How to Setup Your New AR 

I'm keeping my Daisy Red Ryder with the compass and Tasco scope and two point sling. Light weight, compact, plentiful ammo, silent, and sub-hour of angle accuracy out to 10yds with open sights, 15yds with the scope.

In my defense Mike, extensive scientific studies have shown that adding a quad rail to anything makes it look awesome.

As a former SWAT deputy, this is how I set up my carbines as well, although I generally don’t add the IR laser since it is (1) cost prohibitive for most, and (2) not likely to be any use to the general public who is watching this channel. Save the $1K from the IR laser and put the money towards a solid platform like the BCM or my personal choice, Daniel Defense. I also don’t have a vertical foregrip on any my carbines, so cool to know someone as knowledgeable as Mike doesn’t either.

Met Mike at the airport and he has to be one of the most humble people I have ever met.

I'm old school US Army - 'Nam vet stuck with the 20" barrel M-16A1. For many years, I didn't want anything to do with the Mattel rifle. I can't go back and undo what I have with my AR15s, so I put out the backs, got my hands on good barrels, and an upgraded BCG - LMT that cost me $500 each; it's the best I can do. ARs are both 18" barrels. My grandson will one day get them; training now at 18X Fort Bragg. We are an Army/Navy family.

So, trick for having a can for all of your rifles that I found super useful. My first suppressor was a Griffin Armaments SDK-30, which has a gate lock QD system that works on any NATO spec A2 muzzle device (the bird cage). You know what that means? Any rifle I have with an A2 bird cage can run that suppressor, and it's quick attach and detach (also, Bravo Company is one of the ONLY companies I've found that makes their A2 bird cages IN NATO SPEC, so just get your bird cages from them if you want to run a suppressor with a QD system for NATO A2 devices). Hope this helps. It has allowed me to easily run the same suppressor on all of my setups without spending a fortune on suppressor host muzzle devices.

I just bought a bcm recce 9 in 300 blk. Got a rugged razor suppressor. Just waiting on ATF to tell me I'm still a free American and can actually have it. I haven't really got to run it like I want to so I was pretty happy to hear him talk highly about bcm. Because with the eotech, the gun and the can I'm almost 4k into it and haven't bought all the other stuff for it. I'm not a rich man so spending that much is almost unthinkable but I feel like there's some things you don't take the cheap way out. Plus I work hard for my little bit of money and if people are going to get triggered by my hobby I want it to be a damn nice one

I completely agree with your points about mufflers. I like the added NV performance from not having a giant obnoxious flash and strobing your location.

CSM Glover, man I've been following you for a couple years now. The way you, Cole, and DJ explain things is so much the way I learn and absorb things that I just want to say thank you. I'm an ex-nasty girl, OEF vet, and avid gun nut and the things y'all have put out since y'all have broken into RU-vid are the most invaluable things I've seen so far. Thank you CSM, hooah.

The number of pros that use BCM by choice is incredible. Good guns, good company.

I sure wish I could have a can, here in Cali we are so screwed on almost anything we want to do set up any firearm, especially an AR. Always great informational videos, Thank you!

Speaking as a civillian I do not yet own an AR but i do plan on buying a BCM in the very near future. My current setup is an Arsenal SAM7R with zenitco b30 and b31 handguards, RS Regulate side rails with the sig Tango 1-6. Been an AK guy for years and I feel it's necessary to acquire the modularity of the AR platform now. AK's are not nearly as easy to work on, as far as swapping barrels and some other critical components goes. AR is the way to go.

I'm running a 12.5" BCM upper on a Mega SBRd lower. Steiner 1-4 LPVO (for now, probably going to a Nightforce NX8 or Kahles K16i this summer), Dead Air Sandman K suppressor and a Magpul sling. Been a solid setup for many years now.

Probably need to acknowledge for new people thinking about making one of these setups that the surpressor is an NFA item as well as the length of barrel for this AR. Means both the gun and surpressor have to be registered with the ATF.

I have a hybrid rifle that’s my go-to out of all my AR’s - it serves as my ranch/predator/self defense gun. I run a 12.5” Noveske barrel with a suppressor on an Noveske upper and shrouded by a BCM hand guard. I run a Leupold VX-6 (the 1st Gen) with 3X-18X magnification and a 44mm objective. Now, I have a Holosun micro red dot, mounted to the scope, at a 45° angle. This gives me a heads-up optic for tight spaces and fast movers (like a squirting Coyote or other Varmint) but the scope is great from 50yds to 500 on a man sized target. It’s killed MANY coyotes in the 350’s to 425’s. All this operates on an old Tactical Innovations T-15 upper - I think they’re long out of business but they hade a terrific and affordable lower. It’s got a Geissle 3-gun trigger, standard Magpul grip and a STR stock. It’s OUTSTANDING as a compact predator rifle and holds its own in CQB practice. Yeah, it’s a little heavy but I’ve always preferred the weight because it’s mitigated some of the high-stress shakes I get - especially if you have to transition from close contact to targets further out. I’m interested in adding a laser but right now I just have a custom light a friend built. Thanks for showing your rig! I might imitate it with one of my other uppers, that seem to constantly be u der going changes. Too bad I can’t post a phot here.

