How Special Operations Soldiers Setup Their AR-15’s (Tactical Accessories)

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M4's and MK18's lined up against wall

What’s the first thing that practically anyone does after they acquire an AR-15?

They want to accessorize it!

Today, there is a HUGE amount of products on the market. Scopes, red dots, lasers, grips, stocks, switches, gadgets, rails, and more …

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What do you actually need? What actually WORKS? And what do Special Operations soldiers actually USE on today’s battlefield?

Tactical AR-15/M4/M4A1 Carbine Aftermarket Accessories for Military Combat Applications: The Competition-to-Combat Crossover

There is a series of articles on DefenseReview.com that I have kept an eye on for the last few years called “Tactical AR-15/M4/M4A1 Carbine Aftermarket Accessories for Military Combat Applications: The Competition-to-Combat Crossover and part 1 was posted in 2012, part 2 in 2014 and part 3 in 2016.

What’s interesting is they’re all written by the same guy, Jeff Gurwitch, who has gone on multiple tours of duty in the “Sand Box”. The site says he is “Currently serving with U.S. Army Special Forces” and is a “Competitive shooter: USPSA, IDPA, and 3-Gun.”

I’ve found it really interesting to see how he setups up his rifle and how other guys are doing it … not to mention the “evolution” of these setups over time … because the Military Issue M4/M4A1/MK18 are all very similar to the civilian AR-15 platform.

What can we learn from these guys!?

The Competition Shooting To Combat Crossover

Jeff writes "As you can see from the photo these 3 rifles have a lot in common, besides the SOPMOD issue items the users have all chosen to upgrade certain parts of the rifles to fit them better (stock, grip or fore grip). Here is also a perfect example to show how popular Magpul items are with the troops. Each rifle has at least one Magpul item on them and two have P-mags. Also check out the Noveske KX3 flash hider (middle rifle). "
Jeff writes “As you can see from the photo these 3 rifles have a lot in common, besides the SOPMOD issue items the users have all chosen to upgrade certain parts of the rifles to fit them better (stock, grip or fore grip). Here is also a perfect example to show how popular Magpul items are with the troops. Each rifle has at least one Magpul item on them and two have P-mags. Also check out the Noveske KX3 flash hider (middle rifle). “

Back in 2012, in part one of the article Jeff points out that most guys are running things on their rifles that have been proven in 3-gun or other competitive shooting competitions first.

That’s because whether you’re on the range competing against a timer or on a two-way range competing against the “ultimate timer” (aka someone trying to shoot you) — what works to shoot fast and accurate simply works. Period.

I wrote about the benefits of competition shooting for “tactical” or real-life self-defense applications before, but it goes to show you that there’s another huge benefit of competition shooting: testing gear.

In short, in the first part of this series, Jeff essentially says this:

“Even with all the various optics and accessories offered under the Special Operations Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD) program for the rifle, soldiers are opting to outfit their rifles with certain items. They’re seeing what the top shooting competitors are using to win competitive shooting events like 3-Gun, and what is working for the majority of shooters, and they recognize what wins in a match can also help them win on the battlefield.”

He addresses the idea of the KISS rifle and how he approaches it.

The Importance Of Silencers In Combat

In part 2, Jeff goes into how the Surefire silencer changed a lot of things for soldiers. I think his explanation is really enlightening actually, and it explains why you see so many of the short barreled (10.3″ barrel) MK18’s being used by these guys:

“My choice of the MK18, and why you see more MK18’s and not M4A1 Carbines with Surefire Suppressors being utilized, is due to how the rifle is being utilized down range–and this is where the way the U.S. Soldier is trained to fight comes into play. Whether you are in a team, squad, platoon or other section, one of the fundamental rules we follow is that you always try to engage the enemy with the most casualty-producing weapon you have. If you get shot at by an AK-47/AKM, return fire with a M240 machine gun. If they come back with a PKM, then you respond with a M2 .50-Cal. or 60mm mortar. Whatever they’ve got, you one up them and gain fire superiority!

