Need advice for mounting AR optics

[Snick91]

Hello everyone. I have recently had the privilege of putting together my fist AR-15. I already have enough carbines in my collection, so I opted for a 24" RRA Varminter upper and a RRA lower with a 2 stage NM trigger that I got a screaming deal on (free). The rifle is entirely complete, however I am having some trouble with mounting the optics. I have read so much contradicting information on the web that my head is spinning! In particular, I am unsure about what type of rings I should purchase. I've read everything from people saying that medium rings will get the job done (which I have a hard time believing), to people suggesting extra high rings (which apparently still aren't tall enough). Also, there are those who claim that if you aren't using one piece setups, you are compromising accuracy. Is this true? So if you have any advice, or can tell me what type of setup you are using, I would be very grateful. All I want to do is get this beauty fitted so I can take it out to the range.

 

[sarduy]

welcome to THR.

just get a scope and a low scope rings... that way the scope is closer to the bore...

 

[MCMXI]

Snick91, welcome and one word ... LaRue!! They're pricey but they're worth it, particularly if you want to run back up iron sights (BUIS). I have a couple of pairs of Leupold Mark 4 super high 30mm rings just collecting dust now ... one pair is steel the other is aluminum.

LaRue optics mounts.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

Get the LaRue LT-104 and be done. Save yourself the headache. You will waste money and time if you buy anything else first.

 

[shephard19]

Maybe you should learn to be content with good old iron sights, thats all you need in most civilian situations.

pax

 

[MCMXI]

Also, there are those who claim that if you aren't using one piece setups, you are compromising accuracy. Is this true? So if you have any advice, or can tell me what type of setup you are using

As Rubber_Duck said, get the QD LT-104 ... I have two ARs with that mount on them and it's the best mount I've ever used. It sounds like you already have a scope but if you don't, LaRue has a really good package deal consisting of a Burris XTR-14 scope with a QD LT-104 mount.

Maybe you should learn to be content with good old iron sights, thats all you need in most civilian situations.

Please send all future posts to THR via snail mail ... you obviously don't need a pc or email since millions of folks got by and continue to get by using the USPS to communicate!!

 

[jpcolt76]

It is not just about ring height with the AR! Its also just as important use a scope mount system that moves the scope forward more than just putting rings on the action rail will allow. I use a GG&G mount and medium HRT rings. Dont go cheap, you wont be happy! The AR is a great rifle to mount optics on but it still requires a plan of action.

 

[Dravur]

Originally Posted by shephard19
Maybe you should learn to be content with good old iron sights, thats all you need in most civilian situations.

Wow.... I re-read the original post to see where the OP said he was a moron when it came to fixed sights.... Can't seem to find it. He may be the greatest fixed sight user in the free world and part of Canada, but good thing you chimed in about it. Because, what we need here is for more people to NOT read what the OP wrote but to comment on things not even being discussed in the thread.

As to the mounting of optics... It really matters how big of a bell you have on your new scope. Since the AR is basically a straight rifle from the top, the bell of the scope really determines the height of the rings you will need. If you try and put a 50mm bell on with low rings, you are going to have a bad day. If your scope is just a 30mm tube, then you can probably mount it lower...

But, here is the other problem.... If you mount a scope too low, even if it fits, you may not be able to get your eyeball in line with it. It may be too low on the gun. Your cheek weld on the stock might be your eyeball and that isnt pleasant.

So, a +1 on the Larue mounts but ARMS and others make some nice things as well.

 

[c5_nc]

You don't always need a forward mount on a AR and they are light recoiling rifles. If you do need to move foward I would recommend SWFA's new SS Mount for $57. Its a private label Burris P.E.R.P mount. Unless you need quick detach there is nothing to gain with any other scope mount. You should check eye relief on your scope first to see if you need a forward mount. Its very likely standard rings will work. I mainly shoot 308 or 50bmg and would recommend good rings, but they are pretty reasonable to buy. The Burris XTR rings are pretty nice, SWFA has a private SS version of these also, for $32-37. I use these on a 50 BMG so I'm pretty sure they will work on a AR-15. Something like Weaver Grand Slam STEEL rings are more than enough for AR-15 if you are on a budget, they are like $18. You very well may need to add a canted mount to get maximum adjustment range for your AR. I like ~20moa bases. There are several options if you need this. If your scope/stock combo does not need a foward mount you can use Burris Signature Zee rings with the optional insert it (I use these on my DPMS 308 and the Falcon Menance scope does not require a forward mount to get proper eye relief). If you need to move forward you want to buy a EGW (20moa) or Badger Ordinance (22moa) base, you can extend with this and use standard rings.

 

[JohnBT]

"I re-read the original post to see where the OP said he was a moron when it came to fixed sights"

I don't see that anyone called him a moron. Speaking of reading the thread.

John

 

[Rokman]

I have recently used the Burris PEPR one piece unit (about $80.00) and found that it works great. I have also used the Burris extreme tactical extra high rings (about $45-50)on the exact same rifle and they work too. I also recommend checking out GG&G and Larue Tactical. They make some pretty good stuff, I just can't afford Larue right now.

 

[rino451]

High/X-high rings are recommended for two reasons: to maintain the same/similar cheek weld as using the iron sights OR to put the scope up high enough to remove the front sight from the field of view as much as possible. Other than that, there no reason you HAVE to use high or x-high rings. Don't dismiss the cheek weld issue, though. The buffer tube sits higher to the bore than most any other rifle out there that is intended to take a scope, which almost necessitates at least medium, if not high, rings.

Then there's the issue of eye relief. Many scopes are too long to mount on a flat top AR AND achieve proper eye relief just using the real estate on the railed upper. That's when one piece, cantilever mounts or offset rings come into play. This is 100% dependent on the scope you intent to mount and your positioning on the rifle, so it might help to ask others who had the same scope what they did or buy the scope first and then buy the mounts based on some experimentation. You can make darn near anything work with the AR platform.

Me, I like the Burris P.E.P.R. mount if I need cantilever or Burris Xtreme Tactical rings otherwise. For lightweight, traditional rings, I go with Talley ring mounts.

 

[Snick91]

Thank you so much for the advice, guys. You really cleared everything up for me. While I really like the looks and features of the LaRue, I have decided to go with the Burris P.E.P.R mount, as it is a little more cost efficient for me right now. Once again, thanks for everything. I'll try to get a picture up once everything is in order.

 

[rcmodel]

just get a scope and a low scope rings... that way the scope is closer to the bore...

That's completely totally wrong!

It's true on bolt-actions, but nobody can shoot an AR with low rings.

Your head & neck ain't made that way!

If you ever looked at an AR, you might have noticed the carry handle mounted sight 2 1/2" above the bore line.

That's where the optic has to go to see through it.

rc