AR-15 Flattop for defense??? HELP!

[Logistar]

I have differing opinions of fixed handle or removeable handle when it comes to my first AR-15 purchase. Generally, the guys on AR-15.com say FLAT TOP! However, a close friend says not to go that way. Here is what I am looking for:

1. I WILL be using a scope to plink at the range. Therefore a flattop sounds good. The scope will be closer to the bore and it should be more comfortable to shoot (vs raising my head to get to the scope).

2. I want this rifle available as a SHTF defensive weapon. Specifically, I would like to use it out to about 150 yards, then, if things got rough I might need it at very close range. (say, 20 yards or less) Here, I am thinking that iron sights would be better for fast target acquisition.

Options?

A. Get the flattop. Use the scope for plinking or varmits. If SHTF, quickly remove scope and mount handle. (Use iron sights exclusively for defense.)

B. Get the flattop. Buy 2 scopes. Remove handle and install scope #1 for plinking/varmit. Mount second scope on detachable carry handle. Use this for SHTF - Scope for long shot... iron sights (visable under scope) for quick short range shots.

C. Get an A2. Mount the scope on the handle. Just "get used to it". This might be the best answer. I just hate scopes that are far away from the bore.

What do you guys think? Will I loose zero if I exchange "tops"? Would a flattop (handle included) be just as stable as a fixed handle? If so, I would buy the flattop regardless of how I'd use it.

Thanks!

Logistar

 

[Kaylee]

I had an AR once, and it was A2 type. Nice, sturdy... not terribly versatile. I sold it some time back, mostly 'cause it seemed too heavy to me for a little 16" .223 carbine. I'm sure I'll replace it at some point, likely with a raised flat top V-match type, for just the reasons you stated.

Another option might be a red dot and a "real" scope, each with a set of QRW rings on 'em... leave the red dot on normally, and swap it out for the longer range scope when you go out to use it for longer ranges. Of course... that kinda kills you for service rifle competition I guess.

-K

 

[444]

One thing to remember about mounting a scope on an AR. The stock come straight back. I don't know the correct term for the top of the stock, but the top of an AR stock is flat. You can't mount a scope all that low over the bore unless you are willing to turn your head sideways to see out of it.

If you are going to want to use a scope or other optical sight and iron sights, the only way to go is a flat top. In fact, I would recommend a flat top to anyone thinking about an AR. If you don't want to use the rail, the iron sights are bascially the same as any other AR. If you do want to use the rail, you have it without using some crazy mounting scheme.

After trying several optoins, I find the Aimpoint ML2 to be my best all around option. It is much faster than iron sights on close-in stuff. Even at longer ranges I find that I shoot better with the dot than I do with the irons. I have back up iron sights (BUIS) that I can use with the ML2 whether the ML2 is on or off. The BUIS are fully as good as the ones on a carry handle. My rifle has the standard AR15 front site and front sight tower. You can use the dot sight and never notice the front sight tower. The rear BUIS is mounted on the back end of the rail. It flips down if you want it out of the way, and when flipped up, it locks into place. It is fully adjustable and has two apetures just like the sights on a carry handle. I have used my dot sight with the BUIS both up, and I never even noticed them. If you are using the dot sight correctly, you have both eyes open and the dot appears to be on the target. The dot sight gives you the advantage of a scope in that there is nothing to align, and everything appears to be on the same focal plain.

One thing to remember is that with the rail, you can mount or dismount all kinds of different options at will. My ML2 can be off the rifle in seconds. For that matter, my BUIS can bee off the rifle in seconds. I could switch out to a scope in probably thirty seconds.

 

[tommytrauma]

You can always put a flip up rear sight on a flat top, so you don't have to mount the handle to have iron sights.

 

[Art Eatman]

Hey, look: If things get bad enough that an SHTF situation is even remotely possible, I'd sure hope you're smart enough to see it coming. That's one of the reasons to pay attention to local, national and international events, and play that ancient game called, "What does it mean?" or "What if...?"

Heck, even the signs of the LA Riots were obvious, a day or so ahead. Any other sort of deal would probably develop over weeks or even months!

IOW, I really don't understand the problem.

Art

 

[Mr. Chitlin]

I use your option "A"

A. Get the flattop. Use the scope for plinking or varmits. If SHTF, quickly remove scope and mount handle. (Use iron sights exclusively for defense.)

 

[Logistar]

Again, you guys come through!

Looks like a Bushmaster A3. (20in barrel - NO muzzle brake)

Removeable handle it is. I really hadn't thought much about a Red Dot scope but that really makes a lot of sense. I had also forgotten about the "flip-up" sight.

I am straight now. I just need to go buy the darned thing so I can start saving up money (again) for all those accessories!

Many thanks guys. That really, really helped! This is too large a purchase to "guess at". I feel a lot better now!

(I must not be too crazy if Mr. Chitlin agrees with one of my ideas.)

Logistar!

 

[chiz45]

4x scope..AND built in back up iron sights!

http://www.cmmginc.com/cmmg_images/tbl_images/optics_images/ACOG_Mounted.jpg

 

[Badger Arms]

Well, one thing you can do is compromise between flattop with riser and/or flip-up sights. The advantage to the Rock River Arms system is that you have both a flat-top and battle sights already installed and ready. With see-through weaver mounts, you have both at the same time without funky mounts or non-standard fold-down sights.

 

[jem375]

Wilson makes a really good system that fits on a weaver base....check out the website.......you don't have to take the scope off to use the open sights.........

 

[CWL]

If you add a red dot system, you'll soon find that not only is it the fastest sight system for CQB, but it'll let you accurately reach out & hit up to 200-300 yards very speedily as well.

 

[lostdog]

red-dot

Get an ATN ultra sight. It is a very good ar-sight. If you don't know what it is then e-mail "cohiba" they run about $220 and are made out of cast alum. I have one on a steyr and love it.