Rifle Scopes Red dots and AR's.

[libertyman777]

I've been wondering why it's not practical to forward mount a red dot scope as far forward as the mounting system will allow in an AR15?

Doesn't it make more sense to mount a sight of this type as far forward as the system allows?

Here's one with all the room in the world>

And even this AK mount has more room available.

Is it a matter of personal preference or do most folks just like the scope closer to there eye because that's what they're used to.

Or is there something more practical like co-witnessing? I could see where this might be the case in the AK example above but I'm not sure about the AR platform.

Paul

 

[Pigman]

Re: Red dots and AR's.

I think it might just be personal preference. It might take longer to pick of the reticle with it mounted farther forward though.

 

[sasquatch98226]

Re: Red dots and AR's.

Think of it this way. If you mount your aimpoint way out on the end of barrel, there are (2) things to consider.

1) if you have 2moa dot in the scope it is now very very tiny and hard to be seen.

2) if you are not lined up perfect on the stock with a proper cheek weld the dot may not be in the center of the window, and may not be seen at all making you think "is this on, or broken"

Just my .02

 

[Texar2]

Re: Red dots and AR's.

Personal preference. Mounting farther forward may make for less field of view within the optic. Just put some rounds down range at various distances while simulating different senarios to find out what is best for you.

 

[bassani]

Re: Red dots and AR's.

Also, depends on if your red dot has an mag or not. If there is magnification, eye relief will be an issue

 

[libertyman777]

Re: Red dots and AR's.

Okay, that makes sense. I was thinking along the lines of no magnification and shooting with both eyes open, much like a Scout configuration. Certainly not on the end of the barrel but forward of the receiver.

I've heard some talk of folks feeling like they're looking down a tunnel with their Aimpoints and I just couldn't understand why they just didn't move it forward.

Paul

 

[Muttt]

Re: Red dots and AR's.

I mounted mine where I can see it well and were it is co-witnessed with my iron sights. Where it is on the top rail doesn't really matter to me as long as I can do what I just described.

 

[BBJones13]

Re: Red dots and AR's.

On AR platforms the dot (or any optics) should be mounted to the upper receiver and not the rail in front of the receiver (ignoring the possibility of monolithics). The receiver is is anchored to the barrel. Rails flex and can move with pressure applied.

I have an AR and an AK setup like the pictures posted by the OP. The dot on the AR is much quicker to pick up. I think there is a spot that is not too far forward and not too far back that just feels right. For me that is the last notch or second to last notch on the receiver of an AR. Perhaps for some it is a few more forward of the receiver, but as stated before optics shouldn't bridge or be mounted to the rail.

 

[mluning]

Re: Red dots and AR's.

Just like to throw in that moving an optic forward changes the balance of the weapon.