One of the coolest things about the AR 15 is that it’s so easy to customize…
Because of that, the after-market has come out with all sorts of accessories that you can either include in an AR build or add-on piece by piece to a complete AR 15 that you already have.
Some of these accessories add real functional value to your AR 15, and some, quite frankly, just look cool…
So, to help you cut through the junk that might look cool without adding anything to your rifle but extra weight and bulk…
Here are 19 badass AR 15 accessories, that will add function to your rifle and look cool at the same time…
Badass AR 15 Accessories – Top 19 List…
1. FRANKLIN ARMORY BINARY TRIGGER (BFSIII AR-C1)
That’s right! We’re starting off this list with a BANG – or maybe several BANGs. If you don’t know what a binary trigger is let me give you a quick run-down…
Basically, guns that can fire fully automatic are rare, expensive, and extremely hard to acquire here in the United States. But there is a legal way (at least at the time I’m writing this) to get a semi-automatic trigger which might help you shoot faster…
The Franklin Armory BFSIII trigger allows you to fire normally like any other semi-automatic trigger, but it also gives you the ability to fire a round when the trigger is pulled AND when the trigger is released (it’s called Binary mode)…
All you do is switch your safety selector to the 3rd position and then you’ll be able to shoot extremely fast while still keeping your AR as a semi-automatic rifle…
It’s great if you want to be able to shoot faster for tactical situations or for competitions, and it’s also pretty cool if you just want to pop off some rounds really quickly and have some fun at the range.
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2. POF TOMAHAWK AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLE
One of the easiest accessories to change out on your AR 15 is the charging handle. It’s simple because all you have to do is swap out your old charging handle with a new one when you field strip your AR for cleaning…
And the standard GI style charging handle leaves a lot to be desired because it’s small and hard to grab with one hand, and because it’s not ambidextrous…
Right now, one of the most badass charging handles you can get is the POF Tomahawk Ambidextrous Charging Handle. First of all, it looks really cool, which is always a plus, but it’s also built by POF, so the quality level is extremely high…
It’s also very ergonomic and easy to grab with one hand, and as the name implies, it’s great if you’re a lefty or in need of an ambi charging handle.
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3. CMMG .22 LR CONVERSION KIT
Wouldn’t you love to shoot your AR 15 more? I know I would, but the problem I run into a lot of times is that the ammo bill starts to really add up! But what if there was a way to you could shoot your same AR 15, but save some money while doing it?
Well, there actually is because with the CMMG .22 LR Conversion Kit, all you have to do is swap out your bolt carrier group (and your magazines), and you can fire .22 LR through your normally 5.56/.223 AR 15…
This is an awesome conversion kit because it’s pretty reliable, and because it’s so quick and easy to switch from shooting .223 to .22LR and back again. It’s great if you want to shoot more often and at the same time, save money by shooting less expensive .22 LR…
And it’s also a great training aid because you can shoot more from the exact same AR 15 (with the same optic and furniture) that you normally train with and use. All in all, I think it’s an amazing accessory because it allows you to shoot a whole different caliber from your AR, and it’s still pretty affordable…
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4. SB TACTICAL SBA4 PISTOL STABILIZING BRACE
AR 15 pistols have come a long way in the last few years, and the reason why is because of the invention of the stabilizing brace. It might look like a stock, but as of right now (when I’m writing this) the ATF has stated that these are not classified as stocks and that they’re legal to put on an AR pistol with a barrel that is shorter than 16 inches (again, always check the current laws for yourself)…
Anyway, the SB Tactical SBA4 Stabilizing Brace is awesome for two reasons in my opinion. First of all, it can be used to create more stability when shooting an AR pistol by strapping it around your arm, placing it against your cheek, or right now, putting it on your shoulder like you would a stock (again, always check for ATF updates because this could change in the future)…
The second reason I love these braces is because they make an AR pistol look so much cooler than if they just have a naked buffer tube at the rear of the gun. And they come in a few different cool colors as well!
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5. VG6 GAMMA 556 MUZZLE BRAKE
One of the most simple things you can do to your AR 15 is change the muzzle device. But that one change can make a massive difference in how your rifle shoots…
The VG6 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake is one of the best muzzle devices you can add to your AR. The reason why is because it makes your rifle extremely flat shooting and softens the recoil to the point where it nearly disappears. This allows you to shoot a lot faster than you normally would.
Now I can tell you from personal experience that the VG6 Gamma is loud, but that’s how every muzzle break is, and I think that the improved performance that you get out of your AR is very much worth it. And if you really don’t like it, you can get the VG6 Cage Device which is will soften down the noise.
And since both the VG6 Gamma and the VG6 Cage Device look super cool in addition to how they make your rifle shoot softer and flatter, I think they definitely belong on this list of Badass AR 15 accessories…
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6. CMC DROP IN TRIGGER (SINGLE STAGE, TACTICAL FLAT BOW, 3.5LBS)
The CMC Drop In Trigger is the second trigger I’ve put on this list, but I just couldn’t avoid including it. First of all, the Flat Bow looks really cool from an aesthetics point of view, but it also performs really well…
Now, the CMC Drop In Triggers are semiautomatic triggers, but they are upgraded pretty heavily. There’s just something about the flat face of the trigger that feels good to me, and because this trigger is 3.5LBS it helps you shoot more accurately and quicker because it’s less work to pull the trigger straight back without disturbing your sights…
It’s also super easy to install because it’s a drop in unit, and compared to other triggers in its class, I think it’s a really affordable option. All in all, I have it. I love it. and I think you will too.