Good stuff, with so many new people like me looking to upgrade capabilities in these uncertain times this will undoubtedly be a great video

Mike, you and I differ on a few things, but one thing we are in lock step on is that BCM is the rifle we would take into battle, no ifs, ands, or buts.

Thanks to you and others similar in content I wake up 2 years ago Got my license And started jiujitsu Ja blue belt now, can’t believe it by the way it amazing how addictive is And started to prepare in different areas Currently saving to get ready for classes This was a great introduction Love to see more Thanks I do learn a lot

I have a bunch of setups. I found myself gravitating toward the 13.9" guns as its just a good middle ground for where I live. My main rifle is nothing special. Started with a BCM and ended up putting an A5 buffer system on it and a BRT easy tune gas tube and had it tuned to run with a SF suppressor. Its smooth and reliable with or without the can. I run an EO-Tech, G33 magnifier, unity riser setup, PEQ-15, Modlite, mod buttons, and what not. Its a good all round setup. I've build a lot of guns since that gun and I still primarily use it.

My CQB/Home defense gun is a 9.5 300BLK with a Romeo/Juliet 3x combo, surefire scout(which is on every rifle/shotgun i own) and of course a can because i only run subs

just got a BCM Upper. It's SO light. Very high quality.

I’ve recently switched to a 12” foxtrot mike buffer less setup for CQB. Stream light, eotech, perfect for in the house maneuvers without having to worry about platform interference with furnitures etc.

Interesting.. I'm 62, was in the Artillery in the Army way back when. I'm just wanting an AR for home defense, and for hunting. So, I'm going with a 16 inch barrel with a medium profile of some type.. and I will be using a prism scope of 3 to 5 power with hold over, etc.. I'll probably mount a light and I'll mount maybe a laser.. just for home defense. I might just buy a shorter upper though and use it for home defense and put a red dot and laser on it and maybe in 300 blackout.. I want the extra oomph for defense. I might even use the 350 legend since it's like a 30.30 basically and really low recoil and low flash, etc.. It will even work out to 200 yards if need be.. Very interesting Mike and thanks for all the great videos kind sir! Tim

I have a 16 inch AR that I built with parts bought from PSA. For attachments, I have a Holosun red dot and that's it lol. I just use it to go to the range.

Very similar to my BCM 11.5. Just use a Unity Axon switch to have control of light and laser in one location.

I have a springfield saint with holosun green dot with vicker's 2 point sling. Plain and simple. Thanks for your service and your content

Always great content from Mike. Real life experience is the way to go. No BS.

Hey mike 🤚🏻 so I watch a lot of preparation channels, and no one covers preparedness for people with children of special needs… most of us can only stock up on a certain amount of meds foods etc but for children like my daughter who has Rett syndrome can not walk, we need some kind of pack where either myself or my wife can strap her in and bug out with her on our back or some kind of wagon to pull her …. Idk just some food for thought I hardly see preparedness for people with special needs children 🤷🏻‍♂️ thanks for all you do

I like the simplicity and honesty, unless you’re military, you don’t need to reach out 5 football fields. I know, I know, here come the keyboard warriors, but even LE engagements are almost never over 50 yards.

mike's hair grows at super duper speed, LOL.

Hey Mike, I'm a first time writer years long watcher, good videos. My set up is a LWRC-DI, and I decided to keep it light. It's a free floating barrel 16" with a surefire compensator (the 3-1 set up) I don't have a stubby grip like you said but I do have a C-clamp grip, my light is the Nforce 400 on the side. That's all I keep in the front, my sights are a Vortex strike eagle 1-8x LPVO and I have Troy back up iron sights cause, well anything electric is bound to fail, I got a Magpul sling. It may not be much but I can use it for a little bit of a distance and wedge it in a corner if I have to and go to work, I pair it with a 320 Vtac, well that's my set up but I want to get an SBR and work on that, or a PDW.

For self defense/ home defense, I prefer bare bones 16 inch carbine with iron sights. I paint my front sight post bright fluorescent orange. No problems out to 150 meters. Only thing I upgraded was the charging handle. I would not use a suppressor. The additional legal risks would not outweigh the benefits for me. Everybodys different, run what you are comfortable with.

