volshooter
Buckeye
I have at least one, flat top upper. Does anyone have prefferences as to sights/optics?
Any AR fans?
- Thread starter volshooter
- Start date
exavid
Hunter
Currently I have only one, I sold my Stag model 4L and now only have the S&W M&P model 15. I have a small scope along with folding sights on it. Also a Slide Fire Stock. Really can eat up ammo with that. I also have a .300 Blackout barrel for it. It's a pain to switch between the 5.56 and the 7.62 barrels. Gotta re-sight each time. I'm planning on building up another upper for the .300 Blackout.
SIG SAUER
Sig Sauer 516 Piston 5.56mm/.223” cal., 16” Carbine
Manufactured April 2013
Magpul CTR locking stock
Magpul (MOE+) rubberized pistol grip
Magpul Angled Foregrip
Surefire Rail Covers
Yankee Hill Flash Hider Phantom 5C2
Magpul PMAG Gen. 2 Window magazines
BCM Gunfighter Ambidextrous Charging Handle
EOTech XPS-2
With its chrome-lined, phosphated, military grade barrel and adjustable, four-position gas regulator, the SIG 516 incorporates all of the most desirable mechanical improvements. Add to these a free-floating quad rail fore end and barrel, and you have a versatile AR-based rifle.
FEATURES
• Advanced pushrod gas piston operating system
• Four-position gas regulator
• Caliber: 5.56mm x 45mm NATO/.223”
• Free-floating military grade chrome lined barrel
• M1913 Picatinny flat top upper
• 7075-T6 Aircraft grade aluminum upper & lower receiver with hard coat anodize finish
• Flip-up adjustable, iron sights
Semi-Auto Operating System
Short stroke pushrod, Rotating Bolt
Overall Length: 35.7 in
Trigger Type: MIL-SPEC
Trigger Weight: 7.6 lbs
Flash Hider: Upgraded to Yankee Hill Tactical Phantom 5C2
Barrel Length: 16.0 in
Rifling: 1 in 7”
Number of Grooves: 6
Weight w/out Mag: 7.3 lbs
Mag Capacity: 30 Rounds
Mag Type: Upgraded to Magpul Gen. 2 Window PMAGS
Accessory Rail: Yes
Advanced pushrod gas system
Sig Sauer 516 Piston 5.56mm/.223” cal., 16” Carbine
Manufactured April 2013
Magpul CTR locking stock
Magpul (MOE+) rubberized pistol grip
Magpul Angled Foregrip
Surefire Rail Covers
Yankee Hill Flash Hider Phantom 5C2
Magpul PMAG Gen. 2 Window magazines
BCM Gunfighter Ambidextrous Charging Handle
EOTech XPS-2
With its chrome-lined, phosphated, military grade barrel and adjustable, four-position gas regulator, the SIG 516 incorporates all of the most desirable mechanical improvements. Add to these a free-floating quad rail fore end and barrel, and you have a versatile AR-based rifle.
FEATURES
• Advanced pushrod gas piston operating system
• Four-position gas regulator
• Caliber: 5.56mm x 45mm NATO/.223”
• Free-floating military grade chrome lined barrel
• M1913 Picatinny flat top upper
• 7075-T6 Aircraft grade aluminum upper & lower receiver with hard coat anodize finish
• Flip-up adjustable, iron sights
Semi-Auto Operating System
Short stroke pushrod, Rotating Bolt
Overall Length: 35.7 in
Trigger Type: MIL-SPEC
Trigger Weight: 7.6 lbs
Flash Hider: Upgraded to Yankee Hill Tactical Phantom 5C2
Barrel Length: 16.0 in
Rifling: 1 in 7”
Number of Grooves: 6
Weight w/out Mag: 7.3 lbs
Mag Capacity: 30 Rounds
Mag Type: Upgraded to Magpul Gen. 2 Window PMAGS
Accessory Rail: Yes
Advanced pushrod gas system
Vortex scopes are great. Worth the price.
tookalisten
Blackhawk
Sig M400 with a EoTech.
