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  1. #1
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    Default A couple of AR questions.

    Ok. I finally scored an AR. Way cool, but since I'm new to the AR-15 platform, I have a couple of questions. What I have is a RRA lower with a Stag M-4 upper (flat top). I was planning on mounting a scope since I can't see for shit anymore and have difficulty with iron sights. It seems that I will have to use some really tall rings to get the scope high enough to not be obstructed by the front sight. Am I crazy? What do guys do for scope mounting? Eventually, I will purchase a second upper in .204 Ruger. This style has a low profile gas block, so no problem there, but what about what I have? I like the carbine length and the 5.56 chambering as I think it makes an ideal SHTF gun, so I don't want to mod it out too much.

    Second, I was wondering why the barrel reduces in diameter aprox 1.5" forward of the front sight, then continues this smaller diameter for about 1", and finally returns to full diameter the rest of the length of the barrel. I'm sure they weren't just having fun with the lathe when they built it, so I'm wondering what the purpose is? Any thoughts?

    I know these are dumb ass questions, but again I'm new to AR's. I've always been a Remington #700/Savage #12/Ruger #1 kind of guy so these new-fangled semi autos are uncharted territory to me..

  2. #2
    Grand Master Know It All Batteriesnare's Avatar
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    Just my thoughts:

    I've never mounted a scope on an AR with a permanent front sight, but I would think that you are correct in wanting to get tall scope rings. However, that will cause you to loose cheek weld with the stock unless you mod your stock. Also, I'm not sure how well you will be able to co-witness with the front sight post, especially to compensate for bullet drop. I would think the best plan of action would be to get a low profile gas block without a front sight (if you feel the need, get folding BUIS) so you will not have to co-witness. They seem to be under $50 at Brownells, I just searched gas block.

    Hope this helps!

    http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=3...Components/All
    "Owning a handgun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician." - Col. Jeff Cooper

  3. #3
    Grand Master Know It All Batteriesnare's Avatar
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    Also the cutout was part of the M4 design for the military. It's for the mounting bracket when mounting a M203 grenade launcher.
    "Owning a handgun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician." - Col. Jeff Cooper

  4. #4
    Grand Master Know It All Batteriesnare's Avatar
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    What the heck, one more:

    I found this site, seems to have a lot of good info and pics. Welcome to the club!

    http://www.cybershooters.org/dgca/bushmaster_m4.htm
    "Owning a handgun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician." - Col. Jeff Cooper

  5. #5
    Fleeing Idaho to get IKEA Bailey Guns's Avatar
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    Batteriesnare is right...the barrel cut was designed as one of the mounting points on military M4 rifles for a grenade launcher.

    For mounting a scope, you'll need one of two setups:
    • Either x-tra high rings, or
    • find a "riser" and you can use med or low rings to mount the scope.
    For an example of a scope mount riser set-up, find a picture of a Bushmaster Optics Ready Carbine or the same rifle from S&W. I like the riser option better because it just seems a little more stable and you can tailor the height of the scope depending on the height of the rings (low, med, etc...). The real problem is not the front sight...it's the fact that with the AR-style rifle the bore is inline with the stock. You have to raise the scope up high in order to properly line it up with your eye.

    Don't worry about the front sight. Unless you have a very low powered optic chances are good you wont even be able to see it through the scope. For most optics it's too close to focus on and it's either barely visible (kind of just a shadow in the lower part of the scope) or it can't even be seen with any optic over about 4x.

  6. #6
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    Default

    Ok. Thanks guys! I really appreciate your input..

    Ah, a mount for a grenade launcher. That makes sense. I found a one piece scope mount on cheaper than dirt which might work pretty well. Its only $40 bucks, so I'll give it a try. I'm also curious about aimpoint type sights. I see how they would work well for rapid target aquisition, but how precise are they? I guess it really doesnt matter with the way this rifle is set up..

    Let me ask this another way: If you just purchased a rifle similar to mine, what type of sights/optics would you equip it with?

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