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Thread: KISS rifle Mandatory Upgrades/Mods

  1. #1
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    KISS rifle Mandatory Upgrades/Mods

    Hey All,

    After a year with my M&P15 I have decided that I am leaning more towards keeping the rifle a KISS as I am more then happy with it's performance, and I feel like all the add ons offered in the AR world are more aesthetic for most people then they are functional (no offense). The reason for this thought is that after 1500 rounds through my gun, I still feel like I have another 1000 or so to go before my muscle memory regarding site picture, fore end grip, ext come completely natural. I'm getting better but the last thing I want to do is add say a fore end grip, or another button, or an optic that I then have to learn.

    I do however want to make sure that the gun functions at peak performance. What are some of the mandatory upgrades that you all add to your KISS rifles? Consider the answers being directed towards the rookie community.

  2. #2
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    For me a Keep It Simple Stupid rifle has the following;

    1:7 Chrome Lined Barrel
    Flat top upper with AIMPOINT and BIS
    SF white light
    Redi-Mod (backup mag on the gun)
    Sling
    Kevin S. Boland
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    FN America, LLC
    Office: 703.288.3500 x181 | Mobile: 407-451-4544 | Fax: 703.288.4505
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  3. #3
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    What about mechanical additions?

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by KevinB View Post
    For me a Keep It Simple Stupid rifle has the following;

    1:7 Chrome Lined Barrel
    Flat top upper with AIMPOINT and BIS
    SF white light
    Redi-Mod (backup mag on the gun)
    Sling

    Agree.

    A red dot optic allows you to be more accurate and faster on target and a light allows you to see in the dark.

    These are two MUST haves on ANY KISS weapon that could/will be utilized for defensive purposes.

    C4

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by dmcmanus View Post
    What about mechanical additions?
    If I had your gun, I would add and H buffer or H2 buffer (as it is over gassed). I would also add a good quality sling.

    Other than that, you really do not need to add anything else.



    C4

  6. #6
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    agree with light and RDS.

    I actually just wrote an update to my "basic build" article on my site that I'll hopefully get posted tomorrow with pictures. I think it wound up a perfect balance between quality, cost, weight, and function. Anything beyond this is gravy and/or fine tuning/tinkering. The optic/mount and lower are from Grant, the upper and BCG are direct from BCM, the sling is Boonie Packer and the off-gun magnifier is direct from Larue.

    Last edited by rob_s; 07-23-09 at 11:29.

  7. #7
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    +1 on the flashlight, RDS and sling.

    make sure the gas key and castle nut are stacked and start collecting quality spare parts just in case...

    *** Damn Proud to Be an American Ally ! ***

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  8. #8
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    This topic always gets on my nerves, but I'll attempt to remain dispassionate.

    There are two concepts involved here, and they are different:

    literal KISS

    KISS as a concept

    literal KISS = the notion that the rifle must be as basic and simple as possible. This usually winds up in the ultimate expression of a gun with A1 sights, a fixed stock, either no sling or a carry strap and no forward assist. This means the gun istself is as stripped down and as simple as possible.

    KISS as a concept = a rifle configured to make life simple for the end-user. I won't rehash what the previous posters listed, but all of those items (CCO, light, "tactical" sling) make life simpler for the end-user in a variety of situations.

    So, apples and oranges... you need to determine what "KISS" best suits your needs.

  9. #9
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    I have a 6920 that I'm keeping as KISS as possible--so kiss in fact that it is stock except I'm running a Vickers sling. Here are observations:

    *The A2 grip really leaves something to be desired. It is far too thin for my hands (throws my index finger contacting the trigger on the second pad) and could benefit from texture. I have MIAD grips on a few of my other builds and it seems to take care of both issues.

    *The hand guards are comfortable, but aren't long enough to feel natural and transition from target to target quickly---it feels as if I should be gripping the rifle under the front sight base. A DD FSP-style quad rail would give more versatility.

    *The standard trigger guard leaves a gap that can rub your finger raw when shooting without gloves. In my hot and humid environment you get drenched with sweat and it reaps havock on the middle finger. Installation of a Magpul enhanced trigger guard would solve this.

    *In low light, I can't see the sights. It is also somewhat slower for me to transition from target to target using the sights. A red-dot sight would cure this problem. I have an Aimpoint M2 on another carbine and am faster and more confident with it, though I've come to want a T1 after handling guns with them installed.

    *If you can't see what you're shooting you shouldn't be shooting it. Therefore, seeing your sights (or using the red-dot) is useless if you can't light up the target. I'm rarely going to need to do this, so I'm going to cheap out and mount a Surefire G2.

    *The carry-handle is a good sight, however it leaves no room for mounting an optic. The LMT sight would retain the characteristics of the standard carry-handle yet allow a co-witness with a red-dot.



    Keeping this in mind, here is what my next build is going to be:

    -BCM 16" middy upper
    -Sun Devil lower
    -BCM carbine stock kit with standard carbine stock
    -MIAD grip
    -BCM F/A BCG
    -Magpul enhanced trigger guard
    -LMT adjusdtable rear-sight
    -Daniel Defense Omega Rail or Lite Rail FSPM
    -Aimpoint T1
    -Vickers sling
    -Surefire G2

    And the real necessary accessories:

    Extra bolt, extra extractor kit, extra springs, extra firing pin, etc.

    Moral of the story---I can keep it as simple as possible and it doesn't necessarily meet my needs, which aren't the same as your needs, which aren't the same as anybody else's needs. When you find something that doesn't work for you, change that with a solution that will.
    Last edited by tylerw02; 07-23-09 at 12:38.

  10. #10
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    The more I think about it, the more I like the basic handguards for the "thumbs forward" (please correct if there's a better term for it) 3 gun style of shooting Magpul Dynamics is popularizing. Also, the more I think about it, the more I agree with Rob's concept as realized above.

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