AR-15 A2 Optics Options?

[broken6r]

Looking for suggestions/comments/concerns. I have an AR-15 A2 with a fixed carrying handle. What suggestions does everyone have on adding a scope and bipod to it? Again, it is a no frills A2 with a fixed carrying handle, no rails on the front, ect. I would like to do this without converting it to a flat top, or switching to a front grip with rails.

What would be some decent, cost effective options for a scope, scope mount, bipod (preferably one that attaches to the front grip if there is a way to do this), and a cheek riser?

 

[Archaic]

Are you looking for magnification or something like a red dot?

 

[broken6r]

Magnification. I would like to more it a little more usable out to 400 or 500 yards

 

[rcmodel]

See this for the best red-dot mount you can buy:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=7781531&postcount=3

The only option for a scope is to mount it on top of the carry handle where it is back far enough to see through it. That is not so great though, as the scope will be too high to get a good cheek-weld on the stock.
http://www.leupold.com/tactical/pro...ounting-systems/mark-4-ar-15m16-handle-mount/

You can buy a bi-pod adopter that will attach to the bayonet lug on the front sight.
http://www.botachtactical.com/mabalugmofor.html

rc

 

[ugaarguy]

Carry handle picatinny rail, and a Delta HBAR style cheek riser are your best bets for mounting a magnified optic, and still having a cheek weld.

If your front sight base has a bayonet lug you can an adapter for a Harris style bipod, or get a bipod that mounts directly to the bayonet lug.

However, unless you get a free float foreend, and mount your bipod (and sling) to the FF tube, you will get a shift in point of impact from the pressure on the bbl.

 

[mljdeckard]

You may want to consider getting a stock with a raised or adjustable comb. The optic will be so high you won't get a good cheek weld otherwise.

I would recommend that you go to brownells.com and order their free AR parts catalog. You will see a LOT of options. (And then I usually order from midway.)

 

[rcmodel]

I totally agree with ugaarguy on the barrel mounted bi-pod.

It will do you no good at all at 500 yards due to pressure on the rifle, or it's own weight springing the barrel amf chsnging the POI.

You need a free-float handgurd mount for a bi-pod to do anything other then look cool.

rc

 

[broken6r]

Carry handle picatinny rail, and a Delta HBAR style cheek riser

Is there any down side in going the cheaper route on this type of scope mount/rail? Looking at various brands, I personally can't tell much of a difference from one to the next.

Luckily, a new, small, shop opened up locally that has these cheek risers in stock, so I will grab one later this week (most places online don't seem to have them).

Regarding the foregrip bipod mount: My Ar has a standard issue A2 foregrip on it. I'm guessing this does not classify as free floated? I agree completely on this point as a bayonet lug mount does not sound like a good solution in the long run. I have had this rifle for awhile now, but still have an awful lot to learn about them.

The end goal with all of this, is to get it a little more accurate at longer ranges, in a cost effective manner, while keeping it as original as possible. I'm not going for 1/2 MOA at 500 yards or anything, but I would like to be able to hit what I shoot at.

Also, do you guys have any suggestions on a cost effective scope? Again, i'm not looking for the best, just something that will get the job done (IE: I don't see a need for a nightforce or something of the like, for my purposes).

 

[mljdeckard]

I think the most cost-effective scope line is the Bushnell 3200 series.

You are correct, your stock A2 handguards are not free-floated. And no, there isn'tmuch difference between the different brands of free-float rail tubes....as long as they are actual free-float rail tubes. It's not too tricky to switch it out, you do need a torque wrench and a vise block that will hold the upper receiver without damaging it.

 

[ugaarguy]

Is there any down side in going the cheaper route on this type of scope mount/rail? Looking at various brands, I personally can't tell much of a difference from one to the next.

The higher end ones are typically machined to correct specs. I've seen cheaper ones that weren't level side to side, front to back, or both; and some where the rail spacing isn't even.

 

[broken6r]

I think the most cost-effective scope line is the Bushnell 3200 series.

Just how clear are they? NO ONE locally carries these, which is a shame because I really want to get my hand on the fixed 10x40.

The higher end ones are typically machined to correct specs. I've seen cheaper ones that weren't level side to side, front to back, or both; and some where the rail spacing isn't even.

Leupold mount, got it (unless you can think of something better).

 

[snakeman]

A good option that I have used is to install a cantilever carry handle mount. That is see through. Then use low rings and as far as bipods go you could use a stud run through washers into the holes on the handguards. The cantilever mount will allow a mini red dot sight to be placed on the forward portion. this way you have a scope and dot without having to cant the rifle. And it allows cowitness. So three sighting options to choose from.

 

[offthepaper]

Just how clear are they? NO ONE locally carries these, which is a shame because I really want to get my hand on the fixed 10x40.

I have the 3200 10x40 Mil Dot on my AR flat top. Couldn't be happier with it. I might buy another for my other AR.
I had trouble finding one locally also, finally got one off ebay for $170 delivered.

 

[broken6r]

How clear & in focus is that specific scope, at say 1,000 yards? I have read some really good things about them but it is hard to get a no b.s. assessment online when you can't look at one locally

 

[briansmithwins]

For a red dot I'd do a gooseneck mount and and Aimpoint. But that ain't going to work very good at 500 yards.

Personally, I'd get a ACOG, they have a carry handle mount machined into them so they will be lower than a rail>ring>scope type setup.

Ain't going to be cheap, but 500 yards shooting ain't a cheap hobby.

BSW

 

[Mr.Blue]

I used a Picatinny rail that mounts to the handle. I put an EOTech on mine, but I think a scout scope would be good. With the scout scope you don't need a riser and get plenty of eye relief. Just a thought.

 

[Matthew Courtney]

Once you talk about wanting to hit reliably past 200-300 yards, one needs fantastic eyesight, great hand eye coordination, and a very steady hold, or one needs to be willing to buy equipment suited to the task of helping see, hold, squeeze, and follow through.

Appropriate equipment to achieve reliable hits at 500 yards with an A-2 is a more expensive prospect because mounting a scope higher over the bore can magnify equipment and shooter errors. A-2's are optimized for using iron sights. They cannot be optimized for scoped shooting at long range. What size groups do you desire to get at 500 yards? Do you care about groups at 500 or do you simply want to hit a gong/steel plate. Getting you on an 18 inch steel plate with an A-2 might be doable if you have a quality barrel.

 

[broken6r]

Getting you on an 18 inch steel plate with an A-2 might be doable if you have a quality barrel.

This. I'm basically looking for "minute of gong" accuracy, not a tack driver