AR 15 Scope Ring Height Question

[SwampWolf]

I am new to Ar 15s and I've always wondered why people seem to favor high rings when mounting a scope on a flattop. I've always tried to mount scopes on my "traditional" rifles as low as I can get them. Are high rings needed on a flattop so as to give clearance for a "buis" or to avoid having a fixed front sight interfere with a scope image? Or are higher rings needed to insure a proper cheek-to-stock weld? Or is there something else I'm missing (I realize higher rings are needed on any firearm to accomodate commensurately larger scope bell housings)?

Thanks for all inputs/opinion/advice.

 

[Spyvie]

Don't want to hijack this thread but I'm in the same boat and have the same questions.

Are high rings needed on a flattop so as to give clearance for a "buis" or to avoid having a fixed front sight interfere with a scope image?

I've seen numerous pics of flat tops with scopes where the front sight is obviously in line with the scope, does this interfere with the image?

 

[Chupacabra]

I've seen numerous pics of flat tops with scopes where the front sight is obviously in line with the scope, does this interfere with the image?

What you guys are talking about is called "co-witnessing."

Absolute co-witness is when the red dot and the iron sights line up. Some people like it, some don't. If you want your sight mounted low, but don't want the irons in the way, invest in a set of nice folding sights.

When you see sights mounted a little high, they are probably in a 1/3 co-witness. That means the irons will be visible in the lower third of the sight picture, and won't interfere with the red dot. This is probably a good choice if you have a fixed A2 front sight.

 

[mc223]

There is also the issue of proper cheek weld. If the rings are too low it will put the butt stock over your shoulder.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

Most folks can't get their head down far enough on an AR without high rings.
It's the straight stock design and all.

Note where the sight line is on a carry handle model.
That's where you want your cross-hairs to be on a flat-top.

rcmodel

 

[DnPRK]

Unlike traditional hunting rifles, AR-15 has a butt stock that is straight lined from the action. To get proper cheek weld, you need a tall sight or scope mount. For me, the optimum is 1.5" above the rail to the center of the scope.

 

[BBroadside]

Chupacabra said: "Absolute co-witness is when the red dot and the iron sights line up. Some people like it..."

Does this only apply to red dots, presumably because they're (usually) non-magnifying? I've often wondered what the front sight would look like on a telescopic sight picture.

Times have sure changed from the "Delta HBAR" days when scopes were mounted on top of the (presumably non-removable) carry handle.

With the modified buttstock, I suppose the cheek weld wouldn't be much of a problem, but I gather the best shooters aren't too keen on the scope being so far from the barrel (that may only apply to higher-recoil weapons though?)

 

[Rembrandt]

I prefer rings as low as possible....but when using BUIS and a scope the higher rings are the only way to go. Rings are Warne 1" high quick detach.




When BUIS are not an issue, this is how I like to see the scope....low to the receiver.