If you plan to install a scope on your AR, then your best bet is to have an A3 or Flattop receiver with a MIL-STD-1913 mounting rail (a so-called Picatinny rail). Picatinny Rail Picatinny rails provide a solid scope-mounting option on AR-15s. (Russell Graves image) Picatinny rails are what make ARs so easy to customize.
Full Answer
What scope should I put on my AR 15?
You’re going to want to mount a red dot sight on your AR 15. If you want a long range rifle that can make precise shots at 500, 600, or 700 yards… You’re going to want to put a high powered scope on your rifle. And if you want something in the middle that can be fairly fast up close…
How do you build an AR-15 like a Navy SEAL?
Starting with the upper receiver, the easiest way to set your AR-15 up like a Navy SEAL is to buy a stripped upper receiver you can customize from the start, but if you already have your rifle, you can still swap most of your parts for the build you want. The upper receiver contains multiple components, including:
Can you make an AR-15 look like a military rifle?
While the M4 is reserved for military and government use, you can set up your AR-15 to create a close replica of the weapon used by our nation's best military forces. Since these rifles are modular you can add parts and accessories for a configuration that works best for you just like special forces.
Can you use an AR-15 for hunting?
If you’re looking for a fun and useful new rifle for the woods, then you should consider setting up an AR-15 for hunting. The ease of customizing an AR is its greatest appeal. Not only can you easily add a bunch of accessories, you can also switch upper receivers to change the caliber.
Can you take off the stock on an AR 15?
1:051:58AR-15 Buttstock removal and replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSomething that's got a little bit more width to it go right ahead all. You have to do is just simplyMoreSomething that's got a little bit more width to it go right ahead all. You have to do is just simply pull this out. And it'll come off and when you're going back in just reverse the process.
Where should a scope be mounted on an AR?
With the AR 15 placed level in the shooting rest, take the scope mount and put it on top of the upper receiver. Avoid placing the mount on both the free-floating rail and upper receiver. By doing, this, it can cause unwanted stress on the tube.
How far back should a scope be mounted on an AR?
Most scopes have an eye box around 3 or 4 inches behind the eyepiece. That usually means most people will find this most comfortable when the back of the eyepiece is just about lined up with the back of the charging handle or slightly ahead of it.
How far should a barrel be from a scope?
Our recommendation is no less than 1/8th of an inch of clearance between the bottom of the objective and the top of the barrel. Your second choice (0.160) [for scope base height] will give you enough clearance.
What is the sight height of an AR-15?
The mount height itself, that is the distance from the top of rail to center of scope, varies, but typically lies around 36–38 mm (1.4–1.5 in) (higher and lower mounts are also readily available). In total, this gives a typical scoped AR-style rifle a height over bore of around 67–69 mm (2.6–2.7 in).
Do you need a front sight with a scope?
The good news is that it is definitely possible to use a scope without removing your AR-15 front sight — there is a large number of variable and low-powered optics that either co-witness perfectly with the fixed front sights or ignore it completely, providing a much more comfortable way of acquiring your targets.
How far forward should my scope be?
Three to 4 inches is about right. You must focus the eyepiece (ocular lens), and thus the reticle, on every new scope.
How far away should you mount a red dot sight?
As a general rule of thumb, you want to mount your 1x red dot optic as far forward as you can. Mounting your red dot as far forward as possible on the receiver will maximize your peripheral view and situational awareness.
How far should your scope be from your eye?
To keep things simple, be sure to purchase a scope that has at least 3.5 inches of eye relief. If your rifle has heavy recoil, go for even more eye relief.
Does scope height really matter?
1:256:51Scope Height and its effect on your Point of impact - Take AIM 15YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat's not always practical. Now the higher the scope is mounted the more dramatic the difference isMoreThat's not always practical. Now the higher the scope is mounted the more dramatic the difference is that the angle of the sight line between the scope and the barrel of your gun.
Is it OK to shim a scope?
2:093:04How to Shim Your Scope - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLevel once you've got your scope layer lowered carefully into place with those shims kept carefullyMoreLevel once you've got your scope layer lowered carefully into place with those shims kept carefully where they go the top rings on and tighten down carefully.
How high should my scope rings be?
To select the correct height ring calculate the height of half of the riflescope's widest point (normally the objective bell of the scope), you will then need to know the height from the bottom of the ring mount to the middle of the ring mount, select the ring mount height that is just over half of your riflescopes ...
What caliber is an AR-15?
Here is a breakdown of some of the major components of AR platform rifles. The standard AR-15 is a 5.56mm or .223 (note: the two rounds aren't exactly interchangeable; the .223 Remington will work just fine in a 5.56mm chamber, which is the military caliber, but it's unsafe to try it the other way around).
What is the average length of an AR barrel?
AR barrels come in a variety of lengths, weights and styles. The most common lengths are 16, 18 and 20 inches. Each has advantages and disadvantages. The shorter barrels are lighter and bullets travel with less velocity out of the bore; longer barrels provide more velocity, to a point, but are heavier.
