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Scoping An AR

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HenryFan
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Scoping An AR

Post by HenryFan » Mon Mar 30, 2026 2:29 pm

I have an economy build AR on which I need to mount a riflescope.

It is a Palmetto State Armory lower with a Bear Creek Arsenal 16" barrel upper. It is an M4 style upper and at present, it has a carry handle which came off of a Colt AR15A4. Not a high-end AR by far but it has never failed to feed, fire or eject. It is probably more accurate than I can shoot it, especially with iron sights. Old eyes.

I want to use this carbine for coyote shooting but I am uncertain what is the best solution for scope mounting. I once had a Colt HB and the scope was mounted on the carry handle but I never thought this was the best solution.

I would like to remove the carry handle and mount the rings on the pic rail on which the Colt carry handle is mounted.

Is this a good solution and if so, what do you folks recommend for rings/mounts?

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DsGrouse
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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by DsGrouse » Mon Mar 30, 2026 3:45 pm

For AR's pick a cantilever mount and a simple low-power variable optic of your desired amount.

I am partial to Primary arms LVPOs, Sig tango msr LVPOs, Vortex strike eagle LVPOs. The cantaliever mount lifts the scope up just about right for most folks.

HenryFan
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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by HenryFan » Mon Mar 30, 2026 5:38 pm

DsGrouse -

Thanks for the guidance.

rickhem
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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by rickhem » Mon Mar 30, 2026 5:41 pm

I have the Burris Signature PEPR in 30mm on a couple different AR uppers. One has a Bushnell Match Pro 6-24, and the other has a Sightron STAC 1-4.5. I would also second the suggestion for a good LPVO, the Match Pro is not as user friendly, and if you're going to shoot in low light coyote hunting, a 30mm LPVO is a fantastic way to go. My PEPRs both have the QD levers, which can be adjusted for how tight the levers are when camming over. They make a few different models and sizes of these, and they aren't the least expensive option, but I'm a big fan of the Burris Signature rings, and both of my PEPRs are great mounting systems that I'd buy again.

https://www.burrisoptics.com/sites/defa ... k=37NcWguH

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Vaquero
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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by Vaquero » Mon Mar 30, 2026 5:59 pm

I went with a 4-12×40 and a set of med height rings. I don't remember the brand, it's been setup like this for several years without any issues.
Never got a chance to use it on any coyotes yet. The number 2 grandson took three deer with it year before last with it.
The lower came stripped and I built it myself, the came complete and both from PSA.

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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by HenryFan » Tue Mar 31, 2026 8:02 am

I took DsGrouse' advice and ordered a Leupold cantilever scope mount from Midway USA. It was more than I wanted to spend but Leupold products are good.

As far as the scope, I have that covered with two riflescopes in the gun safe. Both have 1" tubes. One is a Leupold M8 2.5X20, one of the last fixed power riflescopes offered by Leupold, and the other is a Redfield 2-7X33 riflescope. The Redfield was made by Leupold when they owned the Redfield name and I believe it is the same as the current VX-Freedom line of scopes but it was a bit cheaper at the time I bought it.

The 2.5X20 has a finer reticle than I prefer and the Redfield is a bit larger and has a bit more upper limit magnification than I prefer but either will save me the expense of buying another riflescope.

At some time in the future, I may try to trade the 2.5X20 for something like at 1" tube 1-5 power or 1-6 power scope with a bolder reticle but for now it or the Redfield will do. Before than happens, I will consider upgrading my electronic game call. I have an old Primos Power Dogg call and I think newer calls may be an improvement but again, I may make do with what I have.

Signed Hamish MacCheap.

DsGrouse. - Thanks Again

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DsGrouse
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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by DsGrouse » Tue Mar 31, 2026 8:53 am

How big is the 2.5x20

that sounds like the perfect squirrel scope.

And no problem, always happy to help

HenryFan
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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by HenryFan » Tue Mar 31, 2026 9:00 am

It is quite compact, almost exactly 8" in length and light in weight.

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Vaquero
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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by Vaquero » Tue Mar 31, 2026 9:27 am

Hey Henry fan, man I love those Redfield Revolution scopes.
I have 4, they now cost more second hand than they did brand new.
Perfect levergun scopes in my opinion.
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Ain't No Apologies for My Temperament :shock:
Si vis pacem, para bellum
H001, H006, H012

HenryFan
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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by HenryFan » Tue Mar 31, 2026 9:57 am

Vaquero -

I actually have two. One on a Glenfield 30A and the other in the safe.

I once compared the Redfield Revolution scopes to Leupold VX-Freedom scopes and they were the same in external dimensions and parallax. I guess there was some difference but I can't tell what that difference is, if a difference actually exists.

I know Leupold honors the warranty on Redfield scopes like their Leupold scopes, or at least they did at one time.

Good glass.

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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by Hatchdog » Tue Mar 31, 2026 10:50 am

+1 on the Lepold Freedom scopes or the Redfield version. I have a few and they are great.

As far as your AR goes, if the upper has the fixed front sight you will probably see it in the scope. On mine it’s just an image in the bottom of the view and doesn’t bother me at all nor does if affect the sight picture. Good choice on the mount and you will like the 2-7x on it.

HenryFan
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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by HenryFan » Tue Mar 31, 2026 1:50 pm

Thanks to all who offered guidance.

rickhem
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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by rickhem » Tue Mar 31, 2026 2:11 pm

Sounds like a great rig coming together!

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Re: Scoping An AR

Post by The Happy Kaboomer » Sat Apr 04, 2026 9:18 pm

On one of my ARs.....I put a 1 in riser on and mounted a Leupold var-x iii 3x10x50.....I taped a big strong flashlight to the forend.........I use it for depredation hunting at night.......Works good.

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