Understanding the Carry Handle Legacy
The iconic silhouette of the AR-15 rifle, with its familiar carry handle perched atop the receiver, evokes a sense of classic design and functionality. For years, this configuration has been a staple in the firearms world, representing a dependable and adaptable platform. However, the modern shooter often seeks to enhance their AR-15 with advancements in optics, bringing up an interesting question: how do you integrate a modern optic for carry handle equipped rifles? This guide explores the world of optics designed to work with, or around, this traditional design, providing a comprehensive overview of available options, considerations, and best practices.
Before diving into the specifics of optics, it’s essential to understand the carry handle itself. The carry handle, a prominent feature on many AR-15s, serves its primary function: a carrying point. It also serves as a platform for iron sights, offering a built-in aiming system. The original design intended the carry handle to aid in portability, especially during the era when the AR-15 was still evolving in its role in military service.
The carry handle’s design dictates how optics can be mounted. Unlike a flattop receiver with a full-length Picatinny rail, the carry handle necessitates specific mounting solutions, often utilizing dedicated bases or adapters to secure an optic above the receiver. The main benefit of this configuration is the traditional appearance, which some shooters prefer.
However, the carry handle presents some limitations. The raised position of the optic can affect cheek weld, the way your cheek rests against the stock, which is crucial for consistent aiming. Additionally, the carry handle limits the amount of available rail space for accessories.
Optic Options: A Deep Dive
The world of optics offers a vast array of choices, and understanding the pros and cons of each is essential to selecting the right optic for carry handle setups.
Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights are a popular choice for AR-15s, and they can be successfully utilized with a carry handle. They offer a simple, user-friendly aiming system, making them ideal for close to mid-range shooting. The fundamental advantage of a red dot is its speed of target acquisition. The shooter focuses on the target, and the red dot appears in their field of view, allowing for quick and instinctive aiming.
When selecting a red dot for a carry handle, ensure that the model can be mounted high enough to clear the handle or that you are using a suitable riser. Compatibility with your existing carry handle mount or adapter is another key factor. Look for red dots with good battery life, durable construction, and adjustable brightness settings. Some excellent red dot sights are designed for AR-15 usage but are often more expensive than other red dot sights. Brands like Aimpoint, Trijicon, and Holosun are known for their reliability and performance.
Scopes
Scopes provide magnification, making them suitable for longer-range shooting. Scopes are a viable optic for carry handle, although the experience can be somewhat different. The primary consideration is the appropriate eye relief of the scope and its distance from the eye. The height of the mount, necessary to clear the carry handle, can affect this, so carefully consider these factors.
When pairing a scope with a carry handle, it’s vital to choose one with enough eye relief for comfortable use. Low magnification scopes are often the most suitable for this setup, as they offer a wider field of view and faster target acquisition. Variable power scopes that adjust from low to high magnification can also be used to provide flexibility. Ensure you are able to adequately position the scope to achieve a good cheek weld.
Other Optic Considerations
Magnifiers
Magnifiers can be used behind red dot sights to provide additional magnification when required. This offers a versatile system, allowing the shooter to switch between close-quarters combat and longer-range engagements. The key here is to ensure that the magnifier can align properly with the red dot when mounted on the carry handle. Consider how the magnifier will mount and its ability to flip to the side when it’s not needed, thereby making it easier to use the red dot alone.
Iron Sights
Iron sights provide a reliable backup aiming system. The carry handle integrates standard iron sights, and it’s recommended to retain them as a backup should your primary optic fail. It can be a valuable asset to have. They require no batteries, are simple to use, and are always available.
Alternative Optics
Prism scopes are another option that can work well with the carry handle setup. Prism scopes offer etched reticles, providing the benefit of a sight that works even without battery power. These scopes are compact and often offer faster target acquisition compared to standard scopes. However, their field of view can sometimes be smaller.
Making Your Choice: Key Factors
When selecting an optic for carry handle, several critical factors should influence your decision.
Budget
Optic prices vary widely. Determine your budget first. While higher-priced optics often offer superior features and durability, there are excellent, affordable options available. Assess your needs and choose an optic that delivers the best value for your money.
Intended Use
The primary use of your AR-15 is critical. Are you using it for home defense, recreational shooting, or competition? Each application will dictate the best type of optic. For instance, for home defense, a red dot or a low-magnification scope would be ideal. For longer-range shooting, a scope with higher magnification might be required.
Durability and Reliability
An optic’s durability and reliability are non-negotiable. Choose optics constructed from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of use. Check customer reviews and specifications to ensure the optic is rugged and dependable, no matter the environment.
Eye Relief and Field of View
Eye relief is the distance your eye must be from the optic to see the full image. A comfortable eye relief is essential, particularly with scopes, to prevent eye strain and provide a clear sight picture. The field of view is the width of the area you can see through the optic. A wider field of view aids in target acquisition, especially at close range.
Mounting Matters
Choose a quality mount that is appropriate for your chosen optic and the carry handle. Proper mounting is essential for consistent accuracy and long-term reliability.
Mounting, Zeroing, and Accuracy
Mounting an optic for carry handle requires careful attention to detail.
- Choose your mount. Ensure it is specifically designed for the carry handle and your chosen optic.
- Attach the mount to the carry handle, securely tightening any screws or bolts according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Mount the optic onto the base. Again, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the optic is properly and securely attached.
- Zeroing is the process of adjusting the optic to align the point of impact with the point of aim.
- Set up your target at a known distance, usually 50 or 100 yards.
- Take a few shots and observe where the bullet impacts.
- Adjust the elevation and windage adjustments on your optic to move the point of impact to the point of aim.
- Repeat this process until the rounds consistently hit the target at your desired point of aim.
- Once you’ve sighted your optic for carry handle it’s time to put it to the test and practice with it.
- Make small adjustments, fine-tuning your adjustments for accuracy.
The Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
Advantages
Classic Aesthetics
Many shooters prefer the traditional appearance of the carry handle AR-15. The classic aesthetic is an attraction.
Potential Cheek Weld
If you use an appropriate mount, you could potentially improve your cheek weld.
Cost
The accessories for carry handle setups can sometimes be cheaper than other options.
Disadvantages
Mounting Height
Optic for carry handle setups raise the optic’s height above the bore axis, which can affect bullet trajectory and make close-range shooting more challenging.
Limited Rail Space
The carry handle itself limits the available rail space for accessories.
Potential Interference
The carry handle can potentially interfere with some shooting positions or accessories.
Alternative Paths: Considering Other Options
For shooters seeking more modern optics, consider these alternative mounting solutions:
Flattop Uppers
Flattop uppers, with integrated Picatinny rails, provide a versatile and widely available mounting platform.
Handguard Mounting
Modern handguards with integrated rails provide additional mounting options.
In Conclusion: Selecting Your Optic
Integrating an optic for carry handle equipped AR-15 presents a balance of tradition and modern technology. By carefully considering the factors discussed, you can choose an optic that fits your needs. The choice depends on personal preference, intended use, and budget. Whether you select a red dot, a scope, or another type of optic, proper mounting, zeroing, and practice are essential. Understanding your needs and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each setup will lead you to the best choice for your shooting style and goals. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy your time at the range!
