1969912 0 #1 March 4, 2012 I'm in the process of building a new AR. It was originally going to be pretty low budget with basic iron sights, but I ended up getting a complete brand new upper assy for free, so I have some money available for optics. It's a 16" fat barrel in 5.56. Any suggestions for optics? Aimpoint? ADCO? Eotech? Regular scope? I'm thinking maybe 200 yards max for target practice. Thanks. "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtiflyer 0 #2 March 4, 2012 prepare to get a verbal beating from the anti 2nd amendment peeps on here. Now as for the optics it really depends on what it will be used for and what distances. I had a Eotech Xps2-0. I loved it. Only concern is battery life which is around 600 hours. Never had an aimpoint but there battery life is something like 5000 hours. However for my next build I am going with http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/community/whats_new_item.php?whats_newID=news_99 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #3 March 4, 2012 Quoteprepare to get a verbal beating from the anti 2nd amendment peeps on here. Now as for the optics it really depends on what it will be used for and what distances. I had a Eotech Xps2-0. I loved it. Only concern is battery life which is around 600 hours. Never had an aimpoint but there battery life is something like 5000 hours. However for my next build I am going with http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/community/whats_new_item.php?whats_newID=news_99 I've run a Trijicon before and I have been running an EoTech 516 for the past 5-ish years. The Trijicon SUCKED. The reticlel would wash out in moon light, street lights, car lights...it didn't even work real well in the daylight. I ended up pulling it and running iron sights. The EoTech I run takes CR-123a batteries. Which is the same batteries that my pistol light runs, that my flashlights run and that the weapon light on my AR runs. I like having a single battery for everything I run. So I keep a couple in a pouch with me and a couple in the vertical foregrip on my rifle. I've never had a problem with battery life with the EoTech. When it flashes, the batteries get replaced or they get replaced every 6 months (which ever comes first). I've never had them fail during a critical event. I really like the EoTech reticle. The 1-dot/65-circle is a poor-man's range finder, using the shoulders of a person to gauge distance against the size of the circle/dot. I also like that I can turn the power up for bright areas or turn it down if I'm running at night or having to take a shot at distance. With the EoTech I'm accurate from the paper back to 500m (center mass accurate at 500). In my world the likelihood of me having to take a shot past 100m is slim (especially since the national average for police SNIPER shootings is 75 yards), so I like having an unmagnified optic that has a large reticle for close in work.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #4 March 4, 2012 Honestly, I'll probably put several hundred rounds through it, and it'll then end up in my safe with the other AR's and AK's and stuff. I'll never be the guy who goes to the range every weekend with precision handloads. Never assembled one before, and that's probably the main reason for doing the project. I'm guessing that with a 16" bbl, 300 yds or so is the practical limit, so quick target acquisition at fairly close range would be the best use. "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
propblast 0 #5 March 4, 2012 I personally like EOTechs ( have been using the same one for 9 years) and ACOGs but for a build that won't get run hard, Primary Arms makes a good Micro dot at a reasonable price.Propblast Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #6 March 4, 2012 Quote prepare to get a verbal beating from the anti 2nd amendment peeps on here. But, he can see them coming from 200 yards away, or more! We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dannydan 5 #7 March 4, 2012 Quote Quote prepare to get a verbal beating from the anti 2nd amendment peeps on here. But, he can see them coming from 200 yards away, or more! :) :) :) lol! Oh wait, i'm not being very nice about laughing at them. I'm actually crying for them inside, so i guess that makes me a fake.... oh but wait again, the word of God doeth sayith "..brother against brother and son against father" sad BUT it IS written! Anyway, always wanted one of the EOTs for something that i use to have. I always read and heard good things about them. Anywh that gives FAST target acq in CQB will always be better than not.... one of thee main reasons why i switched my factory glock sights to AshlyExpress pro big dot ;-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #8 March 4, 2012 This thread has actually got me thinking about building an AR15. Wouldn't have a clue where to begin, but the thought appeals to me. We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #9 March 4, 2012 