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.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Magpul XTM Rail Covers
Thicker covers that cover the rails entirely. ($8 for 4 pieces)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Magpul MS3 Sling
Lightweight and durable sling that lets you easily transition between one point and two point sling modes. $50
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Magpul RVG Vertical Grip (Picatinny)
Another great Magpul product that fits onto Picatinny rails. Comes in a wide assortment of colors. ($23)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Magpul Hand Stop
Low profile way to improve weapon handling and prevent your hand from reaching the muzzle for shorter AR-15’s. $18
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Best AR-15 Bipods
Fab Defense T-POD G2
How about BOTH a vertical grip and bipod?
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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!
28 Leave a Reply
How about the PWS ratchet castle nut and QD end plate combo (Brownells #100-031-925)? This is the slickest setup I have seen and eliminates the need to stake the castle nut. I have seen very few folks (myself and many gunsmiths included) who know how to properly stake a castle nut. This product gives you a third QD attachment point and eliminates staking.
I have loved your reviews for years. When I make a purchase, your reviews, along with some select others, come into play. For this I am sincerely thankful. Now the but.... BUT: Why not just name this article the Best Magpul Accessories. Sure, I'm a little biased as I'm a huge BCM fan, but I do run some Magpul items as well. I still love you folks but this was not your best work. Not by a stretch.
Really like this wed site I got a PSA 16” freedom rifle kit with Anderson lower that I put an A2 butt stock on and has a vortex viper scope sitting on it makes the perfect truck gun I have it everywhere I go. Love reading the articles and reviews here, I learned a lot from this website and I am excited about future upgrade to my rifle. Thank you for all of the info
Thanks for the positive words :D We're always glad to be able to help.
Why not just say I like anything Magpul. This "article" might as well been an add for them, they make some nice stuff but come on this was annoying.
Most reviews of a Magpul product are going to be extremely enthusiastic. That’s what happens when you make a great product at a reasonable price.
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 probably feel good about the investment.
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.
Seemed like a Magpul advertisement.
Eric, Great article as always. I would recommend adding the ATI X1 pistol grip to your selection. I have it on my AR-10 (pic sent to you) as well as my AR-15. Awesome grip. Take care and rack on. - Bib
Just learning about rifles after a long hiatus away from long guns in any capacity. Great article. Read through this to better understand options and preferences from a total beginners perspective. Thanks Eric... I'll be reading more.
Hi Eric, Will a LUTH AR LAR MBA3 or MAG PUL PRS adjistiable butt stock fit a 6.5mm cm Ruger Per Rifle wiithout modification?? Thanks in adv for your reply... DT
For slings, I am a Vickers man every time. Vickers just released a “Push Button Sling” that has QD hardware on each end. This is now my go-to. $77 at Blue Force Gear. I fasten it directly to my Magpul MOE stocks without additional hardware, and add a Magpul QD sling attachment (MAG528) for $20 to the front tip of my rail.
Hey Eric, how are you mounting the Atlas V8 to the MLOK rail? I want to make sure I order the correct mount and I am having some trouble. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
I like your articles and your products but some are just way to pricey for my taste. $220 for a bipod? Most people like myself are on a budget an d getting anything for my AR is a luxury item. Ammo included. Some items for the budget hungry guys like me would also be a treat. Keep The articles coming. I enjoy the read.
He used a Harris bipod. Those aren't too expensive. But you buy a budget bipod then it night crap out on you. I had a Harris bipod break on me while I was slinging my rifle. The rifle fell and almost landed on a rock that would had broken my optic. You get what you pay for. If you have to save for mo ta to get something nice do it. Dknt go the cheap route.
To E. Hung &readers, Indeed, a stellar article with expertise insight; however please allow me to offer some naive critique/Devil's advocate as I am a very novice shooter.. why is this article saturated with Magpul furniture/accessories/peripheral mods? Where did I miss the disclaimer that this would effectively operate as an advertisement for Magpul - notwithstanding, an outstanding American manufacturer? Please do not misinterpret my written tone, which is not to disparage whatsoever but rather to learn. Why is there not more variety of brands and representation of other, perhaps boutique or competitive, manufacturers? Did I miss a piece of the article that explains this or does Magpul legitimately deserve ~70% of the 'Top' slots in this category (and others referenced in other articles)? What about MAKO/Fab Defense, Fortis, ERGO, Strike Industries, Seekins Precision, or even LaRue makes high-quality polymers for furniture, in addition to many others.. Why can't the well-deserved superiority of Magpul be stated once and then explore more of the diversity of the A(r) market? Please pardon my sense of pretense; it's not even a grievance, it's just the continuous exposure to Magpul I feel could potentially start to undermine their identity as being just the ubiquitous brand that is available everywhere. I'd hate to see them[Magpul] be conflated with, like, some 'Wal-Mart' brand line of products. Or perhaps I'm just a novice shooter that has yet to truly appreciate the functional supremacy of the Magpul concatenation, Thank you for reading. Criticism of my dialogue is recommended.
I was thinking basically the same exact thing halfway through reading the “pistol grip” section. I saw where this was headed and immediately asked myself if magpul was paying PPT. Haha. Don’t get me wrong magpul is one of the great American companies who’s innovations have changed many aspects of the shooting world. But to be honest. I am always looking past the magpul whenever possible and going with something else. Honestly I’m just getting bored with magpu and would really like to see them try something new. I know they are known for polymer but they’ve made enough money by this point they should try and expand and branch out into machining. Maybe make some magpul handguards or vertical grips from aluminum. They came out with the Mbus pro set of buis sights that I love. I’ve got a set on my favorite rifle now. That’s just my two cents though. That being said, magpul makes a hell of a quality product that most anyone can afford. For that I am thankful for magpul.
magpul has a well deserved reputation for fantastic products priced very aggressively. of the brands you listed, at least 2 of them (strike, mako) are produced overseas (not always a bad thing, but some people strike term off the list for this reason. ergo is generally (subjectively) poor quality. seeking and fortis are space age scifi designed stuff that would be at home in the next halo video game (although the quality is good, and if that's your bag, no hate from me!) larue is solid stuff and id encourage this (excellent) web site to test it out!! thats only my opinion, and its worth exactly wjat you paid for it though!
Hi Lucas, thanks for the detailed message! I definitely am due for an update to this article. Now that I've been much more immersed in everything AR, I'll have some good additions to this list.
FYI, it says "Atlast" bipod in the Picture. Other then that, great article, I love this site, and I can't wait till I can get my AR.
Thanks for catching that!
Eric, Thank you for all the helpful articles and videos. As a relatively new shooter I learn a lot from this channel. Keep up the good work. Peter S
Thanks Peter, really appreciate the kind words!
he's right! LOVE the site. im a fairly advanced ar hobbyist, but im loving the reviews and guides!