Building the Ultimate AR-15 Night Hunting Rig (Featuring 6mm ARC)

When it comes to building the ultimate AR-15 setup for night hunting, there's no single blueprint. Preferences vary depending on where you hunt, what you’re targeting, and how far you’re willing to push your budget. But if you’re trying to assemble a lightweight, reliable predator rig that punches hard and stays flat, the 6mm ARC has quickly become a go-to.

This article breaks down what goes into a high-performance AR-15 build for night hunting—not necessarily our build, but a solid example to help guide yours.

Why AR-15s Dominate the Night Hunting Scene an AR-15?

The AR-15 platform is still king for predator hunters for a few key reasons:

* Modular and highly customizable
* Lightweight builds are easy to carry between stands
* Fast follow-up shots thanks to its semi-auto design
* Tons of aftermarket support for parts, triggers, barrels, suppressors, and more
* Compatible with night hunting optics like thermals and clip-ons via integrated top rails

If you’re looking to build out your own night hunting rifle, the AR-15 is a flexible starting point. You don’t need a gunsmith. You just need a little time and the right components.

 

Why So Many Hunters Are Switching to 6mm AR

Hornady introduced the 6mm ARC in 2020, and it’s already earned its place among serious predator hunters. It fires a .243-caliber bullet from a cartridge optimized for the AR-15. That means you get a flat-shooting round with low recoil—perfect for spotting impacts, getting clean footage, and staying fast on follow-ups.

Want to handload? There’s a growing selection of bullets, dies, and powders to tailor performance. If not, Hornady’s factory 80-grain V-Match ELD-VT ammo is a solid performer and pretty easy to find.

Is 6mm ARC going to replace .223? Probably not. But if you want extra reach, better ballistics, and minimal recoil in an AR, it’s worth a look.

Choosing the Right Barrel for 6mm ARC

You can find 6mm ARC barrels from most major manufacturers now. If you’re building a rifle specifically for coyotes, weight matters. Lugging a heavy rifle through pastures and brush all night adds up.

One of the most highly regarded options is the 18-inch Proof Research Carbon Fiber Barrel. At just under 2 lbs, it keeps your rifle nimble while still maintaining the rigidity and accuracy serious hunters expect.

 

Bolt Carrier Groups (BCG): Invest in Quality

The BCG is one of the two most important moving parts in your rifle, alongside the barrel. For 6mm ARC, you'll need one that’s either designed for or compatible with 6.5 Grendel, since they share the same bolt face.

 The KAK Industry K-Spec BCG has been getting great reviews, particularly for its gas mitigation design. It vents gas down into the magwell rather than out the side, keeping it away from your face—a huge plus if you're shooting suppressed. 

 

Uppers, Lowers, and Handguards

 

You can piece together an upper and lower from many different brands, but the  Aero Precision M4E1 upper and their handguards are rock solid and designed to keep lasers, thermals, and clip-ons zeroed tight to the bore.

This example is Aero’s Highland Hunter camo set from a limited 2022 run. But any M4E1 setup gives you a reliable backbone for night gear.

AR15 Trigger Options: Precision and Feel

A mil-spec trigger will get the job done, but stepping up to something like the Giessle Single Stage Precision Trigger or any from Timney, CMC, TriggerTech, HiperFire or Rise Armament makes a world of difference. Especially when you're aiming at small targets in the dark and trying to stay dead steady.  

Should You Run a Suppressor?

You don’t need a suppressor for night hunting—but once you use one, it’s hard to go back. Suppressors help tame muzzle flash and reduce the crack that can spook other coyotes or hogs in the area.

Popular picks include Dead Air Sandman S, SilencerCo Scythe-Ti (ultra lightweight), Dead Air Lazarus 6 (specifically designed for 6mm ARC). Just make sure your muzzle device matches. In our reference build, they used the Keymo brake for quick suppressor swaps.

Charging Handle: Small Part, Big Impact

A solid charging handle goes a long way. **Radian Raptor LT** is a great mix of affordability, strength, and ambi control. If you’re suppressing your rig, look into gas-busting options like the Radian Raptor LT or Aero Breach.

Some hunters are also moving to side-charging uppers, which offer fast, ergonomic cycling without breaking cheek weld.

 

Thermal Optics: Choose Smart

Thermal is a game-changer, and picking the right optic depends on your targets and terrain. For coyote hunters, the  AGM Clarion 640 stands out thanks to its dual base magnification setup. That gives you wide scanning and zoomed-in shooting without clarity loss.

Other strong options are the AGM Rattler V2. Very popular for both hog and coyote hunting. Choose from a range with wider views that are better for hogs, or larger base mags, better for open country and long-range coyote hunting.

Stock & Buffer Tube: Lightweight Wins

The Smoke Composites Carbon Fiber Buttstock and Buffer Tube  weighs just over 5 oz and still delivers a solid cheek weld. This kind of weight savings adds up fast if you’re standing, scanning, or moving all night.

 

Adjustable Gas Blocks: Worth It?

For a build like this, an adjustable gas block is a smart upgrade. It gives you fine-tuned control, especially useful when switching between suppressed and unsuppressed. Aero Precision’s block is a straightforward, reliable choice.

Having the ability to quickly tune the gas system as we tested the different ammo options and suppressors made things so much easier. There are many different adjustable gas block options on the market, but for this one, we chose to go with an Aero Precision one. The adjustment screw just barely pokes out past the end of the handguard making it super easy to quickly tune it with an Allen key.
Is it something you absolutely need? Maybe not, but it helps!

 

 

What is the Best Tripod For Coyote Hunting?

Shooting off a tripod improves accuracy and stability. Some hunters prefer ultralight setups, while others opt for heavier, more stable rigs.

Popular picks are the Fatboy Elevate Two Section Tripod, Two Vets, Leofoto, BOG and Ultradyne. Add an ARCA plate to your rifle or rail and pair it with a stable ball head for quick, smooth adjustments.

Extra Upgrades That Make a Difference

Beyond the essentials, it’s all about dialing in what works for you. Here's a few from this build. Magpul MOE ejection port cover, Strike Industries rubberized grip, 45/90 safety selector, Rail-mounted laser pointer to mark downed coyotes in thick brush.

You don’t need to copy this build part-for-part. But the core principles behind it—balance, performance, and adaptability—are what matter most.

The AR-15 is a blank canvas. Whether you’re building with 6mm ARC or sticking with .223, pick quality parts, stay mindful of your use case, and don’t forget: weight matters when you’re out there putting in the work night after night.

Build smart, shoot straight, and BE THE PREYR.