Ep. 321 | The Holy Trinity of AR-15 Accessories

Рет қаралды 22,460

Күн бұрын

Fact: You can trick out an AR-15 with more accessories than any other rifle platform. But if you had to pick three, what would they be? Liam Ward and Chris Urrutia from Vortex® join Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton to boil down the bare necessities of AR accessories. Did they get it right? What would you pick?
00:00 - Intro
1:46 - What constitutes as an accessory?
12:46 - Slings
24:49 - Magazines
28:38 - Flashlights
39:07 - Optics
44:06 - Trying Before Buying
49:55 - Closing Thoughts
As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.
Follow Vortex Nation Podcast on Instagram:
vortexnationpodcast

Пікірлер: 128

@phobiarg 4 ай бұрын

Red Dots have benefits other than just being cheaper and good at close range. Red Dots are also lighter weight, the battery life is measured in years instead of hours and there is *usually* no parallax. You can also mitigate the lack of magnification with a magnifier.

@PianoMan347 5 ай бұрын

Optic, white light, sling. Then, suppressor (with quick attack muzzle device), foregrip, backup irons, ambi controls.

@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz 5 ай бұрын

I would replace optic with magnification. Red dots are just iron sight replacements, however no amount of training allows one to magnify their vision. Whether it's a proper scope, or a prism, or a magnifier.

@hansblitz7770 4 ай бұрын

He just said optic, choose what fits. Also, a parallax free red dot or holographic is more than a replacement for irons. It is easier to shoot moving things, while also moving, and having a point of aim in all lighting conditions.

@jeffgeesaman4386 4 ай бұрын

One of the big reasons to take a live fire class. one, you learn a skill, and 2 I've never met anyone at a class that wasn't willing to let you try out their setup and talk about it with you. Plus that might start your community journey, meeting like minded people in your local community that you might have never met. Love your content.

@COOBI407 4 ай бұрын

Single point sling attachment on CQB lends itself well to limit an adversary grabbing your sling and controlling your muzzle. Often times the single attachment point is in close proximity to the base of the stock which is closer to your person and easier to defend. Great talk as usual.

@robertsebacher44 4 ай бұрын

Iron sights, sling, and extra mags are the holy trinity. After that tons of ammo and an LPV scope. Then specific needs and whim come in.

@jmmartin7766 4 ай бұрын

💯

@joeyhinton8 4 ай бұрын

Love the “Which one you grabbin” idea! Could really say a lot about your personality.

@sgtpickles1319 15 күн бұрын

Sling, Light, Good Irons. Assuming extra mags and a way to carry them are included.

@sethmatherne7012 5 ай бұрын

Since we are emphasizing slings, which I agree, sling recommendations for heavier rifles primarily for longer shots. I have a viper PST II on the one I have in mind.

@pim1234 2 ай бұрын

I love these talks !

@dandexinventor 3 ай бұрын

I see accessories as anything I was not issued in 1981 as an infantry Marine...lol Iron sights (which I happily shot out to 539 yards with great accuracy), a sling, cleaning kit (that had CLP), and my M16-A1. Top 3 accessories are therefore, Optic system (includes red-dot secondary offset to scope, or magnifyer), trigger upgrade, bipod... in that order of importance. That said, I think it should be five accessories as I know nobody who does not have a light mounted and a lot of my shooting buddies have cans, but I do not and would trade the can for drum mag. good discussion!

@chipsterb4946 4 ай бұрын

It’s funny that half way through there’s been no mention of a sling for stability when shooting. The first time I handled a sling it was for a .22 rifle on my high school shooting team. (Early 1970s) It’s especially funny when I realize that my recent lever action craze doesn’t include a sling except for my BLR. They’re the first rifles that don’t necessarily have slings, but the BLR in .308 does. Shotguns only get a sling if I’m taking them out on a hunt, and even then maybe not.

@Drahazar1 5 ай бұрын

Would these be a good choice for the rugar SFAR?

@MrJRon115 5 ай бұрын

Yes! Please please do “Which One You Grabbing!?” !!!!

@JamesWalker-ng1qh 4 ай бұрын

Great video.

@cassidybronson6891 5 ай бұрын

White light, sighting system and sling.

