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Please, bare with me here.. (A2 optic/sight opinions)

3K views 26 replies 10 participants last post by  reverendg 
#1 · (Edited)
Gun Firearm Rifle Trigger Airsoft gun
Alright yall, before I get torn to shreds about the rds mounted on the rail.. that is not how I actually run this rifle or intend to lol. Its on there only temporary for the purpose of this post. Also no that is not paracord on the grip and sling, it is just some polypropylene braided rope that I tame into a nice grip/feel over time. If it ruined your day im sorry but its something that my father showed me when I was young and since then I have always done it (except pistols ofc). Anyways I am pretty stumped on how I want to mount an optic on this A2.. I have a carry handle pic adapter that sits in the handle but Im just not really fond of having the optic sitting up there like that.. it just feels awkward and uncomfortable for me. I would rather have some type of mount or something that can sit it down as closest to the deck as I can get it while still clearing the handle.. which leads to why Its on my hand rail in the picture.. basically where it sits in the photo is where I would want it to be. Nice and low and just barely clears the handle enough to get a full sight picture. It also gives me an absolute co-witness with my irons. I saw some z-type carry handle mounts that im thinking is going to be my best bet.. but im not sure just yet. Any suggestions/opinions? I also am not strictly set on only using a rds so all feedback is welcome!!
 
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#4 ·
Can't speak for the OP, but my A1 was just a fun retro build. I would say I don't use the carry handle at all (esp. with scope on top).

I like the OP's setup with dot sight and co-witness. He can still tote the rifle with carry handle
 
#6 ·
View attachment 156744 Alright yall, before I get torn to shreds about the rds mounted on the rail.. that is not how I actually run this rifle or intend to lol. Its on there only temporary for the purpose of this post. Also no that is not paracord on the grip and sling, it is just some polypropylene braided rope that I tame into a nice grip/feel over time. If it ruined your day im sorry but its something that my father showed me when I was young and since then I have always done it (except pistols ofc). Anyways I am pretty stumped on how I want to mount an optic on this A2.. I have a carry handle pic adapter that sits in the handle but Im just not really fond of having the optic sitting up there like that.. it just feels awkward and uncomfortable for me. I would rather have some type of mount or something that can sit it down as closest to the deck as I can get it while still clearing the handle.. which leads to why Its on my hand rail in the picture.. basically where it sits in the photo is where I would want it to be. Nice and low and just barely clears the handle enough to get a full sight picture. It also gives me an absolute co-witness with my irons. I saw some z-type carry handle mounts that im thinking is going to be my best bet.. but im not sure just yet. Any suggestions/opinions? I also am not strictly set on only using a rds so all feedback is welcome!!
I say if it works, it works.
Depending on the maximum eye relief on that red dot, I would move it further forward.
 
#7 ·
www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/3-22-9/image1585.jpg

Here's an image of how the Army and Air Force mounted the Aimpoint Comp M2 and Comp M4 red dots to the M16a2.

I don't know the part number for the thing, but you could probably find it in an old M16 TM.

I just got rid of one the other day, I honestly thought about offering on G and G, but that's a great way to loose my job, so to DRMO or the dump they go.
 
#8 ·
If it works for ya that's great.

I've attempted carry handle mounts with adapters; none of them have worked out very well. Nor has trying to mount an RMR on a rail on top of a mini-14 (with adapter). All of them have been usable (with the mini it was accurate enough when moving but I felt like I was sitting 'on top' of the rifle and after training with it figured out it didn't work out like I thought it would).

My solution was to get a different upper which allows the optic I want to be mounted. I think this is the best solution--a dedicated and compatible upper with the optic, sling, and setup you want. There's nothing wrong with having a carry handle upper with irons and a flat upper with an optic (in fact is one of the great versatilities of the AR platform). There is significant collateral cost (in ammo and time--although it's fun) in re-zeroing an upper so switching stuff around on an upper isn't 'free.'

The reason why the carry handle optics haven't worked out well is the scope sat too high above the bore axis. It required mental gymnastics to account for the exaggerated height above bore given trajectory (which you CAN do given a ballistics program). Obviously I couldn't get a decent cheek weld; this wasn't a problem for shorter range shooting but as range went up was.

I've had many projects (like holsters) that have 'failed.' I don't wallow in this because eventually I've learned a solution which works and have this to this very day. I look at it as an education--far cheaper than those idiots with expensive paper on the wall who actually have negative social value.

But it's better to learn from others' mistakes and not to make the same mistakes twice.
 
#9 ·
View attachment 156744 Alright yall, before I get torn to shreds about the rds mounted on the rail.. that is not how I actually run this rifle or intend to lol. !!
This is apparently not your first forum experience?
Hope it works out better for you here if so.

