you'll want some rail covers to prevent damage and to give your hands a little more grip.

Daniel Defense DDM4V7
Daniel Defense DDM4V7

1. Magpul Rail Covers

If you want bare-bones basics, go with Magpul Rail Covers.

They're super affordable at under $12 and give you the basic elements you need.

Magpul Rail Covers
Prices accurate at time of writing

2. Magpul XTM Rail Covers

For a thicker feel that covers the rails entirely, we suggest Magpul XTM.

You get four pieces at around $10, which isn't bad at all.

Best Rail Covers

AR-15 Sling Plates and Slings

Again, we have a whole article dedicated to the Best Rifles Slings that go super in-depth with some of our faves.

That said, we've got a few choices here for sling plates and slings. Spoiler alert, we like the Magpul (seeing a pattern here?) series that lets you choose between one-point and two-point sling attachments.

1. Magpul RSA Sling Attachment

The Magpul RSA Sling Attachment mounts securely to your Picatinny rails to give a front sling attachment point. 

Great if you only have upper Picatinny rails.

2. Midwest Industries M-LOK QD Mount

Looking for a nice M-LOK capable sling mount? The Midwest version is tiny and out of the way.

I like the angled ramp where you can choose to put your thumb.

Midwest M-LOK QD Sling Mount
Prices accurate at time of writing

3. Magpul ASAP Sling Plate

The Magpul ASAP Sling Plate takes the place of your standard AR end plate and gives you a sturdy sling attachment point. 

It's 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.

4. Magpul QD End Plate

This end plate offers an attachment point for quick-detach swivels on your slings.  

No more rattling problems like the above --- just make sure you choose the right end plate for your kind of sling. Again, it's priced at around $25.

Magpul QD End Plate
Prices accurate at time of writing

5. Vickers Combat Applications Sling

Our new go-to if you don't need quick detachment options is the Vickers Combat Applications Sling.

BFG Vickers Combat Application Sling
Vickers Combat Application Sling

It's used by tons of U.S. troops because it's simple, rugged, and easy to adjust.

Best Sling
Vickers Combat Applications Sling
Prices accurate at time of writing

6. Pew Pew Tactical Sling

After years of shooting all the slings above...we've got our own Pew Pew Tactical Sling, made in Georgia by Flatline Fiber.

Pew Pew Tactical Flatline Sling
Pew Pew Tactical Flatline Sling

Just the right amount of padding to be comfy but not get in the way. And, of course, a super easy pull-tab to adjust the length.

Pew Pew Tactical Sling Logo
Pew Pew Tactical Sling Logo

And the best...it comes in Multicam Black and regular Multicam.

Pew Pew Tactical Flatline Slings
Pew Pew Tactical Flatline Slings
Pew Pew Tactical Sling
Prices accurate at time of writing

Again, check out our full review of the best slings for your specific purpose.

Two Point Slings
Tested Slings

Best AR-15 Vertical Grips

Vertical grips give you potentially increased weapon handling and control. But they are getting a little rarer due to better weapon control by C-Clamping on the rail instead.

C Clamp Grip
C-Clamp Grip

Still, here are a couple of our recommendations.

1. Troy Vertical Grip

The Troy Vertical Grip is a sturdy grip with a bar that locks down entirely onto the rail instead of just being held by one screw.  

It's also modular, so you can choose the perfect size.

Troy Vertical Grip
Prices accurate at time of writing

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2. Magpul RVG Vertical Grip (Picatinny)

Another great Magpul product that fits onto Picatinny rails is the RVG Vertical Grip.

It comes in a wide assortment of colors.

3. Magpul MOE Vertical Grip

The Magpul MOE Vertical Grip offers a version that fits onto Magpul MOE handguards that are not Picatinny rails or on newer M-LOK versions.

Best AR-15 Alternative Grips

There are other grips that aid in the control of your AR-15 but aren't exactly vertical grips...

1. Magpul AFG

The Magpul Angled Foregrip offers a grip that is closer to the bore compared to traditional vertical grips. 

We've seen these a lot on builds where vertical foregrips are not allowed by law. It's priced at $33.

Magpul AFG
Prices accurate at time of writing

2. Magpul Hand Stop

The Magpul Hand Stop brings a low-profile way to improve weapon handling and prevent your hand from reaching the muzzle for shorter AR-15s. It comes in at $18.

Best Foregrip

Also...more grips where that came from in our Best AR-15 Foregrips article.

Best AR-15 Bipods

1. Fab Defense T-POD G2

How about BOTH a vertical grip and bipod? That's what you get with the Fab Defense T-POD G2.

Fab Defense T-POD G2
Fab Defense T-POD G2

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.  

We kind of think the feet could be better traction on hard surfaces, though.

Fab Defense T-POD G2, Deployed
Fab Defense T-POD G2, Deployed

It comes in at about $150.

Fab Defense T-POD G2
Prices accurate at time of writing

2. Harris Bipods

The old school tried & true bipod --- Harris Bipods. These are spring-loaded with short telescoping legs.

Just make sure to choose the correct attachment method for your rail and leg length. They are priced between $70 and $100.