I like the EoTech for a quick, low profile site out to about 100-150 yds for banging steel; but I just purchased a Nikon 3x9x40 P-223 scope with rings to put on it. The M400 has 1:7 twist so I wanted to try some heavier bullets than the standard 55 gr and shoot out to 200yds. I can't do that with the EoTech with any accuracy to check groups.
I like the EoTech for a quick, low profile site out to about 100-150 yds for banging steel; but I just purchased a Nikon 3x9x40 P-223 scope with rings to put on it. The M400 has 1:7 twist so I wanted to try some heavier bullets than the standard 55 gr and shoot out to 200yds. I can't do that with the EoTech with any accuracy to check groups.
contender
Ruger Guru
I've owned a few over the years. Since I shot my fair share of M-16's,,, I have never been a "fan-boy" like so many others. Nothing wrong with them,,, but I prefer other types of guns. I had one that I sold about 10 months before the big rush (& price increase) after the Newtown shooting. With all the crap over that & all, I said that if I ever got another one,,, I'd keep it,, just to pizz off the very folks who didn't like them & wanted them banned.
Well, I won a Stag Arms at the our FoNRA event soon after that,,, and I have kept it. I have a C-More red dot on the top of mine,,, and it's quite accurate at 100 yds for me. I have a scope (Leupold) set with it to mount if I ever decide to go that route.
I added a few "extras" to mine, to make it what I'd use if I decided I needed it. I have carried it with me when going on coyote jobs,,, just in case I jumped one when I was inspecting things. (I usually just trap the yotes,,, or the homeowner chooses different control methods.)
Lots of folks have AR's,,, and enjoy them. Lots of ways to personalize them as well.
Well, I won a Stag Arms at the our FoNRA event soon after that,,, and I have kept it. I have a C-More red dot on the top of mine,,, and it's quite accurate at 100 yds for me. I have a scope (Leupold) set with it to mount if I ever decide to go that route.
I added a few "extras" to mine, to make it what I'd use if I decided I needed it. I have carried it with me when going on coyote jobs,,, just in case I jumped one when I was inspecting things. (I usually just trap the yotes,,, or the homeowner chooses different control methods.)
Lots of folks have AR's,,, and enjoy them. Lots of ways to personalize them as well.
I put mine together from a kit from Palmetto State Armory. I bought a blemished premium rifle kit & a blemished lower. The only thing I could find wrong with any of it was a little bit of paint scraped on the barrel. It has a flat top. It already had a front sight on the assembled upper. I added a flip up rear sight & an inexpensive Bushnell TRS-25 red dot. Not being wealthy I don't want to spend mega bucks for a red dot but I have been thinking about changing out the red dot. Primary Arms sells what I believe is an Aimpoint clone that is a red dot with a 2 moa dot. It has a long enough battery life that you can just leave the sight on & not worry about it if you change the batteries every 6 months or so.
Edited to add: Here is a link to the red dot I have been thinking about getting https://www.slickguns.com/product/primary-arms-advanced-micro-dot-50k-hour-battery-life-md-ads-16999#comments
Edited to add: Here is a link to the red dot I have been thinking about getting https://www.slickguns.com/product/primary-arms-advanced-micro-dot-50k-hour-battery-life-md-ads-16999#comments
rugerjunkie
Hunter
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2005
- Messages
- 2,048
I don't care for a scope on an AR. I have an Aimpoint PRO on a Sig 516 and love it! Mike J mentioned the difference between an Aimpoint vs others...a 2 MOA dot. Most are 4 MOA and sometimes larger. At least they were back when I was comparing different models. I also like the simple dot and don't care for red dots or scopes that fill up your sight picture with a bunch of lines or extra dots cluttering things up. Keep it simple without a lot of clutter to confuse the eye when you pull up on a target , point and shoot basically. The new Aimpoints will stay lit on one battery for 7 years. I think my older one is good for 2 or 3 years on one battery.
loaded round
Hunter
Colt H-bar, Sig 516, and a Windham Weaponry 308. Plan on buying a Ruger AR as a backup for my son.
Busterswoodshop
Hunter
All my AR's are Colt.
