What AR-15 upgrades have you wasted money on in the past? Do you agree with my assessment? Or were some of the upgrades warranted? 🕶 I like sunglasses. Especially those that offer ANSI Z87.1 safety standards for spending time on the range or just for that extra protection. Check out what WARBIRD has to offer here: alnk.to/biskq8a and use the code “MAGIC” 10% off!

@Pfletch83

3 ай бұрын

I've thought about building different uppers in the past but due to being poor and trying to prep as much as I can, haven't followed through on them.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

@@Pfletch83 Uppers are a great way to add versatility while keeping it affordable. But I am sure the prepping you're doing has more value in all honesty.

@terrarecon

3 ай бұрын

For the most part yes, I agree. Except I am all about redundancy when it comes to sighting. I made a separate post about it before I saw this. Here's the thing, we can all help each other but at the end of the day only you can decide what is wasteful or not. I can identify and nod in agreement without being condemning, pushy, or judgmental. But I like that you did the vid because people DO need to think about why they buy what they buy and does it add real value or are they only trying to be Gucci.

@TUKByV

3 ай бұрын

I don't have any such regrets. Yet. But tomorrow is another day.

@Pfletch83

3 ай бұрын

I really like the 5.7 cartridge and what it can offer as a general purpose centerfire...but the ammo cost is still too high for my liking.

At least you show the US Navy how to put an optic on lol. IYKYK

@bmrz38

3 ай бұрын

So funny! And embarrassing

@jacobstewart3428

3 ай бұрын

The GMs on that ship need to be made BMs. That was completely embarrassing for the rate

@Puma1Sunfire1

3 ай бұрын

ROFLMAO!!! That was awesome! Gotta love the Games played in Military, when it's others and not you

@kellyalger2394

3 ай бұрын

He even needed his boyfriend to hold his shoulder so the immense recoil wouldn't knock him off his feet

@NickBlazer-cf1vs

3 ай бұрын

We Know. Scrambled eggs on his hat, and all.

Looks like someone's wife found their receipts 😂😂😂

2:32 Ambi safety 4:48 End Plate Swing Mounts 7:17 Charging Handle (I'm guilty of this) 9:44 Back up Iron Sights 15:12 Trigger

@NickBlazer-cf1vs

3 ай бұрын

400$ on the low end total. Significant. For sure.

@johnnygab4376

3 ай бұрын

Thank you for the timestamp. That was a 2 1/2 minute intro.

@Laughinghawg

3 ай бұрын

thank you for saving 20 minutes of my life! it shouldn't take 25 minutes to tell me 5 things that someone thinks they waisted money on. while the vid/info is appreciated it was too long

@linkchen8245

3 ай бұрын

Hopp did a review on all high end charging handles

@ScottyBennitone

3 ай бұрын

@@NickBlazer-cf1vs When you build a rifle from the ground up instead of buying a name brand like lwrc, geiselle, or DD, you can afford to buy better more efficient kit like the charging handle, ambi safety , etc.. Imo ive trained with both and I dont think Im "wasting money" for these upgrades.

Navy told me to tell you your optic is on backwards.

@CompanyHaze

3 ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂

@drywallman1986

2 ай бұрын

I was curious why he put it on the forward ring not the rear as I'm about too do the same setup with my 308

A Magic Prepper vid. I like this guy, down to earth, straight forward, no BS. 👍

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I like you too.

@bmrz38

3 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper❤❤

@dragonsofthunder

3 ай бұрын

@TheConstitution-go7po Grunt Proof is. Great channel! But I watch all those channels you listed. I love Magic Prepper because he shows his mistakes and even when he's not shooting his best

Sling, optic, light, mags and ammo.

@dragonsofthunder

3 ай бұрын

Agreed! And most important parts are the BCG and Barrel, get a great reliable brand

@jimhurstjr

2 ай бұрын

...and training

@radiowaveguitarist1332

2 ай бұрын

Lots of training, ak47 doesn’t take as much to train as far as maintaining. An ar can take you a couple of weeks.

@hallovelo2478

2 ай бұрын

@radiowaveguitarist1332 Everything he say is buy an AK ✌️🕊️

@cornpop8570

Ай бұрын

The only thing I got was a new trigger and Buffer spring from Giselle.

Good reminder to not get caught up in the "upgrade" race.

As a left-handed shooter, the first upgrade I do is an ambi safety. Don't usually do the bolt catch or mag release. Having grown-up training on non-ambi ARs, my manual of arms has developed to accommodate. I have one AR with all ambi controls, and the safety is the only one I regularly utilize. A larger charging handle is nice if you have a bigger optic.

@brotherscoobs

2 ай бұрын

I am right handed but shoot lefty a lot...i run an ambi safety and ambi charging handle but everything else is str8 mil spec...i learned the same manual of arms you did before i ever ran any ambi parts...but having the selector and charging handle makes life a little smoother when i switch things up

You have two optics so you do have a backup. Yet there is still something satisfying about having a backup sight that does not require batteries.