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7. Midwest Industries Drop-In Handguard (AR-15/M16 M-Series Two Piece Drop-In M-LOK)
I have quite a few AR 15s now, but my first was a Colt LE6920. I love that rifle, but I remember that one of the first things I did was change out the handguard.
It wasn’t a matter of looks, it was a matter of function. I wanted to put a tactical light on my rifle (which I think is a very important accessory), and the standard military-style plastic handguards just aren’t the best for that. I ended up dropping a Daniel Defense Quad rail on it (which is a great rail!), but had the Midwest Industries M-Series Drop-In M-LOK Handguard been around, I probably would have chosen it.
First of all, it looks awesome! But it’s also lightweight, and because it’s an M-LOK handguard, you can put any accessories (lights, lasers, vertical grips, bipods, etc.) that you want on it. It’s also very easy to install and comes in Carbine Length, Mid Length, and Rifle Length.
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8. INFORCE WML Gen 2 Weapon Mounted White LED Tactical Light
Aside from an optic, I think the next most important accessory that you should have on your AR 15 is a good tactical light, and the INFORCE WML Gen 2 is a great one to go with…
As with all the accessories chosen on this list of badass AR gear, it looks really cool and comes in a couple of different color options. The INFORCE also has 400 lumens, which is plenty to light up close to mid-distance ranges. It also comes with an integrated rail, so you save money by not having to buy an extra part to mount it…
And the angled on/off button is simple, and very ergonomic which makes it a very easy weapon light to use. Last, it’s also waterproof in up to 66 feet of water, and it’s built to be rugged. So it can handle the recoil of being mounted on an AR 15 without any issues at all.
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9. MAGPUL BAD LEVER
The AR 15 is my favorite rifle, and part of the reason why is because it’s an inherently very ergonomic platform. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t make small improvements to the ergos here and there…
Take, for example, the Magpul B.A.D. (Battery Assist Device) Lever. This little guy is affordable, and it allows you to do a few things a little easier on your AR 15. It attaches to your bolt release and sits just inside your trigger guard. And what this allows you to do is to drop the bolt or lock the bolt back without taking your hand off of the pistol grip…
It makes reloading your rifle faster, and it can also make clearing malfunctions a little easier as well. On top of all that, it’s very easy to install, and very affordably priced. So it’s a great addition to any AR 15.
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10. ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard
Let me get right to the point on this one, this is an awesome rail. The ATLAS S-ONE is a fantastic rail because it’s sturdy, lightweight, and extremely functional. For example, it’s an M-LOK rail, so you can basically mount any accessories you want on it…
It also saves a lot of weight by not having the picatinny rail go all across the top, the way most rails do. That feature makes the ATLAS S-ONE look very unique and cool, but it also makes the rail slimmer, easier to grab, and more ergonomic…
It basically gives you the ability to grab and aim your AR more comfortably, without giving up the ability to mount accessories like weapon lights, lasers, and vertical grips anywhere you want them.
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11. MAGPUL MOE SL CARBINE STOCK
Another simple accessory that you can add to your AR 15, which will completely change its look, is to add an after-market stock. But the truth is that adding a new stock is NOT just about changing the looks of your rifle…
I’ve seen the cheap plastic AR stocks break very easily, and they’re also not the most comfortable stocks to put into your shoulder either. On top of that, they rattle around a lot of your rifle, and they limit the ways you can mount a sling on your AR as well…
Now, the Magpul MOE SL is one of my favorites when it comes to upgrading your AR 15 stock. It’s very comfortable in the pocket of your shoulder, and it fits securely onto your AR’s buffer tube without any annoying rattling sound. It also gives you a variety of ways to mount a sling on your AR, and I’ve always loved the cool color options that Magpul offers on all their AR accessories.
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12. PSA CUSTOM 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group (BGC) DLC COATED
Ever thought about upgrading your BCG (Bolt Carrier Group)? If you have, I think the PSA Custom DLC Coated BCG is a fantastic option. First of all, the machining on this BCG is extremely well done. It’s made from a high-end carpenter steel, and it’s also high pressure tested.
The DLC (Diamond Like Coated) finish is also very cool. The dark earth color looks just a little bit flashy, and it adds a little bit of personality to your AR. On top of that, it’s also an incredibly tough finish and fairly slick, so you don’t need as much oil on your BCG (as you normally do) for your AR 15 to run smoothly. It also makes for easy cleaning too (usually by simply wiping off your bolt carrier with a dry rag).
And here’s the thing, I like having spare parts for my AR 15s because even quality parts can and do break. So picking up an upgraded BCG and keeping your stock BCG in reserve as a back up, is a really good idea in my mind.