This is a key separator between the military and civilian, or even law enforcement, shooter. The rifle is seen more as a personal defense weapon (PDW) than as a primary tool to engage the enemy. I could carry a longer rifle, but if it’s mounted with a suppressor, it translates to more weight and a longer rifle (6 inches) added to a 14.5″ barrel. You are now walking around with a very front-heavy 20-inch rifle (not a very forgiving set up for the high-altitude, low-oxygen mountain terrain of Afghanistan). With a suppressor-equipped MK18, you’re back to a 14.5-inch length rifle that is much better balanced and less front-heavy-feeling then a stock M4 due to the shorter barrel bringing the suppressor closer to the receiver. So, now, with the MK18, you get a much better-balanced and slightly lighter platform than a full-size rifle, with all the benefits of the suppressor.

True, running a shorter barrel, you’re losing muzzle velocity, which does equal reduced range and killing power at long range. For me, this means I go from being able to shoot 650-680 meter targets with ease with a 14.5″ barrel to only being able to hit out to about 500 meters with the suppressed MK18. Yes, I lose almost 200 yards, but that doesn’t really matter, because being a member of a team in an engagement, we’re going to use much better platforms like belt-feds (LMG’s and MMG’s/GPMG’s), mortars and larger calibers better suited for that range as our primary weapons to return fire. And let’s face facts: Even with the best long-range 5.56mm ammo (MK262 77gr.) and a 18-inch barrel (the now retired Special Purpose Rifle MK12) although you could reach out to 750 meters with that weapon/ammo combo platform, unless you achieved a head shot, the 5.56 round (5.56x45mm NATO) is pretty anemic in terms of one shot stopping power.

So, many (myself included) find a suppressed MK18 to be the perfect compromise for performing close in work like dynamic CQB/CQC gunfighting, and still effective engaging mid-range targets out 100-300 meters. And, in a pinch, the warfighter can still engage out to 500 meters and beyond. If the threats are out farther, there are better tools for the job; bigger and better calibers.”

He also talks about how “slick” or more slim rails are being used more and more. Keep in mind this was in 2014.

jeff_gurwitch_article_tactical_ar-15_m4_m4a1_carbine_sbr_sub_carbine_accessories_part_ii_defensereview-com_dr_pic_h

jeff_gurwitch_article_tactical_ar-15_m4_m4a1_carbine_sbr_sub_carbine_accessories_part_ii_defensereview-com_dr_pic_i Jeff writes as a caption for the above photos: “Rifle on top (above): 2012 M4A1 set up. Rifle on bottom (immediately above): 2014 set-up. What’s changed” 14.5″ upper to MK18 10.5 suppressed. Magpul butt stock swapped out for ARK Defense Enhanced SOPMOD. It’s slightly lighter and has better cheek to stock, plus it’s the same one on my 3-Gun rifle so I have the same feel. Magpul vertical grip has replaced the issued Knights Armament. Also swapped out pistol grip for  a BCMGunfighter Pistol Grip. I prefer Ergo grips the most, I like the angle but this BCM grip has grown on me through the deployment. Single point sling swapped out for VTAC. What has not changed; Arredondo extended mag well still in place, this makes its 4th deployment on a rifle, extended bolt release and Blackhawk Gladius light, (I first used the Gladius on a 2005 trip Iraq around the time they first came out). This is the 4th deployment using it, thousands of rounds have been fired with the Gladius mounted on various rifles still the same bulb. Matt Burkett Predator offset mount, 3rd deployment, this time fitted with newly issued EoTech mini red dot (uses same mounting plate as Doctor sight). New for this deployment BCM ambi-Gunfighter charging handle. Also note Samson flip up front sight, the rear is on my 14.5 upper (pictured at the top of the article). I only have the front on here because to get proper eye relief with the Elcan it left no room for a backup. (My plan if the Elcan were to go down, just use my 45 degree red dot offset sight. If that goes down use the Elcan sight housing itself as me rear aperture aligned with the flip up sight). All in all a good set up for me that I trust.”

