The AR Guide: Preferred parts list for all new builds, plus useful gear.

After years of testing builds, I have come to definitive conclusions about what parts are best and why. I want to share the parts I believe will make the best AR you can build, based on my subjective preferences. I have also been testing and researching some extra gear for range and self-defense purposes. I am kind of throwing them all together here as a shopping list, of sorts. This is the gear I feel works best for me and will likely give you some advantages over competitive options.

One thing I have found is that my ideal AR will weigh a little over 6lbs because you have to add some weight for improving zero retention on your kit mounted on the handguard, as well as super-durable BUIS. If you build a rifle with these exact components, it will function reliably, shoot good groups with match ammo, and give you an ideal platform to mount the kit you need for everything from home defense to night time carbine courses... for hundreds less than a Daniel Defense Rifle, but equivalent (or, even, superior) quality parts and better ergos. Another thing to consider is that you can get most of these parts in FDE. I would prefer to Cerakote all my guns in FDE. Since you can also just get the parts in FDE to start with, you may prefer that route.

NOTE: I usually link to the Manfacturer's sites to ensure you can properly identify the parts. I highly recommend checking around the internet for better prices.

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