@ricks.1092

3 ай бұрын

On a fighting rifle or a rifle you have setup for SHTF. I would recommend backup iron sights. Optics can break, batteries/electronics can fail. Everyone should be relatively accurate with iron sights. Just my opinion. As well as, zero your iron sights. I have friends who zeroed their optic. And then I suggest using your irons. ANd they say they never zeroed them.

@Arkancide

3 ай бұрын

ACOGs/Prism sights and etched reticle scopes don't require batteries to function. So if you only run a red dot or holographic sight like an EOTech, then yes, BUIS are good to have. But if you have the aforementioned stuff? Meh. Especially the tough prism sight types.

@williamseale3263

3 ай бұрын

ACOG does not need batteries. I have one on my FAL L1A1

@JADC1111

2 ай бұрын

His lpvo and acog both have etched reticles.

@IndependentArmz

Ай бұрын

satisfying and logical.

I agree with everything you went over with the exception of back up iron sights. I am a firm believer in the necessity of them and in the proficient use of them. I have several builds with a2 or a1 receivers. No optics whatsoever. No dependence on anything but irons. When all the bells and whistles fail, irons will still be there.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Totally understandable!

@drywallman1986

2 ай бұрын

Scope gets wrecked or battery goes dead for the dot. Boom. Iron sights.

@TeranRealtor

2 ай бұрын

Since you only have iron sights on those rifles...... what is the back up for them? I read that iron sights fail more regularly than red dots, so if you're only going to get one optic - it should be a red dot or prism.

@brockhart3089

2 ай бұрын

How exactly do iron sights fail? This is new to me. Did M1 Garand sights fail in WWII? Did M16 sights fail in Vietnam?

@irongiant_actual

2 ай бұрын

I haven't read that article but I'd take a guess that they are talking about handgun iron sights. Rifle iron sights rarely ever fail.

All mine has is a 2x prism scope and a surefire light. Never thought i needed more. Id rather keep things simple.

@stevo4535

3 ай бұрын

You need an IR laser to go with your nods.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Simple is good. That's a solid optic choice.

@christophermitchell7925

3 ай бұрын

@@stevo4535Nah, I traded a pack of 20 Menthol Kools to get my eyes shined, so I don’t need IR or NODs 😉

@michaelball760

3 ай бұрын

@BasedPatriot-USA primary arms glx

@Seffry365

3 ай бұрын

Sling.

A mil-spec trigger at 600 yd in works just fine.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I really don't mind them.

@ricks.1092

3 ай бұрын

I always tell trigger snobs. That if you (the shooter) adheres to the fundamentals of shooting. You should be able to be fairly accurate with any modern firearm. Things like controlled breathing, trigger press, etc. Most modern firearms are going to be more accurate than most shooters abilities. I've been collecting since circa mid 1980's. I have an extensive collection. Hence I've shoot all sorts of firearms. Besides, any factor trigger can be worked on, with a little time applied. And if you have to get a "new trigger." Then Schmidt makes a really nice 2 stage and they go for $70 or less. Many retailers will rebrand the trigger...e.g., Palmento State Armory. However, you's see a "S" on the hammer and trigger shoe/bow.

@jmmartin7766

3 ай бұрын

Mil-Spec triggers are what I trained on as a soldier, and *still* shoot well with. I'm not changing my trigger (at serious cost to boot) because that's what some 'internet cool guy' did

@collinb.8542

3 ай бұрын

I only have 1 ar but it came with a mil spec trigger. I decided to get a larue and tbh there doesnt seem to be much of a difference.

@theultimateyoda7564

3 ай бұрын

@@collinb.8542 The only difference is the couple of milliseconds you can get during a comp.

I agree. I just pulled my iron sights off my rifle the other day. "I constantly worry about things that probably don't matter" lol. That comment sums up 75% of my brain activity throughout the day😂

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Haha I'm glad I'm not alone

@zekarottal8246

3 ай бұрын

Only kept iron sights on rifles with red dots

@harrisondoby5322

3 ай бұрын

You should put them back on imo

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

@@harrisondoby5322 Based on experience or concept? Serious question.

@zekarottal8246

3 ай бұрын

@@harrisondoby5322 Not really the rifles I took them off have no quick detach for the lpvo, and unless I put on canted sights Im not a huge fan of those I have to switch out the mounts as well and there not primary use SHTF rifles.

Guilty. I needed this video years ago.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Same!

Thank you for uploading this, I am currently researching, saving money, and doing my homework on building my first AR-15. This was very helpful.

That's a new PSA PA-15 and some ammo to issue someone in your mag who needs it.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

100%

Only thing I disagree with is the charging handle. Blem raptor radians for $60, absolutely worth it 😂

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Haha fair enough.

@saltminer4463

2 ай бұрын

Especially if you use gloves or get a jam

I'm a minimalist.got my radical AR-15 RPR for $350,threw on a 1.5x raven prism optic from monstrum on clearance for $50 along with a $8 100 lumen light with mount.$5 bungee sling and $16 Magpul MOE grip.pistol grip aside, I kept everything stock on the rifle.no need to tinker with something that already works.