3. Atlas Bipods

Atlas Bipods are what we run in our precision rifles. 

We love the ability to "push" into the bipod for a repeatable and very sturdy shooting platform.

Aero M5E1 On The Grass
Aero M5E1 On The Grass

Expensive (between $220 and $280), but you really get what you pay for.  

Best Bipod
Atlas Bipods
Prices accurate at time of writing

See more of our favorites in Best Rifle Bipods.

1. GBRS Group Lerna Mount Kit

Some people in the gun community giggle about the tall risers that are making their way onto the market lately, but if you know the why behind their design, it makes a lot of sense.

Professional shooters have been moving away from the hunched shooting positions of old that limited sight and in particular, peripheral vision. Add in the complications of gas masks or night vision, and there's even more reason to elevate the head to get a good sight picture.

Lerna

The Lerna, from GBRS Group, does just that--bringing your optic up a full 2.91". This height enables a more upright shooting posture and heightens situational awareness.

This riser is built tough from 6061-T6 Aluminum and even features a keyhole, so you can still use iron sights. The sides of this feature are serrated to prevent glare.

Lerna (1)

The Lerna comes in FDE or black, and is available for select EoTech, Trijicon, and Aimpoint optics.

2. Blackout Defense ONEX Risers

The folks at Blackout Defense make some outstanding products and their motto is "where science and manufacturing meet". They currently have two different heights of optics risers that are simple and effective.

Blackout Defense risers

Made of rugged 7055 Aluminum, these risers come in 1.93" and 2.3" to help you line up your optics based on need. These are great for helping you get the right height to establish sight picture while using night vision or a gas mask.

Blackout Defense riser right

The ONEX also features a view through channel allowing shooters to revert to irons if the optic fails. These risers come in six different colors but are only available for Aimpoint Micro footprint optics at this time.

1. Magpul Magazine Pulls

The company actually got its start with these magazine pulls (get it...Mag...Pul...you got it.)

These attach to the bottom of magazines to assist in removal from a rig and to cushion drops.

Magpul Magazine Pulls (3-Pack)
Prices accurate at time of writing

2. Magpul Mag Coupler

The Mag Coupler allows you to join together two magazines, so you have an extra 30 rounds on your rifle. 

Just be aware of the extra weight. This fits PMAG 30 magazines and is priced at $17.

Magpul Mag Coupler
Prices accurate at time of writing

Best AR-15 Suppressors

We didn't really know if suppressors were furniture...but hey, here they are. We have a complete guide to the Best AR-15 Suppressors since it's so much info.

.30 Cal and 5.56 Suppressors
.30 Cal and 5.56 Suppressors

But if we had to choose one...it'd be the Silencer Central Banish 30, which also got selected as Guns & Ammo's Silencer of the Year for 2021.

Daniel Defense MK18
Daniel Defense MK18 Night Shoot

Titanium, multi-caliber, and user-serviceable --- It's everything you're likely looking for.

Banish 30 Gold Disassembled
Banish 30 Gold Disassembled

And how does it shoot? With much less blowback than competitors. And it's super soft too, which is the whole point!

Again...don't forget to check out our Complete Guide to AR-15 Suppressors.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many options for modding or upgrading your AR-15 build.

Favorite AR-15s
Favorite AR-15s

While we gave you just a handful of options to choose from, there are tons of upgrades you can toss onto your rifle.

What is your favorite accessory? Let us know in the comments! We've covered tons of AR-15 stuff here, but we're not done yet! Check out the rest of the AR-15 guides.

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Written By

Eric Hung

Eric Hung

Founder, CEO

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I'm Eric Hung, the founder of Pew Pew Tactical, and I love guns. For over 10 years I've been soaking up as much information as possible online, in competitions, classes, and from my own testing. Now I hope to bring that info to you! I've written over 250 articles on Pew Pew Tactical that are read by millions a month. I'm also an NRA certified pistol instructor and avid USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor. Learn more at About Us.

WHY YOU CAN TRUST PEW PEW TACTICAL

Since 2016, the Pew Pew Tactical team has been dedicated to providing expert reviews and in-depth testing of guns and gear. All while keeping in mind that guns are fun and that readers come first.

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Conversation

62 Comments

Join the discussion

  • Ergo grips jus feel "right".

    Hogue overmolded collapsible buttstock.

    Radian Weapons safety & charging handles.

    CMC Triggers AR-15 A5 Buffer Tube Kit with Enhanced QD End Plate.

    Seekins Precision angled grip.

    Harris Bipods.

    Best red dot riser Scalarworks.

    M16 scope mount A.R.M.S.

    scope rings Seekins Precision

    AR BUIS A.R.M.S.
    ...
  • 1
    Just a couple good things that I enjoy.

    1) FAB Defense SPIKE M - M-LOK Compatible Precision Bipod

    2) Breek Arms 15" RG2-S M-LOK Handguard for AR-15

    3) LaRue Grip Adapter Panels

    4)Fortis Mfg K2 System (Locking Lever) Castle Nut w/QD

    5) FAB Defense GL-SHOCK CP - M4/AR15 Shock-Absorbing Buttstock w/ Cheek Rest

    6)Armaspec Stealth™ Recoil Spring - SRS™- AR15 GEN4
    ...
  • 2
    After owning different AR-15s, trying many different accessories and gadgets, I’ve discovered two truths.

