Optics for my new AR

[Guitargod1985]

I'm looking into getting an optic to mount on my new AR and I had a few questions for those of you who may have already gone through this

Just for the sake of visualization, here are a couple of pictures of the new AR.

As you can see, I have a flat top receiver and a quad rail setup. The front flip-up sight is on the top of the quad rail and the rear flip-up sight is mounted on the receiver's flat top rail.

My question is, supposing I were to get an EoTech Model 512/A65, would the sights flip down enough to where they would not interfere with the aiming reticle?

What about the Trijicon Docter?

Thanks.

 

[MMcfpd]

I don't have any flip up front sights, but my Eotech 512 cowitnesses with the FSB on a flattop. There are risers available, two suppliers thereof being LaRue and Yankee Hill.

I have no experience with the Trijicon Docter, but I do use a Burris FastFire/LaRue IronDot combo that cowitnesses perfectly with a standard FSB on a flattop.

Does your flip up front sight have the same heighth as a standard or F marked FSB?

 

[Guitargod1985]

I believe that my flip-up sight is shorter than a standard FSB because it isn't mounted on the barrel, but rather on the top rail. I have a Yankee Hill model. They make two different height front flip-up sights, of which mine is the shorter.

If it turns out that the optic I get cowitnesses, i suppose that would be even better than always having to flip the sights down in order to use it. I just don't want a total obstruction.

 

[ckay]

You should get a riser mount for the EOTech if you do not know for sure that your front BUIS is shorter than a post.

 

[W.E.G.]

Somebody please explain to me why this "co-witness" thing is supposed to be a good thing.

It annoys me to no end to see iron sights in the middle of my field of view when I'm trying to use a red-dot sight.

Not only that, I find the weapon equipped with a parallax-free red-dot sight (EOTECH) easier to operate on the run with the higher head position than one is forced to use when operating iron sights.

I use the Rock River riser/A2-sight.

It takes no more than 5 seconds to remove the EOTECH if I want to shoot iron sights.



...and its plenty accurate for what you'd ever need of a red-dot sight

 

[Guitargod1985]

W.E.G., that's a good point you make. On second thought, co-witnessing might not be such a great idea because the entire reason I want a red dot sight is for faster target aquisition.

 

[MMcfpd]

Cowitnessing is definitely a personal preference thing. Many people mount their Eotech or Aimpoint with enough riser to get a lower 1/3 cowitness. I personally can go either way with it; it only bugs me if the iron sight obscures the red dot's aiming point.

 

[Javelin]

I would personally with EO tech or (for what I do) I would put a MK IV scope on it with riser blocks.

To each their own though. That is a pretty sweet firearm set-up you all have.

 

[Guitargod1985]

How's this for a riser? It would allow me to actually have the flip up iron sights in the up position while using the Eotech 512/A65 or other optic on top.

 

[possum]

congrats on the ar and i would highly suggest the eo-tech, great optic and it wil serve you well. that is what i have on my personal ar! the flip up rear sight will be fine when it is fliped down. is that an arms buis? looks like it. great set up you have there.

 

[KC&97TA]

I'd like to sway you... GET AN AIM-POINT!

Unless you plan on Breaching Doors and shooting less than 25yrds under high stress... if you're just the "average everyday joe" with an AR, get a Comp 3 or Comp 4 Aimpoint. Yes I know they're a bit more money, but you'll be happier, trust me.

In my humble opinion the Aimpoint Comp 4 with a civilian price of $702, is alot of money, but it's the best thing on the market for shooting 0-300 meters. Comp 3's are about $375 and are the best 'value' on the market, cosmetics are different, batteries are different, but it's still a 30mm red dot optic.

 

[Andrewsky]

I disagree with WEG about co-witnessing. I think it's very valuable.

You don't really need optics, but if I were you and wanted optics I would definitely buy an Aimpoint CompM4.

I own a CompC3 and have been happy with it but I worry about battery availability years down the road, and the mounting system isn't all that great.

 

[possum]

You don't really need optics, but if I were you and wanted optics I would definitely buy an Aimpoint CompM4.

I own a CompC3 and have been happy with it but I worry about battery availability years down the road, and the mounting system isn't all that great.

why don't you need optics?
i prefer opitics, red dots i mean, they are quicker both on target and for follow up shots, and in my case with the 1moa dot on my eotech they allow for more precise shotting if necessary.
i was never fond of the idea of paying all that money for a red dot and then having to go out and get a mount. the eotechs come with a mount.

batteries are another deal breaker for me, i am in the army so batteries aren't a big deal, and they kast along time, but eventually they are gonna run out, hence another reason that i have an eo-tech, that uses "aa" batteries.

