Aimpoint mounting on a flat top?

[madkiwi]

Hey everyone,

I was going to buy an Aimpoint CompML2 and mount it on my AR flat top, but was wondering if I need to mount it higher than a ARMS 22M68 would hold it. I keep seeing pictures of people with Aimpoints and they have lifter/spacers there.

Would the front sight post get in the way mounted that way?

Is a spacer strictly speaking necessary? What about cheek weld on the buttstock?

I need to get a flip up rear sight too, any preferences?

Any input appreciated, equipment recomendations etc.

Thanks

Madkiwi

 

[Darkside]

Madkiwi, I can't give you an answer about the ARMS mount since I used the QD aimpoint w/spacer on mine and it works just fine. What the spacer does is raise the dot and places it on top or near the front sight post, this is called co-witnessing. The advantage is, if the battery dies, sight gets broken, ect. the Iron sights can still be used.

Red dot sights were designed for rapid engagement of the target, not surgical preceision bullet placement. Cheek weld is not as important with a red dot scope since the dot does not need to be in the center of the scope to work like the more common rifle scope cross-hairs. If you place the dot on the target and squeeze the trigger(after getting it sighted in, of course) the bullet will hit the target weather the dot is in the bottom, top, left or right sides of the scope/sight. When introducing shooters that are new to red dot sight I just tell them to put the dot in the target and squeeze the trigger, you will hit it. My 6 year old son can consistantly ring a 12" steel plate at 175 yards from the bench with my..(cough)..his AR.

As for the BUIS, I just cut the carry handle off in front of the sight and rear mounting screw, hit it with a little flat back paint. Not COOL like many of the more expensive flip-ups but it works. If my dot dies I dont have to mess with flipping or folding anything...just continue banging away. If you shoot with both eyes open and focus on the target you don't even notice the rear sight unlessl you need it.

I would say if you are looking to get the most accuracy out of your ar go with a standard scope. But if you are looking to place lead on target real fast with-in reasonable ranges(inside 200 yards) go with the Aimpoint.

Darkside

Forgot to add if you need to raise the stock to get a better cheek weld, slip a peice of pipe insulation on the stock for sight-in. It might get in the way when you try to operate the bolt.

 

[DevilDog]

The spacers you are seeing is to get the tube higher so your field of view has less clutter from the front sight. For folks that have an ARMS SIR or mount their aimpoint on a RAS hump, they don't need the additional height that a spacer gives them. For a flattop AR with a standard fixed front sight, you will want more height than the 22M68 gives you.

Some folks like the front sight right in the middle of the tube, other prefer it lower (which I prefer). Regardless of where your sights line up in the tube, if you set up a good sight picture with your irons through the tube, your aimpoint dot will be right on the front sight post.

You may want to look at the LaRue aimpoint mount. I got the eotech Larue mount and really prefer its throw lever over the ARMS design, mostly because its tension is adjustable. You can find them here - look for Larue Tactical on the right side menu.

http://www.gandrtactical.com/

I will second what Darside mentioned on the rear sight. If you already have a detachable carry handle, consider cutting it down and using it.

http://permian.ascuk.net/lab_prisight.php

If you don't have the detachable carry handle, but want to go fixed vs folding, consider getting an LMT rear sight, which is real close to looking like a cut down carry handle, or consider a LaRue, which is sturdier as there is no elevation adjustment.

For a folder, maybe go with an ARMS #40A2. I have one and am fairly happy with it. Many folks seem to be very happy with Troy industries folding sights, but they tend to be a bit expensive.

 

[NMshooter]

Definitely check out the LaRue mount. The fixed rear sight is probably better, but if you prefer a folding one get one with the A2 aperatures. Cowitnessing the irons and the dot is a good thing, the irons don't get in the way at all.

 

[Damon]

Devil Dog gave good advice.

 

[madkiwi]

Thanks guys, I'm now looking for the best pricing on the Aimpoint. If anyone knows of a better price than $330, give me a shout!

As I don't care for a "quick release" mount (due to the lack of optional equipment to put up there ) would the Aimpoint Mount-X-wide ring be high enough so the dot is positioned slightly above the front sight post?

madkiwi

 

[Darkside]

The x'wide ring will not put the dot above the sight unless you use a riser of some sort on the receiver. That was the same problem I ran into. If you want the dot above the front sight(a good thing) you will have to use Aimpoints QR ring AND spacer. There are many other rings and mounts available unless you MUST have Aimpoint. I am sure someone will chime in and give a detailed listing of the available mounts.

I used the Aimpoint QR w/spacer because that is what my dealer had on hand and for the price ($65) works fine. My only complaint is the knob for the QR sticks out so far from the rifle and tends to snag on things. I am going to contact Aimpoint and see if they have a replacement short screw, someday.

Darkside

 

[Darkside]

Here is a pic of my Bushmaster and Aimpoint with Aimpoint mount.

Darkside

 

[Darkside]

It worked Look out I will be picture post'n fool.

Darkside