Where to Mount an Aimpoint on a Flattop?

[Gewehr3]

Greetings,

Is there a best spot to mount an Aimpoint on a M4 style carbine? Does it matter how forward or rearward the optic is mounted besides clearance of the BUIS?

Thanks.

[Pat_Rogers]

Hi Gewher!
You have it correct. The Aimpoint works better closer to the eye. I generally keep mine mounted at the forward end of the receiver, which allows me to mount a 3x magnifier behind it, but the Aimpoint is pretty forgiving.
Hope this helps.

[gotm4]

Where you mount it in relation to your eye is a balance of speed and precision. Like a forward mounted 'scout' scope the further away from your eye will result in you being able to find the dot faster and on the target faster. Closer to your eye the more accurate/precise you will be with it for difficult shots. It's the same with EOTechs. I've run EOTechs all the way out on the top of my freefloating rail for speed, it was still accurate enough to hit a moving target at 100yds. On my .223 AK out on the handguard is the only way I can run the Aimpoint C3 and it's very fast. On my 3gun rifle instead a set of 'homeboy' iron sights (they're at a 45 degree angle) I run an Aimpoint H1 as my close range optic out on the end of the JP VTAC tube and sight it in for 15yds. This allows me to not have to mess with the power ring on my scope or have to worry about the hold over because the height of the scope at close range. Using the H1 I can make 2 head hits on a IPSC metric target at 15yds as fast as I can pull the trigger (sounds like the rifle doubling).

On my Colt since I don't have rails I run the Aimpoint as far forward as the receiver allows with the LaRue mount.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/gunpics/colt028.jpg

One of my SBRs when I ran a 11.5" with an EOTech 551 on a LaRue mount. Very fast set up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/3bffbd7c.jpg

Another of my SBRs this was has the KAC RAS2 rail and I just have a Aimpoint M2 in a RAS2 height LaRue mount for it. The new Aimpoint M4 will fit here if the spacer is removed and you use the supplied shorter screws.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/gunpics/c7ae1a84.jpg

My .223 AK with an Aimpoint C3 on an UltiMak rail. VERY fast set up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/gunpics/b0105530.jpg

My 3gun rifle with an Aimpoint H1 on a LaRue mount at 45degrees on the JP VTAC FF tube, EXTREMELY fast set up for close range, you can only shoot and hit as fast as you can see..........and this is the fastest I've seen yet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/e66298f3.jpg

[Pat_Rogers]

Several years ago an organization ran tests on optimum RDS placement (which i can't access now :rolleyes: ).
Readers Digest version is that the EO would work better forward, and the Aimpoint better rearward.
That has been my experience (with my frame of reference) as well.
Keep in mind that i don't shoot 3 gun. My guns are set up to mimic those whom i teach (pistols and carbines).
Consequently, the front rails are used for ATIPAL, -2A and such, and all sights stay on the receiver.

In the overall scheme of things, competitors are more on the cutting edge with equipment for thir games, and the tac side has benefitted greatly from it.
The mil side is less forward leaning, but the majority of killing is not done by technical shooters but rather hard guys with adequate guns and gear.
Enjoy what you have. Learn to use it correctly. Have fun...

Robb- OT but, had a gas block come loose, as you predicted...:eek:

[gotm4]

In the overall scheme of things, competitors are more on the cutting edge with equipment for thir games, and the tac side has benefitted greatly from it.
The mil side is less forward leaning, but the majority of killing is not done by technical shooters but rather hard guys with adequate guns and gear.
Enjoy what you have. Learn to use it correctly. Have fun...

Very true, and I'm thankful for those strong men who stand ready to do violence on my behalf!


Robb- OT but, had a gas block come loose, as you predicted...:eek:

DOH! I really hope they find a remedy for this at the factory.

Interesting you say that that about Aimpoint vs EOTech because as a whole if given the choice of Aimpoint or EOTech to mount far forward, I'd choose the EOTech (for me = faster to acquire and a wide field of view).

In the end it's just one of those things you have to try, it's really all just personal preference (neither is wrong or right it's whatever works for you). My wife doesn't like Aimpoints much at all, I love them.

[Gewehr3]

Thank you gentlemen for the great info.

[paulosantos]

There are many factors that go into it, but it is going to be a preference thing. The best place to start is to mount it on the last rail on the upper like Gotm4 has it on the first picture. See how you like it there. Just keep in mind that the EOTech/Aimpoint is best used with BOTH eyes open. If you have the sight too far forward, you may have a hard time finding the reticle. If it is too close, you will will not be able to mount a magnifier.