Quote Originally Posted by Batteriesnare View Post
For your carbine, I would honestly skip the scope and go for the Aimpoint. Since you mentioned it as a SHTF gun, most of your engagements probably won't be outside of 200 yards (if they are, in most cases I'd say there is a better alternative to engaging at that distance) in which case an Aimpoint will do you just fine. Unless you are building a precision rifle, most ARs in my experience with shoot around 2MOA (2" groups at 100 yards), and an Aimpoint will do you just fine. It will also be much easier to use on moving targets, and person sized targets since the magnification (if any) isn't that strong and the width of view is much wider than a scope. Also in my experience the Aimpoints are much more strongly built (can take more abuse- I've see instructors take their Aimpoint of their rifle, throw it 100 yards down range, pick it up and replace it on their rifle and ping a man sized plate at 200 yards...I wouldn't dream of doing that with a scope.) and also can offer night vision capabilities. If you end up going with an Aimpoint, I would certainly get BUIS, just in case.

Overall, since I kinda rambled, I'd go for Aimpoint over scope, especially on a carbine style rifle. If you want a precision rifle, then build one accordingly (nice trigger, free floated barrel, good sniper style stock) and then put your scope on it.
Thank you Batteriesnare. I was thinking along the same lines.
I have a "tactical" shotgun for close in shooting, a Hella-tackdriver 30-06 for distance work, and I think this little AR is a perfect intermediary weapon in a SHTF scenario. God willing, it never comes to that..

I'll look at Aimpoints and Eotech's and get a feel for them. I think I'll end up going that direction.

Ironically, what caused the AR bug to bite me was when my brother in law bought a Bushmaster carbine. He is a hunter, but not a true "gun nut" if you understand what I mean. Anyway, he is one of those lucky guys with a fairly large toy budget. He bought the rifle and a nice Leopold 3-9 scope. He picked up some cheap, tall rings at Wally-world and mounted it up. He couldn't get it zeroed and so he left with me to see if I could get it shooting. I bore sighted it and five rounds later I had it shooting. Of course, I played with it a little bit. The trigger left a lot to be desired and proper cheek pressure on the stock was impossible, but, I found I could drill holes in clay pigeons at 100 yards all day long. So, after that, I had to have one of my own. Now I do! (not a Bushy though)

Thanks you guys, for all of your good advice! I appreciate you all taking the time to help me sort my way through this.