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You have had your AR-15 for a while and it has become your favorite gun to shoot at the range. But for some reason, you just can’t achieve the accuracy you anticipated when you’re shooting it. You have practiced with the gun, but just can’t put together the groups that you want. Or maybe you are trying to shoot long distance, and that AR that worked great at 100 yards doesn’t perform as well at 300 yards or beyond. Before you start thinking about replacing your rifle with something more expensive or switching to a different platform for long range, think about doing some upgrades.
Before we talk hardware, any experienced shooter will tell you that accuracy is more than a sum of the parts in a gun. It is about the ability to put a bullet on its intended target, consistently, with every shot you take. Yes, the gun and ammo need to perform reliably, but more importantly, you — the shooter — need to be consistent with every shot. Even the most budget-friendly AR-15 can outperform a novice shooter who is not using proper form and has no mastery of shooting fundamentals. So before forking over your hard-earned money for upgrades with the hope that you can spend your way to better accuracy, first and foremost, build a foundation of skills that enable you to shoot consistently. Learn proper form in multiple shooting positions, learn how to properly hand support or bench/bipod rest your firearm when you shoot, learn how your breathing affects accuracy and get the body mechanics under your control. As you build this foundation, you can start to look at the top components that will help you further achieve greater consistency, and you will see your accuracy improve significantly.
What are the Best Upgrades to your AR-15 to Improve Accuracy?
When looking to improve your accuracy, these are the top 5 components that rise to the top of the list.

Optics
Triggers
Ammunition
Free-Float Handguards
Barrels

Honorable mentions go to stocks and muzzle devices which will also be covered.
Optics

The single most important addition or upgrade to a rifle is a quality optic. If you are shooting with the equivalent of iron sights on your AR-15, with practice you will be able to achieve relatively good accuracy at short ranges, but you’ll see your effectiveness tapering off after a couple hundred yards. Especially if you have less than 20/20 vision, your ability to actually see the target at long distances will be your greatest limitation. The answer is a quality optic.
All optics, however, are not created equal. If you have a top quality AR-15 rifle that cost you $1,500 or more and you equip it with a $50 optic that you purchased at a gun show, you are setting yourself up to fail in regards to achieving accuracy. When it comes to riflescopes, you’re going to have to pay for quality — corners cannot be cut on the way to a good optic. However not everyone needs a supremely powerful and costly optic, it depends on what you want to get out of your rifle.
The AR-15 is the most popular rifle in America because it’s versatile and people put them to use in all sorts of applications. From target shooting just for fun, to competition, small game hunting and self-defense. Your optic choices are just as varied as the potential uses of your rifle, and there is an option for nearly any scenario you can imagine. Do you need a red dot sight, a fixed magnification prism scope, or a variable magnification scope? Each option has Pros and Cons to consider depending on your intended use for the rifle, so let’s take a look.
Red Dots
Red dot style sights are very popular for AR-15s. They are unmagnified, acquire targets quickly, and allow the shooter to keep both eyes open for full use of peripheral vision and better situational awareness. A properly zeroed red dot provides the shooter with a consistent point of aim, and they excel at ranges from 0-100 yards for most shooters. But they are not for everyone. Shooters with an astigmatism may be unable to see a crisp dot, making exceptional accuracy almost impossible. Instead these shooters see things that have been described as a “smudge,” “comma,” or “comet”. If a red dot sight looks a little undefined to your eye when you look through it, chances are you have an astigmatism and you may want to consider another option. Let’s break it down with the Pros and Cons.

Pros

Rapid target acquisition
Consistent aiming point with a bright dot
Easy to use and master
Excellent for ranges from 0-100 yards
Cost effective optic solution
Lightweight
Can be paired with an optional magnifier to increase range

Cons

Shooters with an astigmatism may not see a crisp red dot
If eyesight has difficulty at distance, effective range is limited
No magnification
Offset issues are greatest at shorter ranges

Prism Scopes
Prism scopes are fixed magnification optics with a reticle etched onto the interior glass instead of projected onto a lens like a red dot sight. Prisms typically range from 1x to 6x and are ideal for the AR platform. 1x magnification prisms are comparable to red dots in features and intended usage. Without magnification, they perform in the same role, yet have advantages for shooters with eye issues as the etched reticle is easy to see without distortion. For those with trouble seeing long distances, or for those who want to shoot out to even longer ranges, 1.5x to 6x fixed magnification prism scopes provide an excellent option to give your AR some distance potential. You can choose from many advanced reticle designs too, like the Primary Arms ACSS CQB, which can be incredibly versatile and take the guesswork out of longer-range ballistics.

