Have you ever looked at a product and thought…WTF?
Well, I have. While there are plenty of cool and exciting accessories on the market, there are equally as many terrible ones.
And what could be more fun than looking at some of these weird and horrible parts? It’s like a train wreck you just can’t help but look at.
So, we’ve gathered a list that encompasses the entire AR-15 platform with the most ridiculous accessories you could ever attach.
Worst AR-15 Accessories
I included items that have been seriously marketed as accessories for AR-15s.
Do you know silly stuff like those TAC-SAC? Well, that doesn’t make the list because it’s a dedicated novelty. I’m looking for stuff that is advertised as a serious, tactical doodad.
Beyond that, it’s easy to get on the list – be inefficient, dangerous, and useless.
1. Bayonext
I like bayonets. They’re neat. If my gun has a Bayo lug, I’ve probably put a bayonet on it one time or another for funsies.
Typically, bayonets mount under the barrel, although some mount to the side.
The Bayonext is a big ole tube that mounts to your rail system, utilizing an out-the-front design.
Kinda like an automatic knife.
This 14-inch tube takes up most of your rail space, delivering a spring-loaded spike for dealing with close encounters.
First, if I’m sticking a long tube on my gun, it better fire grenades.
Second, OTF knives aren’t known for their strength. If I have to spear something, I want a fixed blade known for its durability.
Third, bayonets should be easy to remove and carry. The Bayonext attaches to a rail and requires what appears to be Allen keys to remove.
Finally, a bayonet should double as a handy dandy knife, and the Bayonext does no such thing.
The Bayonext deserves a place in the next incarnation of Left for Dead, not real life.
2. F4 Tactical Pepper Spray
You ever see those shotguns wearing bright orange furniture?
These shotguns are orange because they are only supposed to be used with less-lethal ammunition and never loaded with real buckshot.
The idea is simple when you grab a less-lethal gun, you know it’s less lethal. Separating lethal from less-lethal prevents accidents.
Do you know what doesn’t prevent accidents? Attaching a less-lethal item to a lethal item.
The F4 Tactical Pepper Spray attaches to a rail system and mounts below an AR-15’s barrel.
Not only does the F4 require you to be uncomfortably close to your opponent, but it requires you to point a lethal weapon at them.
We never mix lethal and less-lethal for a reason, and it’s because accidents happen.
I could see the utility in mounting the F4 Tactical Pepper Spray on one of those less-lethal shotguns mentioned previously.
However, its advertisement reads, “first-ever rail-mounted pepper spray gives law enforcement the ability to instantly use lethal or non-lethal response to a threat.”
Just say no to mixing lethality levels.
3. Angel Eye Rearview Mirror
So, there you are, operating operationally. You’re moving and grooving, cashing checks and snapping necks, and bam, a bad guy pops up behind you. It’s okay.
You’re rocking the Angle Eye mirror attached to your blaster.
This pop-out mirror attaches to a rail section and allows you to look behind you and see the bad guys as they sneak up trying to garrote you.
Plus, you can make sure your hair still looks good.
Imagine actually trying to use this tiny mirror to see a threat behind you. Ya know’ instead of just taking a quick peek behind you. Also, it costs $100.
Clearly, you need two, one for each side in case you swap shoulders.
4. Mako AR-15 Mag Foregrip
I’m a huge fan of keeping extra ammo on the gun, especially for home defense. A little extra ammo never hurts.
For shotguns, that’s a side-saddle, and for rifles, I like coupled magazines.
I would never want to take a vertical grip and use it to carry an extra magazine.
But that’s exactly what the Mako AR-15 forward grip does…and I don’t get it. Ammo on the gun makes sense, but not like this.
It’s certainly not faster than a coupled magazine and not as ergonomic as a real foregrip. The Mako AR 15 Mag Foregrip is some weird amalgamation of normal ideas that just don’t work in practice.
It seems like it would affect the weapon’s balance, making it front-heavy and tiring to hold for long periods.
Not to mention, it seems like it’s begging to catch on web gear, plate carriers, belts, and beyond.
Can anyone explain this to me? Actually, can anyone hear me scream? Because I think I’m going mad.
5. Mule Stock
Yo dawg, I heard you like guns, so I put a gun on your gun!
That’s the aim of the Mule Stock for your AR-15 rifle.
Gone are all thoughts of adjustable length-of-pull, cheek weld, shoulder support, and similar desirable features.
Replacing all that modularity comes a massive stock that allows you to pack a compact Glock or similar-sized firearm.
Yep, just shove it in the stock and call it a day!
This thing measures so big you could paddle a boat.
I will say, it at least looks safe with a holster that covers the pistol’s trigger. Beyond that, it seems like an obnoxious and over-complicated gadget with limited utility.
It relies on a hinge and seems like a part primed to break and either stay open or lock shut.
Also, what’s wrong with a holster? In fact, this seems harder to draw from than a holster in the first place.
All it seems to do is pre-packaged a gun inside a gun, like a Russian nesting doll that only ends with a Glock in an AR-15.
6. AR-15 Grip Armor
I’m fine with people putting cool-looking stuff on their guns just to make it look cool.
I think the Hera-equipped AR-15s in Tomorrow War look sweet. But I think it’s silly when you take that concept and try to make it a serious accessory…and that’s exactly what Grip Armor does.
The idea is you’ll have the same index point whenever you index your hands rearward. But the logic doesn’t click for me.
Sure, it keeps your hands off the magwell, but does that matter when you’re gripping that far rearward anyway?