@bulleit9459

3 ай бұрын

Well the video wasnt about being a cheap charlie when it comes to buying parts. Its about questioning whether or not you really need certain parts. If you really need your weapon, how far you really think your 8 dollar light is gonna get you? Actually use that thing and youll see cheap kit isnt even worth wasting the money on

@markwellsfry9843

3 ай бұрын

I agree on some of your points, the BUS's in particular. Like you, I have a few different configurations, so for instance the SPR has a big scope on it, and a BUS system would be nonsensical. But, I do need an upgraded bigger charging handle, because the stock one is too small for me to reach around the big optic to charge the weapon. I did not put a fore grip on the SPR. Doesn't make sense for that application. I will however install an under the barrel rail section so the I can quickly attach or detach a Bipod, as needed The GPR is a different story. Seems to me BUS is a good idea. I use inexpensive UTG brand ( which are not plastic) for that.

@Johnson11c

3 ай бұрын

Radical is good to go

@bulleit9459

3 ай бұрын

@@Johnson11c radical is budget grade.

@Johnson11c

3 ай бұрын

@bulleit9459 7k rounds and hasn't skipped a beat. I say it's better than budget. I have ran colt and had failures after 4k. Everything has its ups and downs

Another great presentation. In 40 years of AR 15 collection and trying out all the modern accessories one can put on an AR 15, my go to AR is the style and configuration of my Army issue Battle M16 now an AR 15. Yup, it works and is accurate.

I made all the same choices with my first ar. I've heard it for years to spend the money on ammo and training. If you train and learn with what you have, it just becomes an extension of yourself. Great video absolutely nailed it.

Good video man, I couldn’t agree with you more. I spent a ton of money on gear for my rifles and then after a year or so I take it all off and take it back to bare bones and enjoy it so much more without all this junk on it.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Bare bones feels good sometimes.

The most important place to spend money is the BCG and the barrel. Also, a lot of companies don’t manufacture anything, just QC it and slap a label on it and raise the price 80%

@chizorama

2 ай бұрын

This, & I would put a quality optic at 3rd.

@TeranRealtor

2 ай бұрын

I built my rifles from PSA kits. The one thing I want to upgrade is the BCG. I've had zero problems with the PSA standard ones, but from everything I've read, that is the movingest part of the gun, and most likely to hurt me at the wrongest possible moment in time.

@TeranRealtor

2 ай бұрын

But wow! $552 in upgrades! I think that my rifle kit plus sling plus Rome 5 plus ten mags plus 80% lower plus cheap iron back up rear sight - all put together cost me less than 552.

Hey Magic Prepper. Watched video last night. Great advise and really opened my eyes to mistakes i made as well. Some of them were the same mistakes you mentioned. Thanks for all you do.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

We all do it!

After almost 50 years of using this platform, military, police, and sport shooting, I can say you are right on the money. Never had most of these and am now I resisted the urge to "up grade" Good optic was all I added.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Well I am glad someone with that much experience is in agreeance here. I am an amateur at best but might be considered a quick learner.

I totally agree. But once you're familiar with your rifle I strongly suggest a Geissele Ssa-e. I freaking love that trigger and it can be had four sub $170 to if you wait for a sale.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I am definitely looking forward to that at some point. I will say that I am pretty impressed with this PNT trigger. Similar to the ALG MilSpec-Q or the PSA EPT.

@hueco5002

3 ай бұрын

Larue > Geissele all day every day

@wyseguy77

3 ай бұрын

@@hueco5002 I'll try one on the next build. Heard good things

@hueco5002

3 ай бұрын

@@wyseguy77 Geissele makes a nice product, for sure, but dollar for dollar, the Larue is king IMO. For one, it’s just a great 2 stage trigger. But when you factor in the cost? Actually - it’s been a few years since I bought one, friends did a massive group buy awhile ago and I ended up buying 8 of them for $65 each. They used to do 3+ for $70 each. Looks like they want $115 now with no quantity discount. Ouch. Don’t get me wrong, I really love my larue’s. But a big part of singing the praise online was the cost savings. Oof.

@ReticentIndignation

2 ай бұрын

@@hueco5002 I have multiple Geissele triggers and I finally got a Larue MBT-2S. While the Larue is really good, it's not quite SSA-E good, it's on par with the Geissele SSA imho. The SSA-E is just that much finer, crisper, less creep. I'm quite surprised at how good the MBT-2S is though, definitely get one over any Geissele if cost is a factor.

I actually have those Wilson Combat BUSs. They are well worth the money, but I only use a 1x green dot on my 16" rifle. I would prefer to use magnified optics on an 18' SPR or an AR10 where I can really put that magnification to use.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Yea I think BUIS are a good idea when only running a red dot.

@chizorama

2 ай бұрын

​@@MagicPrepperI think they're a good idea with LVPO's as well, they aren't the bombproof option of an ACOG, just keep that wrench to remove in a plastic bag in the grip just in case. Like you said, peace of mind.

