Short Scope for AR

[JonB]

Here's what I am thinking. Since I have the RRA Elite CAR A4, it comes with something RRA calls a 'Tactical Carry Handle.' I'm not sure how this thing is a handle in any way, but that's ok. Picture here.
It has the A2 rear sight included.

I want to mount a 'short' scope to it in front of the sights. Scope would be on a quick detach mount of some sort so I can easily take it off and use the iron sights for shorter ranges. The scope I am thinking of is this one. It has up 3.75" to 5" eye relief so I could mount it in front of the sight and hopefully it would still be useful - kind of a scout method.

I did a search for AR15 scope on Google and found dozens of short scopes for AR15's anywhere from $39 - to around $79. While those would most likely do the trick, not sure how great the quality is.

I looked at red dot-types, but would like something with magnification for longer distances. I suspect even a fixed 4x or 5x would do the trick too.

Any thoughts on how well this set up would work? Better ideas?

 

[JonB]

Up to 100 yards I am fine with iron sights - but 200 I doubt I could see the target all that well. My eyesight isn't the best - hence something with magnification would be needed.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

The "Tactical" carry handle was designed for one optic basically - an Aimpoint. That (or an Aimpoint clone) is about the only optic that will fit well there. If I wanted to mount a scope, I would probably just remove the carry handle entirely and use a return-to-zero scope mount. When you want to use irons again, remove and replace the scope with the carry handle.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Don't spend $40-80 on an optic for your AR. It's a waste unless you're willing to put up more cash. Cheap optics don't work well, and they don't work long either...

 

[AK103K]

I have a Leupold 1.5x5 on a ARMS lever mount on my Armalite. Its mounted directly to the flat top. Works great and will repeat zero if R&R.

If you feel you really need to have the BUIS, I'd put an Aimpoint on it like it shows in the pic.

Either way, I doubt you'll ever really use the irons once you use the scope or red dot. I have an Aimpoint with BUIS on another rifle, and other than zeroing, and occasionally verifying the zero, never shoot with them.

 

[browningguy]

I've used this Bushnell on a .223 and a .308, they seem to hold up pretty well (4 years on the .308, 2 on the .223). Optics aren't Zeiss quality of course but decent enough.

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/711545/bushnell_1.5-4.5x32_banner_dusk_dawn_shotgun_scope.htm

 

[boerseun]

Flip up irons and a nice leupold or aimpoint would do nicely.

I understand the issue of 200 yard shots. I'm not a scope fan, but I just can't see good enough for those 200 yard shots anymore.

 

[JonB]

The "Tactical" carry handle was designed for one optic basically - an Aimpoint. That (or an Aimpoint clone) is about the only optic that will fit well there.

Exactly what RRA told me this afternoon. I talked to one of the 'techs' and he said it was designed for an Aimpoint and not a regular scope. Regular scope would have to be mounted pretty high to clear the sights and not sure how that would work since you generally want the scope close to the barrel.

So I think I'll go with that - get a decent scope with a quick-detach, return to zero mount and just swap them. I like the idea of shooting with irons - more of a challenge I think. But for some serious stuff, I like a scope for 200-300 yrd.

Thanks !

 

[AK103K]

I've never used to be a real fan of scopes either, especially on this type of rifle. But these days, with my eyes not what they once were, I've become a big fan of red dots and low power scopes.

For anything out to 200 yards, the red dot is the way to go, and especially for quick shooting 100 and in. Its so fast and simple to use, just put the dot where you want the bullet to go and shoot, what could be easier. Plus its a 24/7 sight.

For a little more precision, the variable low power is the way to go. At 1.5x, you can use the scope almost like it were iron sights, and its easy to make fast closer shots. A quick flip on the knob, and see at longer range, for more precision shots.

If I had to choose between the two for a general use rifle, it would be the Aimpoint, hands down.