Scope height (not RDS)

[NoDogma]

Building multi purpose rifle. I'm looking for a BUIS but part of my criteria is how low it will fold. I plan on mounting a scope something like vari 3x9 power and want it as low as possible with a quick detach. I have seen the LaRue and American defense with an integrated ring. What type of height do I need to have the standard front sight (BCM middy upper) not interfere (I can accept some fuzz in the bottom of the sight picture) but I want the BUIS to stay on and under the scope if possible? I have searched.

[JimmyB62]

The Troy seems to sit as low as anything when folded. It's a good sight.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Troy-...20-%20rear.htm

[RemMan700]

The main thing you need to focus on is having the scope mounted at the proper height. I had to get my scope mounted to where it sat 1.5" from top of rail to center of scope ring so it was the proper height for me. I ended up using a Rock River Arms High Riser mount. It was only $55 and easy to quick detach. The BUIS I have on my rifle (MI ERS) did not work with the RRA mount. The mounting bracket on the RRA mount is a little too long for the BUIS to fit on the rail as well. If you do some research you will find that most designated AR rings and mounts are around 1" from the top of rail to bottom of the ring. I think you need 1.4" (center of ring) to clear the front sight.

[SkiDevil]

RemMan700 made some good suggestions. Something else to consider:

When I was trying to mount a scope on a General Purpose 16" carbine I ran into the same problem. I wanted to mount a scope AND still keep the rear BUIS on the rail. One of the most common problems that you will run into is that many of the risers are too long and either cover the entire 5.5 of rail on the gun or leave an opening that is insufficient to mount a BUIS.

So, then your two options remain in using extra-high rings like the Leupold Mark4 AR ($150) rings or the Warne Maxima AR-15 High ($80-90) rings.

Or;

A one-piece mount, such as an ADM or La Rue.

I went to a gun show and looked at most types of rings/ mounts that are available; I reached the conclusion for myself that the best option wast a one-piece mount.

I would strongly consider purchasing one of these mounts, you will save yourself a lot of aggravation. I bought several other mounts/ risers, when I could have just bought the one piece to start with. Fortunately, I have other guns that are better suited for those mounts, so I still have a use for them. If the BUIS on the flat top is not required then buying a riser and standard rings is a cheaper option (see Brownells).

Good Luck,
SkiDevil

P.S. If you are using a typical 3X9 variable with a 32, 40, or 42 mm objective lens you should have no problem with either the ADM or La Rue. They are both great mounts. Any larger and you may want to check with the manufacturer of the respective mount.





ADM mount that I used on this rifle (cost $155)

[RemMan700]

Ski Devil,
How long is the mounting rail that you have in the pic above, 4"? The RRA mount is 5+ inches but I really bought it for my varmint setup that does not have BUIS. If I put a scope on my carbine then I think I will go with the LaRue because it is like 4 inches.

[SkiDevil]

Ski Devil,
How long is the mounting rail that you have in the pic above, 4"? The RRA mount is 5+ inches but I really bought it for my varmint setup that does not have BUIS. If I put a scope on my carbine then I think I will go with the LaRue because it is like 4 inches.

The mount in the picture is the ADM Recon mount 1" diamter model. The base of the one-piece mount which attaches to the flat top rail is 3 7/8" in length. The entire flat top of my M4 CMT upper receiver from front-end to the charging handle is approx. 7" in length.

Before you buy one, try to look at both and decide which suits your needs better. They are both excellent products. One observation which I have made, and is reviewed at the websites of both companies is that one requires a tool to set-up/ adjust (initially) and one does not (ADM). Also, typically the ADM mounts are less expensive, but not substantially. I would say go by personal preference. Many on this forum prefer the La Rue. I used to but now the ADM is growing on me.

Either way you are safe. Both good products with excellent customer service.

Good Luck,
SkiDevil





http://www.americandefensemanufactur...ew=description

[NoDogma]

Guys, thanks for all the great detail in the posts. After some more research I'm considering other magnification options lower than 3-9x. Just ordered the Troy folding, the low profile I figured would give me some good flexibility. SkiDevil what scope and what is the main use?

[SkiDevil]

SkiDevil what scope and what is the main use?

The scope is a Leupold Ultra-Light FX 2.5X20 MM fixed power. It weighs approx. 6-6.5 ounces (roughly close to an Aimpoint T-1) and is approx. 8 inches in length.
The main use of the optic is for target (plinking) shooting and hunting. I plan to use it on jack rabbits and coyotes in the desert and as a general purpose sight/ for rifle.

The scope is pretty versatile in that it can be used with both eyes open at close range and at distance (eye relief is 5"). The glass is clear and durable. I decided on a fixed power because above all else I wanted an optic on this rifle without batteries.

I went to the shooting range yesterday and I was shooting steel plates at 200 and 300 yards. I sighted the scope in at 50 yards and had no problem hitting the plates. Off-hand at 300 yards, I was hitting steel plates roughly the size of a standard sheet of paper (8/12 X 11"). Although I was not hitting the plates with every shot. I was striking the plates fairly consistently. The more I use this set-up the more I like it.

The only problem is that if you wanted to see one of these scopes, I could not find a dealer in my area with one in stock. But most optic online dealers would let you purchase one and return it if you did not like it. However, you would be out your shipping fee and problaby have to pay a restocking fee if you did not buy another scope from them (as long as the scope was not mounted/ this is SWFA's policy).

Good Luck in your search, finding the right optic can be slightly frustrating because there are so many different choices. Like many others have already said when it comes to selecting various gear/ equipment. Determine the use and then find the tool/s which fufill that need closest to your requirements. Of course price is always a factor as well [between the ADM mount and the scope including shipping and taxes the price for both was roughly $500].

SkiDevil