Pros

Magnification extends accuracy at longer ranges
Greater precision with etched reticle
Etched reticle still works if battery fails
Variety of reticles available to customize your shooting experience
Robust and durable
Many affordable quality options available

Cons

Fixed magnification limits flexibility
Light transmission limitations effect image quality
Bulkier and longer than red dot sights

Variable Power Scopes
A variable power scope allows you to manually adjust the magnification, providing greater flexibility for your shooting experience. Very popular with hunters, competitors, and recreational shooters that shoot at multiple ranges, the adjustable magnification lets you tailor your scope to the shot you want to take. That flexibility comes at a cost though, as added weight can cause some scopes to feel cumbersome on the lightweight frame of an AR rifle.
There are two types of variable power scopes to choose from: First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP). With an FFP scope, the reticle visually grows and shrinks as you change your magnification setting. This ensures that your zero and bullet drop compensation marks that are etched into the reticle remain accurate at any magnification. An SFP scope’s reticle remains the same size as the magnification changes, resulting in a consistent sight picture. However, any bullet drop compensation marks will only be accurate at the maximum power setting. Do your research to choose which type is best for your specific shooting requirements.

Pros

Range of magnification provides maximum flexibility
Variable magnification allows for simpler reticles
Better light transmission improves image quality
High magnification allows for precise windage and elevation adjustments at longer ranges

Cons

Typically more expensive than prism scopes
Heavier and bulkier than prism scopes
Must buy additional hardware to mount the scope to your rifle
Lower quality scopes may not hold zero well as you adjust for windage and elevation

A note on glass quality: This is something that varies widely among manufacturers. The simple truth is, the better quality the glass, the sharper your image will be as you view through the scope. Research what other people have to say regarding the glass quality of a scope before you purchase.
Triggers

Most AR-15s come out of the factory with a MIL-SPEC-style standard trigger. These triggers are machined to meet military standards and require an average of 4.5 – 5.5 pounds of pressure to fire the gun. The MIL-SPEC trigger is not fancy, but it is reliable and relatively inexpensive to mass produce. The typical stock trigger on a new AR-15 does not have a consistent “break” point — or the point during the trigger-pull at which the hammer is released. They don’t often have consistent pull weights either. The reason for this is that there are many contact surfaces within a trigger group that cause varying degrees of friction. In addition to trigger pull weight, other factors such as length of pull, trigger reset, take up (or “slack”), over travel, production quality and trigger shape all contribute to the overall shooting experience and performance of the trigger.
For many shooters, all these variables combine to produce an inconsistent shooting experience with a MIL-SPEC trigger. If you are shooting for precision and accuracy, you rely on your trigger to perform the same way each time you pull it. The standard AR trigger just doesn’t deliver that consistency. The remedy is a trigger upgrade. After you shoot an AR that is equipped with a quality trigger upgrade, chances are that you will not want to go back to the MIL-SPEC trigger ever again. It really is that much better.
A good AR trigger gives the shooter precise mechanical control over the fire control group. Precision machined components, tighter tolerances, better springs and even different shapes all combine to create a predictable trigger that “breaks” cleanly and consistently. This is more important than pull weight for accuracy, but can be further enhanced by a lighter pull. WARNING: Not all trigger pull weights are suitable for all purposes! If triggers are set to a pull weight that is too light, the probability of a negligent discharge increases dramatically. Most multi-purpose trigger upgrades are between 3.5 and 4.5 pounds in pull weight for safety. In addition, many companies sell a “drop-in” trigger which is a pre-assembled fire control group in a convenient housing that makes installation easy.
AR trigger upgrades come in two varieties: single-stage and two-stage. Which style you choose is really driven by preference, so let’s examine the Pros and Cons of each one.
Single-Stage Triggers
Since you already have an AR, you are familiar with a single stage trigger. In one motion, you pull the trigger until it “breaks.” It is simple and standard on most firearms. Match-grade single stage trigger upgrades make the break as consistent as possible, and the shooter exerts the same level of effort the entire time to pull through the “break.”

Pros

Familiar mechanics for shooters that are accustomed to a MIL-SPEC trigger
Single motion with consistent force applied
Crisp “break”
Shorter reset and less trigger motion

Cons

Not as predictable

Two-Stage Triggers
A two-stage trigger splits the force required to pull the trigger into two different operations, the “take up” and the “break”. Using a Geissele SSA trigger as an example, the overall pull weight is 4.5 pounds. The shooter applies 2.5 pounds of pressure through the first stage and then hits a clearly identifiable “wall”. At that point, and additional 2 pounds of pressure is all that is required to break the trigger in the second stage. After the first shot, the user only needs to reset the trigger to the 2-pound second stage for a follow-up shot.

