Want to make your AR-15 more accurate? In this Brownells Tech Tip, Caleb and Steve break down the most effective accuracy upgrades for the AR platform. From barrels and free float handguards to triggers, optics, gas tuning, and ammunition selection, they explain what actually improves precision and what just adds cost without results.
The discussion covers both mechanical accuracy and shooter-induced accuracy issues, including proper optic mounting, quality scope rings, headspace, recoil control, and ergonomic upgrades. Whether you are building a precision AR-15, upgrading an existing rifle, or setting up a long-range varmint rifle, this video covers the essential components and setup tips that matter most.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:19 Best Accuracy Upgrades for an AR-15
00:39 Why the Barrel Matters Most
01:23 Benefits of a Free Float Handguard
02:12 Choosing a Quality Handguard
03:47 Mechanical Accuracy and Upper Receivers
05:18 Receiver Tension Screws and Accu-Wedges
06:11 Trigger Upgrades and Shooter Interface
06:54 Headspace and Bolt Consistency
07:27 Adjustable Gas Blocks and Recoil Control
08:10 Optics and Scope Ring Selection
09:14 Proper Scope Mounting on an AR-15
10:12 Ambidextrous Controls and Ergonomics
10:59 Scope Levels and Long Range Accuracy
11:41 Ammunition and Barrel Twist Rates
12:20 Final Thoughts
Key Topics:
AR-15 accuracy upgrades
Best AR-15 barrels
Free float handguards
Precision AR builds
AR-15 triggers
Adjustable gas blocks
Scope mounting tips
AR optics setup
Long range AR shooting
Twist rate and ammunition matching
I see some duck sauce 🦆🦆
I’ve seen this going around, but I like to hear different opinions on it: Shooting groups with multiple bullet types? Clean the barrel in between switching rounds. Theory I’ve heard is each different ogive leaves a different fouling pattern at the chamber mouth and that it can interfere with other bullet shapes.
I’ve never really tried it personally so I’d like to hear from people who do.
Caleb, what type of hair gel do you use?
Why is there a giant scope and a bipod on a short carbine? That is absolutely bizarre… short rifle fast optic, long rifle big scope. This is the way!
I don't know specifics about the barrel aero precision puts in their m4e1 upper but I can hit an apple sized target at 300 yards no problem. I could probably be more accurate w a higher end scope bc the primary arms raptor 1-6 ffp accs reticle isnt exactly meant for dead on precision. I have zero complaints for what I built 9 years ago.
Its like Dad and the Boy from its always sunny in Philadelphia
I have 2 ARs that have BCA uppers and PSA lowers that fit nice and tight. My RRA complete rifle has some play between upper and lower but is way more accurate 😮
Liked and subbed. You guys are easy to listen to. I guess I need to get a level now…
Hey guys! Great video, wanted to ask what barrel length did that AR have? I have a 14.5 DD and was wondering if I can accurize it so to say, it’s a factory gun, thinking hybrid AR for some fun at the range but also can shoot for tight groups at distance? Thanks for all the educational content, we need more of that
Knowing your good eye helps, now before Iam attacked there are a good percentage of people that can use both successfully, but personally I discovered last year my accuracy improved with my left eye 😂.
5:46 The tension screw doesn't really work. It tightens the back end, sure, but it does nothing for the pivot pin. Exaggerates it, even.
What's the numbered thing on the barrel a gas block adjustment?
Don't need to upgrade if you don’t have an AR15… 😢😢😢
Never seen a gun level. Looks like a complete gimmick. If you need that kind of accuracy there has got to be some sort of built in scope digital level ? Not sure how you can look at a bubble level and the target at the same time or go from checking the level back to the target keeping it steady in the same place. Only way you could do that is to put the dang thing in a vice then you are not really even shooting anymore. Plus in my experience a bubble level is not really accurate enough to make that big of a difference with something this dynamic. Anyone shooting at 800-2000 yard targets that can attest to a level ? Seems super silly but maybe Im just inexperienced. Im all about advertising and what not but this seems completely impractical.
Of course, all the things to improve accuracy involve buying things from Brownells!!! Yet most will NEVER be able to take advantage of the "improved accuracy"…..which won't be much….
Pay attention to the crown of the barrel/ muzzle device. Use suppressor alignment rod. Also keep your qd muzzle device clean of carbon buildup, especially with suppressor it can build up to the point it affects your accuracy.
There are good hand guards out there but sadly they come with poor quality bolts for mounting the hand guard.
Thank you for the video.
ammo and training
Really?! 9 seconds talking about triggers? Triggers are my #2 behind barrel quality to make an AR shoot precisely & accurately. A bad trigger can easily mask a great barrel.
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Rise armament triggers on everything with a scope
Before you drop major coin on a bunch of upgrades… Get a decent trigger and a decent free-float handguard.
Then buy decent ammo and shoot the damn thing. A lot.
And be sure to practice the fundamentals of marksmanship while you're shooting.
Unfortunately, ALL barrel manufacturers claim their tubes are "the best product or the best value" and there is no way to determine the truth other than trusting YouTube shills. If you are shooting past 400m you definately benefit from a free-floated barrel but it is no substitute for practice and ammo selection.
Timney trigger or some other quality brand trigger. Instant improvement. Unsure if anything else is worth bothering with?
100% correct. You can make a sub-moa AR15 every time with just a premium cut-rifled barrel (Krieger, Bartlien, or similar) a free-float handguard, Sierra matchkings, and sights/optic that allow you to hold a sub-moa point of aim. The rest of the parts can be mil-spec. They don’t really matter. (A good trigger is nice) I was a Distinguished/Presidents Hundred service rifle competitor. We built all our team rifles and they were all sub-moa.