AR/M4 series firearms and optics.

L

Lost_River

New member
I just wanted to comment on a couple of things I have learned about AR/M4/M16 series guns and optics.

The first pic is of a standard Colt M4 with a 1.5x5 illuminated Leupold in a Larue mount . This is my day to day work rifle. Note how far forward the optic is. I have found this works best for me for a couple of reasons.

I shoot with my nose to the charging handle so I get a consistent placement of my face/cheek to the stock for repeatable performance.

With the optic in this position I have found that on both ends of the magnification spectrum I have proper eye relief. This allows me to shoot both on the move standing up and prone or otherwise supported.

I have noticed a wide variance of where guys here mount their optics and thought I would throw that out there.

The other thing is if you notice my scope caps are used in conjunction with pieces of bicycle innner tube.

I have found when I have a scope that the standard sized scope caps do not fit properly I can usually use the bicycle innertube to secure them. In the case of the objective lense I used one piece to shim it up to a super tight fit. On the eye piece I have found that often times while carrying my rifle I would have the cap work loose from rubbing against my kit. An extra piece over the scope cap helps prevent that.

I hope this was helpfull.


0072-1.jpg
 
Here is a pic of a Reed Knight SR25. Note the scope position as issued from the factory. On both the high and low end of the magnifcation spectrum you can still get good eye relief, no matter if you are prone or standing.

001-1.jpg
 
Looks like a nice set up.

I've had the loose cap problem before too. I've found that the chart that lists what cap to use for scopes is useless. Now I use a caliper and measure each end of the scope, then look up the cap I need by diameter. They seem to fit better this way. Once in awhile might need a piece of black tape.

Good hunting
 
I think you notice a variance on scope mounting on guys AR's here because they have scopes on their AR's that differ and have different eye relief.

I know that my wife's AR with a Leupold 2-7x33 has way different positioning for her than my Leupold 3-9x40...

Just kinda how it sets up for individual rifles & people.

I know that the military teaches "nose to the charging handle" for shooting, but, that position might not fit every shooters needs or comfort factor.

Many of us have shot rifles besides AR's for most of their life & prefer the scope postioning to be similar to the bolt or other type rifles that have been fired & hunted with for years.

Thanks for the tips.
 
Good points about the scope sizes too. As far as the military and what they teach, it usually goes back to whomever was given the block of instruction on what day.

I personally shoot NTCH but body size and other factors may come into play. I know on my higher power optics on AR platforms I tend to put the eyepiece even with the castle nut or rear of the reciever.

That being said most guys who are just starting out with the AR platform often make the mistake of mounting their optic way too far back. When you hand them a rifle properly set up it is like an epiphany.

I have used various optics throughout my career on AR/M4 series rifles from Eotechs to Acogs to low powered variables. The low powered variable seems to do many things well, including as a calling rifle. Heck my work rifle and my main calling rifle are almost identical ( minus the selector switch).

It takes a while and a lot of trial and error to get a rifle set up optimally. I figure I would throw a couple of small pointers out so maybe a guy can save some $$ and headaches or frustration.
 
Back
Top