Pros

Creates a predictable “break” point for the trigger
Second stage provides a light pull weight for precision shooting, while first stage retains safety of a 4+ pound trigger

Cons

May require some practice to familiarize yourself with the mechanism
Can induce finger fatigue if holding the first stage for extended periods as you wait for the perfect shot

Ammunition

Ammunition for your AR-15 comes in varying types and grades. What you feed your rifle has a huge impact on accuracy. Cheap steel case ammo is a very popular choice for plinking at short distances on the range, but it is not known for being able to shoot a consistent, tight group. Mass produced brass ammunition from large companies improve upon accuracy and reliability, but these cartridges are designed for combat effectiveness where larger groups are acceptable. You will notice a significant improvement in accuracy and consistency if you shoot with precision match ammunition.
Quality and consistency versus quantity. That is the major differentiator with match-grade ammo. If you are shooting your AR at 300+ yards, you do not need the quantity. Precision and consistency are what you’re after. You need the quality of a match round that uses a specific bullet weight and powder combination to attain those small groups at long distances. Yes, you will pay more for match ammo, but it will enable closer groups with far less effort and luck.
A Note on .223 Remington and 5.56×45: .223 Remington ammo may be safely shot in a barrel chambered for 5.56×45. There may be a slight decrease in accuracy as the rifling on a 5.56×45 barrel is designed for a higher-pressure round. It is, however, UNSAFE to fire a 5.56×45 round in a barrel chambered for .223 Remington. The barrel may not withstand the additional pressure of the military-grade round. A .223 Wylde barrel will safely fire both rounds. The .223 Wylde chamber is tighter, more consistent and more accurate.

Pros

Match ammo remains consistent from shot to shot
Match ammo has better, more reliable primers and powder ignition efficiency

Cons

Match ammo is significantly more expensive than standard range or military surplus ammo

Free Float Handguards

Many budget-friendly AR-15s come in a configuration that has an A2 front sight post / gas block, with a polymer handguard fit between the front sight and the upper receiver. On a typical carbine-length gas system, your handguard covers around seven inches of the 16-inch barrel. This short length restricts your options for supporting techniques and accessories that can greatly improve stability. Furthermore, a standard handguard has multiple points where pressure is exerted on the barrel, which can interfere with ideal barrel harmonics and impact accuracy. The solution is a free float handguard.
A free float handguard reduces pressure points on the barrel and allows for lengths up to 15 inches on a 16-inch barrel. All that extra real estate, combined with a picatinny rail, Keymod, or M-LOK system for attaching accessories can provide numerous additional options to stabilize your rifle and improve your accuracy. For many shooters, the ability to move your support hand out towards the end of the rifle provides a major improvement in shooting stability. Attaching a bipod can create a platform suitable for precision shooting. Even attaching foregrips and forward sling points can increase stability while standing. Your rifle is going to look way cooler too.
This upgrade involves some additional modifications, so you need to make sure you’re prepared. You will need to remove your delta ring, possibly your barrel nut, and the A2 front sight (if you have one), replacing it with a low-profile gas block. Research the best methods on how to do the modifications to ensure that your rifle and gas system will function reliably after the upgrade. Since you need to go through all of the same steps to swap out your barrel, lets look at that next.
Barrels

