Finally got my AR15

[HorizontalMike]

I am like the OP in that while i have experience with handguns will be getting my first sporting rifle (Sport 2) shortly. But while these may be simple to personalize, I will wait until i have spent some serious time getting to know it and see what my likes/dislikes may be. Then if something is available that can approve it for me I can check into it. But as I didnt start this hobby until i was 50, thousands of rounds dont always equal years of experience so all my handguns are stock as well. Not against modifications just havent found anything i had to have yet.
Best comparison i can think of is if I never drove a hi-po car and suddenly bought a new Mustang GT. Sure it can be modded but why not get a feel for what it can do first lol. I may find it is perfect as is.

BINGO!
IMO, you are on the correct path for success!

Hey, the first time I fired a .222 Remington at 5-6r old, I had NO idea of just how much it would change the rest of my life. NOT bragging, as at the time... I NEVER knew just how much this mattered, I was blown' away!... Geez' no politics, just... WOW! just how much could a 6yr old feel/interpret/realize what the FFF just happened!

 

[Velle]

I am like the OP in that while i have experience with handguns will be getting my first sporting rifle (Sport 2) shortly. But while these may be simple to personalize, I will wait until i have spent some serious time getting to know it and see what my likes/dislikes may be. Then if something is available that can approve it for me I can check into it. But as I didnt start this hobby until i was 50, thousands of rounds dont always equal years of experience so all my handguns are stock as well. Not against modifications just havent found anything i had to have yet.
Best comparison i can think of is if I never drove a hi-po car and suddenly bought a new Mustang GT. Sure it can be modded but why not get a feel for what it can do first lol. I may find it is perfect as is.

I didn't get an AR til I was 63. I did have an AK back in the 80's but didn't keep it long. I've owned guns since I was 10 and never really felt the need to mod any of them except for sights on rifles here and there. I have a Sport II and so far I don't see a need to change anything. It's easy to get caught up in the hype of you gotta have a better hand guard or a better trigger or a better stock or, or, or, or, or. Yeah some of those things would be nice additions, but necessary? Nope. Mine works just fine like it is.

 

[rincar]

I carried a M 16 in Vietnam so I was used to the iron sight. As I got older I found that I need the Red Dot Optic sights. I like the ones with a Red and Green dots. I have found that in the bright sun light that as the distance increases the Red dot fades out. Where as the Green Dot is still visible at a longer range. So try to check out several different ones to se what works for you.

 

[Farmer17]

Most ARs come with 8lb triggers which is not great for 350 yard prairie dog accuracy but adequate for humanoid size targets. It all depends on what you use your rifle for, and AR 15s can be very versatile.

 

[Ranger17]

I would say if I want to shoot any distance then w/ my cruddy eyesight a scope or red dot may go on. Even my Tcr22 ended up with a scope as anything near 50 yds or beyond just doesnt work for me using the stock (nice fiber optic front) sights. Though still getting used to the scope, I do prefer stock sights. So if i keep the Sport 2 for mostly range and fun at 50 or less yds i will try to make do with the iron sights. If my eyes dont help lol then an optic is next. But not until i truly know what any limitations I may have with the gun as is.

 

[Velle]

I did put an inexpensive Holosun red dot on mine and can still use the irons with it mounted. I bought a set of QD rings for a scope I had laying around and not using. I mounted it one time for a pic and haven't even sighted it in yet and may never.

 

[S-W4EVER]

... The only upgrade any long gun needs are good sights/scope, a good sling, magazines if applicable and lots of ammo...

... and a good weaponlight if you're going to use it for home defense.

 

[Velle]

... and a good weaponlight if you're going to use it for home defense.

I don't see the need to have a light. I know my house in the dark. They don't.

 

[rincar]

Don't get me wrong I have one AR15 with a light on it. But I was taught in the Police Academy that a perp will fire at the light. That why we were taught to hold the flash light away from our bodies. So all my other ARs that I have. Do not have a light on them. I prefer a hand held flash light. But it your AR so set it up like you want.

 

[S-W4EVER]

I don't see the need to have a light. I know my house in the dark. They don't.

Because you want to be sure of your target. I have weaponlights on my home defense weaponry (AR15's, Riot Guns, and pistols). Also have flashlights but weaponlights are nice to have. YMMV

 

[Eric300]

Don't get me wrong I have one AR15 with a light on it. But I was taught in the Police Academy that a perp will fire at the light. That why we were taught to hold the flash light away from our bodies. So all my other ARs that I have. Do not have a light on them. I prefer a hand held flash light. But it your AR so set it up like you want.

A) It's just a little difficult operating a light in one hand, and a long gun in the other at the same time.

B) If you're clearing buildings and need to illuminate an area/room....you need a weapon mounted light. Preferable a light that is operated with a momentary/sustained switch, whether it's mounted directly on the light, or, a pressure tape switch).

 

[rincar]

In my 30 Year career. I have searched many a building with just a handgun and a hand held flashlight. Just as was said a long gun is very hard to manage while holding a flash light. So maybe your better off with a gun mounted light.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Because you want to be sure of your target. I have weaponlights on my home defense weaponry (AR15's, Riot Guns, and pistols). Also have flashlights but weaponlights are nice to have. YMMV

You're exactly right. That bump in the night inside your house...the intruder...is it someone breaking in to do you harm or your family member up and about or coming in after curfew. Gotta make damn sure BEFORE you pull the trigger! Couldn't forgive yourself or live with yourself if it was the latter.

This is another reason why our first line of defense is our German Sheperds!

 

[BB57]

Don't get me wrong I have one AR15 with a light on it. But I was taught in the Police Academy that a perp will fire at the light. That why we were taught to hold the flash light away from our bodies. So all my other ARs that I have. Do not have a light on them. I prefer a hand held flash light. But it your AR so set it up like you want.

The difference here is that the OP won't be going into dark and scary places looking for bad guys with a steadily illuminated light. Instead he'll be momentarily illuminating an intruder to confirm the need to fire. It'll be a brief flash to illuminate the target and then engage - or not. There's only a brief target for the intruder to see and if you are also side stepping when you illuminate you won't be where you were.