There are lots of iron sight options. From cheap plastic to good iron. LMT makes good iron sights but are a little pricey.
As far as scopes go. Any good scope will work. The problem is getting it mounted forward enough on the gun so you have enough eye relief.
The Burris PEPR is a good mount that moves the scope forward but is a little heavy and kind of pricey. Other companies make similar mounts.
I use Leupold scopes and Aimpoint red dots on my Ar's.
The Nikon P223 is a decent inexpensive scope and is made for the AR.
There are lots of iron sight options. From cheap plastic to good iron. LMT makes good iron sights but are a little pricey.
As far as scopes go. Any good scope will work. The problem is getting it mounted forward enough on the gun so you have enough eye relief.
The Burris PEPR is a good mount that moves the scope forward but is a little heavy and kind of pricey. Other companies make similar mounts.
I use Leupold scopes and Aimpoint red dots on my Ar's.
The Nikon P223 is a decent inexpensive scope and is made for the AR.
windsearcher
Bearcat
- Joined
- May 14, 2016
- Messages
- 2
am with RugerJunkie ..... also have an Aimpoint PRO on my home defense / self defense AR. Since I need to trust my life to it, I went with one of the ones I KNOW will be there when I need it to.
On my rimfire S&W M&P 15-22, I went with a budget Primary Arms red dot. It's ok, but not one I would want for anything more than a plinker.
To do over again, and on a budget, I would look at the Bushnell TRS25 or the Lucid HS7 sights. Vortex would also be on that list, but again, for a hunting / range / plinking rifle. Anything I would want to trust my life to, I would have to stay with Eotech, Aimpoint or Trijicon.
For iron sights, there are a set that are diamond shape.... can't remember the name, but I think the sight picture would allow a bit better reference than the standard AR sights or even magpul flip-ups. I run magpuls, and they do just fine. Although, I think I'm starting to need glasses, so unfortunately, may need to go for a magnified optic soon.
On my rimfire S&W M&P 15-22, I went with a budget Primary Arms red dot. It's ok, but not one I would want for anything more than a plinker.
To do over again, and on a budget, I would look at the Bushnell TRS25 or the Lucid HS7 sights. Vortex would also be on that list, but again, for a hunting / range / plinking rifle. Anything I would want to trust my life to, I would have to stay with Eotech, Aimpoint or Trijicon.
For iron sights, there are a set that are diamond shape.... can't remember the name, but I think the sight picture would allow a bit better reference than the standard AR sights or even magpul flip-ups. I run magpuls, and they do just fine. Although, I think I'm starting to need glasses, so unfortunately, may need to go for a magnified optic soon.
Don Lovel
Hunter
I had both Colt and Bushmaster HBAR rifles at one time and had built three carbines using Bushmaster lowers and DPMS no frills bull barrel target crown uppers. More accurate at 300 yds than my 700V Remington with 55gr white box Winchester ammo and with 62gr SS109 green tip, those carbines really were good. The Rem 700V had 1:12 twist and would not stabilize 62gr ammo, but the 1:9 on the DPMS uppers did excellent with the green tip ammo.
My new curiosity is to build myself a 5.7 FN upper gun, would love a legal bumpstock SBR looking one when I am done. I love the feed tray and ejecting brass down the mag well into a cutoff empty 20rnd .223 mag. I really wish someone would make a tray fed .22 mag upper just like the 5.7 FN.
My new curiosity is to build myself a 5.7 FN upper gun, would love a legal bumpstock SBR looking one when I am done. I love the feed tray and ejecting brass down the mag well into a cutoff empty 20rnd .223 mag. I really wish someone would make a tray fed .22 mag upper just like the 5.7 FN.
As a dedicated anti AR15/M16 booster I admit to owning one. A gift from my kids I'll keep it until I'm gone.
As a result, I've done very little to it. It's a Stag leftie, and is basically stock. I can still hit well enough (with glasses) to use the iron sights to a reasonable range. That and the fact that it is nothing more than a range toy the stock iron sights are fine.
While it has proven itself reliable, so far, I will never trust my life to that design again. If things get serious my Springfield Scout/Squad will be my go to long gun.
