Should I Aimpoint --> Eotech?

[blackscot]

Found a good deal on a used Aimpoint ML2 back around the holidays, so snapped it up. Originally had the idea to put it on an AK, but didn't like how that worked out (ended up preferring this gun left stripped down).

The ML2 has since been on-ice until last week, when I picked up from layaway my M&P flatop (which I am quickly coming to like greatly - separate post on that later). Popped the ML2 on there as soon as I got it home.

Everything co-witnesses and is basically lining up and working fine, so I am somewhat moving into the gnit-pick field here. The rifle has a fold-down rear sight but the front is fixed, and the amount of space the FSB takes up inside the ML2 field-of-view is starting to bug me. Would be really cool to see just the red dot on a wide open target picture, but without a fold-down front that isn't possible.

Don't want to get into the propsect of replacing the FSB, so am thinking another optic that better clears the irons (but still overlaps enough to co-witness) would be the better solution. Have read that the irons sit lower in the Eotech's field-of-view, so am thinking of trying that route.

Any suggestions pro/con welcomed - thanks.

[jmart]

You need a riser mount/taller ring for your Aimpoint. That will allow lower 1/3 cowitness.

If you opt for an EoTech you'll be in the same boat, you'd still need a riser.

Check out LaRue, they have all the mounts covered.

[blackscot]

You need a riser mount/taller ring for your Aimpoint. That will allow lower 1/3 cowitness.

Thanks for reminding me of a detail I left out. The current config is the ML2 on Aimpoint's low-mount ring (got this at first for the AK experiment), which in turn I supplemented with a 1/2-inch riser for the AR. This exactly centers the ML2 on the irons.

How much higher riser would work best? 5/8-inch, 3/4? Would like to keep simple and retain use of the ring if possible to keep down costs.

Also, any good sources for risers?

[jmart]

Sorry,

I have no knowledge about Aimpoint rings. ARMS makes risers but I'm not sure they would work. Rock River and GGGAZ also have some risers, they might.

I realize you want to minimize your cash outlay but I'd still look at the LaRue mount. You get a solid mount, quick release, return to zero mount. They aren't too pricey, plus you acquired the sight at a discount by purchasing it used. Maybe you can afford to throw a few more pennies at a good mount.

[blackscot]

......you acquired the sight at a discount by purchasing it used. Maybe you can afford to throw a few more pennies at a good mount.

Thanks again. And yes - I realize one reaches a trade-off point between saving money versus what's needed to do the job. The low ring was originally needed for the AK project, so if the AR really needs something else to basically work out right, well then I shouldn't have a problem with that. Just trying here to avoid any overkill solutions the problem.

ETA: Just found this on Eotech web site, saying their unit on a flatop AR aligns the irons in the lower 1/4 of the field-of-view. No mention is made of needing any additional riser.

http://www.eotech-inc.com/lawe_mountingoptions.php

[Robb Jensen]

ETA: Just found this on Eotech web site, saying their unit on a flatop AR aligns the irons in the lower 1/4 of the field-of-view. No mention is made of needing any additional riser.

http://www.eotech-inc.com/lawe_mountingoptions.php

An Eotech works for me best on a LaRue Eotech mount or RRA Dominator mount both of which raise the Eotech so that the reticle isn't on the front sight post.

An Aimpoint works for my best in a LaRue LT150 mount which is also high and also gets the reticle off of the front sight post. An ARMS mount with the optional spacer does the same thing.

[blackscot]

I'm looking at the Larue here for $115:

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=26

versus the ARMS ring for $109:

http://www.armsmounts.com/catalog.php?action=124&item_id=26

plus spacer for $9.10

http://www.armsmounts.com/catalog.php?action=124&item_id=21

for a total of $118.10 for the ARMS set-up.

Not much diff cost-wise, but either one a lot cheaper than an Eotech.

[jmart]

ETA: Just found this on Eotech web site, saying their unit on a flatop AR aligns the irons in the lower 1/4 of the field-of-view. No mention is made of needing any additional riser.

http://www.eotech-inc.com/lawe_mountingoptions.php

The EoTech will mount on the flat top and provide the same cowitness you have today, i.e., the dot will sit right on top of the front site post. Assuming you want an uncluttered view of the dot you'll need to add a riser and raise the dot off of the post.

[blackscot]

Okle-dokle - there seems to be unanimity here, which I'll accept in favor of the apprarently erroneous statement on the Eotech mounting-options site.

If I'm looking at having to modify the mount either way, then I'll definitely just stick with the ML2 and get something of greater height.

Thanks guys.......

[Obiwan]

Go with the LArue

It will put the FSB in the lower third

[blackscot]

Go with the LArue

It will put the FSB in the lower third

Went with that......arrived from C4 earlier this week.......muchos improvo.

Like the spare battery compartment in the base (wasn't expecting that). Is there any danger though of the battery discharging through the mount while stored? Any special considerations for placing it in there (wrapping, etc.)?

Also now have a Surefire G2 on a MI FSB mount. Werks guud!

Shall post pics later of the whole set-up in a "Meet My New Baby" thread.

[Buckaroo]

Like the spare battery compartment in the base (wasn't expecting that). Is there any danger though of the battery discharging through the mount while stored? Any special considerations for placing it in there (wrapping, etc.)?Tell me more about the battery storage. That is not listed on their website.

Thanks!

[blackscot]

There is a threaded-cap recess in the base of the unit that fits the spare battery. I remember now seeing mention of it somewhere on a web site before getting my unit. Maybe gandrtactical.com?

[militarymoron]

could have been on my site - i've a picture of the battery compartment here:
http://www.militarymorons.com/weapons/ar.optics.html#larue

[blackscot]

could have been on my site - i've a picture of the battery compartment here:
http://www.militarymorons.com/weapons/ar.optics.html#larue

No, that's not it -- I would have remembered that site. Great info there. Very thorough. Am bookmarking it.