My close range AR is a BCM 9" 300blk SBR. Eotech exps2, surefire dual fuel, law folder and a surefire 300sps can. The most fun gun I own, super quiet, bolt cycling is louder than what comes out the barrel.

Thanks for being honest!! Love your simplicity, practicality and experience.

Excellent info !!! It helps a lot of us up here in North Texas to outfit our different types of rifles setups as we have the need to carry different types of weapons to address our needs for predators and carrying weapons in our 4x4’s , Tractors, and Trucks . Thank you! Bear 🐻

I run with just a light and red dot but my sling turned out to be the biggest pain. There aren’t any sling attachments that would allow my left hand to grip the guard comfortably at all so I just weaved it through the m lock points and called it a day.

Dang knowledge was TRANSFERRED. I know so much now. I'm an oper8tor. THANKS CIA GUY

My Block II is still my go to work horse. It’s heavy as all hell, bulky as shit and I love every second of it. The colt Socom barrels are absolute tac drivers.

I live in California so, no suppressors allowed but my 13.9 Ballistic Advantage upper pin and welded to 16 inches with a Streamlight RM2 and Sig Sauer Romeo 5 serves me well!

12 years ago, I would have agreed with you about BCM. Not anymore. They still produce a decant product, but they use to be the tip of the spear. With my 12.5-to-14.5-inch guns, I have been using Frankin builds using SOLGW uppers and lowers with Hodge rails, barrels and BCG's. Been extremely happy with overall shootability, accuracy, durability and fitment. Great info. Thanks for sharing.

Just bought a 13.7 Cobalt Kinetics after owning only a DD for about 6 years. Perfect time.

I need a WML, a good sling, and either good iron sights or a good optic. That being said, I don't run NODs and am not carrying a firearm for work anymore. I prefer FF handguards for non heat transfer and a bit more consistent accuracy. I currently use an A3 carry handle with a RIBZ zero simply because I would rather use iron sights than get a budget optic that is more likely to fail. Buy cheap, buy twice but, you might be betting your life. Colt, BCM, LMT, FN, and DD is pretty much all I'll get now. I've just seen them continue to work when ran hard and other brands fail too often when I was on the job and teaching. The other part is I buy guns in pairs at a minimum because 2 is 1, 1 is none and 3 is spare parts. Just pick quality, have spares and the ability to arm others if needed, and get training and practice. Training is what gives you the most advantages. Sorry for the long response but, like in BJJ, everything comes down to basics.

Well, as the only guy left in America using a A1 length fixed stock. Spikes Lower, Anderson upper 16" Faxon SOCOM BBL with an A2 flash hider, SIG 1-4X FFP LPVO or a Holosun red dot, both zeroed at 36 yards. I mount the red dot when in the home defence mode, run magnified if the situation requires, both in QD mounts. The gun is just a tad longer than an AK fixed stock, I find it compact enough to work from a vehicle or in a structure. Handles pretty much like a front heavy XM144 Colt Commando, which was pretty close to the M4 but with a fixed stock. Oh, yeah no name Key Mod forearm, BCM Pistol grip and Magpul fixed stock. Solid 500, plus a little bit, meter gun. Thx Mike!

I went with a BCM 11.5, Geissele 2 stage, eotech xps2 & modlight PLH

Would like to see a video on freeze dried food and ways to re heat them with water storage etc.

I could listen to Mike all day.

Similar setup 7.5in barrel with 6” can, holosun 510c, surefire light with pressure pad, and folding stock adapter for discrete stowaway bag until needed. 😅

Just picked up a BCM 11” recce rifle. This video was perfect for setting it up, thanks!

I have a sig rattler (5” barrel) in 300 blackout. I have a Holosun AEMS, with a magnifier, and MAWL C1+ with a surefire sps300 can. So clearly a close range/CQB weapon - what range would you zero it in at? Have you(or anyone) zeroed a laser at a different range than their red dot?

finally a mike review and not a sales video with a hint of fear mongering

Noveske 10.5 with an eotech on a Unity mount and surefire mini pro scout and a Dead Air Sierra 5 on the way.

