Order of upgrades?

buckjay · #1 06-08-11, 05:23

I'm going to be starting with the plain LMT CQB MRP DI Rifle and I'd like to get my priorities straight when it comes to upgrade.

I have a general idea what I'd like, but this being my first rifle and all, I'd appreciate it if people could chime in on order of importance.

I'm looking to add a Geissele SSA 2-Stage, Aimpoint H-1/T-1, Battle Comp Muzzle Brake, and Troy Folding Battlesights. Adding that up now, thats close to $1,100 in accessories.. ouch

Anyways, I pretty much broke the bank with my rifle so its going to be a slow process of gearing it up - any suggestions on how to start?

Thanks!

EDIT: And I still have to get a Pelican 1700 on top of it all, argh.. time to get back to work!

jonconsiglio · #2 06-08-11, 05:33

Irons first. Take your time on those until you're comfortable with the rifle. If this has a defensive role at all, add a light. From there, you can start looking at your optics.

I'm on the fence about the triggers. I think they're a nice enhancement, but if you aren't shooting for accuracy at distance (just my personal opinion here), it takes less of a priority.

The BattleComps are nice and I have a couple plus I run the Triple Taps. By the end of this year I have a feeling I'll be back to flash hider mounts with the exception of one.

So, get your Troys (or KAC, DD, etc.) and maybe a light. Spend some time on the fundamentals, learn to control the recoil for faster follow up shots with your body first and at least become proficient with the irons. From there, get your optic and then if you still feel it necessary, start looking at the triggers and brakes.

Jonathan

buckjay · #3 06-08-11, 05:50

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for the information, its a huge help.

I do have irons at the moment, just the standard LMT fixed front and rear so switching to Troys would mainly be for aesthetic reasons.

I should look into lights. The purpose is definitely defense and then plinking after that. I suppose I never gave it much thought because I never imagined myself using one much, but it would probably be the most important thing come defense.

One thing I've read about the 2 stage triggers is the benefits in CQB situations which I could see tying into defense.. which is the only real reason I'm considering it. I'm not to concerned about anything beyond 200yards.

Dave

Breadman · #4 06-08-11, 06:11

Jon gave you good advice. until you gain a decent level of proficiency with the rifle and send several hundred dollars of ammo downrange in good quality practice, you most likely will not have the sensitivity to appreciate a comp or upgraded trigger.

rob_s · #5 06-08-11, 06:38

Go Shoot the Gun!

The money you can save on accessories you can pay for a training class to learn for yourself what you want/need on the gun.

Tigereye · #6 06-08-11, 07:23

Rob,
I just read you article for the umpteenth time and it always makes me smile. I don't know how much money it saved me by shooting the gun vs. buying the add ons. Thanks for the advice.
Eric

usmcvet · #7 06-08-11, 07:46

I agree with John and Rob. Check out the link there is good advice there. I would use it the way it is for a while. It will help and save you money. It came with a GI sling so I would add a light first. Followed by a two point sling (my preference) and then a RDS. To me the light is a must in a self defense role. Good luck.

Failure2Stop · #8 06-08-11, 08:14

There is no real reason to dump the sights that came with your LMT unless you are going to slide a magnifier behind your RDS (whenever that might be) or go the more or less traditional scope route.

If you already have functional iron sights the next "upgrade" that would most benefit you would be a decent light in a decent mount and the skill to use it. Easiest solution: VTac Light mount, SF G2. Even lacking training to employ the light to it's fullest, I am sure you have enough sense to figure out how to use the light (at least temporarily).

After that would come the optic. I am one of the first guys to espouse the value of a quality optic, but irons and a light will get more done than an optic with no light. Anyway, there is not a need to master the irons first, but a working knowledge and proficiency are necessary if they are on the gun.

At this point I would also get a decent 2-point sling on QDs.

After that, go shoot.
Push the setup as hard as you can.
It will make far more improvement in your skillset than simply dropping in parts, and you will truly appreciate what those items do and do not do when you put them on.

Littlelebowski · #9 06-08-11, 08:18

You don't need the fancy trigger. Take a class. Take a class.

sdcromer · #10 06-08-11, 08:44

A two point adjustable sling would be my first recommendation, followed by ammo and magazines, followed by a light.

Last time I checked, Blue Force Gear was still running 50% off on OD Green colored Vickers slings.

black op · #11 06-08-11, 08:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob_s

So Shoot the Gun!

The money you can save on accessories you can pay for a training class to learn for yourself what you want/need on the gun.

Great advice Rob! I remember when vert grips came out and everyone and their brother had one so I too thought I should have one. So I dropped $65 on a vert grip just to find out that I don't really like it or shoot better with it. Again, great advice Rob!

markm · #12 06-08-11, 08:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckjay

I'm looking to add a Geissele SSA 2-Stage, Aimpoint H-1/T-1, Battle Comp Muzzle Brake, and Troy Folding Battlesights. Adding that up now, thats close to $1,100 in accessories.. ouch

I'd never put any of that stuff on a fighting AR. I suppose a case could be made for the AIMPOINT.... but all that other fluff is silly nonsense.

usmcvet · #13 06-08-11, 09:26

I agree with failure2stop, John and Rob. Check out the link there is good advice there. I would use it the way it is for a while. It will help and save you money. It came with a GI sling so I would add a light first. Followed by a two point sling (my preference) and then a RDS. To me the light is a must in a self defense role. Good luck.

jonconsiglio · #14 06-08-11, 11:34

I didn't realize you already had irons on the gun. I'd stick with those for now over the Troys.

usmcvet · #15 06-08-11, 11:40

The LMT irons are very well made and will serve you well while saving a few hundred bucks.

lifebreath · #16 06-08-11, 12:00

Keep the LMT sights and use the Revised Improved Battlesight Zero. Then: 1) sling, 2) Aimpoint, 3) Battlecomp, 4)Geisselle. The LMT sights are robust and well-made and will work great with the Aimpoint.

Just my newbie $0.02 worth.

sinister · #17 06-08-11, 12:08

Quote:

Adding that up now, thats close to $1,100 in accessories.. ouch

If nothing else, buy $1.1K in ammo and trigger time.

Once you've figured out how your carbine shoots and fits go to Stage 2 (gadgets).

orionz06 · #18 06-08-11, 12:19

I would shoot the gun and solve any deficiency with an upgrade/replacement so it can fit in the role you intend for it.

Since you are going to shoot it and train with it, a sling is needed. Since it will be for HD, a light is needed, otherwise shoot it.

Timberwolf · #19 06-08-11, 12:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Littlelebowski

You don't need the fancy trigger. Take a class. Take a class.

This. I'm curious as to how often people buy a bunch of add-ons for their rifles, then decide that they don't like/don't need/can't use it once they actually shoot them or use them in a class, etc.

Dave L. · #20 06-08-11, 12:24

Your first upgrade should be to scratch it up a bit and get it over with.

Don't add a bad lever or any other gay lever, just learn to shoot it as is plus a red dot.