A2 with scope attachment or A4

[gunenthusiast]

Originally I was interested in purchasing a RRA LAR-08 but due to the uncertainty or lenghty time period for production (see my reply in thread entitle "Rock Riover Arms") I started looking into another rifle already in the market, the Armalite AR-10 (a few hundred dollars more though).

As I deepened my knowledge as to the different models available I was soon faced with a decision to make; and here is where I am humbly seeking input and advise from previous owners and experts on this rifle. Here is the dilemma:

The AR2 comes with the carry handle as part of the upper receiver, in other words it is non-detachable.

The AR4 comes flat with a Picattini rail to which you can attach either a scope or the handle.

I like the look of the rifle with the handle, but for long range shooting (50-100 or more yards) my eyesight is not quite what it used to be, therefore, I would need a scope.

Because of that I was changing my original preference for the A2 and going towards the A4, except that this morning I saw a picture on a website of an A2, with a picattini rail over the handle and a scope attached to it.

If this assembly does not hinder the accuracy, performance, compfort and handling of the rifle it would be my choice. Was this arrangement used with the real M16? Is it adviseable? Are there any cons? What are they?

Can anyone enlighten me?

Thanks to all of you who can help me make a decision.

Rick

[LouBoyd]

All AR style carrying handles I've seen have a V groove on top and a vertical 1/4" hole which allow you to mount various optical devices on top. If there is a problem with that i's that the centerline of the scope comes out higher than the line though the standard metallic sights by an inch or more. That gives you a "head high" hold and no way to get a decent cheek weld. Look at photos from Vietnam with a PVS-2 or PVS-4 night scope mounted on top of the carrying handle. Talk about top heavy!. Anyway, It can work.

The obvious better solution in to get an A4 receiver with the rail and a detachable carrying handle whch has the metallic sights. Put your scope on a quick detach interface (like the ARMs throw levers or similar) That gives the best of both worlds and you can switch beteen scope and metallic sights without losing your zeros and keep the line of sight at the same height. I don't have an AR-10, but the DPMS-LR 308 is similar, less expensive, and works well . For snob appeal, more cost, and maybe a better rifle, look at the Knights SR-25.