The AR-15 platform's modularity is legendary, and nowhere is this more evident than in the options for mounting optics. While modern AR-15s often feature Picatinny rails for direct optic mounting, the classic carry handle upper receiver presents a unique challenge and opportunity. This guide dives deep into the world of AR-15 carry handle optics, exploring their advantages, disadvantages, and the best ways to utilize them.
Understanding the Carry Handle Upper Receiver
Before we jump into optics, let's quickly cover the carry handle upper receiver. This design, prevalent in earlier AR-15 variants, integrates the rear sight directly into the upper receiver. This built-in sight is sturdy and reliable, but it also limits the mounting options for other sighting systems. The carry handle itself often blocks standard Picatinny rail mounting positions, necessitating alternative solutions.
Optics Options for Carry Handle Uppers
Several options exist for mounting optics on an AR-15 carry handle upper, each with its pros and cons:
1. Carry Handle-Mounted Optics:
This involves using a specialized mount designed to sit atop the carry handle. These mounts typically utilize the existing carry handle as a base and add a Picatinny rail for attaching your optic.
- Advantages: Maintains the original rear sight, providing a backup sighting system. Relatively affordable.
- Disadvantages: Can add significant height over bore, affecting cheek weld and potentially causing issues with eye relief. Limited optic choices due to height restrictions and potential weight limitations on the carry handle.
2. Replacing the Carry Handle:
Some manufacturers offer replacement carry handles that incorporate a Picatinny rail. This allows for a cleaner, lower-profile optic mount than those that sit on top of the existing carry handle.
- Advantages: Lower profile than top-mounted solutions, improving cheek weld and eye relief. Potentially more stable mounting platform.
- Disadvantages: Requires replacing a functional part of the rifle, potentially losing the original rear sight. Can be more expensive than simple top-mounted solutions.
3. Using a Low-Profile Optic:
If maximum height reduction is a priority, consider using a low-profile red dot or reflex sight. These smaller optics are better suited to the limited space and potentially awkward mounting points presented by a carry handle upper.
- Advantages: Minimizes height over bore, improving ergonomics. Often lighter weight than larger optics.
- Disadvantages: Limited magnification and field of view compared to larger optics. May not be ideal for long-range shooting.
Choosing the Right Optic
The choice of optic will depend heavily on your intended use. For close-quarters combat or home defense, a robust red dot sight will suffice. For longer-range applications, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) might be more suitable, although this is more challenging to achieve with a carry handle upper due to height considerations. Always prioritize eye relief and cheek weld to ensure comfortable and effective shooting.
Considerations for Using Carry Handle Optics
- Height Over Bore: This is a critical factor. Excessive height can drastically affect your cheek weld and make the rifle uncomfortable to shoot.
- Weight: A heavy optic mounted on the carry handle can create imbalance and potentially compromise accuracy.
- Co-witnessing: If using a red dot, consider whether you want to co-witness the iron sights through the optic's window for backup sighting capabilities.
Conclusion
While the AR-15 carry handle upper might seem limiting in terms of optic choices, careful consideration and selection of the right mounting solution and optic type can yield a perfectly functional and effective rifle setup. Understanding the trade-offs and prioritizing ergonomics are crucial for a positive shooting experience. Remember to always prioritize safety and proper training when handling firearms.