Appreciate the great advice, the other benefit of not going full send on these upgrades right away is that you can train on the rifle. Really push things and run the stock rifle into the ground, then replace worn out parts slowly as you get a better feel for the rifle and not just replace but upgrade so you are actually learning the difference between stock and upgrade aftermarket parts. Great way to get a better appreciation for what the part is actually doing for the rifle and your own shooting performance so you can judge yourself what's actually better.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Yes I definitely agree! Once you learn why those parts are considered "upgrades", it's easier to make a decision as to whether or not you need them.

Great vid. I remember a big from Bear that spoke to the same thing. It's almost like peer pressure from the industry too but things without training to become better thus finding out you never needed the upgrade to begin with

Good stuff, as usual, and I mostly agree, but I don't have $1,500 to spend on an Acog, so iron sights instantly rise in importance.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

True. Back up sights make more sense if the optic durability is questionable.

After your carbine has an optic, sling, and light. I find the best thing to upgrade is a pistol grip especially when you have a standard A2. I didn't really think getting a new grip for my first AR was super important when I had a perfectly usable one until I switched to a magpul k2 and the newly discovered comfort was incredible. A good pistol grip with a more natural angle and better ergonomics was a night and day difference for me, not really in my capabilities to operate the firearm but more out of pure comfort and pleasure to handle the gun especially for long periods of time. After that moment a good pistol grip was always a necessity on all my AR's

It’s been cool seeing how much you’ve learned about firearms since you started the channel. I’ve learned along with you. Keep it up.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I really have learned a lot. Thanks to others who have more knowledge than I do lending their experience and then vetting those concepts out on the range. Thanks for all of your support throughout all of this!

The only mod I have changed on my AR10 was the charging handle because I was having issues grabbing it with gloves on. I don't run back up sights anymore. I am old and blind I need an optic nowadays, LOL. As for triggers, when I buy rifles, I buy ones with good triggers installed already.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

That makes sense for gloved use. Good point!

Trigger: Larue MBT 2S. Love those things for right around $100. Best upgrade for me

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Definitely a good value!

@tech6263

3 ай бұрын

They were 75 or 80 bucks when I started buying them. I should have kept my mouth shut. 😂

@theprepperrevelator

3 ай бұрын

@@tech6263😂😂😂

I just bought some decent LPVO's and red dots. Your statement about do I shoot enough to really need all of that is the best rational argument for not spending money that my wife has ever heard!!

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Haha well hopefully it helped your argument for why you need more ammo.

Not a bad video. Since l'm a "lefty" I like the ambi safety and charging handle. I like the mil spec triggers and buis. Been to Iraq twice, and they never failed, to me, they are a must.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing that info from experience. Greatly appreciated!

Nutnfancy did a video on this years ago talking about how much crap people put on their rifles. It's a good video.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

The OG

@TheHide

2 ай бұрын

I remember watching that vid many years ago and it still holds true lol

I will always have BUIS, but that is because I learned to shoot ARs with iron sights. I agree with your thoughts on all else.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Hey I totally get it.

Another great video from Magic Prepper! However I have to argue one minute point about backups. If someone is using a scope or red dot optic in a duty environment, their optic could be disabled from the rifle being dropped in mud or getting too dusty. That is the one true scenario where I see backup irons truly bringing value.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Seems reasonable to me for sure.

With a BCM Rifle, there is absolutely NO need to change anything. I have a few of them, and they just run. Never had one single issue with any of them. Those Dudes over at Bravo Company know what the heck they’re doing when it comes to putting together a solid “it just works” AR Platform Rifle!!!

Thanks to experienced guntubers like you and others, I was able to avoid unnecessary "upgrades" to my first AR last year. I bought it used and it came with a quality red dot (original Vortex Sparc) that I occasionally leave on, which runs the battery down, so I upgraded to backup irons because I actually need/use them sometimes. I also got a good quality QD light so I can see a few hundred yards out in the pasture to make sure cows aren't part of the background when I need to shoot at night, and because it's easy to remove and use as a regular flashlight when I need it for that (often). As for trigger jobs, I refuse to use anything other than standard factory triggers, unless that trigger fails and it actually needs an upgrade. However, sometimes I wish I could take the 2.7 pound factory trigger from my CP-33 and put it in my AR. lol And, why get an ambi safety when you can be super safe? Being regular safe just isn't always enough.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I'm glad some of the info out there is helpful!

@ReticentIndignation

2 ай бұрын

Once you go to a nicer lower pull weight trigger, 2 stage or single, you won't be satisfied with "factory." If you do want a good, relatively cheap, 2 stage trigger option, Larue Tactical is quite good.

I always thought the point of ambi stuff was to help you through a mechanical injury..? Our hands and wrists are extremely fragile and easy to injure. Having something you can completely run off-handed is a good idea, IMO. Do you need to buy all of the top-tier whiz-bang stuff to make it happen? Probably not...