Most of the items listed above are upgrades that help you be a more accurate with an AR-15. The barrel, on the other hand, is the heart of your AR-15’s accuracy. Essentially, the barrel is the most important part of your rifle. Accuracy doesn’t end with the barrel, but it most certainly begins with it. There is a saying: “you can’t build a good gun around a bad barrel.” So why is it not in the number one position on this list? Most ARs will ship with barrels that are accurate enough for the recreational or new shooter. Mastering the other elements of shooting fundamentals will give you the greatest improvements in accuracy. In most cases, an upgraded barrel will take those vast improvements in your accuracy and fine tune them into precision shooting at longer distances. Here are the things to consider when upgrading a barrel.
Material and Production
There are some myths out there that need to be dispelled regarding barrels. The first is, many shooters believe that the best barrels for accuracy need to be Hammer Forged, Chrome-lined, Heavy Barrels. This is simply not the case. These materials and production techniques have little to do with accuracy. They have everything to do with durability and reliability during sustained automatic fire. For most civilian shooters of semi-automatic AR-15s, their typical usage does not require these materials. The most popular material for precision barrels today is 416 and 416R steel. Quality precision barrels made with this steel can turn your AR into a tack driver. As for barrel profile and width, since precision shooters typically do not shoot at a high rate of fire, a variety of thicknesses and fluting techniques can be combined to craft some fine match-grade barrels.
Length
Another myth is that longer barrels are required for accuracy. A poorly-made 24-inch barrel can easily lose in accuracy to a well-made barrel that is 10 inches shorter. When good quality precision barrels are used, barrel length becomes more important as the distance of the shot being taken increases. The longer the barrel, the faster the velocity of the round. If you are shooting at 100 yards, a 16-inch barrel is ideal. If you want to be more accurate at ranges beyond 300 yards, 18, 20 and 24-inch barrels will propel the bullet faster and flatter. Match your barrel to your anticipated shooting distance.
Gas Tube Length
Your gas system operates your AR-15. Gas from the explosion is directed through a hole in the top of the barrel into the gas block. From there it travels down the gas tube into the receiver where it pushes back the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG). The closer to the chamber the gas block is situated on the barrel, the higher the pressure of the gas that pushes back on the BCG. A pistol length gas tube – the shortest configuration — increases the felt recoil of the gun. This, as a result, influences accuracy – especially on follow-up shots. From pistol-length gas systems we move to longer lengths which are carbine, mid-length and rifle-length. Longer gas tube lengths result in a shooting experience that is smoother and has less recoil. Most precision rifles have longer tubes for this reason.
Twist Rate
Few things confuse new AR-15 shooters like twist rate. 1:7, 1:8, 1:12 – what does it really mean? Twist rate describes the rotation – or spin — of a bullet as it travels down the barrel. The first number in the twist rate ratio represents one full rotation of the bullet as it travels down the barrel. The second number represents the number of inches the bullet will travel down the barrel to complete that one rotation.

So, as an example, a 1:7 twist rate means that there will be one rotation for every 7 inches of travel the bullet completes down the rifled barrel. Heavier bullets require more spin to achieve a stable flight trajectory and be accurate at long distances. Lighter bullets can suffer from over-stabilization and become less accurate if they spin more. Therefore, it is critical to match your choice of ammunition to barrel twist rate if you want accuracy. The chart below provides the ideal twist rate for different weights of bullets. If you want the most versatile twist rate available, go for something in the middle like 1:8 or 1:9.

Bonus Section – This list was compiled based upon the input from several of the firearms experts at Primary Arms. Not everyone agreed on what parts improve a shooter’s accuracy. There are two parts that contribute significantly to accuracy, but didn’t make the cut for the top 5 list: the butt stock and a good, recoil-mitigating muzzle device. Not only do these two parts help you shoot better but they can also make your shooting experience better and much more enjoyable.
Stocks

More than any other component on the rifle, what stock you choose is a matter of personal preference. Ultimately, you want a stock that provides a solid cheek weld to help you stabilize the rifle as you shoot. Depending on your shooting requirements, comfort level, and desired awesomeness, there are numerous options. Fixed length, collapsible and even PDW style stocks. Choose the one that works best for you. As you get into more precision shooting using more powerful optics, eye relief to your scope becomes a major consideration. For precision long-range shooting with powerful optics, many shooters opt for an adjustable precision stock like the Magpul Precision Rifle Stock (PRS), Luth-AR Modular Buttstock Assembly or the Seekins Precision ProComp 10X.
Muzzle Devices that Mitigates Recoil

When a bullet exits the barrel, it is followed by a cloud of expanding gas that pushes back against the rifle. This can contribute greatly to felt recoil. Most budget AR-15s ship with the equivalent of the A2 “birdcage” flash hider. This muzzle device was designed to mitigate the effects of the muzzle flash on a shooter’s night vision in low light engagements. It doesn’t do much to impact recoil. What you need is a muzzle break, or compensator. A muzzle break is designed so that the expanding gasses are redirected and harnessed to act in opposition to the natural force of recoil caused by firing a bullet. A good muzzle device can dramatically reduce recoil, improving your shooting experience and make it easier to get back on target for follow-up shots. Our staff favorite muzzle breaks are the LANTAC Dragon, Seekins Precision ATC, and the JP Enterprises Barrel Tactical Compensator.
Conclusion
All the parts discussed have the potential to improve your accuracy, but that will only occur if you continue to build your shooting fundamentals, increase your knowledge of firearms and ballistics, and practice regularly. Accuracy is about consistency, but that consistency will never be realized unless you practice. The bottom line is this: upgrading your rifle and customizing it to be unique to you is fun. And it can help you shoot better. So, build your foundation of skills, understand your options, install some parts and go shoot.

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