AR15 optics

[Guest Longshot1]

I apologize in advance to the moderator if this is not in the right place. Posted on Gear but that topic doesn't get many hits.

I have an AR15 w/16" barrel. Will use it for target and occasional coyote. First instinct was to trade for a 24" bull barrel rifle. Thought it might be better to put some optics on the AR and see what I could do with it. I can't hit jack with the iron sights. Would like to be able to hit at 200Yds as i see yotes at that range. Can't get much closer. Looked at Red Dots, EOtech, ACOGS and regular scope. My rifle has a fixed carry handle and I don't like the look of the longer scopes mounted up on the handle. Was wondering if the 1x of the Red Dot/EOTech's etc would be worth anything out over 100 yds. Adding a magnifier just adds length. So long story short, Trade gun and get a flat top with sniper scope? Or, what works best out of the other optics mentioned? Look forward to hearing back. My experience has been the comments on this site are backed by actual use.

[nightrunner]

if you like the tactical look go Eotech w/ magnifier or 4x ACOG, if go with a standard scope

regardless, IMO you should trade for a flattop, that much higher than the bore wouldnt work very good for a scope

[Smith]

I've really liked the Millet DMS-1. You've got the 1x dot/Eotech type reticle with the ability to go up to x4 and use like a traditional scope.

[Guest nosnos]

Upper Receiver Assembly - Flat Top

For just over a hundred bucks you could get a flat top upper and pay a gunsmith $50 or so to move over all your stuff from your current upper to the new upper. I can give you a name and number if you want.

Then you can get whatever optic you want, regardless of how it looks. A new upper would be pretty cheap, and I agree, optics mounted on top of a carry handle look LAME...

[Guest nosnos]

For the record, I'm guessing on a gunsmith price. I know a guy who'll work cheap!

[Guest Longshot1]

What about the 16" barrel? Would I be overloading it vs. it's intended use as a close quarter weapon? Just for the record I got it in a multi gun deal so I really didn't buy it intending on using it for longer targets. Lookd at a DPMS Panther, 24" SS Bull barrel w/Simmons 6.5x20x40. $1000. That wan't much under new but had the shiznit i was looking for. Any comments on quality of that Mfg.?

Edited March 2, 2010 by Longshot1

[broylz]

you can get stripped uppers for around $80 from Bravo Company USA. thats what i may do with my A2 carbine as well.

a 1x dot can be useful out to 200 yards with practice and training but thats just hitting a target, not a clean kill on a smaller animal.

the DMS from Millett is a good option. might work on the carry handle with a short rail section on top of the handle and low rings. still pretty high though.

also look into a gooseneck type mount that will attach to the carry handle but places a mount above the handguards for an aimpoint or other reddot.

why not shoot this upper as is and get a LR upper? 20-24" heavy barrel?

[Guest JHatmaker]

Sorry, had to move it. (I left a link from the Rifle Forum for 24 hours)

Regarding optics; I'm not sure what your budget is, but Nightforce and US Optics both make a variable power scope that combines the compactness of an EoTech or ACOG, but gives you 1-4x magnification. This way you can use it like a traditional scope when target shooting or set it to 1x for CQB type shooting.

Nightforce: COMPACT 1-4x24 NXS

US Optics: http://www.usoptics.com/product.php?partnumber=SN4-400

As far as the barrel, I think you'll be fine w/ a 16". Obviously a longer one will give you a bit more range, but unless you are really wanting a dedicated target/long distance rifle; just keep what you have.

Regarding DPMS; that's a fine choice

Edited March 3, 2010 by JHatmaker

[Smith]

Here's a really good deal on a "Counter Sniper 1-4" they were government contract over runs. Normally they are over $1k SG has them for $399. Counter Sniper 1 - 4x24 Tactical Scope, Scopes, Counter Sniper at Sportsman's Guide

[Guest Longshot1]

I will check out all the suggestions. I do think I will add the optics to see if I have what I need before jumping. JHatmaker I understand moving it but I wasn't getting many bites over here. Thanks for wading in.What did you think about the price on the DPMS? It wasn't the fluted barrel with the sniper grip. Just the 24" SS model. Best I could tell they sell for around $900 new w/o scope.

[Guest JHatmaker]

Here's a really good deal on a "Counter Sniper 1-4" they were government contract over runs. Normally they are over $1k SG has them for $399. Counter Sniper 1 - 4x24 Tactical Scope, Scopes, Counter Sniper at Sportsman's Guide

I've got a Counter Sniper 3-9x that I really enjoy; that's definately a good, reasonably priced option to look at.

[Guest JHatmaker]

I handled a Nightforce NXS 1-4x24 compact optic as well as Trijicon's AccuPoint 1-4x24 and was very impressed w/ both.

[broylz]

im glad to see that countersniper optic pic was mounted on a carry handle. was thinking it would be a bit tall and it is but it seems feasible.

[DaveTN]

What about the 16" barrel? Would I be overloading it vs. it's intended use as a close quarter weapon? Just for the record I got it in a multi gun deal so I really didn't buy it intending on using it for longer targets. Lookd at a DPMS Panther, 24" SS Bull barrel w/Simmons 6.5x20x40. $1000. That wan't much under new but had the shiznit i was looking for. Any comments on quality of that Mfg.?

Great. I have a DPMS Panther in .308 (LR-308 AP-4). I thought I wanted the 24" heavy barrel until Joe at Hero Gear put it in my hands and asked if I was sure that was what I wanted. I opted for the AP-4. For Long range application I went with a Remington 700 VLS in .308.

I think you would be better off just selling what you have and buy a flat top.