Spend some training time with your issued duty rifle and you'll quickly see that “standard issue” doesn't equate to “duty ready.” In researching this article I tried many different items from several manufacturers. For this installment I'll present a few product offerings from Mako Products Group and EMA Tactical.
Mako Products Group
I laugh when I see what passes for a “duty rifle” these days. Some of these things look like movie props. I used to be that guy, you know, an “arm chair commando”? More stuff on your AR is just that, more stuff. Simple is better, trust me. Mako Products Group makes kit that's battle tested and conspicuously lacking in fluff. Depending on what you'll be doing with your rifle, you may want to consolidate items and functions. Mako can help you with that.
Starting with the stock, the standard six-position stock is just that—“standard.” It's had its day and needs to go. Spend some time on the range with a six-position stock and you'll find that the adjustment lever is easily bumped when you most need the stock to remain solidly locked.
Recently Mako released a superb stock, in the GL-SHOCKCP, that eliminates this problem. It has a very secure latch that requires a deliberate action to disengage the adjustment catch. It also significantly reduces recoil and muzzle rise with its internal shock dampening system. The GL-SHOCKCP can be mounted on Mil-Spec and commercial tubes securely. The tire-treaded, rubber buttpad grips your shoulder and stays put even under full auto fire. The GL-SHOCKCP features slots for three sling attachments, as well as ambi, QD mounting points.
The GL-SHOCKCP can also double as a precision stock. It offers an adjustable cheek riser for a proper cheek weld.
The AG-43
Like the six-position stock, the A2 grip is not your friend either. Mako now offers the AG-43 grip with storage compartment. It's cast from reinforced polymer, is Mil-Spec compatible, has a hidden compartment for small items, and offers superb tactile control when wet. With molded finger grooves and a stippled texture, it's a huge leap forward from the A2 grip that comes on most LE guns.
FGR3
You need a weapon light. However, you generally don't need a quad rail. There it is as plain as can be. Quad rails are great, but they add weight and expense to your gun.
Ask yourself: “What am I planning on putting on my gun that requires a quad rail?” As cops we need three things on our ARs: a good optic, a light and a sling—none of which require a rail system. We do however need a rail to mount the light to. This is where Mako comes to the rescue again with more polymer goodies.
Mako now offers the FGR3 handguards with integrated rails. Mako gets a thumbs up for this one. The FGR3 features 3 rails, is made of dense polymer, and is simple to install. It installs like any standard, two-piece handguard set, it has an integrated heat shield, and enough strength to handle the abuse of a vertical foregrip. They're made a bit large at the base so that you can tailor them to your delta ring's fit with some sand paper. Once they're seated, the fit is secure and permanent. Now, you have rails.
Green Means Go!
The last item that I want to point out is the Count Down Mag (CDMAG) from EMA Tactical. These polymer mags use an internal, tape-measure styled mechanism that keeps accurate count of your rounds. The color-coded, numeric indicator on the rear & bottom of the magazine displays an accurate count of 30-20 rounds green, 19-10 rounds yellow, 9-0 rounds red.
When you do high round count drills where you're doing tactical mag changes, it's easier to prioritize your mags during a break in the fight if you can clearly see which mags have more ammo in them. The CDMAG gives the operator the ability to glance down at the mag in his gun, and see his round count while on the move. Also, with a quick glance down at his load bearing vest, at the floorplates of the CDMAGs, he can see which mags need to be used first.
The next time you find yourself flipping through a catalog, drooling over all the AR candy. Ask yourself, “Do I really need that”? Don't let desire push your buttons. Save that money for what really matters, your family.
Until next time, practice, and I'll see you on the streets.
The Mako Group
GL-SHOCKCP Stock $119.05
AG-43 Grip $27.05
FGR3 Handguards $54.50
EMA Tactical
CDMAG Magazine $24.95