Mounting the GoPro HD Hero2 on Your Rifle

I recently purchased the GoPro HD Hero 2 and my first thought was “How can I mount this on my rifle?” This was one of those wazoo ideas that popped into my head and I became dedicated to the idea. After doing a little research, I found a set up that would allow me to bring this idea to fruitation. Keep in mind that this set up is based on how I personally have my weapon set up.

For those who are not familiar with the GoPro Hero cameras, they are durable water proof cameras that can be mounted to almost anything you can imagine. They feature a wide angle lens that allows you to capture everything about your experience. If you choose to buy the HD Hero, you are limited to HD in a narrow angle and standard definition in wide angle, but if you get the HD Hero 2 you can capture both in HD.You can find numerous videos on YouTube of how people have used them to capture their extreme stunts. So how would one mount it to a rifle?

First and foremost I needed to find a mount. The first few searches I did only resulted in mounts for .22 rifles and they certainly would not hold up to the recoil of a higher caliber weapon. Then I came across StrikeMark, and found that they offer multiple forms of rails for the GoPro, even a pistol mount! I thought about it for a while before purchasing their standard picatinny mount. It was only $30, but I wanted to be sure that it would compliment the configuration I was imagining.

Next, I purchased an angled rail to offset the camera a little more. This way the camera wouldn't be in the way of transition drills and I would be able to capture more of the rifle. This is not a common part to come by and often it has to be found online. Just for kicks, I went to my local tac store to see if they had any, and to my surprise they did!

I went home, quickly mounted the camera to my AR and it gave a whole new look and feel to my rifle that was perfect for the CDI factor. Here is what it looked like...

The next day we hit the range and I was able to put it to the test. It worked EXCELLENTLY! I did notice that while the extra weight was only a little, it was still enough to cause me some adjustment. No biggie, because I intended this project to be for TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY! This was especially true because should you have to switch sides to shoot, the camera would be in the way of your vision if you keep both eyes open.

 

I definitely would not carry this set up into the field because it would be in the way more than anything. I would much rather have the NVG mount for the GoPro which attaches to most helmet shrouds (stay tuned for that post.) Also, and this is a personal opinion, if I get into a shootout I don't want it to be on video. For training purposes, however, it can serve a purpose to see where your barrel is pointing at which would be great for CQC training. If you are interested in a similar set up and have any questions, feel free to ask.

5 Quick Upgrades to Improve Your AR-15 Performance

The AR-15 is perhaps the most dynamic and customizable weapon system on the free market today. The amount of gear you can slap on this war horse is almost endless and can become pretty pricey, but how much do you really need to improve how your weapon handles? The truth is that you only need 5 pieces of gear (most relatively cheap) to instantly improve your AR; a sling, foregrip, buffer, buffer spring, and a muzzle break. Before you go investing in that spendy ACOG or EOTech you've been eyeing, try these products first.

The Sling (APRX $30):

The sling is commonly associated as being the means by which you carry your weapon, but if utilized correctly it can provide support to counter the recoil. While slings come in multiple makes and models, I prefer the 2-point slings because of their versatility and simplicity. I’ve ran with the Viking Tactics 2-point sling for years and I love it! To turn your sling into a support base for your shooting position, all you have to do is tighten it to reduce the play in your rifle when aiming down the sights. When preparing to shoot, you should be using a little muscle to keep the sights steady. This is when you know that you have a steady base to shoot from.

The Foregrip: (APRX $65):

Adding a fore grip to your AR-15 will instantly provide you with a steady place to put your support hand on to allow for faster sight acquisition and stability. I am a huge fan of the Tango Down stubby vertical grip. I feels more natural in the hand and the bottom unscrews to allow for storage of extra batteries for electronics. If you do not like the vertical grips, Magpul makes an angled grip that relieves wrist strain for those who prefer not to install traditional foregrips. This is a simple part that takes approximately a minute to install and can benefit the shooter almost immediately. I talk more about the proper use of the foregrip in my post, You're Using Your Foregrip Wrong! Here's Why...

