Scout-Scoped AR-15 Idea

[Hadrian]

Mods, if this should be in the optics forum - please move it.

Good Morning Gunnutz!

I've had this notion of mounting an intermediate eye relief, scout style scope on my 20" AR-15A2 for some time. I wanted to run the idea past the guru’s of the black rifle forum here for some advice before I start ordering parts.

So, my intention was to mount a Leupold IER FX-II 2.5x28mm onto the rifle via an ARMS 39 mount, or a similar such mount and use higher rings and/or a riser so the scope clears the carry handle by a slight margin. I’ve seen a number of AR-15’s with red-dots mounted above the hand guards, such as the C-more scout and others – but magnified scopes seem to be fairly uncommon. So my friends, is this a terrible idea? A venture not worth my time, money and effort?

Now, on paper it seems like it should work, moreover it appeals to my personal taste. Cosmetically I think it would look fantastic and it would be somewhat different too. I see no reason why it should not function as good or better than a traditionally 1-4x scoped AR.

If anyone has put something similar on their own rifle, or has any input – I’m all ears.

Thanks for reading everyone!

 

[G37]

Well, unless you had ultra-low rings (and then you have an issue of the scope hitting the carry handle), looking at the pics and parts and your idea, I think the scope would way too high... you're head would float and IMO it'd definitely look silly.

I've never looked through a scope that had such a long eye-relief so I can't comment on that.

 

[P90Puma]

Come join the rest of us in the 21st century and get a flat top upper.

 

[Doc M]

Come join the rest of us in the 21st century and get a flat top upper.

This.

I like the Leupold FXII - my Norc M14 wears one and it's a BEAUTY - but I wouldn't waste my time on the mount setup you're looking at.

I'd get a flattop with a quad rail and shave my FSB. THEN scout scope it.

-M

 

[Bolivar]

Given the upper you have, rather than a flat top, sounds like a good idea. If you can get the height of the scope just a bit above the carry handle, (with your sights co-witnessing) your cheek weld will not be too much different than normal.

You should be able to be lower than a full height of scope above the carry handle which would be your other option.

 

[G37]

^

Except you can't co-witness a scope... I tried this a long time ago. Front sight is invisible even at 1x.

 

[ESQ]

Rebuild the upper with a stripped flat top. Anything else is a bandaid.

 

[cp220]

Swap it out for a flat top upper and get a 1-4 variable (or something similar). It will likely be more versatile for you.

 

[ESQ]

http://www.armseast.com/store/upper_assembly/a3_flattop_upper_receiver_assembly/

https://shopquestar.com/shopping65/shopexd.asp?id=1133&bc=no

Uppers are cheap. Especially when you discount the funky mount you would have to buy to make the scout work.

 

[Bolivar]

^

Except you can't co-witness a scope... I tried this a long time ago. Front sight is invisible even at 1x.

Really, even at 1x? I know at higher magnifications it is. My own scope sits above the front site tower so I can't see it, but if my rest my finger on top of the post, I can see that, blurry but I can see it. That is at 1.5x.

I have also looked through low mag scopes on hunting rifles and the front sight has been visible even at 1.5x. Of course the distance from the scope on a sporter is longer than on an AR. Maybe that is why?

 

[Hadrian]

Thanks for the replies, looks like a new upper is the most sensible course.

 

[8 ball]

Rebuild the upper with a stripped flat top. Anything else is a bandaid.

This. Of course once you get a flat top upper, you could then put a free float quad rail system on it and still have your scout style scope as well, with out having your carry handle in the way. Whatever you prefer.