The rear Grip Armor replaces your pistol grip with a Grip Armor device that’s kinda like a Tavor’s design for the trigger guard. I don’t get its purpose at all outside of looking different.
As a set of grips, it’s just absolutely massive and unnecessary. The Hera stock at least offers a sweet-looking option for those stuck in ban states.
This offers nothing but confusion and apathy.
7. Browning Rail Security Knife
Browning, like a lot of classic companies, licenses their name out.
Do you think S&W really makes those knives at Academy? Naw, they license the name to knife makers.
I’m hoping that’s what happened here, and the makers of fine rifles like the BAR, the BLR, and shotguns like the Auto 5 didn’t seriously design a knife that mounts to a Picatinny rail.
That’s exactly what this is. It’s a knife in a Kydex sheath.
The sheath attaches to a rail, and now you can effortlessly switch from your long gun to your knife!
Can you ever see a situation where you’d want to grab a knife instead of a sidearm or a reload?
Even if someone’s ultra-close to me, I’d rather hit them with the gun than draw a knife. I mean, I get the utility of a knife, but it seems to be carried fine in my pocket or on my belt.
Well, apparently, someone did, and they made the Browning Rail Security Knife to solve that problem.
Sadly, I like the double-sided dagger-style knife. The only reason I see to attach a knife to a rifle is to bayonet things.
This is just silly and the dream of a mall ninja.
8. The Grip Shot
The Grip Shot is a 135 mount that allows you to mount a SERPA or Safariland holster to your Picatinny rail.
This way, you can carry your sidearm on your main firearm…but wait, why would you want to do this? Honestly, I have no idea.
Grip Shot claimed it provided a faster method to access your handgun than drawing from the belt. But how much faster could this possibly be?
I can’t tell you because I’m not going to spend $135 to test it against a dedicated holster.
But if you want to increase the weight of your rifle, throw its balance off, and double the rifle’s profile, then go ahead.
I’m willing to bet it’s fractionally faster than going for a belt-mounted rig, but that doesn’t make it a good idea.
What happens if a bad guy in your mall ninja fantasy grabs your rifle by the handguard and manages to free your handgun?
It turns out the Grip Shot is faster for both you and the bad guy.
The good news is that if you use a SERPA and a Grip Shot, you won’t be able to shoot yourself in the leg.
Conclusion
Why do these ridiculous accessories exist? I honestly don’t know. But they do.
I guess if you need a gag gift, this list provides plenty of options, but steer clear of these accessories for any serious gun-related needs.
What’s the most ridiculous accessory you’ve ever seen for an AR-15? Let us know below. And if you need real AR accessories, check out Best AR-15 Furniture & Accessories.
12 Leave a Reply
It's come to this: all the mega tactical items now hyped for a lot of buyers are actually illegal for use taking the rifle out in the field for hunting. Lights, lazers, night or thermal vision, etc get a lot of "air time" in the AR media but they are left in the gun safe come opening morning.
One item of common use I find oversold is the sling. Yes, I said that, but after initial training and then 20 years in training in the field, I continued to remove it as was protocol. It can be a valued aid for MP's who detain personnel, yes, but it's also a detriment if it's used against the soldier. The idea of stepping out into the field in anticipation of shooting game - with the rifle over the shoulder useless? Nope, Im locked loaded with just the impediment of a safety between me and the quarry. Further more having it hanging on the rifle snagging brush and limbs is as inconvenient (at the least) as it hanging up on a vehicle while exiting or on a door knob clearing room to room.
The sling as depicted in Field and Stream in the 1950's was for the gun bearer who carried it across the African plains, to hand to the hunter when game was sighted. I find conflating the use of one in those circumstances really has no place when we don't hire staff to do it. What has happened is marketing - and for the most part just because we can doesn't mean we should.
I avoid slings on all my hunting rifles and remove the leather one on the lever action when used. It's just there for looks.
I got my first AR quite a while back. I am a retired USAF Crew Chief and can assure you I’ve never had any combat experience. Anyway I started piling all the cool crap on mine. Then I realized that my light fast handling rifle had turned into a crew served weapon. All I have on it now is a GI 2 point sling and a Burris 3 power prism sight. Love that sight and it doesn’t require a battery to work.
I LoL’d at “crew served weapon.”
You missed one... a rail-mounted mini chainsaw.
I dunno, I'm kinda digging the rail knife. Seems it could be easier and faster to deploy.
Couple years ago all the rambos were getting the zip .22 that mounted to bottom rail, using the 10-22 25rd mags… definitely puts people in the special needs category…
The rail knife takes the cake for.......duh
I like knives. I carry a knife. Sometimes fixed blade and sometimes an Emerson Combat Karambit. Wicked little creature for CQC.
But WHY attach your knife to your rifle??!!
If your rifle gets taken away or whatever there goes your knife.
CQC?? I have to say that little Emerson with the finger hole in the grip ain’t going anywhere in a fight unless your finger goes with it.
Fixed blades? Spartan Blades Ares with kydex holster carried IWB using a tether to. A belt loop.
The most ridiculous accessory I have ever seen for any weapon is the person wielding it who has not properly trained to use it. I have seen too much blood shed do to people not having a clue. Please train appropriately for your safety and the safety of others.
I remember some idiot with an attached Battleaxe Blade to his rifle, which had to have added at least 10 pounds to is overall weight...
As MAJ John Plaster, SOG veteran and best selling (in my opinion) author said, "More for catching fishermen than fish."
Excellent quote!
I got nothin'.