What is an AR 10?
The AR-10 is a larger version of the AR-15. It chambers .308-sized cartridges, and is much more suited to big-game hunting. (John Hafner image) ARs can seem overwhelming to newcomers, though. There are lots of parts and some fancy terms. They don't look like a bolt-action rifle.
What are the components of an AR rifle?
Most of the components of your AR are for look, fit and feel. The two pieces of the puzzle that truly define your AR, however, are its upper receiver and barrel. These determine the ammunition you will use, and at what distance the rifle will be most accurate.
Which is the best coyote rifle?
Because of their accuracy, low recoil and rapid follow-up shot capability, an AR-15 may be the best coyote rifle ever created. (John Hafner image) The lower receiver is the foundation of an AR. It is the part of the rifle that houses the trigger, hammer and magazine catch. It also attaches to the pistol grip and stock.
Is a lower a firearm?
To purchase a lower, though, you have to go through the typical steps of purchasing a firearm from a FFL dealer. Without the other parts, the lower isn’t dangerous. It’s basically just a handle; nonetheless, it has a serial number and is considered a firearm. Lowers can be bought fully assembled or stripped.
Can you change the sights on an AR?
Actually, you can change and customize just about every part of an AR, including the handguard, trigger, grip, sights, magazine, stock and more. Once you have customized the necessary parts, you can start accessorizing with lights, optics, slings and more. These firearms are like Lego kits for adults.
The Competition Shooting To Combat Crossover
Jeff writes “As you can see from the photo these 3 rifles have a lot in common, besides the SOPMOD issue items the users have all chosen to upgrade certain parts of the rifles to fit them better (stock, grip or fore grip). Here is also a perfect example to show how popular Magpul items are with the troops.
The Importance Of Silencers In Combat
In part 2, Jeff goes into how the Surefire silencer changed a lot of things for soldiers. I think his explanation is really enlightening actually, and it explains why you see so many of the short barreled (10.3″ barrel) MK18’s being used by these guys:
The Most Common & Modern Combat Rifle Setup
In the latest installment of this series, part 3, Jeff talks mainly about how the newest generation of low-power variable magnification optics are taking over the battlefield. Specifically, 1-6 power scopes.
Bonus: Frank Proctor Made Many of The Same Changes To His Carbine Setup
In the video below Frank Proctor (served over 18 years in the military, the last 11 of those in US Army Special Forces and USPSA Grandmaster and IDPA Master ranked competitive shooter) talks about how his carbine setup changed over his combat tours …
Q: My household has had a lot of back and forth about the validity of high scope mounts for the AR platform. Are these high scope mounts useful, are they a fad, or is it something in between?
Mark Smith, JBS Training Group – Are they a fad? I think anything new that people attach to can be a fad for a while. That said, there are very few things that have remained solid and consistent throughout my life. I change my mind. Optic heights are one of those things I have changed my mind on.
Q: That was something I remember well, also. In that video, a selling point with the high scope mount was that it made him very slightly faster. Still, my thought was that this must be a niche item for a particular circumstance, and that there would be downsides to having a mount that high
Mark Smith, JBS Training Group – In full disclosure, I do not remember the exact details of what he said, but I will say that in specific environments, with certain objectives, certain things can happen to give you a fraction of a second advantage. That’s always good, as bullets travel at fractions of a second, and I want all of the advantages.
Q: Are there any other disadvantages we should be aware of with a high scope mount?
Mark Smith, JBS Training Group – When it comes to all these cool VTAC walls that everybody runs, port opening shots can become more difficult with high mounted optics…Certain angles on specific ports may not be as easily done due to a taller mount.
Q: Anything else you think we need to cover?
Mark Smith, JBS Training Group – People will spend an amazing amount of time trying to find out something like, “what is the best red dot height and why?” People will search for years trying to find the answer. They are looking for that one guy to say what they need to hear so they can know what to do. That is a fairy tale world.
How to set up an AR-15 like a Navy SEAL?
Starting with the upper receiver, the easiest way to set your AR-15 up like a Navy SEAL is to buy a stripped upper receiver you can customize from the start, but if you already have your rifle, you can still swap most of your parts for the build you want.
What accessories are needed for an AR-15?
Whether you have short-barreled personal defense weapon (PDW), a long barrel AR-15 for target shooting or another custom configuration, the right accessories are necessary to complete your build. Adding accessories can offer a variety of advantages, including improved performance, handling and weapons retention. To give your AR-15 the same look and versatility as those used by the SEALs, consider adding: 1 A bipod or monopod 2 Upgraded magazines 3 A sling and sling adapter
What class stamp do you need for an AR-15?
Ownership laws for AR-15s and their components vary by state, and for some accessories, you will need to apply for a Class III Tax Stamp from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for permission to own.
How long can a muzzle brake be without a tax stamp?
Without a Class III tax stamp, the lowest length you can go is 14.5 inches, and only if your muzzle brake brings the total length to 16 inches (measured from the bolt face) and has been pinned and welded in place for a permanent installation.
