One of the most popular weapons sold today in the United States is the AR-15. Although many people assume that the AR actually refers to the type of weapon, an assault rifle, it refers to the company that first produced the weapon, which was ArmaLite. This company then, in 1959, sold the production rights of the weapon to Colt, which is the point at which the weapon became the go-to choice for many gun owners.
In a 2014 article in USA Today, it was estimated that in 2012 there were approximately 3.3 million of these weapons in the country. After the recent issues with the increasing calls for gun bans, sales of these weapons have peaked, vastly increasing that number to what many experts believe to be about 8 million.
With all those guns, it is only natural that people would want to be able to personalize the weapon for their shooting style. Options to create a custom AR can make the weapon quieter, improve the functioning of the rifle overall, or simply just to create a gun that is unique.
Sights and Rail Risers
There are many different types of sights and rail risers on the market that will add to any custom AR. High rings, which allow for the quick disconnect and connect of a scope are perfect for a hunter and can accommodate a variety of different scope sizes and lengths by the simple movement of a lever. The lever on the platform will open and close the two clamps, or feet, allowing for ease of switching out of the scopes.
Fixed sites are also a popular accommodation. These come with a set elevation with the rear sight having a simple knob on the side to make side to side adjustments. These can be sold as a package or individually with different features and options.
Brakes and Gas Blocks
These custom AR components will help in reducing the recoil the shooter will experience when firing the weapon. Brakes are easily installed on the barrel and add a more aggressive look while also making the weapon more functional.
Gas blocks are useful to divert some of the gases produced by firing through the gas tube to help the bolt drive back and eject the spent casing. This also propels the bolt forward through by the buffer spring, putting a new round in the chamber and ready to fire.
By making just subtle adjustments to the AR-15, you will notice a difference. With a custom weapon, you will have a unique weapon and one that is will be designed for your shooting preferences.