AR15 with scope question.

[FullEffect1911]

In the near future I am going to be getting an ar15 carbine and I am deciding if I want to go with a red dot, irons or a low power scope. Choosing one of those options will dictate the base setup for the carbine. The purpose of this AR15 would be for general use carbine which could include self defense if necessary.

If you were to mount a low power scope to a AR15 carbine (1.5-4x) would you get one without a front sight post? I am aware that the front sight post will "disappear" when looking through the scope with higher magnification, but I don't know if it will with the near 1x. Also if you mount glass to a AR15 would/should you bother putting back up iron sights on it?

 

[kanook]

My first hunting trip with an AR with scope goes like this, Holy crap that deer is moving pretty good, it's at the 60-70 yard tree, Crap big rack, rifle to shoulder, line up sights, BANG and a MISS, what the.......

Off to the range to see why the scope is wrong, line up sights, DANG NAB IT I lined up my cross hairs with my front post. I have adjusted the scope so that I can't see the post now.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

The purpose of this AR15 would be for general use carbine which could include self defense if necessary.

Ahhh, ye olde "all purpose rifle" - the perfect answer is the same as it was before - look at the scope I have on my Rob XCR in post #1 of this thread, and you will have your answer, grasshopper:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=491029

 

[snakeman]

for self defense an eotech is hard to beat but s is a shotgun

 

[FullEffect1911]

Neat setup Dr. Winslow.

Well it looks like the M&P15 OR model is the order of the day. The weaver gas block seems like it would be quite useful no matter what direction I go in.

I am still up in the air on the whole BUIS with a scope though. I imagine I couldn't even access the rear sight if I needed to while the scope was mounted. Though of course the scope mount could have thumb screws, I just not sure if it's worth it.

for self defense an eotech is hard to beat but s is a shotgun

Indoors, I agree. I already have an 870. But I live in a rural area, so outdoors can get to pretty long ranges if it comes to it. In my case I think I would be better served with a rifle. Plus I enjoy shooting rifles more then shotguns.

 

[snakeman]

with eotech you can cowitness your irons

 

[FullEffect1911]

with eotech you can cowitness your irons

I've run that setup with an AR, I didn't care for it. It felt like there was too much going on in my sight plane. I do like 1/3 co-witness better, however I prefer front and rear flip sights the most with a red dot or holo sight.

 

[snakeman]

well with a scope for home defense, you better know where they are long before they know where you are because acquisition time and trying to use a scope indoors is going to be a bit slower than other systems.

 

[FullEffect1911]

well with a scope for home defense, you better know where they are long before they know where you are because acquisition time and trying to use a scope indoors is going to be a bit slower than other systems.

Agreed, that is why I am still up in the air on the issue.

 

[snakeman]

my dad has a scope for hunting on his and a laser for home defense at night. I would say that works well but its a bit cumbersome.

 

[FullEffect1911]

I have to back your opinion Snakeman, I was looking through one of my 2-10x scopes during lunch at 2x and at close in ranges it was certainly far from ideal. It looks like it is going to be either irons or a red dot for me.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Any of your 1.0 to 1.75x on the low end, up to 4, 4.5, 5, or 6 on the high end, variable scopes of various sizes and weights are gonna be the way to go on an all-purpose, to clarify my earlier suggestion.

1x optics (ESDs, etc.) are for dedicated short-range fighting guns, not all-purpose rifles. Can you make hits at medium ranges with ESDs? Sure, but it's not nearly as fun or easy when practicing, as with a magnified optic.

 

[LeonCarr]

You can do all of the above stuff, or you can just do irons and not worry about stuff.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[FullEffect1911]

You can do all of the above stuff, or you can just do irons and not worry about stuff.

It certainly would be the most inexpensive option. Plus AR carbines look darn good with the A2 profile

Perhaps the removable carry handle model to start, shoot it as is, and go from there.

 

[ms6852]

The basic design of the AR platform is for CQB. A scope would impede its practical use somewhat. As you mentioned that you also would want it for self defense, based on this iron sight would be the way to go. I have used the EO tech in my past career and that is another option as well. Scope for me would not be since the AR platforms have long distance limitations not encountered with a good ole bolt action rifle.

 

[Quentin]

I would start with a flat top upper with good irons. I love the look of a carry handle but the A2 is too limiting. The A4 version makes much more sense as it is removable yet still has the A2 elevation wheel for all the fun modifications like the Santose IBZ zero. Unfortunately you don't have room for it plus a red dot on the rail unless you go with a chopped version like the LMT or one that's actually been cut down like the ones you see for sale for about $40. I got one of the latter because it's a Colt yet sells for about the price of the cheap UTG knockoffs.

After mastering irons then a nice red dot with no magnification makes sense if you have good eyesight. Then of course you could alternate with a scope for long range if you wanted that. I've toyed with those options but for now am staying put with irons since they perform quite well.

Below is my carbine build. The upper is the ArmaLite U15A4CB with a railed gas block. To me this is the best of both worlds since you can add any sight you want front and back, fixed or flip up. Pictured are the Colt CCH and and ArmaLite's clamp on front sight. Plenty of rail left for a red dot.

Edit: The lower is a S&W M&P-15 with Del-Ton LPK and buttstock.

 

[Erik M]

In the near future I am going to be getting an ar15 carbine and I am deciding if I want to go with a red dot, irons or a low power scope. Choosing one of those options will dictate the base setup for the carbine. The purpose of this AR15 would be for general use carbine which could include self defense if necessary.

If you were to mount a low power scope to a AR15 carbine (1.5-4x) would you get one without a front sight post? I am aware that the front sight post will "disappear" when looking through the scope with higher magnification, but I don't know if it will with the near 1x. Also if you mount glass to a AR15 would/should you bother putting back up iron sights on it?

I'm glad you started this thread, I was about to ask the very same question. Thanks to everyone for thier insight and opinions.

Im most likely going to go with a quality red dot on my initial set-up, then purchase a heavy barrelled upper to use with something along the lines of a 4x12.

 

[snakeman]

My ak doubles as a hog/home defense carbine. It wears irons. I can shoot 200 yards with the irons and still hit a gallon jug. It's not the typical ak, this one is a 2 moa gun with irons. Being that it is an ak and ar's are more accurate with practice, that A2 carbine will be fully functional at 200 yds or more. Try XS tritium front post. That way you can keep in the shadows and still see your sights while defending your home.

 

[snakeman]

By the way, Hornady TAP ammo will expand excellently at in home ranges.