I agree with the upper swap idea. I know it’s a cost. If I had an A1 or A2 I’d just have to own it, bad eyes and all, lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Gun and Game mobile app
 
#10 ·
Your rifle, your way... is my motto. I think yours looks good.

Here's what the carry handle scope looks like on my A1. Yes, it's a bit high and odd feeling compared to my flattop ARs.

View attachment 156754
Good looking A1 there sir! looks like Brownells retro or maybe a barska you got ontop? Ive got nothing against top of the handle mounts Its just a little bit too awkward feeling for me
 
#16 ·
Parts for the retro build were from Brownells, yes. The scope is a Colt "knock off" retro look, also from Brownells as well (made in Japan) and has "retro" written in a font to look like "colt" and has yellow inspection sticker... To mimic the colt inspection stickers
 
#11 ·
Just a question and nothing more: How much do you actually use, or need, the carry handle?

I am NOT an expert on the matter but I would think it would get in the way more than it helps. Particularly if the opening for the hand is partially blocked with optic mounting hardware.
I really dont use the handle all that much but theres been a time or two that I can remember being grateful for the handle.. but those are rare circumstances lol. A good deal is really the only reason I have an A2 upper, but after having it for awhile it somewhat grows on you ..
 
#12 ·
www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/3-22-9/image1585.jpg

Here's an image of how the Army and Air Force mounted the Aimpoint Comp M2 and Comp M4 red dots to the M16a2.

I don't know the part number for the thing, but you could probably find it in an old M16 TM.

I just got rid of one the other day, I honestly thought about offering on G and G, but that's a great way to loose my job, so to DRMO or the dump they go.
Ahh yes I believe these are the "z-type" mounts I was looking into. Basically lets me keep the same set up I have but gets the RD off the handgaurd. I think ill be ordering. Thanks mate!
 
#14 ·
This is apparently not your first forum experience?
Hope it works out better for you here if so.

I agree with the upper swap idea. I know it’s a cost. If I had an A1 or A2 I’d just have to own it, bad eyes and all, lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Gun and Game mobile app
Eh ive tested the waters a bit with some of the "popular" forum sites but it seemed as I ended up with a headache instead of useful feedback or even a good conversation. Only so much I can take lol! But yes Im realizing myself that an A2 with irons is intended to be an A2 with irons.. I think I might just flip the script and turn this into a retro build
 
#19 ·
Thanks for the feedback yall. Ive narrowed it down to two reasonable solutions: Either I swap out the A2 upper out for a flat top OR I could retro this thing out as a proper A2 rifle with just the irons, bayo lug and all that. Im leaning on the second choice because I was planning on doing another build anyways. I could use the parts I take off this A2 while "retro-ing" it out and use them for a more modern flat top build. I will probably be eating ramen noodles for awhile but having both a retro A2 and a more modern "tactical" build will be worth it. I hope lol
 
#20 ·
Well, here is my thought. Not answering your question actually, but there is nothing wrong with having more than one, keep this one simple, add a light and keep it as is, use it as a defensive gun, plinker, and range gun. You do not need a scope to answer the door at night, nor do you need one when camping, yet they provide a great deal of comfort.

Then get a second flat top and set up the optics any way you want. I have them with no optics, one with the little 3 x 9 x 40 illuminated AR scopes and one with a 3 x 9 x 40 hunting scope The two with scopes have the quick detach mounts. My take is everybody needs 2 ARs and one with just irons is just fine. Funny I carried the M16 for years, and the only optics were on the front side of my face. I qualified with those things with open sights, expert every time, out to 350 meters, over 20 years. If I can do it anybody can. If you can shoot it well, just enjoy it as is and do not worry about additional optics. And who cares what it looks like, if it works for you. Just my 2 cents. Enjoy the gun.

Oh yea, I buy paracord in the 1,000 foot roll I put it on slings also, keeps them from slipping off the shoulder. Whatever works.
 
#24 ·
Welp ima get this rds off of here and just run the irons. Everything Im leaving as is, I really have put a lot of time into sprucing this rifle up and im sorry.. but shes lookin real sexy I must say. Should be a good time though its been awhile since Ive used only irons and im ready View attachment 157022 to see if I still got it
Unless you are shooting prairie dogs, there is absolutely zero wrong with that gun. And with 30 round mags, prairie dogs are at risk. The less stuff you have on a gun, the easier it goes around corners and through thick brush. I learned early that a rifle or shotgun in a patrol car can hang up on radio cords, seat belts, and lots of stuff when you are trying to get it out in a hurry. So, I have some loaded up ARs and some with nothing but a light. That's just me. Just shoot it and report back. I have also found the secret to accuracy with peep sights and older eyes, just use bigger apperatures and bigger targets.
 
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