@WN_Byers

3 ай бұрын

That's how I feel about ambi charging handle

@hunterknudtson5213

3 ай бұрын

if one of my hands is missing i’m not switching to safety anyway

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Yea I just don't think working around it would be that big of a deal. Especially if your hand was incapacitated. Seems like you'd have much bigger problems at that point. But it could give some justification to the concept.

@evenmoremax2540

3 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper I've normally seen this mind set around pistols. The three common scenarios (which are reasonably believable), are: an attacker damages your hand (being stabbed in the hard/arm by raising them an instinctive defensive measure is very common), being pinned such that your dominate hand can't reach your defensive aid, and/or shooting around off-hand corners without exposing yourself. Of all of the things that can be added to an AR, I think the ambi charging handle is a reasonable idea. Ambi safety is less desirable, IMO.

@chizorama

2 ай бұрын

I've found ambi safties to be annoying, they seem to interfere with the webbing in my hand, definitely should go with a shorter lever on your dominant side.

great advice, glad you talked about these items. It seems a lot of KZreadr's suggest these waste of upgrades.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I have personally suggested some myself. Because they are good parts and do provide enhancements. But my mistake was thinking they were needed rather than just a la carte options.

3 season Paint job, 25.00. Or Local area colors 25.00. Or Marks, scratches quick fix, 9.99. I travel from Arizona to Fairbanks only 1 rifle. Bought my LMT, 12 years ago, only other upgrade is a trijicon. Great video 😊 thanks.JMHO

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the support and sharing!

We have all done it. I have a special box where all the extras go that aremt currently on a rifle or a pistol. Still good to have around for trade or someone who has nothing and needs a kit

@Dennisrader-ff9gv

3 ай бұрын

Same, eventually I'll have enough parts to build another rifle.😬

@hughjunit2503

3 ай бұрын

@@Dennisrader-ff9gv yes sir. I have multiple lights, lasers, forward grips, stock AR grips, stock AR stocks, slings.........the list goes on and on. I can just imagine the frankenstien weapons some of the guys out there could build with just spare parts. In all honesty if i got a friend that needs a sling or a stock in a pinch i hook them up. Its like having a gun parts junkyard

@jeffpraterJSF

3 ай бұрын

@@hughjunit2503I remember the day I upgraded from a shoebox in my closet to a moving box to a cabinet set just crammed with unused stocks and grips and all the spare “modular” pieces to things like wings on holsters

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

@@Dennisrader-ff9gv My problem is that they ALWAYS turn into another rifle :(

@saltydog3394

3 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper and what's the problem? lolol

BUIS on a fighting rifle is a must.

@jmmartin7766

3 ай бұрын

I won't own an AR without them

@CMHatem

3 ай бұрын

Agreed. They’re not in the way.

@adamrodgers2377

3 ай бұрын

And I have NEVER seen Polymer Magpul Sights just slide off any Rail and I have been to quite a few Carbine Fighting Classes and have seen some crap brake and weird crap happen but never that. I have seen a Magpul Polymer Front Sight melt because the dude had one of those Steel Gas Blocks with Pic Rail on it and he had put his Front Sight on it.

@jmmartin7766

3 ай бұрын

@@adamrodgers2377 I think he was just using some hyperbole in the vid. Least ways, that's how I took it

@adamrodgers2377

3 ай бұрын

@@jmmartin7766 Maybe so, I probably did just take it wrong.

100% spot on. I think you can probably find a lot of those items for a lot less than you spent, but you nailed what I'd just come to discover as well. Watching too many guntubers gets my wallet out for unnecessary items.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

They are all good products. Just maybe not so necessary.

Love the video. It’s hard to pass on all the cool upgrades when you’re in the firearm “hobby”. I’ve been wanting to upgrade some stuff on my Bcm but for now my my main focus is on upgrading from my sig romeo5 to acog/aimpoint/eotech.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Awesome approach in my opinion! Let me know what you decide on or if you need any help making that decision. It's very hard to beat the ACOG/RMR combo. I am only trying out this LPVO because it is almost as light as an ACOG but provides 8x magnification and where I live it's all flat prairie with no trees.

The nice thing about AR upgrades is, when I shoot out my PSA barrel and have the money to upgrade my rifle, I can pull all that shit off my old build and slap it on the new one.

I agree with you except on charging handles and safeties. I've been shooting ar platforms for 20 plus years but also I'm left handed. I'm just speaking for the 10 % of us that our left handed.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Haha that is a valid reason for requiring ambi stuff.

@low-keyobserver8539

3 ай бұрын

I'm also a lefty and a crayon eater. The ambi charging handle is the only game changer for me. I manipulate the other controls without thinking about. When I did get more ambi features I found out I don't use them. Old habits die hard. Ambi safeties and slide locks on pistols are a must though. Bolt actions and shotgun are a non-issue. Left handed guns are a waste and bullpups are a joke.

@SamboJones-vs1rh

3 ай бұрын

nyet, rifle is fine

Excellent video! I didn’t know about the cassette trigger (I run an enhanced milspec). Very good to know!

