Carry handle or Flat-top?

FyreFighter

FyreFighter

BANNED
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
BANNED
Rating - 100%
13   0   0
So I am building my first AR and I am debating between a Colt carry handle vs leaving it flat top and getting a rear BUIS.

The rifle uses an Aero precision upper and lower with Colt LPK and a Colt 6920 barrel assembly with FSB (thanks IRG!). It will wear Magpul drop in hand guards.

Thoughts/opinions on carry handle vs flat top? I likely won't put an optic on it for some time.

FF
 
Why would you like to make your AR heavier when you have an unlimited number of good, light BUIS options available?
Carry handles come in two heights - military and commercial just to add more confusion. Keep it versatile and don't limit yourself. There is a reason why the so called carry handles (you not suppose to use it for carrying) are history now. Optics? No need for it either. Buy yourself TRS25 red dot plus BUIS and you good to go. Good luck.
 
Nestor said:
Why would you like to make your AR heavier when you have an unlimited number of good, light BUIS options available?
Carry handles come in two heights - military and commercial just to add more confusion. Keep it versatile and don't limit yourself. There is a reason why the so called carry handles (you not suppose to use it for carrying) are history now. Optics? No need for it either. Buy yourself TRS25 red dot plus BUIS and you good to go. Good luck.
Click to expand...


I agree with this for the most part. Unless your doing a nostalgic build, ditch the carry handle in favour of more modern and versatile BUIS. Then grab an optic of sorts. Since your doing a decent build, I wouldn't recommend going as low end as the bushnell trs25. Even if your on a budget for optics, there are better lower priced options for little more money such as holosun, vortex or well used eotech/ aim points (the last 2 for around the 350-450$ range)
 
I appreciate the advice. Is it possible to a decent M4 style rear sight with the two apertures?

FF
 
84wh1 said:
I agree with this for the most part. Unless your doing a nostalgic build, ditch the carry handle in favour of more modern and versatile BUIS. Then grab an optic of sorts. Since your doing a decent build, I wouldn't recommend going as low end as the bushnell trs25. Even if your on a budget for optics, there are better lower priced options for little more money such as holosun, vortex or well used eotech/ aim points (the last 2 for around the 350-450$ range)
Click to expand...

For nostalgic build the integrated carry handle is the way to go. Regarding the sights. Maybe they are better, maybe not. If one has no experience with the red dots there is no point to spend more than $120, because TRS25 will be rugged enough for a range toy and if one doesn't like the red dots down the road, the damage to the wallet is not that painfull. It's light, battery is super easy to replace and the sight picture is clear enough to have 100% success rate in hitting 8" gong at 200 meters off hand. I'm not sure what the OP plans are, but it seems that he's looking for a KISS carbine and micro sight like the one from Bushnell fits that picture quite well.
 
I've come full circle on my 10.5" LMT and now(once again) enjoying the simplicity of the carry handle/sights….YMMV
DSCN1666_zpsn4qxrwzw.jpg
 
I have to say that I am a fan of the carry handle look. As for weight, it is pretty stripped down without a light, red dot, or vertical handle.

Even with a 9oz carry handle, I figure this thing to come in at about 7 pounds. Less than my scoped Savage FVT.

I will have a look at the DD sight.

FF
 
I went full circle as well, went back to the retro build nothing electronic just the old school carry handle and the ability to use my irons or carry handle see thru scope. KISS principle always wins in SHTF.

Before the market got flooded with all these flat tops I thought they were really cool, now they are everywhere. I get lots of questions about my old school build. A flat top will give you more options, at the end of the day I just wanted simple and tough, but each to their own.

 
Last edited:
I run a carry handle AR and I really like it. The need some folks have to bolt a metric ton of crap to their rifle always confused me. I have used both, the c7a1 I used in the army was a flat top with an elcan, I liked that too though. I don't have to fight with my current rifle so simple wins out for me.
 
Sorry if I wasn't clear - the upper is a flat-top. The options were removable carry handle or just simple iron sights.

FF
 
mg4201 said:
I run a carry handle AR and I really like it. The need some folks have to bolt a metric ton of crap to their rifle always confused me. I have used both, the c7a1 I used in the army was a flat top with an elcan, I liked that too though. I don't have to fight with my current rifle so simple wins out for me.
Click to expand...

Actually some people simply prefer the original idea behind the AR 15 - lightweight. Carry handle doesn't fit into this picture, especially the detachable one. My rear sight along with the micro red dot are lighter than any detachable carry handle offering me more at the same time. Carbine is still under 6 pounds with the red dot sight that is faster to acquire, my fixed rear is 6x lighter than a carry handle offering me the option to come back to the irons at any given time. So, actually KISS principle makes the detachable carry handle sight outdated.
 
Last edited:
I've seen used Carry Handles on CGN for less than $50 and new aren't likely much more than that. This is a non-issue - buy both.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom