Not a whole lot to add to Failure Drills post as far as need. I will throw out some things that I have seen not fit into the "value added" column. It's important to remember my context is a police patrol rifle. I would advise a "re-think that, dude" to any of my students who asked about the stuff below.
Bi-pod- for the patrol context it adds little to enhance a cops response to common rifle deployment scenarios. We don't operate in a prone world and with a longer free float rail use of the magazine as a mono pod largely makes it no more than a weight that gets in the way of your off hand placement. I see a lot of guys qualify and end up in an "upward facing dog" yoga position because the bi-pod is to tall.
Optic covers- the only time an optic cover should be used on an RDS is during the maintenance period unless it's clear. This is the only use I have for them. Keep rain off and keep solvent off..if cleaning is your thing.
Parade sling- it's a parade sling
Gun Loudener- the giant compensator that in a realistic scenario does not have a measurable affect on accuracy, speed, or signature reduction. It does however make everyone else hate you while you shoot next to them.
Magazine coupler- on the fence on this one but I have seen the first round on the second magazine walk forward under recoil or be knocked forward to advise against it. Wicked fast Tac-reloads if the bullets stay put though.
That stupid thing that clips to the mag well as a grip enhancer- it keeps the shooter grasping the mag-well which has been shown to slow down target to target transitions, induce malfunctions by impeding the ejection port, and generally relive you of some ability to mitigate recoil and steady the gun in alternate positions.
A few things, one troll's opinion...
On to the value added accessories!
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