    One: it is difficult to improve on the AR platform without ruining it or its capabilities.

    Two: when it comes to the efficiency of the firearm, after minor improvements are made to the trigger, BCG, or and/or stock, about the only real improvement that an AR needs is superlative optics. Having invested in dozens of different types of optics, I’ve found that for the .223 or 5.56, Trijicon’s ACOG — or Aimpoint’s Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) or Aimpoint Combat Optic (ACO) — are among the very best. This IS a personal choice, and I’m not saying that my experience amounts to the “one true way” of AR perfection… but the simple truth is that an excellent optic that makes the most sense to your eyes and brain is just about the closest thing to perfection.

    When it comes to accessories, take a lesson from history: with every Gold Rush, the people who have become richest weren’t the miners, but were those who supplied the picks, shovels, mules, rice, and beans.
    ...
  • 1
    Common knowledge when you buy a handgun it has to feel good in your hands. Why should it be different with an AR grip. Magpul nothing special. Changed my stock one to a Hogue, much better, until I tried a ATI X1 AR Recoil Grip. Bought a second one for my other AR. Others may not like, I find it perfect
    ...
  • 1
    1
    I've gotta voice my opinion here...

    The Stark OneGrip and Strike Industries Grips are two of my favorite AR grips. The Stark feels molded specifically for my hand and the Strike Industries offers plenty of grip angles and a rubber texture. Strike has by far my favorite angled forgrip too.

    The Magpul STR comes out on top of the Vltor IMOD because the STR doesn't pull beard hairs.

    And lastly, BCM's rail covers blow the other options out of the water.
    ...
  • 3
    1
    Of the "Best AR-15 Pistol Grips" on this list:

    Magpul grips (all of them on this list)... one of the worst things you can use if you have carpal tunnel or De Quervain tenosynovitis.

    Tyrant Design ... one of the worst things you can use if you have carpal tunnel or De Quervain tenosynovitis.

    BCM Mod-1 ... not too bad for carpal tunnel or De Quervain tenosynovitis.

    Hogue Overmold ... better for carpal tunnel or De Quervain tenosynovitis.

    If your carpal tunnel or De Quervain tenosynovitis isn't too bad. like minor, repeated frequent use of the Magpul grips or the Tyrant Design can make it worse over time. And if your carpal tunnel or De Quervain tenosynovitis is a more than minor the Magpul grips or the Tyrant Design will aggravate it and continued use will make it worse over time. There is just a bad angle here for these grips that sits right at the improper angle that relieves pressure on the carpal tunnel or De Quervain tenosynovitis plus with the Tyrant Design 'skeletonized' thing with the change in grip surface 'tension' contact stability across the hand it causes small movement of the hand surface against the grip on those that causes pressure on the carpal tunnel or De Quervain tenosynovitis by the same grip surface tension not being evenly distributed across the hand.
    ...
    • John

      A small correction to my post...

      "There is just a bad angle here for these grips that sits right at the improper angle that relieves..." well, that should have been "There is just a bad angle here for these grips that sits right at an improper angle that causes irritation ..."
      ...
  • 1
    Lots of good choices and suggestions. Personally I really like the Luth-AR Chubby. The palm swell seems to be perfect for me, enough that I've put one on three different guns.
    ...
  • 1
    My personal "Rule of Thumb" has been when in doubt, you can't go wrong with Magpul, so the main furniture on my ARs is Magpul. I do like the MOE grip with the storage module because its great for storing batteries or other small parts one might need.

    All 4 Handguards I have are PSAs House brand. I don't know who makes them for PSA, but they say they're made in the US. All are M-Loks and all my guns are free float. All were under a $100 at the time I bought them. Being on a tight budget, that has a major influence on what I can afford.

    I' ve only 1 gu n set up with a bipod, and only 1 Harris, though I do have a short M1913 rail on each AR, so it could be swapped out if necessary.

    I use the QD sling mounts already on the Handguard and the buttstock. Except for q Blue Force Gear, my other slings are house brands. One's a Pew Pew. One 2 of the guns also have the rear plate that accepts a single point sling for keeping hands free but the gun ready to go

    That's it. Other than a 2nd short Pic rail to mount a light, a Streamlight PolyTac and it QR mount I keep on 2 guns, I don't have a bunch of swag on any gun.
    ...
  • 1
    What's the rail cover you guys have pictured on the DDM4V7?
    ...
  • 1
    I think its pretty crazy that the ergo grips didnt make the grip list. I dont have a ton of experience with other grips, but me and a friend both put that ergo on our first builds and its been our favorite so far for sure.
    ...
    • Bruce

      Im surprised too. Love Ergo grips. Tbh, bought one because of Obi wan Nairobi and never looked back
      ...
  • Banish Suppressor pic is the Banish .22, not a banish 30 let alone the Banish Gold that features quick Connect/Disconnect.
    ...