Gunsmithing the AR-15, Vol. 4: Building the Performance AR

AR-15 owners and shooters have reached the point where many don't have just one. They've expanded their collections to include specific rifles for competition, hunting, or focused interest in defense.

• A competition shooter wants to know which details matter and what parts must meet competition specifications.
• The hunter wants to know how to customize the AR for his or her chosen quarry, and what level of performance those parts can be expected to deliver.
• The owner of an AR for defense wants to know the best setup for that purpose, and which modifications are unnecessary or even ill-advised.
• Fans of the original AR-15 are obsessive about authentic parts and setup.