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Glad you learned something! I wasn't aware of it early on either.

I completely agree with trigger. I spent a year doing some training prior to switching my trigger out. It was one of the more patient purchases I ended up making.

Dude charging handles are the first thing I upgrade. Milspec feels like cheap trash.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I get that the milspec ones are pretty weak. But a lot of higher end rifles tend to have better than milspec already but maybe not quite $125 Radian Raptors.

@gb8641

3 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper fair point but I feel a high quality charging handle makes operating an AR feel a whole lot better. Worth it in my opinion. All the high end ones are $100+. I wonder how PSA’s feels?

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

@@gb8641 I wouldn't doubt that their upgraded charging handle is pretty solid.

@meta45354

2 ай бұрын

Radian Raptor light

@gfdemt917

2 ай бұрын

​@MagicPrepper its amazing how cheaply a mil spec charging handle can be made i believe some dont even meet that spec

Agree with everything but iron sights. Think of money you could save running it without suppressor

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Yea but that is... good.

Definitely agree with everything except for a milspec charging handle. I find an oversized charging handle ambi or not to be easier to manipulate especially with the way I have some optics mounted.

The Radian ambidextrous charging handel was a game changer when I was suffering from arthritis in my hands. Since then I went on Skyrizi and my hands feel fine. So I suggest the Radian charging handel for anyone that suffers from any hand pain or weakness. Remember in shtf your grandparents may have to defend the old homestead.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Good point and suggestion. It's why I have been enjoying the new Beretta 30x Tomcat. I can see it being useful for those without the strength in their hands.

I can understand your point but I too have a bcm and during my first shots, the charging handle came apart. Brand new out of the box. Since then I have changed all my charging handles to radian raptor. Upgrades are done for other reasons than just to make a rifle look good.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I understand that. Things do break sometimes no matter who makes them. But I also bet a milspec charging handle would have worked as a replacement as well.

Why you felt the need to "upgrade" a $2500 rifle is beyond me.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Seemed logical at the time.

I got a PA 1x micro on sale for $189. MI battle sights on sale for $120. BCM 3x3 large blem ambi charging handle $59. Aero ambi safety $22. Geissele SSA on sale $149. I dont have a single regret. Runs flawlessly. Two things to note. I always look for sales and only buy things that I legitimately know I'll use and be happy with. I find this out from training and if possible, trying them out on a friend's gear who already has one. The prism is the best thing since sliced bread for those with astigmatism. The BCM charging handle made a HUGE difference. Like butter. BUIS are for peace of mind even with the etched reticle. Perhaps the glass breaks? I dunno. OCD I guess. Ambi safety, eh. Did i need it? Probably not but, I do use it. The SSA, well, its Geissele. What can I say. Smooth crisp two stage. And above all, reliable. Full power hammer spring and sopmod approved. Plus, I just feel more comfortable with a two stage. It's a 2lb take up and a 2lb break. If that much. A 4lb single stage is more of a match trigger imo. Maybe a 5 or 6lb single stage for a battle rifle but thats as light as I'd go. Overall I'm very pleased with my setup. Alwyas look for sales and find what works for you and train, train, train. God bless. 🇺🇲💪

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Those 1x micro prisms are really nice. PA is doing a good job with their stuff.

@pep729

3 ай бұрын

@MagicPrepper Yes sir. I can see crystal clear with my astigmatism. A red dot just looks like a blob. A green holographic is better but a prism is my go to. PA has great eye relief and a generous eye box. They have a GLX 1x coming soon. Can't wait.

I run a ambi saftey and charging handle. Left handed. But I can run the gun without them. 4 tours in GWOT. And I survived it. None with ambi controls. The Colt ambi saftey is probably my favorite. It's reversible and it used to be $25.00. It's almost double that now. But still cheaper than most aftermarket. And I run a Raptor on everything. I've bought 5 of the Sionics gutless lowers with a A5 extension and bought the high end Geissele parts kits for those. They came with the Maritime bolt catch. I really like it for being a lefty. But it isn't required.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for checking in from the point of experience. Good to know you could work around it anyway.

I rock a carry handle rear sight and a fixed front sight with a tritium post. Other than that the only up grades are an H2 heavy buffer, magpul k-grip, and I hand polished the sear surface on my stock trigger.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

How good does that tritium sight post work?

@Blackpowderdad

3 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper I will tell you when it arrives! Lol. But in the real world very good. 14 years ago I had a Taliban scout sneaking up on our patrol base in the pitch black, it was dark enough to where my pvs14s wouldn’t hardly work. I grabbed my sleeping friends m4 with an Acog that had little tritium style pistol sights on top and used those to aim at the black blob coming towards me! Lol… the story goes on from there but I’ve been a tritium front sight guy from that point of on. Flashlights and red dots can give your position away.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

@@Blackpowderdad good point and awesome anecdote. Nothing beats personal experience with this stuff. Thanks for sharing!

Lets be honest, a $500-$600 AR build does everything that rifle does

Great video. You made me reconsider some upgrades that I was considering.