@mine12389 5 ай бұрын

chainsaw, flame thrower and 10W laser

@robertwhittaker4395 4 ай бұрын

(Visibility, Stability, Accessibility) Visibility is adding using a mounted light or night vision on to the rifle. A scope/red dot or iron sight is a part of the firearm, having both is a redundancy. Stability is adding a forward grip, bipod or a barricade stop. Lastly is Accessibility, in which would be conceded to be a sling or a device that allows you to access and shoulder the rifle as quickly as possible. Choosing one from each category would give you the Holy Trinity. In my opinion.

@The_Bushman Ай бұрын

10 minute talks or one podcast about the following; 284 Winchester 280 remington 6.5x284 280AI

@jasonnichols7813 4 ай бұрын

My flashlight is in my vertical hand grip!! But I do own both!

@the_realist_John_Doe 2 ай бұрын

I always repeat "Light, sight, sling, and one other thing" when I get a new AR. The one other thing is usually BUIS for me as that's an old comfort item for me... other people value VFGs, or handstops. The locked in standard is always the first 3 though... Light, sight, sling. Unless you're talking night vision shooting... those rifles get the whole toolbox thrown at them... at that point, no one is worried about money or priorities.

@Bedlam_6 4 ай бұрын

I Have not had a Surefire or Streamlight pressure pad fail me yet.

@jimbonds9654 5 ай бұрын

How did Chris mount his Defender on top of his cantilever scope mount? I’ve been trying to figure out this exact setup.

@VortexNation 5 ай бұрын

He utilized an American Defense Delta scope mount with their replacement Delta scope mount ring cap red dot mount.

@charliedelta1136 5 ай бұрын

I’m new which one is Chris? I couldn’t see a name tape?! Oh not new people friendly:( love the content so far!! Just would love to know who is who and all involved in the chat..

@jimbonds9654 5 ай бұрын

@@VortexNation I love you guys. I’ve literally been trying to figure out how to do this for months. Thanks for the info!!!

@jimbonds9654 5 ай бұрын

@@charliedelta1136 Chris is the one on the back right with the AR in FDE

@30rdmaga 5 ай бұрын

Sight✅ Sling✅ Light✅ Forgrip✅ Drop in Trigger✅ Having a terrible astigmatism and not the best eye sight i go with the 1-6 lpvo because its a jack of all trades.

@FMDad-dm5qo 5 ай бұрын

Sweet; nearly an hour about the scope switch, zombie cerakote, and survival matches in the pistol grip!

@mott7749 5 ай бұрын

Ped egg is straight up the best thing ever sold on tv

@The-BCC 4 ай бұрын

Seams odd to have firearms on the table but then very have a close up run down of each one. Just a big tease! Lol

@kylewalton7005 4 ай бұрын

optic and mag im saying aren't accessories cuz they are required use. so my accessories are light with pressure pad, sling with qd mounts, and angled for grip. bonus points for bad lever and hogue over sized grip.

@olddog401 5 ай бұрын

Did I miss the discussion regarding foregrips? I would be interested to know what you all have on your friends AR's.

@chipsterb4946 4 ай бұрын

My priorities would be sighting system, foregrip, sling, then light … but that’s 4 even if Jimmy is counting.

@hansblitz7770 4 ай бұрын

That's way down the list homie.

@chipsterb4946 4 ай бұрын

@@hansblitz7770 so being able to grip your firearm as ergonomically as possible just doesn’t matter much? It does if you want to shoot quickly and accurately.

@hansblitz7770 4 ай бұрын

Right. That was never done before foregrips

@raging_rhino2582 5 ай бұрын

On the light discussion "cheap save $50...buy another when it breaks" I have right at $500 in a Modlite rig The OLIGHT Odin is a lil over $100...that's a LOT more than a $50 difference... I try to tell young guys to stick it out and keep saving up, they say "I'd rather spend the big $ on an optic"

@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz 5 ай бұрын

In fairness one can get a very functional light for less an $100, but cheap optics are mostly hot garbage.

@MrNpc81 5 ай бұрын

Paying 500 bucks for a light and switches is lunacy

@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz 5 ай бұрын

@@MrNpc81 not really.

@hansblitz7770 4 ай бұрын

Imagine in 2024 thinking Surefire is the only light that works, and "needing" a pressure pad.

@dimemmo 4 ай бұрын

How are both your muzzle device and flashlight spotless with no carbon on it? I think I know the answer, just found it strange.

@jasonweishaupt1828 4 ай бұрын

I miss the pre ban 1990s. I’ll take a boring A2 any day over these over tacticool ARs of today.