The Most Common & Modern Combat Rifle Setup

In the latest installment of this series, part 3, Jeff talks mainly about how the newest generation of low-power variable magnification optics are taking over the battlefield. Specifically, 1-6 power scopes.

Even more interesting, for the survivalists and preppers among us who think that “optics will fail!” or that anything battery powered sucks, etc — combat optics have become so durable and trusted by so many spec ops guys that many of them don’t even run backup iron sights (BUIS) anymore! Jeff writes:

“One thing you may have noticed with most of the rifles shown thus far is the lack of a full set of back-up iron sights (front and rear BUIS). Despite what the “tactical experts” say about back up iron sights beeing a must on any tactical gun, a lot of soldiers, myself included, have had no issues with either red dots or magnified optics going down on them in combat. Is it a good idea to have a set of back-up irons on your rifle? Yes, but these guys are using their rifles in harm’s way rigged like they are. If anything, their choice to not run back up irons is a testament to the durability of the current issued optics.

Note: My choice not to run BUIS on my rifle is based on the fact that I use a 45-degree-offset EOTech MRDS (Mini Red Dot Sight) on my rifles as my CQB back-up sight.”

Despite praising the short-barrel setup before, Jeff also switched from the 10.3″ short-barrel upper with silencer to a 14.5″ barrel upper with silencer — it appears mainly because it helped match the Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) with his new scope.

Jeff writes this as a caption to the above picture, "Author's current set-up. About a month into the deployment I swapped out shorty 10.5 barrel for a 14.5. Although rifle a little on the front heavy side with the suppressor (and kind of a long set up.) The MK18 did not do the VCOG justice. 14.5 barrel produced ballistics that matched up almost perfectly with the 5.56 bullet drop compensating (BDC) reticle in the VCOG. With the average distances still around the 300-400 meter mark for engagements in Afghanistan. I wanted to give myself every possible advantage."
Jeff writes this as a caption to the above picture, “Author’s current set-up. About a month into the deployment I swapped out shorty 10.5 barrel for a 14.5. Although rifle a little on the front heavy side with the suppressor (and kind of a long set up.) The MK18 did not do the VCOG justice. 14.5 barrel produced ballistics that matched up almost perfectly with the 5.56 bullet drop compensating (BDC) reticle in the VCOG. With the average distances still around the 300-400 meter mark for engagements in Afghanistan. I wanted to give myself every possible advantage.”

Bonus: Frank Proctor Made Many of The Same Changes To His Carbine Setup

In the video below Frank Proctor (served over 18 years in the military, the last 11 of those in US Army Special Forces and USPSA Grandmaster and IDPA Master ranked competitive shooter) talks about how his carbine setup changed over his combat tours …

Key Points From Frank Proctor’s Video (And The Modern Combat Rifle Setup In General):

  1.  Variable low-power optics (1-4, 1-6 or 1-8 he specifically mentions)
  2.  Running adjustable stock extended longer than full collapsed
  3.  No backup iron sights (BUIS) are needed because modern combat optics are so durable.
  4.  Sling (of course) – 2 point to be specific
  5.  White light (for .mil guys Infared (IR) lasers, etc)

NOTE: It’s worth pointing out that Frank Proctor is starting with a pretty “modern” M4 type setup. For example, his rifle already has an aftermarket stock, slick rail, aftermarket pistol grip, etc. The guys in the military are issued an M4 that they FIRST have to modify to get to that point (new stock, new rail, new grip, etc). Then they all make the same basic mods/accessories after that.

And with this setup you see Frank Proctor run it from 10-250yds in that short video.

As you might notice there are some very key similarities between all the guys who use these combat rifles and are actually good shooters.

