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Scoping An AR
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2026 2:29 pm
by HenryFan
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?
Re: Scoping An AR
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2026 3:45 pm
by DsGrouse
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.
Re: Scoping An AR
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2026 5:38 pm
by HenryFan
DsGrouse -
Thanks for the guidance.
Re: Scoping An AR
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2026 5:41 pm
by rickhem
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
Re: Scoping An AR
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2026 5:59 pm
by Vaquero
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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RP
Re: Scoping An AR
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2026 8:02 am
by HenryFan
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
Re: Scoping An AR
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2026 8:53 am
by DsGrouse
How big is the 2.5x20
that sounds like the perfect squirrel scope.
And no problem, always happy to help
Re: Scoping An AR
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2026 9:00 am
by HenryFan
It is quite compact, almost exactly 8" in length and light in weight.
Re: Scoping An AR
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2026 9:27 am
by Vaquero
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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RP
Re: Scoping An AR
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2026 9:57 am
by HenryFan
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.