A couple of AR questions.

[GreenScoutII]

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..

[Batteriesnare]

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

[Batteriesnare]

Also the cutout was part of the M4 design for the military. It's for the mounting bracket when mounting a M203 grenade launcher.

[Batteriesnare]

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

[Bailey Guns]

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.

[GreenScoutII]

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?

[5.45x39]

I'm also curious about aimpoint type sights. I see how they would work well for rapid target aquisition, but how precise are they?

It depends. The size of the dot varies, so if you have a larger dot and cover your target with it, but the target is actually smaller than the dot (like if it's far away and a very small area you're trying to hit), then there is margin for error caused by the size of the dot. Also since Aimpoint and other red dot optics don't have magnification, your vision will be a factor in how accurate you can be. I suppose the previous issue could be resolved by zeroing the optic so that the point of impact is at the top edge of the dot, so you use the dot like you use your front sight post. Or maybe that is the right way to do it...I'm no expert.

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?

I had an EOTech on my AR, but recently switched to an Aimpoint. I really liked the EOTech, but want to try an Aimpoint. I haven't gotten a chance to try it yet though. You should see if you can try both styles out and then go from there. For example, if you like the red dot you could then refine your search to figure out whether you want one of the micro red dots, a full size one, an Aimpoint, some other brand (there are some good Russian ones available for pretty cheap), etc.

[Batteriesnare]

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.

[Bailey Guns]

That's an easy answer. An EoTech of one flavor or another. However, that may not be right for you.

EoTech sights offer no magnification. So, if your eyes (like mine) aren't what they once were, the EoTech may not be the way to go for you. But I don't shoot mine at great distances...except just for fun, so magnification isn't an issue for me.

If money was no object, I think I'd equip one of my ARs with a Leupold Mk4/CQT. It's a 1-3x scope with a nicely illuminated aiming reticle. Perfect for an AR rifle that will be shot to intermediate ranges...say 400-600 yds. But it works equally well at close distances as a CQB type sight as well. The downside is...it's a little heavier and bulkier than some other optics like EoTechs and Aimpoints.

One piece of advice I'd give...don't skimp on quality when it comes to mounts and optics. You probably paid in the $800 - $1000 range for the rifle and ARs are frequently capable of substantial accuracy. Don't put the cheapest thing on it you can find if you're looking to take advantage of the potential the rifle has to offer.

[Bailey Guns]

There you have it...3 quick opinions inside a couple of minutes of each other, all different but with valid points.

Aren't you glad you asked?