The Buffer (APRX $20-30)

Here is where it starts getting fun because this is a quick swap that will noticeably reduce your recoil the next time you shoot. The manufacturer's buffer, in my opinion, is just a little too light. Installing a heavier buffer will reduce the amount of force being thrown back at you when you shoot since there is more resistance because of the increased weight. If you look at the flat end of it in a Colt AR-15 for example, you will probably see something to the effect of “H1.” This is the lightest buffer they install in their AR's. The next heaviest buffer plug would be the H2. They do make H3 buffers that are the heaviest, but I would shy away from these as they have just a little too much weight for the common AR-15. There are a few other buffer out there, but the one I prefer is the Spike's ST-T2 buffer because it uses tungsten powder as opposed to weights. Just a personal preference, but I am happy with it's results.

The Buffer Spring (APRX $8)

Of course with your heavier buffer, you are going to need a better buffer spring to go along with it. I'll save you all hours of researching and tell you to just go with the Sprinco Blue Spring. This is just strong enough to counter the added weight without causing cycling issues. To date I have put around 3,000 rounds through my AR-15 using the Blue Spring, and I've yet to have ANY issues with it. I have heard of some people using their Red Spring, which is heavier, but I don't see a need for any extra resistance that could cause malfunctions. Even if you don't plan on getting a heavier buffer, the buffer spring needs to be replaced eventually, so take my advice and get yourself a Sprinco Blue Spring.

The Muzzle Break ($135-165):

Muzzle breaks come in many forms from multiple manufacturer's (I'm currently running the SureFire MB556K on mine and I love it!) but they are all intended to reduce the recoil for fast follow-up shots. This is the only part I have listed here that you may consider pricey depending on your budget, but unlike all the other goodies I've talked about, this is the one mod that will drastically boost your shooting performance. Muzzle Breaks are fairly easy to install given the right equipment such as the Hammerhead Rifle Tool. Simply unscrew the existing muzzle break, add the necessary washers, apply a little lock tight, and screw your new break on. This is the most crucial product you will need if your aim is to minimize the felt recoil of your rifle. It makes the weapon a dream to shoot and your follow up shots will dramatically improve!

By installing this equipment on your AR-15, you will be well on your way to better shooting and sitting on Cloud 9 in control heaven! I hope that the named gear suggestions I have made will help you in your search and that the next time you are at the range you will have a better confidence in your weapon and shooting ability.

You're Using Your Foregrip Wrong! Here's Why...

Nothing triggers my pet peeve nerve more than seeing someone on the firing line who looks like their are trying to strangle their foregrip. It is an all too common mistake that significantly reduces the effectiveness that having a foregrip can produce. I know many AR shooters who have foregrips on their weapon system and they utilize it in this manner. Before you start running a foregrip or before you continue teaching yourself bad habits, allow me to correct you...

The Correct Method:


First of all, the foregrip should be placed on the bottom of your weapon system (yes, sadly I have seen them mounted on the side) and they should be located as far forward to the tip of the barrel as possible. Now, instead of gripping it, use it as support for your lower three fingers on your support hand. If you have a swivel mount for your sling, you can create a nice nook for your thumb and forefinger if you have it placed just above the foregrip. You will notice that your hands are now in the same configuration as if you were shooting a pistol, just farther apart.





   

WRONG!





CORRECT



       

        CORRECT
           (reverse angle)

Why This is Correct:

If you grip the foregrip with the whole fist, you are doing little to improve your accuracy or stability. The fist grip creates a bend in your elbow that will be a focal point for the recoil and it will take longer for follow up shots. If the foregrip is located closer to the magazine well, the recoil will be hardly be reduced at all as there is much of the rifle that is uncontrolled. Although it may look cool having the foregrip farther back, the energy generated from your shot will cause your point of aim to be thrown off. Having your support hand in the position I have described will allow you to quickly attain your sight acquisition and manage the recoil as there is little left of the weapon that you do not have control of.

Now that you are fortified with the knowledge of the correct posture for utilizing the foregrip, you can correct your buddies and see for yourself how they will instantly improve on the firing line. Have fun training and shoot straight!