mounting a reflex sight on ar15 with carry handle

[csd4682]

So I have an ar15 with carry handle, and was thinking about getting a holo/reflex sight such as the eotech 552, everywhere I look, it shows the scope mounted on a rail that comes off the front of the carry handle, and just above the forward hand guard. Does this type of scope have to be mounted low and forward like that, or can I use a standard mount that goes on top of the carry handle?

 

[B.D. Turner]

You can buy a mount to fit your carry handle. I bought one a couple of weeks ago for $9

 

[BOSS302]

There are 2 choices when it comes to mounting optics w/ a carry handle..

Option A
Just an Example: http://www.mapartsinc.com/productsDetail.asp?id=1233

Option B
Just an Example: http://www.tacticalgears.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=110

 

[ArmedBear]

BTW if you try one with the sight mounted in front of the carry handle, you might like it.

I tried it, and I liked it. I was surprised.

 

[csd4682]

I have found both types of mounts, I just wander if you can use the reflex/ holo sight on the standard mount that just mounts to the top. Every picture i've seen has shown the other type, where the scope is much lower, and to the front, and I dont know if there is a reason for this, such as not being able to sight the scope in properly with it up so high.

 

[briansmithwins]

Having the sight height too high over the bore increases the offset, which is bad. It also requires you to lose your cheek weld with the stock which is also bad. The low, forward mounts reduce the offset and let you keep the same cheek welk you use for the iron sights.

I'm not aware of any disadvantage to the low, forward type mounts. BSW

 

[ArmedBear]

I dont know if there is a reason for this, such as not being able to sight the scope in properly with it up so high.

That's not the reason, but there are two other reasons for it.

1. "Co-witnessing" where you can look through the sights and the red dot at the same time. This is a standard configuration, used also with smaller rear sights and reflex sights on flattops. (You can also look above the sights and see plenty of the FOV of the reflex sight, generally, if you don't want to use the iron sights for a particular shot.)

2. Cheek weld. A really high scope requires you to raise your head higher over the buttstock comb. This can reduce practical accuracy at rifle distances, however, it can also be an advantage, depending on the stock configuration and how you want to use the gun. If you use it at close range, you might want a short buttstock, with the gun tucked close to you. In that case, a higher sight might be better for you.

 

[fredfellini]

csd:

I've tried optics mounted just about everywhich way and all types. Here's my .02:

With the Eotech/reflex type scope low and forward, i.e. scout style, for me it's both eyes open and it's really fastest.

With the scope on top of the carry handle, you sightline is high above the bore, which prevents an optimal cheekweld. For me it's a bit slower on long shots with a slight loss of accuracy.

I've also done a midrange variable optic 3-9 type mounted on rings on the rail with a J Point reddot setup on top of the scope tube - the best of both worlds.