I agree, the SSA is on my list, especially for our guys filling the DM role.
All the light weight equipment for the AR platform is a great step.
Also optics.
Printable View
I want to add to my list. I think I was hesitant or maybe I overlooked it. Magpul PMAG's. Here's why. They are solid magazines and seem to be able to take abuse. They have good followers and unlike aluminum or steel magazines if they are damaged you will probably notice it right away. In addition (at least with mine) all of my magazines can be loaded with 3o rounds, no problem.
Pistol grips that don't have the little finger bump on them(don't know why the A1 grip was ever replaced with the A2).
Stocks that don't have a beard-puller hole in the top.
Gun fighter charging handle. I know it probably isn't proper, but I've really come to love being able to 'slap' my GFH's large latch to charge the gun(when loaded from closed bolt) or clear a malfunction.
It's not really made the rounds amongst large numbers of persons yet so can't legitimately be claimed as an absolute, but I can potentially see where the RevEng FCD would make it to the improvement lists.
I think it's a definite improvement IF you've found a need for an extended latch. I *like* an extended latch, but it hasn't proven itself to be crucial or vastly superior to me over the standard assembly. For extended latches, I would agree that it's a very large improvement.
I believe it's improvements are relatively minor. At what point do we recognize that carbine extensions with H buffers work pretty superb with damn near every upper around...as do rifle extensions/buffers?
5. Battle Arms Development Selector Levers- Yeah, I know. It's just a selector lever. But, it's a solid one. I remember when they only options were RRA and some other company. Neither was very good. The Battle Arms levers are modular and rock steady. In addition their customer service is top notch. I really like having the option of an ambi selector lever.[/QUOTE] All of retreathell's rifles that I've shot have these...but I don't believe they've changed the way we use and view rifles like picatinny rails and flat top uppers did. In fact I'm not a huge fan of the combination he uses, if I were to utilize them, I'd have to make sure the right side uses the very smallest/thinnest lever available. I suppose my thing is that they improved the ambi safety, but serviceable ambi safeties already existed from LMT/KAC...and Colt's isn't ambi, but it is reversible.
I suppose that's my issue with most of the things listed. They're "improvements" but largely improvements that are very subjective and certainly not on the same level as the flat top upper/railed forend.
No ones mentioned it I dont think but AMMO. In the last 10 years we've seen Mk262, bonded duty loads, Mk318, TSX, TAP T2, ect. All have made the AR/M16/M4 make up for its lack of weight and size and greatly improved performance & lethality.
Well everyone has opinions. I think you missed the mark on somethings, but I am not going to turn this into a tit-for-tat fest.
All of retreathell's rifles that I've shot have these...but I don't believe they've changed the way we use and view rifles like picatinny rails and flat top uppers did. In fact I'm not a huge fan of the combination he uses, if I were to utilize them, I'd have to make sure the right side uses the very smallest/thinnest lever available. I suppose my thing is that they improved the ambi safety, but serviceable ambi safeties already existed from LMT/KAC...and Colt's isn't ambi, but it is reversible.
I suppose that's my issue with most of the things listed. They're "improvements" but largely improvements that are very subjective and certainly not on the same level as the flat top upper/railed forend.[/QUOTE]
I think the Surefire X300 is THE light. I have several and use them for carbine, handgun, and hand held illumination.
Battlecomps do make a difference. They are no louder than an A2 and while they are not the best flash hider, or the best compensator, they do both pretty darn good and I can shoot accurately faster with them, than without them.
Aimpoint Micro, Again this is THE RDS, and it was a game changer.
YMMV
B