Optimum scope height for an AR

ThunderD

ThunderD

New member
Here are a couple of questions for the AR aficionados:

1) What is the optimum scope height (center to center) for an AR ?

2) Are there any advantages to an elevated optical platform ?
 
I have two ARs with the "Hi-Rider" profile receiver and have found them to be more comfortable with scopes than the standard configuration. It tends to put the sight plane of the scope more in line with what the original iron sight/carry handle height matched.
I've seen comments from some on the forum about adding risers to the upper to raise the scope and IMHO that is just one more element to loosen up and let the scope alignment have a problem. [image]
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It seems much more comfortable for my personal shooting position, but then maybe I just have a long neck... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
The scope has to be elevated on ARs because the straight stock design gets in the way of your cheek with a low mounted scope. You can't get your eye behind the scope with your head vertical. Keeping your head vertical makes accurate shooting much easier.

Jack
 
Ditto what "OldTurtle" said. I just put together an AR just for my calling/walking AR and went with the DPMS HiRide upper. The scope height is perfect with Low Leupold MK4 rings. Any AR that I biuld in the future that will be wearing a scope will get the HiRide upper.
 
The problem I see with the high ride uppers is the scope can't be mounted far enough forward. I need the lense to be right at the charging handle.
 
Thanks Guys, I was havig a hard time getting my arms around this one and you guys extended my reach.

Just to restate the comments:

1) An EOP puts the scope at the proper height;

2) Horizontal positioning of the scope may limit the usefulness of an EOP for some.

Makes sense to me. Your comments were very helpful.
 
Tom64,
DPMS has 2 versions of their Hiride upper. One with an extension forward that goes about 4-5 inches over the handguard.
On another note........I have the regular Hiride and my scope ocular lens can be mounted directly over the CH if I needed it there (which I dont) the way I shoot. Anyway, not trying to argue or anything........just my observations. Good luck "ThunderD".
 
JDJHNTR, no argument here I was just making a point that I found out the hard way after buying every kind of mounting system I could find, I haven't seen the extended version and that's good to know. I use what I use because it works for me and expect others will use what works for them, I can't argue with that.

I can use rings on the receiver if I use a non-variable scope. Take care.
 
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