What’s Next For Combat Rifles?

I’ve written before that you only need 3 accessories for your combat rifle (AR-15) — a sling, optics and a weapon mounted light.

That’s pretty much still true, but you can see that most guys using their rifles in combat are customizing them even further.

One thing I’ll note is they’re not just doing this to do it. If you read the reasons why they might run a custom/aftermarket butt stock for instance it’s to get a better cheekweld to see the optic better.

Or they might switch out rails to make it easier to use a particular white light, etc

In short, if they add an accessory it’s because they’re trying to make something work better on their rifle. They just don’t add stuff to add it.

Lastly, because so many guys are already using 1-6 variable scopes — I bet that within the next few years many of them will be using 1-8x variable scopes because these are already starting to enter the civilian market.

Anyways, it’s a pretty cool series of articles that you should check out and the pictures of combat rifles are neat.

What About You?

What accessories do you run on your AR-15?

Did seeing what modern soldiers are using help you out?

Are you going to change anything or buy some new gear based on what you’ve seen?

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Caleb Lee is the #1 best-selling author of "Concealed Carry 101" and founder of PreparedGunOwners.com. He is a civilian (no law enforcement or military experience) who shares information about self-defense and becoming more self-reliant. He's a 1st degree black belt in Taekwondo, NRA Certified Basic Pistol & Personal Protection Inside The Home Instructor, Concealed Carry Academy Instructor certified & also a graduate of the Rangermaster firearms instructor course. He's also the author of numerous online courses including the UndergroundAssaultRifle.com course.

14 COMMENTS

  1. In the teams for 20years we always painted our M4’s with 4 paint schemes. Lightest first then incorporated surrounding vegetation into the last three colors. Also we ran vertical front grips on our heaters, so when we were clearing rooms and had to check an insurgent in the face?….the vertical grip would always break the nose well.

    • HAHAHA! Not laughing at you I’m laughing at the mental picture of the last sentence “Also we ran vertical front grips on our heaters, so when we were clearing rooms and had to check an insurgent in the face?….the vertical grip would always break the nose well.”

      That’s great. What number team were you on?

  2. I’ve seen a few rifles fitted with red dots in line with a scope. I’d like to see some info on how to configure this kind of setup properly.

    • William,

      That was tried in previous years by a lot of guys using stuff like ACOG’s (4x power only) scopes with a red dot mounted on top (you can see this setup or similar ones to it in the movie “Lone Survivor” for example)

      The fact of the matter is it’s not as fast as having a low power variable that you keep on 1x if u need to do red dot work up close and then simply zoom to 4x or 6x for the long distance shots. Competition shooters have proven this over and over again.

      Also, if the red dot is in line with on top of the scope then you have to release your proper cheek weld to use the red dot mounted on top and that is a whole nother back of SNAFU to deal with.

      Again, it’s pretty simple — run a low power variable optic -1-4 or 1-6x if you want both capabilities.

      If your’e talking about a red dot mounted at an angle along side the side at an angle that’s covered in one of the parts of the articles that guy wrote. He runs a backup MRDS like that instead of BUIS …

      • Hey caleb, old post but interested to understand why a red dot ontop of scope is a whole nother back of SNAFU to deal with. Could you explain any further why it’s not a good choice?

        • Hey James,

          It’s just – with a variable optic – unnecessary for one. Switch it to 1x get your cheekweld as usual and blast away.

          If you have to remove your cheekweld, you’re not gonna have as durable a fighting position as you should firing the rifle – even if it’s just for CQB distances (the obvious reason to use the 1x on top the scope.)

          The variable optic is the proven solution here really. Just look at the 3-gunner guys that race against a clock, they started using the variables and it trickled down to Spec Ops because it works. I thought there was a video where speed of this was tested together but here’s a dude that tested the low power variable against an ACOG with offset RMR mounted which still allows you to get a cheekweld – the variable low power was still fastest https://youtu.be/tzYyXlHIVlo – you can imagine how slow you’d be if you had to get a different cheekweld/raise your head to find the RMR mounted on top of the scope.

