AR 15 carry handle w/ rear sight. Do I get it?

[The Kershaw]

I recently purchased a PSA 18'' .223 Wylde upper for my first AR. It's about as long as a traditional M16, and I originally wanted to build an M16 clone, but the A2 stocks and handguards etc. were too tedious to find.

My local hardware store (A True Value that sells guns!) has what I was told is an NCStar carry handle w/ rear sight for $45. I've seen these available online from any number of manufacturers from anywhere between $20 to $180. $45 seems right in the middle.

Should I pick it up, or should I stick with my MAGPUL BUIS and scrimp for a nice red dot?

 

[badkarmamib]

I recently purchased a PSA 18'' .223 Wylde upper for my first AR. It's about as long as a traditional M16, and I originally wanted to build an M16 clone, but the A2 stocks and handguards etc. were too tedious to find.

My local hardware store (A True Value that sells guns!) has what I was told is an NCStar carry handle w/ rear sight for $45. I've seen these available online from any number of manufacturers from anywhere between $20 to $180. $45 seems right in the middle.

Should I pick it up, or should I stick with my MAGPUL BUIS and scrimp for a nice red dot?

Mounting any kind of optic is going to put the optic too high to be of any use. The add-on carry handle slots are too narrow to fit your hand in to use for "carrying", so it is useless for that, as well. My oldest son spec'd his out with a carry handle, because he thought it looked cool, so his sports one. So, practically, it doesn't work, but, aesthetically, if you like it, and intend to stick with irons, go for it. Nevertheless, if you already have a good folding rear sight, you never have to remove it to explore other options, either.

 

[BrocLuno]

What front sight/gas block do you have?

 

[The Kershaw]

Yea, I probably shouldn't. I can't put anymore money on this credit card ;.;

Besides, the BUIS I have on is fine. It is all about the aesthetics. I don't think I put 100 rounds down range today and I'm already trying to add stuff.

What front sight/gas block do you have?

The standard marked FSB. Looks just like the one on a traditional M4.

 

[badkarmamib]

I don't think I put 100 rounds down range today and I'm already trying to add stuff

Didn't anybody ever tell you that that's what AR's are all about? Seriously, you will change a lot of whatever you have now. My advice: decide what purpose your rifle will serve, modify as needed to fit that role, and DO NOT toss anything that you might go back to, or incorporate into a future build. Oh, wait. You'll only ever have one AR...

 

[The Kershaw]

This rifle will be for targets, and maybe 3-guns if I ever get a wild hair.

Also for fighting in the impending civil war.

 

[md7]

This rifle will be for targets, and maybe 3-guns if I ever get a wild hair.

Also for fighting in the impending civil war.

Targets, 3 gun, and impending doom.....

Here's my two cents. Keep the mbus, add an aimpoint pro, get yourself a quick adjust 2 point sling, and a weapon light. You can substitute an lpvo optic like a leupold vxr patrol 1-4 if you if you don't want an rds.

There's very little that setup couldn't do reasonably well within the limits of the 5.56 round and for your stated purposes.

Oh, one more thing. Buy some good mags and some ammo. It's a lot of fun, enjoy.

 

[LoonWulf]

Why do i get the feeling im the only ar owner with just 1 mag? Lol

I agree id stick with the flip ups and add a red dot or low power variable scope as money allows.

 

[The Kershaw]

Targets, 3 gun, and impending doom.....

Here's my two cents. Keep the mbus, add an aimpoint pro, get yourself a quick adjust 2 point sling, and a weapon light. You can substitute an lpvo optic like a leupold vxr patrol 1-4 if you if you don't want an rds.

There's very little that setup couldn't do reasonably well within the limits of the 5.56 round and for your stated purposes.

Oh, one more thing. Buy some good mags and some ammo. It's a lot of fun, enjoy.

Yikes. $400 is a bit too much for my budget.

 

[badkarmamib]

Yikes. $400 is a bit too much for my budget.

For a red dot, the Vortex StrikeFire is a good option for half the price. I have the discontinued 1st gen, but I would expect the StrikeFire 2 to be just as good, and comes with an unconditional, lifetime warranty. I have also heard good things about the Bushnell TRS25, and is under $100. If you are not heading to Afghanistan next week, either should serve you well.

 

[The Kershaw]

Maybe I'll see if an M68 CCO will fall off a truck

e: Oh look, Amazon has the Strike Fire II for less than $200.

 

[LoonWulf]

I have the trs25, it was on my .458 till i switched for a scope. Held up well, and i like it.

 

[hdwhit]

The Kershaw wrote:
Should I pick it up, or should I stick with my MAGPUL BUIS and scrimp for a nice red dot?

I have a S&W M&P-15 that came with Magpul BUIS (actually BUPS - Back-Up Polymer Sights) that I could not get to work right for me. I have optical and electronic sights on some of my other guns, but I want this rifle sighted-in and ready for the day when the last boat bringing CR-2032 coin cells is lying on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and all the battery-powered optics become worthless.

I put a carrying handle/rear sight on the rifle and within 15 rounds had it cutting the bullseye of targets at 100 meters.

The only thing I don't like about the handle is that it's bolted on and not integral to the upper reciever.

 

[hdwhit]

Badkarmamib wrote:
The add-on carry handle slots are too narrow to fit your hand in to use for "carrying", so it is useless for that, as well.

I guess I must have "Donald Trump" hands becuase the carry handle fits my hand perfectly. Still, I do find I often handle the rifle casually with my thumb through the front of the carrying handle and my fingers around the front of the magazine well since this seems to be a natural balance point.

 

[LoonWulf]

I tend to carry my ar by its scope....go figgure