AR-15 Accessories (5 Must-Haves for Your Rifle)

The AR-15 platform is one of the most versatile rifles ever designed. Whether using it for home defense, competition, hunting or range fun, the modular nature of the rifle allows customization for needs and wants. 

Of course, with the sheer volume of AR-15 accessories available, it can be difficult to determine what’s best. Here are five practical AR-15 accessories that provide real value—not just tacticool flair.

5 AR-15 Accessories

Optics: Red Dot or LPVO

The most obvious upgrade is the sighting system. While iron sights are reliable and accurate, a red dot or low-power variable optic (LPVO) can dramatically improve speed and accuracy.

Red Dots are ideal for close-range, fast target acquisition. Think home defense or short-range shooting.

LPVOs (like a 1-6x or 1-8x) offer flexibility for both close and mid-range shots, perfect for a do-it-all rifle. Look for brands like Holosun, Vortex or Leupold depending on your budget. 

Gun Light

If you can’t see it, you can’t hit it—and you certainly shouldn’t shoot it. A reliable gun light is a must-have for defensive or duty use.

Mount it on your handguard in a position that allows easy activation, and choose something with solid lumen output and a focused beam. SureFire and Streamlight are top picks for their durability and performance. 

Sling

A sling is to a rifle what a holster is to a handgun—it’s how you carry and control it. A good sling (single point or double point) lets you transition hands, secure the rifle to your body or free up your hands without dropping your firearm.

Brands like Blue Force Gear, Magpul and Viking Tactics make excellent options that balance comfort, adjustability, and durability.

Upgraded Trigger

The standard mil-spec trigger is serviceable—but once you try a crisp aftermarket drop-in unit, you won’t want to go back. A better trigger improves control, accuracy, and confidence.

Single-stage or two-stage depends on shooting style, but Geissele, CMC and Timney are all well-regarded names offering plug-and-play upgrades.

Backup Iron Sights (BUIS)

Even if you have a rock-solid optic, electronics fail. That’s why backup iron sights are still essential. Whether flip-up or fixed, they give a no-fail aiming option.

Mount them and zero them—then forget them until you need them. Magpul MBUS sights are a common budget-friendly choice. Other options include Troy and XS Sights.

There are plenty of gadgets and gimmicks on the AR-15 market. But these five AR-15 accessories—optic, light, sling, trigger and backup sights—add real functionality and reliability. Build your AR with purpose, train with it often and keep it ready.

Whether you’re new to the platform or dialing in your 10th build, these upgrades are solid foundations for any serious AR-15 setup. Just don’t forget that AR-15 accessories add weight. 

BONUS: Suppressor

While it looks like extra paperwork and background checks will remain for buying a suppressor, shooters won’t have to pay an extra $200 soon. Even though shooters didn’t get what we wanted, a suppressor is good idea for an AR. Silencers reduce the sound of a shot by between 30 and 40 decibels. They also reduce recoil, allowing faster and more accurate follow-up shots. Some of the more popular brands include Banish, Dead Air Silencers and SIG SAUER. 

By Paul Rackley, GunBroker Editor