AR-15 Optics and Lower Receiver Legality

[7.62mm.ak47]

Hey guys. The only thing I have left to buy is the lower for my AR. I live in Ohio but am in Michigan for college. I know I can buy rifles out of state but the gun store worker didn't know if I could order just a lower to the store since it could be used as a pistol. I have to wait until the manager comes back form a hunting trip. Does anyone know if I can buy it here or will I have to go home?

Secondly, can anyone recommend a budget scope for a carbine length rifle? $100-$150 preferably. Any low end bang for buck ones? Thanks!

 

[dogtown tom]

7.62mm.ak47 Hey guys. The only thing I have left to buy is the lower for my AR. I live in Ohio but am in Michigan for college. I know I can buy rifles out of state but the gun store worker didn't know if I could order just a lower to the store since it could be used as a pistol. I have to wait until the manager comes back form a hunting trip. Does anyone know if I can buy it here or will I have to go home?

The fact that it could be made into a pistol has no bearing.

ATF regulations say an AR lower is an "Other Firearm"....meaning it is a firearm that is neither a rifle, shotgun or handgun.

Federal law prohibits dealers from transferring anything other than a rifle or shotgun to those under age 21 or to nonresidents.

It is possible that you meet the ATF residency requirements while you are living in Michigan and could purchase ANY firearm if you can provide documentation.

See the instructions to Question 13 (page 5/6):
http://www.atf.gov/forms/download/atf-f-4473-1.pdf

 

[7.62mm.ak47]

Hmm... so it looks like I'll have to go home to pick up the lower then. Alright, thanks for your help Tom.

 

[mshootnit]

weaver scopes are awesome in that price range. So are the new Redfield scopes.

 

[Davek1977]

I second the recommendation for the Redfield scopes. I just bought a 2x7x33 for my AR carbine, and absolutely love it. I cant imagine getting a much better scope for the price.

 

[Jeff H]

I second the recommendation for the Redfield scopes. I just bought a 2x7x33 for my AR carbine, and absolutely love it. I cant imagine getting a much better scope for the price.

+2
I have a 4x12x40 on mine and I love it. The price is right for a good scope.

 

[gotigers]

Buy a lower back home or buy a complete lower with a rifle stock.

I like Weaver scopes in that price range. Good, clear glass that are well built. I use a Weaver Classic V 1-3x for 3 gun. It is perfect for fast shooting 300 yards and in. I have it mounted on a Burris PEPR.

The scope is usually under $200 at MidwayUSA. The mount is around $70.

 

[Tirod]

I've been a red dot fan since the '70s. Don't eliminate it if deer hunting in edge woodlands is the game. You don't really get 200 yard shots much, and setting up 40-60 yards off a known trail is about max.

 

[hardluk1]

If your upper is a flat top look to RRA for the scope mount,. It gives you the right amount of raise for a natural site picture and just feels right. Great price, well made mount and offers enough forward set for a larger scopes. And the Redfeild 2-7 scope is a good buy for hunting out to a couple hundred yards with a retail price of 149.00.

 

[karlb]

+3. I have a Redfield 2-7 in a RRA mount. I love it.

 

[kfgk14]

For glass with magnification, the most affordable scope I'd bet anything on is the Vortex Viper PST line, around the $500-600 range. For non-magnified, Vortex's Strikefire and SPARC optics aren't particularly expensive and work quite well. If it's just a bench gun, any piece of Nikon/Leupold/etc. glass off your local gun store's shelves will do.

 

[dogtown tom]

gotigers Buy a lower back home or buy a complete lower with a rifle stock.

Nope.
Not considered a rifle unless it has BOTH a stock AND barrel attached.

A complete lower with a buttstock is still an Other Firearm (which means the dealer can only sell/transfer it to a 21yr old resident of his state)

 

[7.62mm.ak47]

Those Redfield scopes are pretty nice looking! Any recommendations on a red dot?

@dogtown_tom - I already have the stock I want. I just need the lower with buffer tube.
http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/spider-bullet-lower-w-standard-kit-no-stock-p-588.html

 

[hirundo82]

Nope.
Not considered a rifle unless it has BOTH a stock AND barrel attached.

A complete lower with a buttstock is still an Other Firearm (which means the dealer can only sell/transfer it to a 21yr old resident of his state)

Do you have a cite for this? If it has a buttstock it is pretty obviously designed to be fired from the shoulder, which makes it a rifle.

 

[MistWolf]

...can anyone recommend a budget scope for a carbine length rifle? $100-$150 preferably. Any low end bang for buck ones? Thanks!

You might find a good older used Leupold, but any new scope in that price range is going to be cheap and a complete waste of money. Problems will include fragile parts, poor optics, poor light transmission, erratic tracking and eye strain. It would be better to take your $150 and invest in iron sights and shoot them until you can save up for a scope worth spending your hard earned cash on. I learned this lesson the hard way after saving up my allowance for a long time for a new scope as a kid. I was quickly disappointed in it's quality. I couldn't get rid of it fast enough and ended up doing what I should have in the first place- buying a used Leupold

 

[Davek1977]

You might find a good older used Leupold, but any new scope in that price range is going to be cheap and a complete waste of money

Not true...the redfiield revolution line is MADE by Leupold, carries the sameno nonsense lifetime guarantee and everything. In fact most people claim the revolution line is nothing more than a rebranded VX-1 for less money. I'm quite happy with mine,and would hardly call it a waste of money

 

[MistWolf]

The new Redfield MIGHT be an exception. As good as the Redfields have been down through the years, personally I like the optics of the Leupold better. The only optics I like as well as or better than the Leupold are more expensive.

How well someone likes a particular optic is a personal choice. Overall however, I find optics in the $150 range a waste of time because eye strain comes on quick

 

[hardluk1]

mistywolf Who do you think owns redfeild now. Leupold. Not a thang wrong with them. If would look thru any of them in a store you learn nothing at all. take haveing one outdoors at dusk and high noon to see any difference.