Optic (not red dot) on AR with A2 front sight

[calvados.boulard]

Hi everyone,

As an AR noob, I'm looking for advice on an optic, and how to mount it, on my AR that has a fixed A2 front sight. I'm thinking of something in the <16x range for reaching out a bit further, but how would one mount such scopes with the A2 front sight in the way?

Thanks everyone,
Cal.

 

[NaOH]

You won't see the front sight through the glass. It's like it's not there.

 

[calvados.boulard]

Won't optical clarity be affected by such a wide piece of steel smack in the center of the image?

Thanks,
Cal.

 

[hbean]

The curvature of the lens will bend light in such a way, you will not even notice the shadow.

 

[Miraclejoe]

Negative. Nothing significant.

Now, I have to ask: what is your intended purpose for this rifle?

Whatever floats your boat is my mantra, but I really wonder if a 16x is the best choice for a typical AR...

(Says' the guy who put an 8.5-20x on a 7.62 21" AR10ish.)

 

[enefgee]

You don't even see the 'tower' at 4x, no worries.

 

[Bolivar]

Agreed all above. Unless you have a 1x optic, you won't see the tower. The way the scope collects light is such that the focal point is in front of the sight tower...or something like that. I don't actually understand the physics behind it but I have proven it to myself to be true.

Fill you boots and put whatever magnification you want on the rifle and enjoy.

 

[calvados.boulard]

Good to know. Thanks everyone.

@Miraclejoe: I don't really have a specific purpose, but I do like to reach out with my rifles. Any recommendations for 16x-ish scopes for $500-ish?

Thanks everyone,
Cal.

 

[Bolivar]

Falcon menace comes to mind but I am sure there are offerings from Burris, Nikon, Bushnell etc that will fit the bill.

Curious, how far are you thinking of reaching? You might be surprised by how well you can see and hit a target at distance with less magnification. I'm a less is more guy when it comes to magnified optics and would rather save cash on magnification to be better glass and solid, repeatable adjustments.

 

[calvados.boulard]

Falcon menace comes to mind but I am sure there are offerings from Burris, Nikon, Bushnell etc that will fit the bill.

Curious, how far are you thinking of reaching? You might be surprised by how well you can see and hit a target at distance with less magnification. I'm a less is more guy when it comes to magnified optics and would rather save cash on magnification to be better glass and solid, repeatable adjustments.

The max distance on my local rifle range is 275m. I do have a preference for the larger magnification scopes when reaching out that far.

Thanks everyone,
Cal.