Upgrades on a tight budget

[Oscars]

I got about $250 burning a hole in my pocket and I want to upgrade something on my rifles. I am already thinking trigger or maybe a better stock. What upgrades have you guys done that actually made a difference without costing an arm and a leg?

 

[Aced]

To get an instant difference, swap the trigger...the LaRue MBT-2S is an incredible value, around $100, and is the single biggest performance gain for the money

 

[Oscars]

To get an instant difference, swap the trigger...the LaRue MBT-2S is an incredible value, around $100, and is the single biggest performance gain for the money

Is the installation pretty straightforward or do I need special tools? I've done basic AR maintenance but never swapped a trigger group before

 

[Brainwave]

Is the installation pretty straightforward or do I need special tools? I've done basic AR maintenance but never swapped a trigger group before

Yep, pretty straightforward. I swapped one on my AR in about 30 minutes with just a punch set, small hammer, and lots patience

 

[A Civilian]

You’re asking the right question, man. When you're stuck to $250, you gotta focus on things that affect the interface between you and the rifle, that's where you get the most bang for your buck. Forget the fancy stocks unless you can snag a used one. My biggest tight-budget win was always the trigger...for around $100-$150, you can usually drop in a fantastic trigger like an ALG ACT or a good single-stage from Rise Armament. A crisp, light trigger instantly makes the rifle feel custom. If you have any cash left, grab a better grip, like a Magpul K2 or BCM Gunfighter, to improve control.