Last Summer, I bought my first AR-15 – an M&P 15OR (OR=Optics Ready).  Initially, the only accessory item I purchased for it was an Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic).  Here’s a (bad iPhone) photo of how the rifle looked back in July when I first got it:

Since purchasing it, I’ve slowly purchased more parts and accessories, in some cases replacing the existing components which came stock on the rifle.  During the winter of 2011, I ordered the final components I wanted to install, and got the opportunity to take the rifle out today and give it a try.  Here’s what my AR-15 now looks like:

When I’m not running it with the Harris bipod, I keep a SIG Sauer Stoplite vertical forward grip attached as seen here:

I’ll probably regret this exercise, but here’s a list of all the components which have been added to my M&P 15, including the rifle itself for a total build cost.  Where possible, I’ll include some Amazon.com links to the components I purchased.  In some cases, there may be some price differences from what I actually paid (these things tend to fluctuate).

M&P 15OR – $900.00

Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Optic – $400.00

Aimpoint 3X Magnifier W/Twist mount – $680.00

Hogue Rubber Grip Ar-15/M-16 Rubber Grip with Finger Grooves – $15.00

DD Omega Carbine Rail 7.0 Black – $220.00

Geissele Super Semi Automatic SSA AR-15 Trigger – $200.00

BCM Bolt Carrier Group – $139.00

Harris Engineering S-BRM bipod – $95.00

Troy Industries Front Folding M4 Style Battle Sight – $93.00

Troy Industries Folding Battle Sight Rear – $118.00

Sig Sauer Stl-300J Stoplite  – $250.00

 TOTAL PRICE:  $3,110.00

Yep, I knew I’d be kicking myself if I totaled up everything I’d spent on my AR-15…over three grand.  On the plus side, it’s a fantastic rifle as configured!  🙂  Would I do anything differently in a second build?  In a word, yes.  In fact, I am going to build a 2nd AR-15.  The idea behind having a 2nd rifle will be to have one set up for “close quarters” combat/home defense (it will have the Sig Stoplite VFG installed) and one set up for more precision/distance shooting with the Harris bipod attached.  If all goes well, I’ll be starting with a higher grade AR-15, (a Colt – which most consider to be the pinnacle of AR-15 manufacturers) and actually pay less than my M&P 15 build.  My chosen dealer should receive his shipment of Colt 6940 rifles in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for Part II of this article!