As a former USMC range coach. I only have 1AR15 would love to have more but with 2 kids and a wife I only have one now it is very high end and there is a lot of money on it We'll start at the business end 5" can, steiner dbal, a small forward grip I do C clamp but I use the grip To brace the backside bottom of my hand against the top edge of that grip. This is on a Christiansen arms CA556 16" barrel Holosun red dot with there 3x magnifier fold over both Mounted on 1 and 1/8 inch riser, mft stock, and a merkata grip That has lots of circular divits drimmeled in to make it super Grippy The reason I have this rifle set up the way it is is to be a perfect battle rifle I was trying to cover all angles where it may not be the best in any situation but it will always be good in every situation

grateful for the time, effort, and energy required to produce good content

I use my self defense rifle for hunting. Whenever I'm not using airsoft as training. I feel it's better using dynamic moving targets

I love these videos ! I've learned SOO.much valuable info from Mike Glover and the Fieldcraft Survival crew .... it's priceless really !

A can is a felony in some states like mine, and now we are fighting an AWB! One I have is set up with a polymer lower, a carry handle M16 style sights, a 16" barrel with 1-7 twist, triangle hand guard with an inexpensive adjustable stock and it weighs nothing, seriously it feels like a plastic toy!!! The other is a 0% welded steel lower, M16 style stock, heavy 18" barrel, 1-8 twist with a freefloat hand-guard and a variable scope, and it weighs about double of what the first one does, but still nothing compared to an AR-10. Both of the AR-10's have 18" barrels with 1-10 twist, scope, bipod and green (daylight use) laser, one is in 308 the other in 45 Raptor.

I'm running a 10.5 300blk with cherry bomb/whistle tip (until I get my trash panda can). I'm comfortable with 200 to max 250 yards and in for self defense. Holosun red dot with 3x magnifier. In my opinion , especially this day and time with the left (over 200 yards probably wouldn't be considered self defense, more like pre meditated hunting lol)

Mike Glover: “Use A Can!” John Lovell: “Don’t Use A Can!” Administrative Results: AK go *BUrrrrrrrrrr!!!*

I actually run a BCM upper receiver on a long range build for precision rifle competitions. Just some extra info for people, the barrel inlet on the BCM uppers is intentionally undersized, so if you get a really tight tolerance barrel like Proof Research that's true to size, you will have to thermal fit the upper to the barrel. It's essentially a permanent, bond, but extremely stiff.

Just order a compressor for 7 1/2 inch pistol right side mounted light and single point sling which think of switch out for a two point. Plus just sticking with iron sights I have red dot optics but I rather keep my battle firearms as simple and updated as I can have them.

Ok .. due to changing atf bs my truck gun/patrol carbine has changed .. we are not all Operators (more power to you guys that are) .. but most of us will now be running some sort of 16" non suppressed non SBR'd carbine .. and whether it is advantageous or not most will not be running NV but will be running an dot or lpvo .. is there a "best" answer ??

I'm not set up for night. But I us a Sig Lima 1 green laser on front and on top rail. In front of the front sight.. I also use the small scout setup as you. This combo has worked out very well in low light.

I hunt. I’m used to rifles with nothing underneath and when I did get my LaRue, I struggled putting on a peg and keeping it on. I figured I better get used to it cause if someone with experience has it then it may be necessary. I finally just got rid of it. It was still in my mind that I may need it. But listening to you explain why you don’t have anything underneath the rail absolves my concern for the need for it.

Nice. I come from the “shorter” the better school. Great video!

Love your Benno print in the background. I have the same print in my man cave. I also have the picture of Benno when he is looking out of the crew window next to the minigun. Great video

Great video, I am doing some research on purchasing an AR for home defense. I currently carry a Colt M4 with an Aimpoint Red Dot M68. I’m not familiar with LPVO. This video gave me the info needed to make the decision on going with a red dot given the application for this AR. Love the content, thanks again!

Much better than your previous carbine setup video. Thank you for the update

I resisted getting an LPVO, and was dead set on keeping my Trijicon TA01NSN ACOG. Once I got my hands on an LPVO, (and put on some 45° canted iron sights), I'll never look back...

I'm just a civilian and I have an M4 Colt clone I just have a red dot on it right now it's pretty minimal I probably will put a white light on it later

I also like my rifle streamlined i typically only have a light at the 12o'clock position and no tape switch (just a button) that helps with ambidextrous use as well as it doesn't accidentally actuate with a tape switch also wont get blocked if shooting up against a wall (left or right side). I dont have night vision (have no need). I use a energetic armament vox s (very durable can and affordable) look them up if you dont know about them. 9 inch bcm 300 blk 2 point sling unity riser for my optic .i try to keep it simple.

Before I lost my AR in a horrible boating accident I ran a 11.5 also. Unity riser for my red dot and a surefire with no pressure pad. Two point sling but I am too poor for IR and NVGs.

Good stuff! Thanks Mike. Keep the pro tips coming…

For IR illuminators the Z-Bolt is pretty amazing. If you run a simple IR/VIS laser without an IR illuminator like the ZenitCO PERST 4 you will need IR illumination.