 

[AK-74me]

I disagree with WEG about co-witnessing. I think it's very valuable.

You don't really need optics, but if I were you and wanted optics I would definitely buy an Aimpoint CompM4.

I own a CompC3 and have been happy with it but I worry about battery availability years down the road, and the mounting system isn't all that great.

I personally don't like co-witnessing either although most people rave about it.

I agree that you don't need optics on the AR platform, unless of course you are profecient with the irons and want an optic or other type sight.

I have the exact same set up as the the OP and have a EOTech 512 mounted to the flat top. I ahve no issues what so ever with it.

with 50,000 hour battery life on Aimpoint's I wouldn't worry to much about future availability

 

[jpwilly]

I'd like to disagree with every one of you. For the average joe plinking with an AR a TRUGLO 30mm or 40mm Red Dot works just as well as those costing much more and for only $50. Mine is tough but not combat proven...who cares I will never see combat with it! I have one on my AK too. Just like the aimpoint or eotech the you see a red dot...place on target and squeeze the trigger...funny thing is that this rig shoots holes in everything just fine and it was $50 imagine that???

 

[possum]

I'd like to disagree with every one of you. For the average joe plinking with an AR a TRUGLO 30mm or 40mm Red Dot works just as well as those costing much more and for only $50. Mine is tough but not combat proven...who cares I will never see combat with it! I have one on my AK too. Just like the aimpoint or eotech the you see a red dot...place on target and squeeze the trigger...funny thing is that this rig shoots holes in everything just fine and it was $50 imagine that???

everythig is made for a purpose, same with red dots. i agree if you are a sunny day shooter, and you don' attend training and don't run your guns hard at training or in your own time then the cheaper models are just fine. but if i am ever to call on my ar for defense, or in a combat enviornment i want the best equipment to do the job, and i think no i know for those situations the aimpoint is a good option and the eotech is better. in a fight for my life i have enough thigs to worry about other than my red dot gong out on me.

 

[DougW]

We have 2 ML2 Aimpoints, a TA31 ACOG, and a 1.5X4.5 Nikkon Monarch mounted on 4 different AR rifles. The Aimpoints are the go to for short range (300 yards or less), but that ACOG and the Nikkon sure do work well! I have high respect for the Eotech as well. I tend to listen to people like possum or my soldier son who have actual desert/combat experience. The great thing about my son's unit is that he could choose from all 3 electronic sights, and he preferred the Aimpoint.

Interesting thing that my son's unit did was that many of the guys did not mount back up rear sights, preferring to use the Aimpoint like a huge peep sight. He said it worked fine for snap shooting at street range for him. Keep in mind he was not an infantry MOS, but he did his share of convoy escorting.

My opinion Guitargod1985 is to look around and let your use/budget be the determining factor. You have a very nice rifle there. Pretty much any of the sights mentioned will do you well!

 

[Guitargod1985]

Cool. Thanks for all the input everybody. I really appreciate it.

I've decided to go ahead and get the Eotech model this time around, and for my next rifle I will try out an Aimpoint.

Eventually I want to get a long range rifle and put a scope on it with the bullet drop compensator, but that'll be a year or so down the road.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

Somebody please explain to me why this "co-witness" thing is supposed to be a good thing.

It annoys me to no end to see iron sights in the middle of my field of view when I'm trying to use a red-dot sight.

Because only squares have one type of sight on their gun at one time.

 

[HorseSoldier]

My question is, supposing I were to get an EoTech Model 512/A65, would the sights flip down enough to where they would not interfere with the aiming reticle?

With an EOTech or other red dot options, 99% of people can learn to ignore the front sight entirely. If you shoot with both eyes open (as you should with a red dot) and do just a bit of practice you'll forget the front sight is present at all.

 

[Guitargod1985]

Just thought I'd let you all know that I scored an Eotech 512 for less than $300. It should be here in a few days and I'll post pics.

 

[possum]

Just thought I'd let you all know that I scored an Eotech 512 for less than $300. It should be here in a few days and I'll post pics.

very nice congrats, now get a bunch of batteries and go have fun with it.

 

[Kingcreek]

I use an EOTech 512 on my QCB rig. It gives me fast target aquisition and has been totally reliable. Mine gives me a lower 1/3 co-witness with the iron but I don't even see the front sight unless I look for it. Great set up. You'll love the 512 for anything inside 100 yards.
If somebody just wants a casual plinker then I can see using a cheapo electronic sight. maybe fine for some folks- but not for me.

 

[H2O MAN]

Short Dot

I love the EOTech, but I would like to try a S&B Short Dot.

This Colt is owned by USMC03

 

[BsChoy]

That is a sweet set up...i wish I had the gun and the S&B...the S&B appears to be non electric reticles is that the case?