5 AR-15 Upgrades I Wasted Money On

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?
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When you have so much money, you don't remember how much you spent. Sigh, to have MP money.

If you are ambidextrous like I am. I had to train in the Navy on board ship to do so. Then guess what? It's nice to have ingress and egress.

I'd be more than willing to take those spare parts off your hands😊

Most people buy the latest and greatest parts to try to impress others so they feel like somebody. What a bunch of clowns.

I disagree with you on this…

I love my ambi safeties for competition shooting. Otherwise, I don't consider them necessary. I bought a bunch at $6 each a few years ago, so cost isn't a factor for me. Ambi charging handle is 100% required for me, not so much for the ambi-ness, but I need the larger handle. Again, though, I'm not spending Radian money. All my ambi charging handles cost less than $50, even several Radians (catch sales and "blems" and sales on "blems"). Finally, mil-spec trigger is good enough, but if I'm going to be using the gun a lot I'll spring for a $100 upgrade to a Larue MBT and have 99.7% of the benefit of the much higher cost triggers.

Now for my truly controversial take. I buy the $20 Amazon special metal backup sights. I find they hold up better than the Magpuls, and they will be "good enough" if I ever actually need them, but at the same time I doubt I ever will, so $20 Amazon specials it is.

Sounds like you just want an AR that's reliable!

Its the LARPing trap. Very few people will be kicking in doors or precision marksmen shooting in a self defense or SHTF situation. All of these upgrades that are marketed to gun owners and preppers are a waste of money. Save the money and buy reliable guns with spare parts for wear and tear replacement. Like you said, invest in training and proficiency. That is what will save you and others lives.

Even running long left handed (left eye dominant) I never changed the safety, I just brush it with my index finger.

Also same milspec triggers

Charging handles are a different story, I will always get ambi

I'm guilty of the QD end plate! And have no need of it! I do like the BCM PNT trigger and use them. I do have Magpul plastic BUIS, hopefully never need to put them to hard use. Oh, yes they are zeroed!

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

This ours why I rather buy parts and build my own rifles I don’t spend money on parts I’m going to replace

I wish everyone that owns a Ar could see this video

1. It's very difficult to find a 45° safety that's not ambi 2. I like the qd end plate because I run 2-1 slings, I like the option of running a single point sling 3. I run BCM extended charging handles not ambi 4. Iron sights will never fail 5. Yea I've spent a lot of money on triggers. Did I need to? Absolutely not. I run exclusively Geissele triggers

Im guilty of all of the above. Only exception is the ambi stuff with me being a lefty.

Magic – You Forgot a Láser. !!

I agree with everything you said with the exception of BUIS. If you dropped your rifle or fell down a mountain, Lone Survivor style, that expensive ACOG glass is done but metal, NEVER plastic, flip up sights would stand a good chance at being ok. I do BUIS on EVERY AR build. Co-witness if red/green dot and off set if magnified optic. To me it's worth the price even if I never use them. Like a life jacket. Have it and hope to never use it.

All of my ARs get JP trigger springs and a Dremel polish, about 3.5# when done, cost 15$.
All barrels are Loctited in the upper, cost 5$.
All get a stright trigger 25$ on Midway. These 3 things really tighten up the groups. As far as sling mounts, you can never have enough as it maybe a single point, double point and the position might need to change if your sitting, standing or laying down. A front night sight is a must if its for defense. "Less is more" is the rule for a fighting setup. I have others with scopes, red dots, ect. Some are range toys, others are for hunting and several are for competition but I can mix and match for whatever I need. I am currently upgrading a factory rifle because it sucks right out of the box, but I got it on clearance for 450$ off MSRP.

Tacticon Armament agrees with saving money on gun accessories to spend on ammo instead.

Anyone in ND. Dont vote for 🦏 Miller

I'm a Southpaw. Ambi Radian charging handle and safety at 45 throw is a must.

My rifle came w a QD end plate 🤣😂👌🤷

I’ve been telling people for years u don’t need all that giddy up on your gun

Great video
Guilty as charged,

Just get a Schmid trigger. It's a $60ish two stage trigger (80% as nice as my Geissele).

i think you wasted money on a couple of different on that rifle.
1. the handle u have in the front
2. red dot when you could have iron sites instead.
3. the flashlight get a cheaper one a light is a light
it is pretty though

I agree to a small extent. I understand you are trying to help others who are new to the AR etc. However, your views and the logic used is based on the shooting YOU do.
As a twenty year Veteran, I ALWAYS run an ambo safety because I always safe my weapon with my firing hand as it is easier and does not interfere with my grip.
Back up Irons, yes all day! Why? You have clearly never had an optic shot off your weapon! My ACOG was FUBAR and the red dot on top was no longer zeroed. In less than a few minutes the mess on top was removed and I was back in the fight with my irons.
Most initial issue charging handles are of the single hook type. Meaning, they only have a hook on one side. There are times when you will have to clear a malfunction with your non shooting hand or vice versa and the better double hook handles will allow that, because either wing will pivot the entire mechanism. I prefer a Geissele as they have never failed me, and at $105.00 it is worth my piece of mind.
I agree, the cartridge type triggers are fine for the flat range, but in a SHTF scenario they may end you. Remember all those little springs, pins etc. if you are carrying spares, you may as well stay in the basement.
How you mount your sling and what type, is a user defined issue. The important take away is that any and all parts critical to the proper function of your weapon should be the best you can get, as these are consumable items and quality will last longer and be more reliable. I have seen a number of POGs with $2K and up rifles and can't hit shit with them. An expensive rifle does not make you a better shooter if you do not posses the fundamentals of marksmanship, period, full stop.
In closing, shooting on the flat range IN NO WAY, compares to operating in a nonpermissive environment where you have little to no immediate external support. You run what you brung, and it better be wired tight! Your life and those of your team, or family may be at stake.

That's my .02 cents, but what do I know!?

Building out you're setup is truly subjective although I mostly agree with all that he says. But unfortunately spending/wasting money is just the nature of the beast and a neccesary evil. Everyone has to go through that trial and error process to find out what truly works for them. I now always tell people that seek my advice and help to not worry about upgrades and spend the money on ammo. Great content as always!!