In a "shorty" I like the 300AAC...quieter for sure but won't reachout like the 77gr will.

Short, sweet, on point. Thanks, Mike.

I’ve went with a Pws 11.85, EO Tech and OSS Helix. With a A3 tactical aluminum short grenade vertical grip

My go too setup is 13.7" with MLOK Rail , EXPS3 , Micro 3x Magnifier , YHM Full Flat Top 1/2" Riser , Cloud Rein Micro 1.0 , YHM Turbo K on DA428 with SOLGW Nox Keymo Hybrid F H. PW and WPS QD Sling . This config allows me to do any up close work and also reach out to 300Y . I'm able to hit 10" at 300Y very easily with EXPS3 and Triplier . The only MOD I'm going to make in the future is getting Unity FTC MAGNIFIER Mount so I'll have 0 snag hazards . Centurion CM4 13.7" Midweight HF ( Custom Barrel Length / Middy ) With FCD Ambi Controls Lower is my jam no questions asked . I'll always be a sucker Colt M4A1 SOCOM Block II . I do not own an AR that doesn't have at least 3 BCM parts / Furniture . My other Upper is BCM Upper with BA 223W 14.5" Hanson Premium Black Series paired with 1-10× , Cloud Rein Micro and LWRCI IC Lower . This BA 223W Premium Black Series barrel is super freaking accurate. I'll never be another Criterion ever again . Paid 130 for this barrel on sale and it came with Pinned LPGB . This Rig is also my 2Gun Setup . I have 0 issues hitting targets out to 600Y . I'll also be using this setup at PNTC for PRS Gas Gun Match on June 17th. The barrel shoots 0.66" groups with Decent ammo and even better groups with MATCH grade ammo like Black Hills 69g or 77g TMK..

You can definitely hit targets at 500m with a red dot but a 3x magnification is a big help.

I like what you have done. If it was not reporting it to the Department of Injustice, I would go ahead and get a suppressor. But I just don't think I trust them enough to go on that list.

Still trying to find the perfect setup for the city. I like one of my builds for urban/GP. 13.9” stainless pinned, topped with a 3x. Also have a 10.5”, 14.5” and a few 16”’s. Just not sure.

Huge fan here, used to make my days go by quicker listening to the FCS podcast back when I worked in ammo production. This video is great as is all of your work. Keep up the good fight and I will be ready to watch your long gun pro tip video. #MikeGlover4President

Great lesson

I'm surprised Mike Glover didn't suggest putting a mic on your AR so his fed buddies can listen to you all the time.

Déjà vu !! I am running the identical setup on my 11.5 BCM except for I’ve got an Eotech. Even have the same suppressor.

What about the acog with rmr mounted on top? Close range with rmr and acog can give you extended range with holdovers in reticle.

Yesssss let’s see a 14.5!

Great video I am going to be sending this to friends that ask for information.

I’ve been seeing a lot of those bsm mounts for lights even special operations

I can dig it to have a can on rifles or at allow them to be able to mount one. Shout out to BCM Uppers. They are awesome. I still have my old SureFire Scout Light... Too broke for an IR Laser Eotech XPS 3 I am going to re-evaluate my sling set up. Great Stuff Mr. Glover

300 blk or 458 socom of course

Hey it’s Mike with Black Coffee Intelligence company…..

Yeah jusy get a can . Not that easy! Still waiting on mine 245 days in certified. How about telling and explaining the process so they can have a setup while waiting for the can

The furthest target on the Army rifle qual is 300. Love the video.

Love the info as always Mike. Maybe go over, if it doesn’t “violate” YT rules, load outs for other members of the family. Particularly for younger members of household.

As always, lots of great useful info. Thanks Mike! Keep'em coming.

As a civilian I use standard 16 inch barrel rifles especially from BCM. I don’t have a silencer and it’s interesting you don’t use some kind of a angled grip up front I am going to give it a try. I have trained to use my rifle for short to longer range. I also don’t have to worry about a tax stamp. But a silencer would be great. Adds length but I do have a 14.5 so. Great video just thought I put my input as a law abiding citizen. Probably the majority of your students?

I see all the advantages a suppressor offers . . . However, comma, I am *_NOT_* getting mixed up with the AFT anymore than I *_HAVE_* to

I slapped a quadrail on my carbine and it was way to heavy. Took it roght off and went back to classic. Bassically the the blood diamond ar15.

*IWI Z-15 Tactical.* Affordable, great quality, reliable, and accurate!

Hate BRC. Love Mike though. Really hate to see you here but good to see you.