This is a great video. I agree with you on most things. You did make me realize that I don't need an ambi- safety control cause I was gonna get one. And now I know it's not necessary. The charging handle I got was the first thing I changed on my AR15 and my SFAR 308 rifles .its the Breek Arms Warhammer Mod 2 because I need my optic back comfortably far enough for me to have a good eye relief without straining my neck or my eyes.

Wasted 💰 on foregrips trying to find the right foregrip. Did eventually find the right one.

@dancarter7009

3 ай бұрын

Know that feeling, lol. What was your choice?

@majesticlion5598

3 ай бұрын

@@dancarter7009 Leapers UTG Ambidextrous Combat Foregrip. Twice. One on a bullpup 12g pump. Liked it so much, ditched the magpul, and threw one on an AR. Mileage may vary per person. It works for me!

@dancarter7009

3 ай бұрын

@@majesticlion5598 cool! Thx bro 🤙🏻

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I have done the same dance. The BCM foregrip works best for me but I am going to try a broom handle here soon.

@majesticlion5598

3 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper 🧹😂

The 45 safety is amazing though.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I do like the 45 degree throw but it is a luxury more than a requirement.

@meanmadmonkey7762

3 ай бұрын

I'm a lefty, gotta have it. Well, don't gotta have it, but I like it. Raptor also...

ive owned and built ar-15's for almost 20 years now, I realized what your going through a few years ago all the extra stuff is just not needed. I realized all I need is a handstop or foregrip a muzzle device of my choice and a light. the charging handle is fine and no need for ambi safety. But back up sights will always go on my setups.

I totally, absolutely Agree with you MP! All those items are " Kool Kids" items! I've always adhered to the KISS Principle, " keep it simple stupid"! Master your gear / kit & it will serve you well!

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

It's hard not to want all the cool stuff. It sounds good on paper.

Besides the endplate these are all things I basically I want put on my rifles.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Fair enough!

All good points but my Rise Armament trigger came with a decal and a koozie. 😆

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Sold! haha

Your OCD and prepper definition was on point, lmao!! I’ve spend thousands too on shit hopefully I’ll never have to use….

@Ash_95

3 ай бұрын

Yeah, that hit close to home. Lol

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

haha well it is the truth.

Great video! Hear this!… I have the Gucci rifle at home. But at work, a 15 year old Bushmaster with a shot out barrel and a bunk 1.5-4 LPVO is what I used at work… lol

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Haha and I bet it ran pretty good.

Lol I can totally relate to this. I have my own box of misfit toys.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

They sounded good originally :)

I agree with the skill vs upgrades.

This dude is for real!! awesome video! I thought I was alone in alot of this stuff.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Just sharing my personal experience. Glad we're not alone!

This is a great video and the reason I subscribed to your channel. It’s refreshing to see a KZreadr not trying to sell product.

Biggest things I've wasted money on have been different stocks and grips. I've tried almost everything. I've tried so many different vert grips, hand stops, angled grips, pistol grips, etc. Now all my guns have BCM furniture. What scope mount is that? I want one like that that allows me to mount the top red dot and the one that I was just looking at is $325+125 for the scope mount and red dot mount respectively. Is that the primary arms scope mount?

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Yup its the Primary Arms PLxC mount with the RMR top ring adapter. I think it was about $300 total.

Even though I'm left-handed I don't spend money on ambi controls. I think it's important to be able to shoot anyone's rifle.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Interesting take. Thanks for the input.

@DutchK75

3 ай бұрын

@joshuairvin6015

3 ай бұрын

I’m a left handed shooter and the only ambi control I’ve bought and been glad I have is the charging handle. The safety and mag release and bolt release I’ve just trained to get use to it and I just recently put a ambi mag drop on my pistol and it’s honestly harder to use then what I’ve done my whole life

Great video for new AR owners and for those who have owned them for decades.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Just trying to be helpful where I can.

Love the humility and transparency

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I am often wrong. Especially according to my wife.

The Magpul polymer backup sights are still $100 for a set.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

For sure! Not cheap by any means.

I have that rifle in black (BCM)

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Excellent choice ;)

More important than an ambi charging handle is one with the extended release lever. If you’ve ever had a bad jam while running drills, being able to mortar it clear quickly is important.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I agree for sure. There have been a few mortar experiences in my time.

Good for you for acknowledging this and putting yourself out there as having made these decisions. I bought my PSA AR for $550 and I feel good about it. I use Sig MSRs. I don’t think back up sights are necessary because you can use the red dot as a tube scope easily up to 50 yards. If in an engagement further away and your sights go down, I hope you have a path to retreat.

The batteries on my iron sighs never go dead. If I need a scope to kill it, it ain't no threat. I do have a scope and a WC trigger on my .06 hunting rifle though.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

They certainly are battery free

@billgutierrez9573

3 ай бұрын

True, but have you shot at night with them?

@sixgunmiller6198

3 ай бұрын

@@billgutierrez9573 yes

@billgutierrez9573

3 ай бұрын

You have a light on that .06 hunting rifle?

