The best parts to add to an AR platform Rifle

[Frank]

Whether it's a .223 or .308 or 6.8 or 7.62x39 the AR platform has turned into Barbie for boys.  If you don't agree fine but look at any website for AR parts and you can add anything to them.  But what I want to discuss here is what parts are essential to the AR for function.  I believe the two biggest functional and capacity building items developed for the AR is the 1913 Picatinny rail interface system developed for Special Operations Forces called the SOPMOD,and the B.A.D. (Battery Assist Device) Lever.  These two items are on just about all my ARs and it is the only thing I "need" on my gun. I would even say the BAD lever comes before the SOPMOD. The SOPMOD does not really change the ergonomic feel of the function of the weapon system like the BAD does.  It really adds capacity and more supporting functions like lights lasers and grips. But the BAD make the ergonomic operation of the rifle easier, safer and fast. The Bolt Assist Device makes the whole feel of the gun change as well. If you dont have one try it. You are more than welcome to grab one of mine in the shop and take it out for a test ride. You can get them anywhere from just about any manufacturer.  I dont say one is better than the other.  I do like to have them as small as possible for sure but even the biggest one I have still stays out of the way.  But man when I load and unload and fix malfunctions it makes it faster easier and safer for sure.   

[speed6]

I would say a decent BCG, light, and a BCM gunfighter charging handle. I like the medium size. I do not use the bolt release, I always run the bolt when I reload. The BCG will help ensure reliability (assuming the rest of your gun is made from quality components) the light will give you some low-light capability and the charging handle lets you more easily use modern weapon manipulation techniques (i.e. using your weak side hand to reload and clear malfunctions). Beyond that I would say a good sling (take your pick) and a quality optic.

[davesc2]

I would agree with Frank that a BAD lever is just about essential for any AR, it just makes things so much easier.  For the weekend couch warriors like me I don't know that a full rail system is necessary but again it makes adding mission-specific or shooter preferred items so much easier.  Aside from that you start getting into personal preference or use-specific items like charging handles, pistol grips, optics, foregrips, lights (switches), lasers (switches), etc. which don't really affect the core functionality of the platform but make the platform fit the individual better or make the platform fit a more defined use.

Everyone's AR can and will be a little different but if I bought another basic M4gery the first thing I'd do is add a BAD lever, second would a raptor charging handle but that's more a personal preference than anything.

[Frank]

My point was that any object that you can add that is not already on the AR 15 platform that's why brought it down to the basic rail system which was started with a soft mod in the early 90s and the bad lever every other part that's already on the AR 15 if you're just replacing it you're not really changing the functionality of the weapon system all your donors than your personal touch you may enhance the function ability but you're not changing the function ability that was my original argument By the way I bought Dragon speak software and I'm using that to write my post with now so it should make it easier for me, the text however and punctuation may not be there.

[juanb]

I agree with the BAD lever as well, but i like the Phase 5 EBR v2 better. The idea of just having a full mono bar vs having a cover for it does it for me. But one component that is a must for me is a decent compensator/hinder. I have the PWS FSC556 AR15/M4 Tactical Compensator on my AR15 and I can't see myself owning another AR without having it on AR15.

[Frank]

is the EBR v 2 A BAD type lever? Ill check it out