I am building an AR-15 10.5” SBR, and I am looking for assistance in selecting an optic. This project is an outgrowth of a free cosmetic 2nd stripped lower that came with a Noveske N4 Light 5.56 rifle I purchased a while back. Noveske Rifleworks might consider this receiver a 2nd but in all regards it looks flawless to me, including cosmetically.
A sidebar before the proceeding continues. To build this SBR I am registering the free Noveske cosmetic 2nd stripped N4 lower I previously received on a Form 1, and purchasing a 10.5” Noveske N4 Stainless Upper with VIS. Ironically, Noveske is again offering a free cosmetic 2nd stripped N4 lower with the purchase of any rifle or complete upper. When I get finished, I will be back to where I started.
Now back to my question. Ideally I would like to position the optical centerline of the sight approximately 1.05±.05” over the top of the 1913 rail. That is lower than what works best for most people but that is what works for me with an AR-15; maybe my cranial anatomy is a bit different. I am considering the following optics and mount combinations:
1. An Aimpoint CompM4 or M4s with the Aimpoint QRP2 mount without the spacer. This will position the centerline of the optical axis of the sight 1.2” over the top of the 1913 rail. The lowest comparable LaRue mount has a height of 1.4”.
2. An Aimpoint Micro T-1 with a LaRue Tactical Aimpoint Micro QD 661 mount. This will position the centerline of the optical axis of the sight approximately .85” over the top of the 1913 rail.
3. A Trijicon TA11 Series Scope with a GDI mount. I do not know the height of this optics and mount combination.
4. One of the three S&B Short Dot Model scopes mounted on one of the following options:
• A US Optics mount to position the optical axis of the S&B Short Dot Scope approximately 1.2” over the top of the 1913 rail, or
• A set of appropriate height (approximately 1” high) Badger Ordinance rings, or
• A Badger Ordinance one-piece ring mount, also approximately 1” high.
Given the low mount heights the only BUISes that I can think of that might work are the Troy Micro BattleSights and the Diamondhead Lo-Pro sights. I will have to do more research to decide what I will do, if anything.
To complete the details of the build, the Noveske 10.5” upper comes with a Noveske KX3 flash suppressor. I built up the lower with a Magpul UBR stock and Magpul MIAD Grip with an extended trigger guard. I will probably use a forward vertical grip, but at this time, I am not sure which one I will use. In the past, I have used TangoDown FVGs, but I am leaning towards a Larue FVG because of the versatility it offers in changing the length of the grip, if I use one.
With that background I would like to hear what people think about my potential optics choices or any other optics choices any of you think would be a better or different, and the reasons and criteria for your choices. In addition, if there are any issues I may have missed or anything that anyone wants to add I want to hear it.
Thanks for the help,
Martin
A sidebar before the proceeding continues. To build this SBR I am registering the free Noveske cosmetic 2nd stripped N4 lower I previously received on a Form 1, and purchasing a 10.5” Noveske N4 Stainless Upper with VIS. Ironically, Noveske is again offering a free cosmetic 2nd stripped N4 lower with the purchase of any rifle or complete upper. When I get finished, I will be back to where I started.
Now back to my question. Ideally I would like to position the optical centerline of the sight approximately 1.05±.05” over the top of the 1913 rail. That is lower than what works best for most people but that is what works for me with an AR-15; maybe my cranial anatomy is a bit different. I am considering the following optics and mount combinations:
1. An Aimpoint CompM4 or M4s with the Aimpoint QRP2 mount without the spacer. This will position the centerline of the optical axis of the sight 1.2” over the top of the 1913 rail. The lowest comparable LaRue mount has a height of 1.4”.
2. An Aimpoint Micro T-1 with a LaRue Tactical Aimpoint Micro QD 661 mount. This will position the centerline of the optical axis of the sight approximately .85” over the top of the 1913 rail.
3. A Trijicon TA11 Series Scope with a GDI mount. I do not know the height of this optics and mount combination.
4. One of the three S&B Short Dot Model scopes mounted on one of the following options:
• A US Optics mount to position the optical axis of the S&B Short Dot Scope approximately 1.2” over the top of the 1913 rail, or
• A set of appropriate height (approximately 1” high) Badger Ordinance rings, or
• A Badger Ordinance one-piece ring mount, also approximately 1” high.
Given the low mount heights the only BUISes that I can think of that might work are the Troy Micro BattleSights and the Diamondhead Lo-Pro sights. I will have to do more research to decide what I will do, if anything.
To complete the details of the build, the Noveske 10.5” upper comes with a Noveske KX3 flash suppressor. I built up the lower with a Magpul UBR stock and Magpul MIAD Grip with an extended trigger guard. I will probably use a forward vertical grip, but at this time, I am not sure which one I will use. In the past, I have used TangoDown FVGs, but I am leaning towards a Larue FVG because of the versatility it offers in changing the length of the grip, if I use one.
With that background I would like to hear what people think about my potential optics choices or any other optics choices any of you think would be a better or different, and the reasons and criteria for your choices. In addition, if there are any issues I may have missed or anything that anyone wants to add I want to hear it.
Thanks for the help,
Martin
