I just acquired a Bushmaster M4 (mock) and am interested in your experienced views regarding add-ons "on a budget". My "theater" is  normally a 283 acre private camp where I am the ranger. The area is very rugged and heavily wooded with 1 1/5 miles of twising roadway and 4 1/2 miles of footpaths. The expected shooting range would be from "in your face" to just 150 yds.. My M4 has a fixed carry handle and is completely stock at this point. I am very interested in optics under $400, perhaps Aimpoint M2 or Trijicon Reflex. Dot or triangle reticle??? Also perhaps single point sling, light attachment (Streamlight Scorpion perhaps)?
Your comments will be appreciated.

With fixed A2 handle, I'd suggest this:
[img]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=1482[/img]

ARMS #39A2 and Aimpoint ML2, mounted on ARMS #22M68, no spacer necessary for co-witness w/ irons.

Mike

The cheapest light setup you can get is the M3 and the GG&G rail for it with your standard handguard. Batteries not included so add in a couple bucks for those.  Total cost is about $100+25+3=$128
[img]http://gggaz.com/images/M3Light/M3LightMountedjpg.jpg[/img]
[url]http://gggaz.com/products/m3illumrifle.php[/url]

[url]http://www.dtdistributors.com/stm3tali.html[/url]

The other cheap solution is a Surefire G2 nitrolon in a wilson combat front sight mount.  You can buy the 120 lumen lamp for $20 more bucks or so.  Batteries included. Total cost is about $30+80+20=$130

[img]http://www.wilsoncombat.com/images/shops/city/products/TR-LM.jpg[/img]
[url]http://www.wilsoncombat.com/store.cgi?&shop=city&cart=2320056x45344&session=3f6f6f73b12066b8&L=eng&P=TR-LM[/url]

[url]http://www.calssportingarmory.com/SurefireHPPL.htm[/url]

[url]http://www.calssportingarmory.com/SurefireBatteriesBulbs.htm[/url]

Both these set ups will be activated with the off hand thumb for temporary use and both have permanant on capabilities.

Both are very light 6V units but the M3 will be focusable and the G2 will have the high output 120 lumen lamp option.

scyrius,  Totally agree with the Aimpoint but why the Comp M2?  If you will be using NVG, then OK...but if not, the Comp ML2 is cheaper and is a better choice.  Why pay for night vision gear compatibility if you don't need it?  As for your light, while not "budget" priced, the Surefire M500 light is as rugged as it gets and would serve you extremely well.  It sounds like your rifle will get a fair amount of field carry and if you buy cheap, you will be buying again real soon.  Good luck, stay safe and shoot straight.

Surefire M500 is at least $340.  For that amount you could go with the real deal Surefire Millenuim Universal pressure pad activated light that the military uses and the Wilson Combat mount and still save money.

I like the M500 but that and the M900 are the top tier light systems and are the two most expensive systems out there.