AR Questions

[Guest Ironhorse]

I'm looking at adding an AR to the collection. I think I'm going to go with a Bushmaster. A 16' barrel with the collapsable stock. My question is flat top or carrying handle. I apologize, I don't know the individual model numbers. I think the question hinges on this...If I go flat top what kind of optics do I put on it? I don't really want a full scope. Do you guys have any thoughts on red dots or the type? Or flat top vs. handle in general?

Thanks

[Grant-KS]

What's your budget, and what do you plan on using it for? Do you want a truck gun to pop at coyotes on the ranch? A tacticlol SWAT raid AR?

For a combat style setup for longer range with the carbine barrel, and lots of money, Trijicon ACOG would be awesome. Shorter range combat, EOtech holosight. My buddy has a 16" AR quad-rail freefloat tube, 6 pos. stock, etc., and he has a 3-9X40MM Short Barska scope on it that actually works pretty well, and is cheap. The AR-15 is quite possibly the most versatile weapon in its class.

As for your original question, if you're buying new, definitely go flattop. You can put a carry handle/sights on the rail if you want the iron sights, but you can then take it off and put a scope/optics on. If you got an A1/A2, you have to replace the upper receiver, which doesn't take much, but like I said, if you're buying new, get something that's flexible. A1 is fixed carry handle with I believe no rear vertical adjust, A2 same handle with adjustable rear, A3 is flattop, and I'm not sure of the difference between A3 and A4.

[wtnhunt]

Depends entirely on what you intend to do with the gun. Lots of options. Primary use for or intended use for my AR was varmints and for target shooting.

Went with a RR AR here, varmint A4 model with a 20 inch barrel. Mounted a 3-9X40 burris fullfield II on it. If you plan to scope it would go with a flat top.

[bluelund79]

I use the flat design with a red dot optic along with removeable rear sight. If my red dot goes out, I still have iron sights. Its the best of both worlds. However, when you get a red dot style scope, don't skimp! Buy the best you can afford. When you spend that much on a rifle, save as much as you can for good optics....Great rifles! Good luck.

[Guest Ironhorse]

Thanks for the input. I'll use the set up for home defense and shooting to have fun. If a coyote gets in the way some time so be it. I was thinking around a thousand for the rifle and three hundred or so for optics.

I need to go back to Cabela's to take another look at what they have. It seemed that the carrying handled could be removed and their was already a Weaver rail on the top of the receiver. It also had a front sight already mounted. The flat top seemed to be devoid of either front post sight or rear sight.

A couple follow up questions...Is a front post sight going to be a hassle with a red dot? Blurring site picture and such. What red dot have you all had good luck with?

Thanks again.

[OUTSIDER]

Please take my advice on this one....Do NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT get one of their suppressors on it. Get the regular barrel option if you can. I have owned two and both had the suppressor....they sent my dealer the wrong rifle both times (with suppressor) and it blows back all the gases from the barrel into your face. And i replaced the gas tube (block).