Quote This thread has actually got me thinking about building an AR15. Wouldn't have a clue where to begin, but the thought appeals to me. Well, you begin with a stripped lower. That's the part that's the actual "gun", so that's the one piece you can't mail order for yourself. Then you have to decide what you want. Barrel length and twist, free-float or standard hand guard, flat top or carry handle (or detach handle). If flat top - flip up or A2 front sight, rear sight, optics (scope or red dot). Stock type, trigger type. The list of options is pretty long. If you don't know what you are doing, get help installing the barrel and setting the headspace. A lot of uppers are available pre-assembled and headspaced. The rest is just parts installation. As you can probably guess, I've built a couple before. I got the uppers already assembled and headspaced because I really don't have any experience doing it, but I know guys who do that part themselves and they say it isn't real difficult."There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blkhwk91b 0 #10 March 4, 2012 Even if it was not going to end up in your safe after a few rounds I still wouldn't add any optic device to the weapon. Iron sights are the most practical and reliable for any use you will be inclined to use it for. Optics fail, sight recognition takes longer for CQC because you will have/want to use the sights when you should be point shooting, putting you at risk, etc... i could go on and on. In a real situation under 50 yards you are going to be point-shooting anyways. Waste of money in my book, but I'm just another internet Joe. On the other hand, if you want to go Hollywood, there are a lot of cool looking optics out there. "Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way." - Alan Watts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #11 March 4, 2012 Well, iron sights was my original plan. I have a Colt AR in 7.62x39 and the factory sights are fine. I think I'll definitely try out some weapons with red dot type optics before spending any money. "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #12 March 4, 2012 How much money are you talking with one of these things, bare bones let's say?We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #13 March 5, 2012 QuoteHow much money are you talking with one of these things, bare bones let's say? It all depends on the parts you buy - like a general-use computer, it's pretty hard to beat the various manufacturers for 'basic' guns, price-wise. It also depends on the use - if you're just looking for a 'plinker', then you may be perfectly satisfied with a Rock River or a Bushmaster, although I'd recommend replacing the bolt carrier group in either. In that case, see this thread and check the tech stickies, here. Here is a thread talking about the relative quality of various commercial ARs to mil-spec. Once you have the chart open, click the 'link to legacy term explanation' for some good info about the various parts and what to look for when you purchase. With all that said....if I had it to do over again, I would spend the extra money and get something from Larue Tactical, Bravo Company Manufacturing, Lewis Machine and Tool or Noveske. I'd put the new AimPoint PRO on it, buy some Pmags and never look back.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blkhwk91b 0 #14 March 5, 2012 In my opinion mnealtx is spot on. Not all AR's are created equal. Also, make sure you get it chambered for 5.56, not .223. The difference being round/chamber pressures when fired. 5.56 are made for the hardier pressured rounds. The other way around would likely cause problems and may even result in a catastrophic failure if you have cheap hardware."Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way." - Alan Watts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
propblast 0 #15 March 5, 2012 For what it's worth... I have built and worked on lots of ARs. I compete with them and probably shoot in excess of 20K -30K rds a year...so I am constantly working on the guns. Most are created equal if....the lower is mil spec. There are two things that will make 1 AR better than another. 1. The barrel/bolt group. These days I build with Kriegers. 2. The trigger. These days I use any of the Geisselle versions. The 5.56mm or better yet Wylde chamber is the way to go. For the OP I like irons and compete with them all the time out to 600 yards. They are reliable and will never fail. That said the rifle optics these days are very good. You just got to go with what you want. That said, Mark and the other companies mentioned above make excellent rifles.Propblast Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #16 March 5, 2012 QuoteIn my opinion mnealtx is spot on. Not all AR's are created equal. Also, make sure you get it chambered for 5.56, not .223. The difference being round/chamber pressures when fired. 5.56 are made for the hardier pressured rounds. The other way around would likely cause problems and may even result in a catastrophic failure if you have cheap hardware. Yup - Wylde or 556 chambering, you're good for either, with a 223 chamber you can ONLY shoot 223. Also, pay attention to the rifling twist. A 1:9 barrel has one rifling revolution in 9 inches. A faster twist barrel would be something like 1:7, while a slower barrel twist would be something like 1:12. This can become very important for ammo selection and accuracy. A good writeup on that is here. Oh - to tie back into the OP: even if you get an optic, you still want to have backup iron sights, and have those sights zeroed.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
