Having had the honor and opportunity to train with veterans of the Iraq/Afghanistan War, and some of the world’s most elite instructors and operators, such as Kyle Lamb (Ret. SGM) and Dan Brokos (Special Forces Instructor) of Viking Tactics, I can say I’ve pushed most of my gear to its limits. Some of the questions people ask me are what I run on my guns, and what I suggest for them. Some people like to hang everything but the kitchen sink off their guns, while others prefer a minimalist approach. Having put my guns and gear through the paces, here is what I suggest as necessary gear that will get you through any encounter/course you may find yourself in.
- A solid AR15 platform – While most buy simple, off the shelf guns, which is fine, you must realize you get what you pay for. I’m a big advocate of LMT , BCM, LaRue, Spikes Tactical, Daniel Defense , Noveske , Smith and Wesson , Colt , Bushmaster , and Stag Arms . Some are better than others, but these are all manufacturers I have used and stand behind.
- The right barrel – Ultimately, whatever you get should have a 1/7 twist. This will handle any kind of 5.56 ammo out there, the cheap 55gr or the man stopping 77gr. That being said, you optimally want a 16” or 14.5” barrel with a mid-length gas system. The combination of the 16” with mid-length gas system provides the most accurate/reliable platform for a carbine. SBR’s are cool, but after you realize how much noise they make, the next thing you’ll realize is how much that short stroke gas system jams. Any of the above mentioned companies manufacture the same quality barrels as well as receivers.
- Hand guard/Rail System – After much consideration I’ve started to shy away from the “cheese grater” quad rail design. Troy Industry and JP both have great free float hand guard systems that are totally user customizable. No need for a full length rail system, too much added weight and unused space!
- Optics – Red dots are now the standard for almost all CQB platforms. That being said, if you’re going for magnified get a Trijicon ACOG, or a Leupold. I run either Aimpoint or EOTech’s , but I’ve become very fond of a rugged, inexpensive optic that gives the larger name companies a run for their money, which is the Vortex Sparc . Whatever optic you choose, throw it on a LaRue mount and you will be good to go for life.
- BUIS – That stands for Back Up Iron Sight, you can’t go wrong with Troy or the Magpul MBUS.
- Forward/Vertical Grip – Some of my favorites include the Tango Down (www.tangodown.com) quick detach, LaRue Tactical FUG, Troy MCG, or Magpul AFG…results may vary. Whichever you choose, it should be mounted as far up the hand guard as possible! This provides maximum stability to the shooter.
- Lights/Illumination – Keep it simple! You don’t need to send out the Bat signal with your flashlight. It’ll be used mainly for positive target identification, so get one that’s rugged, can take a beating, and easy to maintain. My favorite is the Surefire G2 series of lights. Add to that the VTAC light mount and you have a simple, rugged, reliable and cost effective solution to all your illumination problems.
- Furniture/Accessories – I’d be lying if I didn’t say that 95% of my gear is fully accessorized by Magpul. Yes, I drink the “kool-aid,” but they make good gear. That being said, VTAC, Troy and VLTOR also make great aftermarket add-ons as far as stocks, pistol grips, rail covers, and other accessories go.
- Sling – Your weapon needs a sling! I prefer a 2 point for the fact that it keeps the rifle tighter to the body during transitions, but what fits you is what you should go with. Single points work, but in a transition drill the gun dangles. Either way the slings should be non binding, and I prefer ones with bungee inside them. My 3 top choices in no particular order are the Savvy Sniper Quad Slings, the SOE Convertible Sling and the VTAC-MK2 sling.
- Magazines – No surprise here…Magpul PMAG. If you run GI issue mags then convert all of the followers over to the Magpul Enhanced Self–Leveling followers. Another good option that’s new to the market is the Troy Battle Mag.
After trying different options and combination’s/manufacturers of gear over the past 7 years, these are the things I’ve found that work, and work consistently. These 10 simple suggestions won’t make you a better shooter; you need to train at Downrange Firearms Training for that. But, they will put you on the right path for the gear you need for any advanced carbine class or zombie invasion you may find yourself in.