@sixgunmiller6198

3 ай бұрын

@@billgutierrez9573 nope just a scope, butt its not a combat rifle. Its for distance.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes I’ve done all those upgrades and it was TOTALLY WORTH IT! 😊

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I am glad you found them helpful!

@ChineseChicken1

3 ай бұрын

You're a true Maniac lol

This is really helpful, thanks

I use the magpul pro sights on all my ar's, yes they're zeroed. I run one optic and a set of irons, that's all. The BCM pnt trigger is good, I also like the ar stoner nickel enhanced trigger group from midway, they're very similar. I like the radian raptor, mostly because it's so easy to check the chamber and only need one finger.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

They would be what I would consider the gold standard of buis. If you want buis, they are worth the investment.

Stop complaining about the price of your Lego's.

@JRJ556

3 ай бұрын

😂

@keithheinz1724

2 ай бұрын

He's hooked in this deep😅

when I got mine there are only 4 things I bought for it. they are things that made my weapon more like the one I was used to using in the military. 1. longer barrel shroud 2. comfort grip with finger groves 3. forward grip 4. a red dot scope with flip up magnifier no part changes, no drilling or milling, no ambidextrous components, no flashlight addons, no laser sights, no brass catchers... none of that crap. kept it simple, kept it comfortable, kept it the way the manufacturer built it to operate. I wasn't a person obsessed with how it looked more than how it fuctions. if i need a flashlight I'd rather have an EDC clip on flashlight that I can clip to the brim of my cap so I can look around without the need to point my rifle at something. I limited the need for batteries down to my only 1 item that red dot scope which has a quick exchange that I can do on the fly. my forward grip is simply there to provide comfort same as the normal grip I bought. I can hold my weapon in the ready position 3X longer with them. the longer barrel shroud was to keep my from touching the barrel when it was hot. I don't have a lot of ammo for it but I don't store ammo that I don't plan on using for a while as I don't like the idea of shooting something years old. I buy what I need and then an amount to use for home defense. so no bulk of 1000 or even 500. If I plan to go shoot I'll get a 250 box just to take to the range for practice and to keep my weapon zeroed and in good operating condition. I always fire my oldest ammo first and keep the fresh for keeps until the next time I go to the range. so it may be an extra expense but its not wasting money because the ammo gets too old and has misfires or rust forming on it. the most money I wasted on my rifle was buying a quality hard case for it so that when I transport it the weapon remains secure and safe from being knocked around. that set me back $200. I bought a gun safe too for it and my other weapons but that was well worth the price for the biometric sensor for quick access in case of home invaders. I only pay for what I need.

Trijicon is a good choice. Iron sight is good for the snow. Maybe all lights are considered a waste if they stop working eventually.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I think lights are mandatory but that's just because bad things happen at night.

Something you may want to try left handed shooting. I went to a batting cage one time, learned I am a left handed batter. Tried it shooting, left hand & left eye, I’ve had some great results.

Fantastic, thanks so much, big help.😊

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

You're welcome! And thank you for the support!

I totally agree, I haven’t spent big money on add ons. But I still did it ! I leave one basic rifle bc of that.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Every time I pick up my basic rifle I forget just how nice and lightweight it is.

I have half a dozen vertical or angled fore grips. And they all live in a storage bin. Nothing makes up for losing the ability to lay it over my pack.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

I feel you there. The only reason I use them now is for proper hand placement when using LAMs.

I like building my own, since I always feel like I'm paying extra for the name. So I like inspecting all the parts before assembly. The BCG & barrel is where I spend the most $. I agree the BCM PNT trigger is nice, but if you want a 2 stage trigger. Larue MBT, Schmidt, & Geissele ( if you have the extra $) are all great triggers. You can get by with standard charging handle, but shooting suppressed I'd upgrade it. Main thing is to plan ahead, train with it & know what you're going to use it for . Long range, home defense, etc.

As far as back up irons, all I do is bore sight them.with a laser at 25 yards. Plenty good enough for irons in a back up role. But as always to each their own.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

That's way better than 95% of back up iron sight users out there ;)

Shopping math: I’m kind of a trigger snob, so save on the Geissele SSA with a G2S or, if ya struggling, ALG is a bargain if you don’t feel you have the skill to polish the stock trigger up. Solid advice. I’d add one more- leave the bird cage flasher hider be if you are not running suppressed.

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

100% on the A2 bird cage. It's solid. I only swap muzzle devices for suppressor use.

As a lefty, I feel the ambi controls are a must... however, I am guilty of getting all of these upgrades and wish I would have put it towards a nicer lpvo

@MagicPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Being left handed definitely adds justification to those options. But I feel you on the priority of investment.

Yes, I agree. My Rise Armament trigger is prone to light primer strikes on Russian steel case ammo. My other rifle with a milspec trigger will go all day long with them. A marine told me that if I can master the gun with a standard trigger then I’ll be a better shooter. I’m still working on that.