The great thing about the AR 15 is that it can be broken down into two major sections, the upper and lower receivers, and that the upper receiver components can be legally sold without the rigors that generally come with purchasing a firearm. The downside? This means there are thousands upon thousands of parts and accessories to choose from, both locally and online. Okay, sure, that’s not much of a downside. However, it does mean that you could easily spend days wading through the wide variety of options out there for just one replacement part. In order to help you wade through the options and find the best components without wasting ages on the hunt, we’ve put together an explanation of the most important factors that go into choosing the best AR accessories and parts. Be sure to check back and read part one to get the full scoop. What You Missed Last time, we talked about the importance of both the function and the weight. First and foremost, even the most beautifully made, durable, lightweight, and perfectly priced part is going to be wrong for someone. How well or poorly a part or accessory works will depend, in large part, on what you’re expecting that piece to do—and how that plays into the overall function. Someone who uses their AR strictly for contests or range time will have a different set of expectations than someone who primarily keeps their AR for home defense. Second, consider the weight. It might not seem like much individually, but those ounces can all add together quickly, and then, depending on where the weight is being added, it can affect your accuracy. Of course, see back to point one. If you’re primarily shooting from a stationary point on a range, the weight won’t matter nearly as much as it would if you’re planning several hunting trips. Once you’ve figured out what you’re expecting that component to do, and how much the weight matters, the other big quality to consider is: Materials This is a subset of questions that is always up for debate. We could probably make a pretty lengthy blog series just discussing the different materials and finishes available along with the benefits and detriments of each. Instead of diving deep into that particular rabbit hole, we’ll refer you back to the previous two sub-categories. You’ll frequently find two nearly-identical components or accessories made from different materials or created with a different production method. First, it’s important to note that yes, the production method can actually impact the end result, though it will affect some parts and accessories more than others. Take the time to learn the difference between machined parts versus forged versus cast, and the weaknesses of each. If you’re looking for a long-lasting component, it may be worth it to pay more for a part based on what it is made with and how it is made. Of course, if you’re okay with replacing your components more frequently, even a less expensive option may work just as well, as long as you know what you’re getting into. Putting It Together Let’s give you a practical example of what all of this means. For this example, we’ll break down choosing an AR 15 rail grip. There are thousands of different options out there made from a wide range of materials that come in all shapes and sizes. First question first: what do you want that grip to do? As we mentioned above, a tactical grip will give you a vastly different experience from a set of rail scales. Of course, your available options will also depend on your AR rail system; a KeyMod hand stop isn’t likely to attach well (or at all) to a Picatinny rail. Even with narrowing down by rail system, you’ll still have an abundance of AR15 rail grip options. You’ll need to decide whether you want grip assistance that just down below the forend to grasp onto, if you just need a bit of a rest for your hand to butt against, or if you just need a bit of texture on the end of your rail for added grip. Part of this will depend on your comfort while shooting, as well as what you’ll be using your AR for, and whether it will be resting on or against anything else. Then, consider weight. Do you really want an additional couple of pounds on the forend? And finally, look at the materials available. Some grips offer additional texture or heat protection based on what they’re made from, while others are just there to grab onto. Factor all of those questions together, and you’ll end up with a manageable field of options. Here at RailScales, we pride ourselves on designing and making the best AR15 rail grip options on the market. Whether you’re looking for a KeyMod hand stop or an M-LOK option, that’s one decision you won’t need to make, since ours are compatible with both rail systems. Visit our online store today to learn more about the texture and heat protective materials our patented AR 15 rail accessories are made from!