As a result, I've done very little to it. It's a Stag leftie, and is basically stock. I can still hit well enough (with glasses) to use the iron sights to a reasonable range. That and the fact that it is nothing more than a range toy the stock iron sights are fine.
While it has proven itself reliable, so far, I will never trust my life to that design again. If things get serious my Springfield Scout/Squad will be my go to long gun.
sliclee
Single-Sixer
There is a CALL BACK on EOTECH, will give you $ 400 credit. IMO its a scam,there has surfaced a "THERMAL" raging
problem, with every single one made, the first hidden was US GOVT, check it nonbeliever.
problem, with every single one made, the first hidden was US GOVT, check it nonbeliever.
Wow!sliclee said:
tookalisten
Blackhawk
I know several who have returned their EoTech and received the refund. I have kept mine as I have never had any issues with it. I am replacing it with a scope anyway.
Though, I am not exactly sure what you are trying to say in your post there sliclee.
Though, I am not exactly sure what you are trying to say in your post there sliclee.
I have an AR(or 3) and use scopes on all of them. For general use, shorter range hunting and target use, I recommend 1-4 or 5 x 32. This is enough for most uses and ranges for which the .223 is suitable. If shooting smaller varmint/targets, a step up to 3-9 or 4-12 may improve hit(ability).
Personally, I use 1.5-4 x 32 on most of my carbines BUT last winter, I did a trial run with a Burris E-1 2-7 x 32 and found it worked pretty well on called coyotes or targets of opportunity out to 250 yards. On 20 AR's, I use 3-9 or 4-12 since those are common and cheaper than other options. I can push the range out to 300 yards on coyotes or other medium sized varmints with this much magnification.
Personally, I use 1.5-4 x 32 on most of my carbines BUT last winter, I did a trial run with a Burris E-1 2-7 x 32 and found it worked pretty well on called coyotes or targets of opportunity out to 250 yards. On 20 AR's, I use 3-9 or 4-12 since those are common and cheaper than other options. I can push the range out to 300 yards on coyotes or other medium sized varmints with this much magnification.
tinman said:
Put that ACOG on your favorite rifle. I am assuming it is the original Trijicon built for the AR. They are awesome optics. I know, they have tons of different models but the "one" I have is spectacular. I'm not speaking of the cheap ones. The fibre optic scopes that are made for the 5.56.. ??? I have the bible verse one and I love it.
Semper Fi:
Karl
OP
volshooter
Buckeye
Wow! Never know what us old dudes have stashed.
I like Bushmaster, Double star, have grown real fond of PSA's lately.
Someday a Colt.
Optic wise for carbine, I like open sights or Leupold glass.
The SBR's and pistol lowers I lean towards Laser, red dot or surefire high out put lumen flashlghts. These are strictly short range, no sights needed.
Still I want opinions on iron vs. glass for 16+ inch barrels.
Normally I am not a AR guy, but this year has the back of my neck itching, again. I have been visiting my ffl guy alot in the past few months. I don't really have any need for these uppers but would like to mount sights. I am leaning towards iron since I have glass on others.
Basic flat top, best value for defense on sights?
I like Bushmaster, Double star, have grown real fond of PSA's lately.
Someday a Colt.
Optic wise for carbine, I like open sights or Leupold glass.
The SBR's and pistol lowers I lean towards Laser, red dot or surefire high out put lumen flashlghts. These are strictly short range, no sights needed.
Still I want opinions on iron vs. glass for 16+ inch barrels.
Normally I am not a AR guy, but this year has the back of my neck itching, again. I have been visiting my ffl guy alot in the past few months. I don't really have any need for these uppers but would like to mount sights. I am leaning towards iron since I have glass on others.
Basic flat top, best value for defense on sights?
Buckhorn150
Bearcat
Nothing like building your own. So many options with so many choices of parts. 20" to 16" enjoyed every one I've ever built. Feels good when you head to range and shoot a rifle that you thought up by yourself . Problem with me is when the thrill of building the one you finish is done I want to start another one.