propblast 0 #17 March 5, 2012 I find humor in the fact that my above post is number 223. I just noticed not bad for a decade+ huh?Propblast Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #18 March 5, 2012 QuoteHow much money are you talking with one of these things, bare bones let's say? It depends. What quality are you looking for? How much work are you going to do? (pre-assembled uppers cost a bit more) How big of a hurry are you in? How much shopping around/bargain hunting are you willing to do? Mid-quality, all the work yourself, keeping an eye out for bargains on the websites and at gunshows could be done pretty inexpensively. $500-$600 if you are lucky. Closer to $1000 is more realistic. I have to kind of laugh at the responses above mine. The info is very accurate, but nobody answered yoir question directly (I didn't follow the links, so there might be numbers in them)."There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #19 March 5, 2012 QuoteI have to kind of laugh at the responses above mine. The info is very accurate, but nobody answered yoir question directly (I didn't follow the links, so there might be numbers in them). I don't know what the prices are where he lives and I don't know what he intends to use the gun for. As you well know, configuration drives the price.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #20 March 5, 2012 Quote Mid-quality, all the work yourself, keeping an eye out for bargains on the websites and at gunshows could be done pretty inexpensively. $500-$600 if you are lucky. Closer to $1000 is more realistic. This is the ball park I'm looking for. The thread will stick in my mind as a project over the next couple of years. I'm looking for my life to taper out in some areas, and pick up in others over time.We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matthewcline 0 #21 March 5, 2012 QuoteI'm in the process of building a new AR. It was originally going to be pretty low budget with basic iron sights, but I ended up getting a complete brand new upper assy for free, so I have some money available for optics. It's a 16" fat barrel in 5.56. Any suggestions for optics? Aimpoint? ADCO? Eotech? Regular scope? I'm thinking maybe 200 yards max for target practice. Thanks. What ever you narrow down your choices too, look at samplelist.com, dvor.com, cheaperthandirt.com and outdoorsmanguide.com, They all carry the top of the line optics and do so at cheaper than retail prices (normally). I got my EOTech 522 (in AA, same reason as some one listed above, common battery, all my "extra's" are AA powered)from samplelist, it was a display model in AAFES and sells for ~ $500, I got it delivered for $350. MattAn Instructors first concern is student safety. So, start being safe, first!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #22 March 6, 2012 On the other hand, if you want to go Hollywood, there are a lot of cool looking optics out there. Quote Go Hollywood?! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #23 March 6, 2012 Nice bullpup!Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #24 March 6, 2012 My son in law is having an AR-15 put together. I never thought I'd want a gun like this, but I am seriously thinking of getting one too. I don't know much about the red dot sights. I've heard they give off a red glow. Could a perp aim at that red glow and then shoot at that? I'm also wondering about barrel length. A 16 incher would be handy, but wouldn't you be giving up quite a bit of velocity. I'd like to shoot longer ranges too. What barrel length would you recommend for that? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #25 March 7, 2012 QuoteMy son in law is having an AR-15 put together. I never thought I'd want a gun like this, but I am seriously thinking of getting one too. I don't know much about the red dot sights. I've heard they give off a red glow. Could a perp aim at that red glow and then shoot at that? I'm also wondering about barrel length. A 16 incher would be handy, but wouldn't you be giving up quite a bit of velocity. I'd like to shoot longer ranges too. What barrel length would you recommend for that? Red dot reverse glow? Nope, not an issue at range. If the turd is close enough to see your red dot, they're close enough to slit your throat.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
