“The more the merrier” is a great saying to live by in so many circumstances. But, is more really better when it comes to your AR-15? Do us a favor and run a quick image search for the “ultimate Swiss Army knife.” When a pocket knife has more attachments than there are tools in the standard toolbox, it probably feels like the accessories have reached the point of being excessive.
Yes, we know some gun owners out there do legitimately want their AR-15 to look a lot like that ultimate Swiss Army knife. We’re not saying that’s wrong. After all, the beauty of the AR-15 is that you can customize every inch of the upper receiver to get it set up in the way that works best for you. One of the most common debates we hear amongst AR-15 enthusiasts and owners is the merit of more accessories versus paring down to keep the weight of the gun as light as possible. At what point do just enough accessories become too many?
Purpose and Perspective with Gun Rail Accessories
There probably won’t ever be an end to this discussion, because there’s really no “correct” answer. The whole point of the AR-15 is customizability, and what works best for one person may be totally wrong for the next. That being said, there are definitely some considerations to take into account to give when taking part in this debate.
It’s important to consider the underlying purpose of your accessories. The AR-15 was developed to be a lighter rifle while maintaining a decent amount of power and precision. Since it was initially developed for United States troops in Vietnam, the idea was for the AR-15 — more specifically, the military’s M16 — to shine in combat situations. The troops needed a lighter firearm that used lighter ammo but didn’t lose any of its precision or power, and the answer to those needs was the AR-15/M16. So if you are questioning whether you have too many accessories, even if they’re the best AR accessories, ask yourself whether those accessories add or detract from the firearm’s purpose. Fortunately, there are thousands of options for handstops, handguard rails, optics, and other accessories that are impressively durable and still lightweight. Just don’t forget to consider that every element you add will increase the weight even just by a little bit, so a dozen lightweight accessories can still add up to a much heavier gun.
Balancing Act
The other key element to consider is how that weight is balanced on your setup. Your handguard rail, for example, is going to be pretty limited in terms of where it goes on the gun just by nature of how it works. Some of the best AR accessories, on the other hand, are the best because they’re more versatile and can be placed wherever they need to go for you to make them the most efficient. A quality handstop or vertical grip is going to be more mobile because the point is to make it fit where you need it for your grip.
Now, versatility is great, don’t get us wrong. But the more accessories you add, the more you’ll have to find the right balance. Adding on additional accessories means finding space for them on your upper receiver. It also means balancing them with other accessories. Not only will you need to consider where those accessories will be best placed for their intended purpose, you’ll also need to place them in such a way that they don’t interfere with your grip. On top of that, you’ll need to be wary of clustering accessories. Too many different components, all piled near the front end of the handguard rail, can have some distinct effects on the weight. Likewise, having all of your accessories clustered near the back can impact how the gun feels when firing. If you have so many AR accessories attached to the handguard rail that you’re having trouble getting a firm grip, you may have found the point that we can say, “that’s too many.” Consider the usefulness of each accessory, but also how well or poorly it affects your overall handling and grip. While a dozen different accessories that all do something cool and unique may help you during the beginning of your day, those same accessories may drastically affect your staying power on the range or while out hunting.
The Other Side
For those of you who advocate for a minimalist approach, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you. The flipside of any argument about accessories inevitably harkens back to the original purpose — which, as we mentioned above, was a smaller, lighter rifle with good power and precision. Those who advocate for minimalism aren’t wrong that the fewer accessories you choose to use, the better your AR-15 sticks to its original purpose. However, there’s a distinct difference between the needs of our troops and someone who is going to strictly use their AR-15 for range time or the occasional hunt. While the original purpose might have been keeping weight and size down, many modern civilian owners don’t have the same needs. Let’s not forget that some accessories out there are incredibly lightweight and serve to boost precision (like an adjustable gas block) or help improve grip (like a hand stop or vertical grip) without adding undue awkwardness to the gun. Many accessories are still lightweight and low profile enough that they help improve performance without affecting weight in a noticeable way.
Ultimately, there really is not a definitive “right” answer to this question because different people will have different needs, which will lead to different setups. As long as you aren’t overbalancing or wrecking your grip, do what makes sense for you. And, of course, choosing the best AR accessories can help you minimize the quantity and weight without losing out on function. That’s where RailScales’ hand stops, grips, and rail scales win out over so many other options. We use light, heat-resistant materials, and low-profile designs so you can get the control you need without bulking up your AR setup.
AR Customization Is Key
If you're the kind of person who appreciates a fully customized AR-15 and isn't worried about having too many attachments, RailScales is the perfect destination for you. At www.RailScales.us, we have an extensive range of top-quality products to help you create the ultimate AR-15 setup.
When it comes to rail covers, RailScales sets the standard. Our rail grips are meticulously crafted using G10 fiberglass laminate, one of the toughest and most durable materials available. With our rail covers, you can protect your hands from heat buildup during intense shooting sessions while enjoying a superior grip and enhanced control. Whether you have an MLOK or KeyMod rail, we have options to fit your firearm seamlessly.
But we don't stop there. RailScales is also proud to offer the Karve hand stop, a versatile accessory designed to optimize your shooting experience. Machined out of Type 03 Hardcoat Anodizing, the Karve is built to last and withstand the demands of any shooting situation. Its reversible design allows you to choose between a push or pull grip, adapting to your shooting style and preferences. Compact and lightweight, the Karve takes up minimal space on your rail, ensuring a streamlined and efficient setup.
Upgrade Your AR Rail Today
At RailScales, we understand that every shooter is unique, and personalization is key. That's why we offer a wide variety of colors and designs, allowing you to create a truly customized look for your AR-15. Whether you prefer a sleek and stealthy black, or popular industry colors like Flat Dark Earth and Olive Drab Green, we have options to suit your taste and style.
So, if you're ready to take your AR-15 to the next level and aren't worried about having too many attachments, visit www.RailScales.us and let us help you find the perfect products to enhance your shooting experience. Our extensive selection, exceptional quality, and dedication to customer satisfaction make RailScales the go-to destination for AR-15 enthusiasts. Explore our website today and discover why RailScales is trusted by shooters worldwide.