OP
volshooter
Buckeye
Yeah brother, I understand. Range time is fun, I been putting together dedicated things.
I think ya know what I mean.
BTW, I have found myself needing cash and will have to sell off most of what I have.... dadgum shame.
I think ya know what I mean.
BTW, I have found myself needing cash and will have to sell off most of what I have.... dadgum shame.
volshooter said:
I am guessing the last sentence is a question. The best for the price for optics for an AR is any quality holo sight. I can no longer use the original that I was trained with 35 years or so ago. The blur has just gotten to bad. I could hit a target at 500 meters then, not so much now.
To be honest I don't look at cost when buying optics. I buy the best that I can afford. I have an ACOG with an EOTech holo on top. I love it. It isn't and wasn't cheap and has only gotten more expensive since I bought mine. You just can't go wrong with this option. Long range (300 meters), short range down to 10 yds. or so. It does take some practice to switch between the two and be proficient with it.
As we all know the AR15 is a exceptional rifle and very accurate. The 5.56 (people keep saying .223 but no) is a good all around bullet. If it weren't then the majority of the militaries in the world are ignorant. Just my opinion but it is a fairly experienced one when it comes to this rifle. This is my rifle, this is my gun, this one's for fighting, this one's for fun. OOhRaah. 8)
Semper Fi:
Karl
DA_TriggR4Ruger
Hunter
I build a lot of AR15s and shoot them in 3 gun more than I care to admit. Got two new builds in my shop right now. Wonder if there is a limit to how many lowers one can buy? Lol. Bought about 10 parts kits when they were on sale at PSA last week. $39.99
Love how modular and universal DI/DGI systems are. Pretty much any part from one will fit in another. Given correct gas tube length, etc.
The ultimate survival rifle? Maybe... The 10/22 is near the top of that list as well!
Piston ARs are fun too, just not my cup of tea, and I run a LOT of ammo through ARs. Mine see a lot of wear as most rifles in this line of sport/tactical shooting competition do.
Remington 870 is my goto shotgun and Sig P226 is goto sidearm for these types of events.
Plenty of abuse and extended periods without cleaning! They just keep running. AND if you experience part failure, there is an abundance of parts for all platforms mentioned.
I don't mind the oddball guns, but you start hearing guys asking about parts for a specific gun in one match, they usually have a Glock or Sig in the following match. Just thinking out loud...
One guy had a stamped armalite gun in a match. Was experiencing a few issues with it, returned with a Ruger AR556.
These things dominate!
Love how modular and universal DI/DGI systems are. Pretty much any part from one will fit in another. Given correct gas tube length, etc.
The ultimate survival rifle? Maybe... The 10/22 is near the top of that list as well!
Piston ARs are fun too, just not my cup of tea, and I run a LOT of ammo through ARs. Mine see a lot of wear as most rifles in this line of sport/tactical shooting competition do.
Remington 870 is my goto shotgun and Sig P226 is goto sidearm for these types of events.
Plenty of abuse and extended periods without cleaning! They just keep running. AND if you experience part failure, there is an abundance of parts for all platforms mentioned.
I don't mind the oddball guns, but you start hearing guys asking about parts for a specific gun in one match, they usually have a Glock or Sig in the following match. Just thinking out loud...
One guy had a stamped armalite gun in a match. Was experiencing a few issues with it, returned with a Ruger AR556.
These things dominate!
DA_TriggR4Ruger said:
Oh, there is no doubt that the M16/AR15 is a winner. It is only second in the reliability universe. The SKS comes in first. No, not terribly accurate but reliable. You could bash the dang thing against a tree and it would still cycle. I know because I did it. I caught one on fire and it was still cycling. An unbelievable carbine. Siminov built a great rifle and was copied by Kalishnakov. Anyway, I would say the AR is right there with both of them, except for the crapping on themselves problems. The gas tube has to remain clear or the AR will fail. JMO.
Semper Fi:
Karl
OP
volshooter
Buckeye
The short barrel rifles will/are be fitted with holo sights or flashlights.
I sure hope homeland security got the message that I will be selling off. 8)
Sure don't need those folks around. I have not found any limit to the number of registered lowers that one can have.
