Too much optic? Optic choice for BCM hammer forged lightweight barrel.

[Boba Fett v2]

What did you hope to accomplish with the LW barrel? Don't buy an optic that'll ruin what you're trying to accomplish.

Agreed. This is the reason I replaced the 1-6x LPVO with an micro RDS on my SR15. I wanted to retain the lightweight maneuverability of the rifle as much as possible, as opposed to carrying the weight penalty of a variable optic although it was more versatile. I will either have another upper or a complete rifle dedicated for that purpose and it will be equipped accordingly.

[Kokopelli]

Yes...

[jukeboxx13]

Nope.

I am looking at a 2.5-10x44 Votex Viper HS for my 14.5" LW AR15 as we speak, and with it mounted my carbine will weigh 8.5 lbs unloaded which imo is pretty damn light for that scope setup.

ETA The mount I will be using is non QD though and weighs 3oz. Its an Aero Precision which actually returns to zero quite well.

[BrigandTwoFour]

The 1-4x lends itself more for general purpose use. I can see the 2.5-10 being fine on a LW barrel for a rifle that is carried a lot and shot a little (like a hunting gun). If you wanted a gun that would be good for spending long sessions at the range punching tiny groups in paper, then it would be better to have a heavier profile barrel. That said, I have a Centurion LW CHF build with that same PST 2.5-10x that you're looking at, and I love it. I find I enjoy it a lot more than when I had the TR-24 on it.

[Benito]

Thanks for the replies, fellas.

[friendlyfireisnt]

My opinion, which means little to nothing, is that a 2.5-10x or a 3-9 optic puts a carbine in more of a specialized role, than as a general purpose carbine. And since you have said multiple times that you anticipate this a general purpose carbine, I suspect it will be the wrong optic.

I see a general purpose carbine as one that works well in a variety of roles.

For example, my 11.5" pistol with an Aimpoint PRO is great for HD, but would be poor choice at 600 yards. And my 16" Stealth with a VX-R 3-9 is great at range, but is poor up close. My 16" LW with a VX-R 1.25-4x is good up close and pretty good at distance.

Really up to you as to what your primary anticipated use is of course.

[Scrubber3]

For general purpose the 1-4x will offer much more use. Faster target acquisition and the ability to find targets much faster by keeping both eyes open on setting 1.

[Benito]

That's what I figured, but am leaning toward the 2.5-10x32, as I have an Aimpoint equipped AR for the shorter end of the range spectrum.