A2 Upper and Optics Question

[In God We Trust]

So I just got my new Colt Match Target AR-15 on Friday and got to put a few rounds down range this weekend. I love it and when I ordered it I was planning on just running iron sights. I don't have a burning desire to rail the thing out and start adding toys to it, but does anyone here use optics on an A2 upper?

* I know they make rails for mounting optics on top of the carry handle, but does it feel awkward being so high?

* Has anyone mounted a red dot forward of the carry handle? I remember using one briefly in the Army on my issued A2and I liked it, but most of the ones I see online look like they are meant for use where the rear sights would be on a flat top upper.

I don't know the model # off hand, but it is the 20" barrel 1:7 twist. Any input is appreciated!

 

[01bmf]

I have used optics on the carry handle. I wouldn't call it awkward, I didn't get a solid stock weld. I still have the rail if you want to try it out.

 

[mac1911]

depending on your physical build, Im a small frame guy and my cheak to center of my eye is not a great diatance. just getting behind the rear sight is a bit tough. So a scope on a carry handle would be useless for me.
Personally, you now have a reason to start a upper build dedicated to optics. Red dot and match grade seem like they dont belong any hows. Why not get a 16" flat top and red dot it?

 

[jasons]

* I know they make rails for mounting optics on top of the carry handle, but does it feel awkward being so high?

Yes, mounting a scope like that results in the thing being way too high.

* Has anyone mounted a red dot forward of the carry handle? I remember using one briefly in the Army on my issued A2and I liked it, but most of the ones I see online look like they are meant for use where the rear sights would be on a flat top upper.

You can get cantilever mounts like this one:

(LINK)

...But they suck IMHO. Real men shoot iron sights anyway.

 

[atilla]

i used to have an AR with an A2 upper and i tried just about everything optics-wise... just wasn't working out for me, i personally did find that anything i put on there was just mounted too high. swap the upper if you really want optics on that particular rifle, it's easy to change from an A2 upper to an A4 as long as you have the barrel wrench and a bench vise.

 

[vellnueve]

They make ACOGs and 4x20 scopes that will mount directly to the carry handle.

 

[In God We Trust]

Thanks for the advice and the offer 01bmf! I thought that it might wind up being too high for comfort. Like I said, I had iron sights in mind when I bought it and am probably just going to stick to that plan. I was just curious. I have never used anything other than iron sights or the red dot (briefly) and I have always felt comfotable for anything under 400M.

 

[M1911]

If you really want optics (red dot or magnified), I think you would be far happier with a flat-top upper.

 

[55_grain]

...swap the upper if you really want optics on that particular rifle, it's easy to change from an A2 upper to an A4 as long as you have the barrel wrench and a bench vise.

This.

Or get one of those stock riser things that clamp onto your buttstock to give you a better cheek weld with a scope on a A2.

Either way, if you haven't used one in a while, shoot a case thru it first to understand what it can do with irons before you pimp it out!

 

[massgun]

I found the carry handle mount pretty awkward even with a red dot that doesn't have to be centered. If you wanted to mount a regular scope, I would think it would be even worse. A while ago, Midway had this DPMS ORACLE A3 upper on sale for $378, http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=513528 so I bought one, stuck it on my lower, put the Aimpoint on it and I love it. The red dot is great for plinking or reasonably accurate shooting at 100 yards or so with my old eyes.
If you are in MA and don't have a pre-ban lower (or rifle) they make another version, a 16" bull barrel without the flash-hider for $400, http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=519542.