The AR is indeed a great platform. While I still own "at least one", it is a very fine weapon for offense/defense.
An example is a 10.5 upper on a pistol lower with a high lumen flashlight, for home defense. No need for MOA accuracy. Prefer a short 12ga but the AR would still be a go to "in my house" weapons line up. When long arms are needed.
Have no thoughts of tricking out any AR for distance, I have hunting rifles for that.
Really was just a question about mid length flat tops.
I sure hope homeland security got the message that I will be selling off. 8)
Sure don't need those folks around. I have not found any limit to the number of registered lowers that one can have.
The AR is indeed a great platform. While I still own "at least one", it is a very fine weapon for offense/defense.
An example is a 10.5 upper on a pistol lower with a high lumen flashlight, for home defense. No need for MOA accuracy. Prefer a short 12ga but the AR would still be a go to "in my house" weapons line up. When long arms are needed.
Have no thoughts of tricking out any AR for distance, I have hunting rifles for that.
Really was just a question about mid length flat tops.
TitanX said:
Your post got me to go look at prices.Things have went up. IIRC about this time last year Colt 6920's could be had for about $200 - $250 dollars less than they are running now. Of course it is an election year.
When I put my PSA build together I got my premium rifle kit & lower for around $500. I added a rear sight, red dot, sling & 5 30 round P-mags for around $200. Of course I did buy the blemished kit & got a discount for the fact the finish on the barrel had 2 small scratches on it. Granted I will wind up changing the red dot sooner or later but a good rifle can be put together without spending a fortune. There are more expensive options but a rifle doesn't have to be top dollar to work & work well.
Titan here is the rifle kit I used. I did go back & change the trigger to PSA's EPT trigger just because I didn't like the way the stock one felt. It is not the most high end but I believe it is a lot of value for the money. http://palmettostatearmory.com/16-m4a1-chrome-lined-mp-tested-rifle-kit.html
Of course I did have to put it together but if someone is willing to do some research & a little bit of work themselves there are deals to be had.
Of course I did have to put it together but if someone is willing to do some research & a little bit of work themselves there are deals to be had.
TitanX said:
You are right. It can become a money consuming monster depending on how much you decide to customize your rifle. The EPT trigger I used is inexpensive at $30. It really cleaned up the feel of the trigger pull though.
NixieTube
Blackhawk
My next purchase for my Stag Model 4 is a Chip McCormick 2-stage trigger. I learned to shoot well with 2-stage triggers and I'm looking forward to one. If I have enough money I might buy a Geissele.
Some people might have an objection to this because it is made in China but I also use a Lucid HD7 Gen III. It's very well made. It has really nice reticles. It works very well. Please don't crash my party about it, I understand what you mean but for $250 it's a really excellent red dot sight. If they're going to make one this nice, I might as well buy one - that was my feeling, anyway, and I haven't been disappointed.
The Stag Model 4 has a 20" heavy barrel and it's not light for an AR, but I like that, and I wanted it that way. It's extremely stable offhand. It's extremely stable in prone. It's a little less wieldy, it's longer and heavier, but I like it. You have a lot of room to hold it, and the barrel is wonderful.
http://mylucidgear.com/reddotsights.php
I'll probably build a second AR this year unless Obama issues an Executive Order banning them, which is a distinct possibility.
Some people might have an objection to this because it is made in China but I also use a Lucid HD7 Gen III. It's very well made. It has really nice reticles. It works very well. Please don't crash my party about it, I understand what you mean but for $250 it's a really excellent red dot sight. If they're going to make one this nice, I might as well buy one - that was my feeling, anyway, and I haven't been disappointed.
The Stag Model 4 has a 20" heavy barrel and it's not light for an AR, but I like that, and I wanted it that way. It's extremely stable offhand. It's extremely stable in prone. It's a little less wieldy, it's longer and heavier, but I like it. You have a lot of room to hold it, and the barrel is wonderful.
http://mylucidgear.com/reddotsights.php
I'll probably build a second AR this year unless Obama issues an Executive Order banning them, which is a distinct possibility.
