The AR-15 platform's versatility is legendary, and nowhere is this more evident than in the options available for mounting optics. While modern ARs often feature Picatinny rails for direct scope attachment, the classic carry handle upper receiver presents a unique challenge—and opportunity. This guide dives deep into AR-15 carry handle scope mounts, exploring their advantages, disadvantages, and helping you choose the right one for your needs.
Understanding the Carry Handle Upper Receiver
Before we delve into mounts, let's understand the context. The carry handle upper receiver integrates a rear sight directly into the upper receiver. This design, common in older AR-15s, eliminates the need for a separate rear sight, offering a streamlined profile. However, it also means that mounting a scope requires a specialized solution: a carry handle scope mount.
Types of AR-15 Carry Handle Scope Mounts
Several types of mounts cater to this specific need, each with its own pros and cons:
1. Standard Carry Handle Mounts:
These mounts directly attach to the carry handle, typically utilizing the existing mounting points. They're generally more affordable and simpler to install than other options.
- Advantages: Cost-effective, straightforward installation.
- Disadvantages: Can add significant height to the optic, affecting cheek weld and potentially causing eye relief issues. Limited scope choices due to height restrictions.
2. Elevated Carry Handle Mounts:
Designed to address the height concerns of standard mounts, elevated versions provide increased clearance, making them suitable for larger scopes.
- Advantages: Improved eye relief compared to standard mounts, better compatibility with various scopes.
- Disadvantages: Even higher profile than standard mounts, potentially impacting ergonomics.
3. Offset Carry Handle Mounts:
These mounts position the scope to one side of the carry handle, allowing the use of iron sights alongside the scope.
- Advantages: Retains the use of iron sights for backup, useful for transitioning between aiming systems.
- Disadvantages: Can be more complex to install and adjust, requires more careful zeroing.
4. Carry Handle Replacement Mounts:
These are not strictly "mounts" but rather replace the entire carry handle with an integrated scope mount.
- Advantages: Low profile, often more robust than traditional mounts.
- Disadvantages: Irreversible modification to the upper receiver; eliminates the built-in carry handle.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mount
Several factors should guide your selection:
- Scope Size and Weight: Larger, heavier scopes demand a more robust and potentially elevated mount to accommodate their size and weight.
- Eye Relief: Ensure sufficient eye relief for comfortable shooting. This is especially critical with higher-powered scopes.
- Height Over Bore: This refers to the distance between the scope's centerline and the bore axis of the barrel. A higher height over bore can impact accuracy and cheek weld.
- Budget: Prices vary considerably across different mount types and brands.
- Intended Use: The intended use (e.g., target shooting, hunting, home defense) will influence your choice of scope and, consequently, the type of mount required.
Installation and Zeroing
Proper installation and zeroing are crucial for accurate shooting. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting and zeroing your scope. If you lack experience, consider seeking professional assistance.
Conclusion
Selecting the right AR-15 carry handle scope mount requires careful consideration of your specific needs and preferences. By understanding the various mount types and factors discussed above, you can choose a solution that enhances your shooting experience without compromising accuracy or ergonomics. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow proper firearm handling procedures.
