AR-15 Flat Top or Iron Sights...I CAN'T DECIDE!!!

[CWG]

I'm looking to build an AR-15 via a stripped receiver etc. Something economic for plinking/"home" defense. I can't decide whether or not to get a flat top upper receiver that I can add a removeable handle to or just stick with the plain Jane A2 iron sights. Optics can be attached to either one. Any thoughts?

[Jimro]

Whatever you choose, remember that iron sights don't need a battery. A good setup would be a flat top with backup irons co-witnessed with an EOTech or Aimpoint.

Jimro

[dustinlowery]

get a flat tp with buis or carryin handle iron sights and stick with them until you find a sight u like better than irons

[DnPRK]

Flat top is more versatile. Start with BUIS then move to optics at a later time.

[ARmasterzach]

Went out to the range the other weekend and went to turn on my red dot on my bushmaster and nothing happened. Its the carbon model too so the closest thing to sights was the raised rail on the top of the receiver.

[Davis]

Personally, I have no use for optics or other kind of sights on an AR or AK. A2 configuration is all I need or want.

Davis

[stinger]

A flattop can always be used as an iron sighted weapon, but a carry handled version has a tougher time mounting optics. Mounts can be used on a carry handle, and some are rock solid, but you will still have to deal with a cheek weld problem. I've never shot a comfortable A2 with optics mounted, there may be some, but not that I've come in contact with.

[MMcfpd]

Go with the flattop. Whatever you might want in an A2 (carry handle) configuration, the flattop can do with a detachable carry handle.

[ConcealCarryNY]

+1 on the flattop with detachable carry handle set up.

[RockyMtnTactical]

A flat top is infinitely more flexible. Go with the flat top. Optics are the future and you can use irons if you insist as well.

I thought I wanted an A2 for my first. I was glad I was talked out of it. I didn't listen on my 3rd build and I ended up swapping out the A2 upper for a flat top a few months later...

[CWG]

Thanks guys! I'm totally going with the flat top with a carry handle!

[AMX]

If you're planning on putting an optic on this I would skip the removable carry handle and get a flip up style sight. You can leave it in the down position untill your Aimpoint or EOTech fails, and then flip it up.

If you have a removable carry handle, you pretty much stuck with one or the other.

[CWG]

Good point. I'll probably just get a flip up sight. Lightweight, convenient, ergonomical.

[hodaka]

I guess I've gotten use to the chin weld with the A2 receiver with the handle mount with low rings. The irons are always available, and more solid than flip-ups with hinges and the scope goes off and on in seconds. Pretty solid too. Optics are indeed the future but redundancy ain't bad.

[Davis]

Again, I just plain prefer the iron sights and prefer the fixed setup. I own three AR's, two Bushmasters and a Rock River/Stag. Two are A2's, one is an A1. I couldn't happier with the arrangement.

Davis

[4V50 Gary]

Flattop with folding rear sight. Sight it in. Then mount a reddot. Sight that in. Now you've got a back-up sighting system.

[CWG]

This is what I'm goin with!
DPMS M4
http://rguns.net/009/009_5_m4dpms_hr.jpg

[USMCG_HMX1]

I went with an A2 because I was all nostalgic of my days in the Corps and wanted an A2 like I had when I was on active duty.


I know my next AR will be a flattop with BUIS, a removable handle, and an EO Tech, so I can enjoy all three.

(And my 11 year old will get my A2 when he's old enough, just don't tell my wife that.)




Kris