Watchtower Spec-Ops Type 15 (MSRP $1,479)
The gun world is full of upper-tier AR-15s. These are not the run-of-the-mill models you see out there which have the basics of an AR and not a lot more. Rather, this sort of AR typically has a better trigger and more features than an off-the-rack AR-15. The Watchtower Spec Ops Type 15 is just that kind of rifle. It has a HiperFire EDT2 trigger for a crisp break and smooth reset and an ambidextrous safety and charging handle. There is also a B5 Systems collapsible stock and a B5 Systems grip for better handling, and M-Lok attachment slots on the handguard and Picatinny rails on top for mounting lights, lasers or whatever you want to add to your rifle.
Another feature of an upgraded AR-15 is an upgraded muzzle device, and the Spec Ops Type 15 has that in spades. The graphite PVD-coated compensator at the end of the barrel is very effective at controlling both muzzle rise and felt recoil and is secured onto the barrel with a standard 1/2x28 tpi pitch, making it easy to swap it out for a suppressor or some other muzzle device.
Add all this up and top it off with the option to have your rifle finished in either Black, FDE OD Green or Wolf Gray, and you’d have a very nice rifle that would cost upwards of $2,000. But here’s the catch: MSRP on the Spec Ops Type 15 is only $1,479, which means you’re getting the features of a top-tier AR-15 for a middle of the road price, making it one of the best values out there right now in the AR market.
Aimpoint Micro H-2 2 MOA Sight (MSRP: $855)
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and if that is true, then Aimpoint should feel very, very flattered indeed. Aimpoint was a first mover in the field of red dot sights, and they’ve set the standard for what a rugged, go-anywhere red dot should look like ever since.
The new Micro H-2 has a 50,000-hour battery life from one CR2032 battery. If you do the math, that works out to over five and a half years of use from one battery. If you need more than that, you need to find a different line of work, and quickly.
Aimpoint made its reputation as a military-grade optic, and the H-2 continues that tradition. The sight is submersible up to 15 feet and has 12 brightness settings, including four that are designed for use with night vision gear. Inside the ruggedized aluminum tube and in-between the optical-quality lenses, you’ll find a 2 MOA dot, and best of all, the H2 wraps all this toughness up in a lightweight, 3.3-ounce package.
Nightstick LGL-160 Light (MSRP: $205)
A weapon-mounted light is a “must have” for any defensive long gun, as positive target identification is absolutely crucial in a home defense situation. The Nightstick LGL-160 gives you 1,100 lumens of power to light up your target and, thanks to a built-in Picatinny mount, it’s easy to mount to a rifle like the Spec Ops AR-15. The LGL-160 has a nice balance between throw (the distance the beam travels) and the width of the beam, which is handy for getting a better understanding of what’s around you.
However, while the LGL-160 is more than capable of lighting up a room, it should not be used as a flashlight, sweeping around the walls of your house. After all, gun safety rule #3, never point your gun at anything you don’t want to shoot, is equally applicable inside your home as it is on the range, so always keep your rifle pointed in a safe direction until it’s time to go to work.
To make this an easier task, there is a tail cap switch on the back of the light that you can operate with your support hand, and there is also an optional remote pressure switch so you can place the on/off switch wherever you want it. The light is powered by two CR123A batteries, which gives you two hours of runtime at full power.
