Short answer: before anything else, get an optic, a sling and a few spare magazines. A weapon light comes next for home defense. Backup sights, a bipod and the rest can wait until you know how you use the rifle.
The checklist
| Accessory | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Optic (red dot, prism or LPVO) | Buy first | Most AR-15s ship without sights |
| Sling | Buy first | Carry the rifle and keep it with you when your hands are busy |
| Spare magazines | Buy first | Three to five is a good start (check your state's limits) |
| Weapon light | Next, for home defense | Identify what you're aiming at in the dark |
| Backup iron sights | Nice to have | A fallback if your optic fails |
| Bipod | For precision shooting | Steady prone and bench shooting |
| Cleaning kit and lube | Buy first | Keeps the rifle running; lube matters most |
| Eye and ear protection | Buy first | Required at every range |
Picks with today's prices
Magpul RLS sling
Pros
- Simple two-point sling
- Inexpensive
Cons
- No quick adjuster
Streamlight TLR-1 HL weapon light
Pros
- 1,000 lumens
- Picatinny mount
Cons
- Needs a rail section on an M-LOK handguard
GrovTec M-LOK rail section
Pros
- Aluminum Picatinny section for a light
Magpul MBUS 3 front sight
Pros
- Folds flat under your optic
- Affordable
Cons
- Rear sight sold separately
Magpul M-LOK bipod
Pros
- Mounts straight to M-LOK
- Light
Cons
- Overkill for a home-defense rifle
Magpul PMAG Gen M3, 30 rounds
Pros
- Tough polymer
- Fits nearly every AR-15
Cons
- Check your state's capacity limits
Browse all AR-15 accessories, optics and magazines, compare today's price drops, or see our red dot vs LPVO vs prism guide. The home defense starter build already includes a light, rail section and sling.
Choosing a stock? See our best AR-15 stocks, compared by weight and length of pull.
Left-handed or want a bigger latch? Read our guide to ambidextrous and extended charging handle latches.
Want the safety on both sides? Read our guide to ambidextrous AR-15 lowers and controls.
Building light? Compare stock weights in our lightest AR-15 stocks guide.
Mounting a light or grip? Read M-LOK vs KeyMod vs Picatinny first.
Choosing a sling? See single-point vs two-point slings, with convertible options.
Adding a foregrip? Compare vertical vs angled foregrips and handstops.
Choosing a light? See the best AR-15 weapon lights, compared on lumens and candela.
Frequently asked questions
What accessories should I buy first for an AR-15?
An optic, a sling, a few spare magazines, a cleaning kit, and eye and ear protection. Add a weapon light next if the rifle is for home defense.
Do I need backup iron sights?
They're a cheap fallback if your optic fails. Many shooters with a quality red dot or LPVO skip them.
How many magazines should I have?
Three to five is a good start for range use. Check your state's magazine capacity limits first.
Is a bipod worth it on an AR-15?
For precision and bench shooting, yes. On a light carbine or a home-defense rifle it mostly adds weight.
MyGunLab earns a commission when you buy through store links, at no extra cost to you.