          Maybe if you can find someone with both setups you can run them yourself to see, but it’s hard to beat the low power variables in my experience for a “do it all” solution.

          • Thanks, is the cheekweld an important factor in controlling the gun had a guy say it’s not. But it’s one of the 4 points of contact. Gun to face not fce to gun?
            Thanks for the informative reply i’ll have a look.

      • variable optics are slower and more dangerous to operate in a fire fight where you are facing enemies far and near. For example, you’re returning fire at long range and then get flanked at close range. Taking a hand off your rifle to throw a scope lever repeatedly is just asinine if you don’t have to. This goes for the Elcan as well. An ACOG with RMR set up is the quickest most efficient way to fight both long and close ranges. Simply cant the rifle to the left as a R handed shooter and look through the RMR with your left eye while keeping both eyes open. MUCH FASTER, MUCH SAFER, MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE…. You don’t lose your cheek weld or have to take a hand off the weapon.

        • Matt,

          ACOG with RMR is a good solution if it’s all you have – but there’s a clear reason why most are switching to LPV’s and US SOCOM put out there request to source them…

          You are right though, a lot of guys are running RMR’s on the 45 degree side as a replacement for BUIS – so they just have to cant the gun for close up targets – it’s a strategy that was first used by the 3-gunner guys.

  3. This is a key separator between the military and civilian, or even law enforcement, shooter. The rifle is seen more as a personal defense weapon (PDW) than as a primary tool to engage the enemy.”

    The key separator is that civilians almost cannot own full-autos anymore and this is absolute BULLSHIT.

    All I want for mine is the ability to mount a vertical grip and some storage somewhere for spare batteries and spare small parts. An A1 or A2 stock is fine for this, as is an Ergo STO grip. I use the round factory hand guards with an adapted short rail underneath for mounting a vertical grip, a light, or a tripod when I feel the need to range-zero a new optic. I use a red dot mounted on the carry handle or the flattop whichever I’m using (I have one of each in the safe).

    Otherwise I keep everything original and vintage. All of our military versions in the 60(s), 70(s), 80(s) served our nation well enough. I’ve gotten used to that and that is what I am most comfortable with.

    What we need to do is repeal the full-auto ban of 1986 and that is my main concern at the moment.

    • I’m with you on the repeal.

      Though, aside from the “cool factor” — I have no need for full auto and I’m under the impression that most spec ops or otherwise “trained” guys — don’t use full auto that often in an engagement because it’s quite simply hard to hit stuff. I may be wrong …

    • And also Repeal the 1934 NFA Act, and the ’68 Gun Control Act, and kill all anti-Constitution gun registration in the form of useless background checks.

  4. […] have a variety of functional uses, whether they be for simple target practice or tactical purposes in the field. Any of these activities will need an AR bipod to enhance accuracy and quick shooting. […]

  5. The interesting thing is that most of us that have used or been “acquainted “ with tactical weapons understand that a lot of us are not sharpshooters. I was in law enforcement State of California Liquor (ABC) and carried many types of weapons over 20 years and I am an average shooter. And as a police Officer I was an average shooter even though in the Navy we had Marine DI’s in the 60’s that taught us the art of shooting I was a little above average. My son is a professional soldier (Special Forces ) for the last 14 years and is a sniper quality shooter. He does not discuss what he does, but he has told that they do not “spray bullet’s on full automatic unless the situation calls for it like being overrun. It just wastes the limited supply of ammo they can carry and their is no accuracy in sighting their scopes and he said he leaves it to the enemy who sprays ammo from the not so accurate AK-47 and other third world guns. The A1M4 is pretty accurate. He puts them through the bullseye at 300 meters with much effort.

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