Optics, Mounts, and BUIS?

[1gunzenuf]

First, I have been around long enough (on this site, reading) to have used the orange search button before posting this. Second, the members of this site and their benevolence with their hard-earned knowledge saved me from the purchase of either an Olympic Arms or DPMS Rifle. Thanks for this, as I would have been ultimately unhappy with my purchase had I bought and then found M4C.

Anyway, I just concluded my purchase of a DD M4V7 middy. I chose this particular rifle after viewing them (among others) at this years SHOT Show. I based my decision on the accessories I plan to run and do not think I will need more mounting options than this rifle offers in it's stock form.

So, I plan to order sling, spare magazines, light, RDS, and RDS mount from Grant and would like to ask the membership a few questions about the items I plan to add.

A Surefire weaponlight will be on the way soon, but I have a couple of questions for any who have used the different lights available. I think the X300 or X300 ultra would be my choice. Any opinions on one vs the other for indoor or short range outdoor use? Would one of the Surefire Scout lights be a better option for indoor use?

I have also decided on an Aimpoint Micro T1 or H1 RDS and have looked at the different mounts available. These are a little confusing to me as far as co-witness with irons, but through research here and on the internet, I am beginning to figure it out. I think the Larue mount is probably the option I would choose, but I have also looked at the DD and KAC mounts. Any opinions on these options for my purposes?

Finally, I am torn between flip-up and fixed iron sights. I have looked at Larue and Troy and have decided, barring any information to the contrary that I would lean toward fixed Troy sights for my new rifle.

Sorry for the long post, and yes, I have found quite bit of information already using the search function (it is how I decided on the gear choices above). I just want to do this right the first time based on what I want my rifle to accomplish for me. I am confident that my choices will work for my purposes, but I would welcome any input that may offer a different perspective and possibly some direction on the light and RDS mount. This will be primarily a defensive weapon for my home and associated property.

I am off to find as much more info as I can on the weapon system itself as well as the accessories I plan to use as well as to find a the nearest reputable carbine course I can attend. Thanks to all who make this place happen. I don't have a lot to add, but I certainly have learned a lot from this place over the past few months.

[bsmith_shoot]

I dont have a thing to add. Any choice, out of all the options you listed, would be great. Go for it, shoot it, and post us some pics in the pic threads.
Brandon

[Tzook]

This is purely my opinion, but I prefer to have no iron sight in my red dot picture. I understand the concept of co-witnessing, or shooting with a front post, I just feel it gets in my line of sight. Lots of forum members who know a hell of a lot more than me don't see a problem with it, so it certainly won't hurt you either way you choose.

I was poking around on the light/knife section a week or two ago, trying to find a weaponlight for my rifle as well. I was making it a lot more complicated than it needed to be, and I just ended up going with a simple, cheap but bright Solarforce light and a simple GG&G mount. I definitely don't know best on this subject either, but it seems to work pretty well for my purposes. I think when it was all said and done I was into it like 60 bucks, which is nice compared to the prices on those Surefires....

[ra2bach]

I like the Daniel Defense mount for a T-1. lightweight and very robust.

and I use a fixed rear BUIS with a RDS that isn't also intended for use with a magnifier. I like the DD here also...

[Doc Safari]

I like the T1 as well. I found that I prefer a folding rear BUIS because a fixed one causes too much visual clutter. YMMV.

[Punisher1336]

I just got the Aimpoint Micro H-1, I have opted for flip rear and front sights (magpul)

[1gunzenuf]

Thanks for the input. I opted for Troy folding front and rear sights for my BUIS. I also opted for the DD mount for the RDS. Even though it will not be QD, the BUIS will co-witness when deployed. I am continuing to gather as much information as I can about the platform, ammo variants, and their differing roles. Extra P-Mags and ammo are on the way. Thanks again for the assistance thus far. and for a great site that makes it easy to learn what I don't know.

[lifebreath]

I prefer fixed sights with red dot, front and back, and 1/3 lower co-witness. This requires a little higher mount and modified cheek weld (more of a jaw-weld than cheek weld). I do not find it cluttered whatsoever. However, I would find an absolute co-witness to be rather bothersome with fixed sights, and would opt for folding sights if I wanted an absolute co-witness or if I required a true traditional cheek weld.

Another thing to consider is if you ever foresee swapping a 1-4X variable (or similar) for the Aimpoint. If so, you'd do well to have folding sights, as the fixed sights do become bothersome in my opinion with the variable power scopes.

I like the Danial Defense fixed rear BUIS and the Troy folders (front and back) are rock solid.

[ra2bach]

Thanks for the input. I opted for Troy folding front and rear sights for my BUIS. I also opted for the DD mount for the RDS. Even though it will not be QD, the BUIS will co-witness when deployed. I am continuing to gather as much information as I can about the platform, ammo variants, and their differing roles. Extra P-Mags and ammo are on the way. Thanks again for the assistance thus far. and for a great site that makes it easy to learn what I don't know.

the DD T-1 mount is lower 1/3 cowitness. I'm fine with a fixed BUIS in this case, like the DD A1.5.

anything that uses absolute cowitness, like the Aimpoint PRO with the QRP mount, needs a folder, IMO...

[wahoo95]

The DD mount is solid, however after a couple of hard outings in cold/rain I wouldn't run anything that wasn't QD. One class in particular we were shooting on a 300yd pop up range while it was pouring rain and fairly cool temperature wise. Instructor had us run about 60yds then engage targets. Between the rain, smoke, and fog from heavy breathing the guys with non QD mounts were dead in the water as they weren't able to utilize their red dots or magnified optics and weren't able to switch to irons. Luckily I was able to detach my T-1/LT660 and go to irons. Normally I would just flip up my BUIS, but I couldn't get a sight picture through the optic due to the conditions listed above. We were shooting targets ranging from 25-300yds.