@Adamhawk1994 5 ай бұрын

Boys come on. Flintlock episode!

@blue_water_jim 2 ай бұрын

10 QD's across 5 guns. All amazon QD's. All over 3 years old. Not a single failure.

@Adamhawk1994 5 ай бұрын

Boys it’s flintlock season. Cmon!!!!

@gmart2164 5 ай бұрын

Lpvo/magnified optic (need it to shoot), sling, slight, suppressor

@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz 5 ай бұрын

One doesnt need magnification to shoot, one needs it for PID. Its a nice luxery for shooting, but the standard AR irons are good for hundreds of yards.

@James-WM 4 ай бұрын

Whoever started the trend of saying "Right?" Every other sentence is the most successful room temp IQ dude ever.

@KOprops 3 ай бұрын

3x4 ... is 12, you were close though!

@JackFrostTheDeerHunter 5 ай бұрын

Remington VTR with a 4x16 diamondback mounted low, 250 yard plus light, sling, swivel bi-pod are my top 4...in that order. I use mine exclusively for yotes. A second gun would have a digital or thermal night optic for night hunting. Both with an improved trigger.

@jasonnichols7813 4 ай бұрын

What about Lazers good or bad???

@500spectre 5 ай бұрын

The light thing always gets me. They just seem to be too expensive for what they are. I get the 'get what you pay for', but still paying $300-$500 with all the switches just seems a bit much

@FMDad-dm5qo 5 ай бұрын

I somewhat agree. If it’s just a matter of home defense, you can pop a $100 Streamlight pistol light on the side of your carbine and it works fine. Saves weight too.

@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz 5 ай бұрын

A Streamlight ProTac weapon light is currently on sale for $100, normally $150. Takes CR123s and AAs in one model, or that 18350(?) battery in another model. It clamps to a 1913 rail and comes with a clicky cap and a pressure switch cap, everything you need in one box. If you're really hurting then get a Magpul universal rail clamp and a handheld light. On a lower end build I have a ProTac-AA (takes a single CR123, AA, or a AAA but the AA is super dim, more of an emergency choice) in a $30 magpul light clamp. If you want you can even buy the Vblcoks and clamps separately and an online or offset Mlok mount for $40 total.

@MrNpc81 5 ай бұрын

Most of those are made in America - that's what you're paying for

@traceyevans2757 4 ай бұрын

Sorry you’re poor

@MrNpc81 4 ай бұрын

@traceyevans2757 that's classy dude, I hope your folks are proud of you

@shermrock345 5 ай бұрын

Opic system and slings should be considered mandatory. Then there comes the light. I like a 2 in 1 sling. You get a single point and a two point and can easily switch between them when or if you need to. Magpul makes a good.

@traceyevans2757 4 ай бұрын

You’ll never switch from single to two point. Two point is best

@MrSabram07 5 ай бұрын

Any range I've been to won't let you walk around with your guns slung over your shoulder

@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz 5 ай бұрын

Good for them, most people don't walk around in the field without one.

@chibineo24 4 ай бұрын

ACOG Bayonet Sling Anything else is mission specific, or compensation for the operator

@illiniarmory3142 5 ай бұрын

WHERE CAN I BUY THE WOOD BLOCK ON THE TABLE

@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz 5 ай бұрын

Officially, nowhere. It was used as advertising material at retailers but they didn't like them. It was going to get thrown out but the guys requisition it for the podcast table.

@CanPat777 4 ай бұрын

Optic, sling, light.

@dustinshaw2419 5 ай бұрын

Slings kinda suck in and out of vehicles in my opinion. I like the qd option for that reason.

@MrNpc81 5 ай бұрын

Sling retention bands are your friend in those cases

@hansblitz7770 4 ай бұрын

Take bike tire. Cut a 2"-3" piece. Stretch over stock. Loop sling through. Problem solved.

@brenttesterman3171 4 ай бұрын

It's all GREEN!

@HB-kp6rl 4 ай бұрын

Optic, light, sling Then ammo, mags, suppressor

@traceyevans2757 4 ай бұрын

You should probably have ammo and mags before anything else 😂

@HB-kp6rl 4 ай бұрын

@@traceyevans2757 when i said ammo and mags, i meant at least 20 mags and 3k-5k rounds and add to that as you get the means to do so. Most folks can swing a few mags and a few hundred rounds when buying the gun. Or at least i hope they can.