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13. Holosun Compact Laser Sight
Have you ever looked into mounting a laser on your AR 15? Oftentimes, people like to go with IR lasers on their AR’s, but some are looking for green or red lasers. The problem is that lasers are typically either really cheap (and they fall apart) or they’re incredibly expensive…
Luckily, if you’d like to add a laser to your AR, Holosun has come out with a high-quality, affordable option… the Holosun Compact Laser Sight. I really like the Holosun Compact laser because you can get it in IR, green, or red, and even though it is built to be rugged, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg…
It also comes with a quick detach mount, so you won’t have to spend extra money just to mount it, and overall, it’s a great laser at a good price-point (which always seems to be the case with Holosun products).
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14. Trijicon MRO Red Dot Sight
In my opinion, the first accessory you should add to your AR 15 is an optic, and if you choose to go with a red dot as your optic, I think the Trijicon MRO is an amazing choice…
I love the MRO because it’s built to be insanely rugged, but at the same time, it’s not priced as high as something like an Aimpoint T2, which is also an amazing sight, but it is very expensive. The MRO is a good balance because it offers you extreme high-quality at a reasonable price in my opinion…
I also like the large objective lens that you get with the MRO because you can see more when you’re shooting, and the 2 MOA reticle is great because it’s small enough to allow you to aim with precision, but also large enough that it attracts your eye very quickly (for fast shooting). All in all, I think the Trijicon MRO is a badass optic, at a solid price-point…
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15. Bushnell AR Optics 1-8×24 Riflescope
If you don’t want to go with a red dot, you also have the option of mounting a scope on your AR 15… And if you want to go that route, I recommend a low powered variable optic ( a 1-4, 1-6, 1-8, etc.) because you can use the scope in a similar way to a red dot on 1x power, but bump up the magnification when you need to shoot at distance…
One of the coolest scopes of this type (without breaking the bank) is the Bushnell AR Optics 1-8x Scope. I like this scope a lot because the glass is pretty clear, the BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) Reticle is awesome, and the included Throw lever allows you to switch magnification (from 1-8x) very quickly and easily…
All in all, this scope gives you a huge advantage with you’re shooting at close range AND at mid-to-long range, especially because of the BDC reticle and the included throw lever. And if you want to take it out even further, you can check out this magnifier to pair with it.
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16. MAGPUL MBUS PRO LR REAR SIGHT
Magpul makes a lot of awesome stuff, and I like most of the flip-up sights that they offer. But that being said, the coolest option they have is the MBUS Pro LR Adjustable Rear Sight…
Like I said, I think the polymer sights that Magpul makes are very good, but this is a steel rear sight, which means it’s a lot more durable than the polymer sights. But the thing that I like most about this rear sight is that it’s FULLY adjustable. That means you can adjust the windage and elevation from the rear sight without any tools…
I like that because shooting with irons sights is a lot of fun when you can really dial in your sights. On top of that, this sight is super low profile when it flips down, so it can sit under a scope or behind a red dot as a BUIS (back up iron sight)…
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17. MAGPUL MBUS PRO FRONT SIGHT
Some AR 15’s have a fixed front sight, and if that’s the case with your gun, you can just skip number 17. But if your rifle doesn’t have a front sight, the Magpul MBUS PRO Front Sight is an amazing option…
Like I mentioned earlier, I love the polymer sights that Magpul offers, but even though that’s the case, their steel sights are better. They’re just more rugged and more reliable. And that rings true for the MBUS PRO Front Sight…
Aside from being a very durable sight, it’s also elevation adjustable with no tools, and it’s very low profile when flipped down on your rifle’s rail.
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18. Andro Corp Industries AR-15/M16 TiN Gold Bolt Carrier Group
The Ando Corp Industries TiN Bolt Carrier Group is my second BCG on this list, but I feel I had to include it because the Gold TiN finish it has is super badass…
Now, that gold looks great, but it also adds to the function of the BCG in a few important ways. You see, that gold finish is polished TiN (Titanium Nitride), which is a super durable coating that can add extra life to your bolt and carrier, and it will make your bolt and carrier have more lubricity…
This means that your AR will cycle very smoothly even with a minimal amount of oil or grease. On top of that, the polished TiN finish makes cleaning your bolt and carrier super easy. You basically just have to wipe the gunk off, apply a little bit of oil, and you’re good to go with a bolt that’s going to turn some heads at the range!
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19. JP Enterprises 2 Silent Captured Spring System
Have you ever noticed the springy sound when you fire your AR 15? That’s your buffer spring getting pushed in while the bolt reciprocates. There’s nothing wrong with having that noise, but there are ways to get your AR to run a little smoother and a little quieter…
The JP Enterprises Gen 2 Silent Captured Buffer Spring System is a fantastic accessory if you want to get your AR 15 running smoother and quieter (without any grating or springy noise).
It can easily be installed by replacing your old buffer spring, and you can also custom tune it to any particular load that you like, which will get your rifle running even better. JP Enterprises is known for making top-notch AR 15s and accessories, and the Silent Captured Buffer Spring System is definitely badass and deserves a spot on this list.
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