A2 Optics Options?

[RobertB]

I have an A2 HBAR 20" and am looking into what my optics mounting options are. I'm looking at possibly get an Aimpoint and a magnifier...just because I want to. I might like to take a stab at multigun/3gun and I thought that might be helpful. I think I have the possibilities down, but let me know what you think and if there's anything I've missed.

a - get screw-in carrying handle mount. It does still allow you to use the iron sites as normal. Would this set optics too high above bore line?

b - get screw-in carry handle rail that is low and extends out over the barrel, putting sites co-witness with irons. Don't think a magnifier could be used with those, though?

c - cut off the carrying handle. Nah. Not really a fan of mangling the rifle.

d - get a flat top upper or whole new rifle / carbine like the rest of the cool kids. That gets kind of expensive and would be greedier than I could justify. Then I've spent a lot of money and still wouldn't have optics yet. Though looking at the multigun/3gun thread pics I'd certainly stand out not having a flat top.


On a side note, how far out is an Aimpoint good for and how far out with say 2.5x/3x magnifier?

[RobertB]

sorry, proxy posting problem

[Tora]

a - get screw-in carrying handle mount. It does still allow you to use the iron sites as normal. Would this set optics too high above bore line?

b - get screw-in carry handle rail that is low and extends out over the barrel, putting sites co-witness with irons. Don't think a magnifier could be used with those, though?

c - cut off the carrying handle. Nah. Not really a fan of mangling the rifle.

d - get a flat top upper or whole new rifle / carbine like the rest of the cool kids. That gets kind of expensive and would be greedier than I could justify. Then I've spent a lot of money and still wouldn't have optics yet. Though looking at the multigun/3gun thread pics I'd certainly stand out not having a flat top.


On a side note, how far out is an Aimpoint good for and how far out with say 2.5x/3x magnifier?

A= Yes
B= Your right
C= HELL NO
D= The best way to go. Flat top uppers can be found for under $100.00, and not that big of a deal to chang out.
Side note= It will depend on your eyes, but 3x should be good out to 600m.

[esaabye]

I have the same senerio and agree with Tora. I do have a carry handle mount and it is to high to obtail good cheek weld. Works OK for offhand but not at all for prone.

[RobertB]

D= The best way to go. Flat top uppers can be found for under $100.00, and not that big of a deal to chang out.

You mean a stripped upper? That never even occurred to me. I guess I had got switching the whole upper out in my mind instead of being practical about it.

[BadShot]

Tora nailed it..

[Tora]

You mean a stripped upper? That never even occurred to me. I guess I had got switching the whole upper out in my mind instead of being practical about it.

Yes, a striped upper. All the parts you'll need for the flat top are in the A2. Is it a Colt?
If it's not a Colt, Step by step;
1) Brake down weapon like you would clean it, removing handguards, bolt/bolt carrier assembly, and charging handle.
2) Remove gas tube. The easy way to do this is to remove the gas tube roll pin in the gas front sight post, then pull it back through the upper receiver and out.
3) Remove barrel. Use a good barrel wrench and receiver block.
4) Remove ejection port cover. The port cover pin will just slide forward. Make sure that you look at how the cover spring is placed before you do this, so you will know how to reinstall it.
5) Remove forward assist by removing the roll pin, it will pull out easy.
Now reinstall in reverse order on the flat top upper.
I would do this for you, or help you, but I'm in KS for right now. We may be able to work something out if you want, I need to go back there in a few weeks. I have all the tools needed. PM me if you want help.

[RobertB]

Ah, well for the full irony, I'm farther away from it and for longer. I'm overseas for another 4-5 months, I just wanted to get back in the swing of things with minimal delay.

It's Colt parts on a PWA receiver. Is there any particular thing I should look for in the upper or are they pretty standard commodities? Will the rear sight assembly just plug right in to the new upper? There's no height difference?

I do appreciate the advice, thanks!

[Tora]

Ah, well for the full irony, I'm farther away from it and for longer. I'm overseas for another 4-5 months, I just wanted to get back in the swing of things with minimal delay.

My offer stands, just PM me.

It's Colt parts on a PWA receiver. Is there any particular thing I should look for in the upper or are they pretty standard commodities? Will the rear sight assembly just plug right in to the new upper? There's no height difference?

I do appreciate the advice, thanks!

If your Colt is the Mil standard (small front pivot pin) then you'll be fine. The uppers are like the lowers. You can get the standard (+- $100) or match grade and CNC machined (180+) I don't think for a Aimpoint you would need anything but the standard, but it's up to you. There may be a color match problem if you mail order, but if should be close. As for the rear sight. The flat top upper has not rear sight, you have to add one to the rail. There is a height difference, but it's workable.

[RobertB]

What would be the benefit to a "match grade" upper? I'm not looking to get into the cheapest thing I can get, but I want a good reason for the extra $$.

Looking at the Troy/BCM flip up rear BUIS, cursory research says it's got a pretty good rep. As an alternative, are there any reputable and reliable BUIS that are elevation adjustable? I'd like to retain capability where possible (though eventually the plan is for a main optic sight) though I guess in most cases the IBZ gets you through most of your engagement envelope. Seems like LMT makes a railed rear sight feature identical to the A2, but it's fixed, not flip down. I could still shoot regular irons High Power matches with that. Hmm...decisions, decisions.