@hansblitz7770 4 ай бұрын

Lifted Ford Raptor. Brush guard. Trucknuts. Overhead lights. Fake snorkel. 1/16th full gas tank.

@hansblitz7770 4 ай бұрын

The patrol rifle in my unit (not my rifle) has a pistol light mounted upside down right on the end of the rail with a low profile flip up iron behind it. It works. It's the best position for clearing buildings which is what I use a light for. The switches are out of the way, yet easy to get to. It is best for pieing around corners for left or right handers, on left or right corners. It's simple, it works.

@linkbond08 5 ай бұрын

Sights because you need to aim before you shoot. Light because it's dark 50% if the time, and you can't shoot what you can't see. Sling because you will be carrying your rifle 99% of the time.

@Y34RZ3R0iscoming 4 ай бұрын

optic, sling, light.

@Darkness_Actual 5 ай бұрын

Light, optic, sling and *training.

@toolman9081 4 ай бұрын

Sling, light, LPVO. Bare minimum.

@Bedlam_6 4 ай бұрын

rattle can job may not be in the top three but it should be in the top 5, and its the cheapest.

@VortexNation 4 ай бұрын

Yes! Never thought of that as an accessory but yes we agree, must have!

@busted_dyna8580 4 ай бұрын

Aiming system, sling , light...

@stevenlewis4887 4 ай бұрын

I mean, look at some badass foreign legion units in Ukraine. They tape cheap Chinese lights onto the side of AK-74s and are crushing it.

@rogerferguson6305 5 ай бұрын

Optics,light,sling,fore grip

@cassidybronson6891 4 ай бұрын

4x3=12

@mathewfitzpatrick5645 4 ай бұрын

Optics are Required Accessories.

@chadillac95 4 ай бұрын

Optics aren't an accessory. They're a necessity. Sling, vertical or angled foregrip, suppressor

@VortexNation 4 ай бұрын

We approve this message!

@chadillac95 4 ай бұрын

Light with pressure pad and constant on before foregrip if it's a home defense or SHTF firearm, but a foregrip should definitely be up there for better control

@bp8023 5 ай бұрын

Optics are an accessory unless your rifle doesn’t come with irons. I think sling and optics are two you have to have. A light too, but a hand held one will do in a pinch.

@CompetitionChris 4 ай бұрын

If it's a defensive AR then it needs a light. I don't think you need one on a long range setup. Or a competition AR.

@traceyevans2757 4 ай бұрын

lol that’s stupid

@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz 5 ай бұрын

Three acessories or add-ons, meaning things not nessesary for it to function. Ammo and mags is like fuel and oil for a car. We're talking about floor mats and a spare tyre. The term optic is a bit misleading, as red dots are just iron sight replacements with the naked eye. Id suggest replacing "optic" with "magnification". The weapon has an effrctive range in the hundreds of yards, you dont have that kind of PID range with the naked eye. A light is important as well, because again PID. A sling allows you to retain the weapon to go hands on with things or people. A silencer or vertical grip or better trigger or upgraded charging handle or zombie takedown pins are all nice, but not nessesary. A lot of people have been dropped with 5.56 rocking a milspec trigger, its absolutely viable if slightly unpleasant. If youre building a rifle id say jump straight to an upgraded trigger, but if its your first rifle youre far better off buying $100-$250 worth of ammo and practicing.

@grayman7208 5 ай бұрын

actually ... "optics" are not part of the "holy trinity." "sights" are. and the sights can be iron, red dot, or optic (lpvo).

@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz 5 ай бұрын

Id say magnification. Sights are standard on the AR15, and sights will get you to distance easy. But PID is limited by ones vision which is very limited.

@30rdmaga 5 ай бұрын

Agreed

@traceyevans2757 4 ай бұрын

Ok boomer

@hansblitz7770 4 ай бұрын

"All ya need is a 30-30 with irons mmm hmm. If ya need more than 6 call a SWAT team mmmm hmmm, diabeetus, 3rd wife, tv dinners, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Grizzly Long cut mmm hmmmm"

@grayman7208 4 ай бұрын

@@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz trained people use iron sight on AR's easily to 600 meters, and beyond. i did it consistently in the military. yes, optics may make it easier, but are not necessary.

@jasonnichols7813 4 ай бұрын

FUD's don't need slings they hunt rabbits 😅😅😅😅