Thinking of doing an A2 build and wanted to see how/what optics you are using and how they are mounted.

Thanks.

Optics = flattop.

wrong

ACOG on carry handle:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=473050

"Optics = flattop", not all the time....<><....:)

best option is going to be a gooseneck mount. http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Famous_Maker_Carry_Handle_Scope_Accessory_Mount.html.

the flatop is the best platform for mounting optics.  

Not what the OP asked for.

This worked pretty good for a while...

I use the ARMS 16A.  Raises the optic and no cowitness, but is more solid than the gooseneck that my brother prefers.  Sam

Thanks guys... I was looking to mount a dot or holographic sight and will be using a quad rail system handguard.  Was just trying to see how some of the setups looked.

The little rail that mounts to the carry handle is hollow so the iron sights still function.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2354/ar15zp6.jpg

With respect.

You just said wrong to a flat top being the way to mount optics, and instead you link to a famous maker pot metal POS gooseneck mount?

While there are ways to mount optics to carry handles, and a proper gooseneck is one of them, you will never be able to get a magnified optic low enough to get a good cheekweld without having to add risers which basically suck.

I ran an aimpoint in a gooseneck, but it wasn't a famous maker, and there are better options out there.  Effective, but NOT ideal.

For anything other than a red dot sight, do yourself a favor and get a flat top.  Even for a RDS, a flaptop will give you much more solid and effective mounts.

To the OP- if you are going to mount a red dot and insist on using an A2 upper, at the very minimum I would recommend the aimpoint brand gooseneck, but it can and does flex.  It goes back to the same place, but if you push on it, you can see it flex.  I really really hate to say it, but ARMS makes the best gooseneck, but I'd never support their company.  If you're looking for a clone, the gooseneck will work fine.  If you're looking for a serious SHTF/ home defense rifle, stick to the flattop.  Much more rugged/effective mounting solutions.

(EDIT - sorry, I missed the line about the quad rail handguard.  Oh, well, I'm leaving these pics in anyway)

OK, I'll post my ARMS pic.  I've had the thing at least 15 years and don't know how it compares to current versions but this one is built like a tank and is about as solid as it gets.  If this was a serious rifle (mostly, I use it so I can shoot an AR on close-up steel targets using at my academy), I would change the ARMS Aimpoint mount to a Larue but for what I use it for, this combo works great.

How does that mount work for you?  I'm waiting for one for this carbine (and my ML3):

What kind of optic?  I have been using a TA01 on my A2 since about 94 and I still like the set up.  The compact ACOGs also work great on carry handles.  I will try and get a pic up shortly.

Just call me curious, but why use a gooseneck over the rail that's already there on the handguard?

Because the rail (KAC M4 RAS is what is in use now––not the Troy DI in the picture) is drop in.

Backwards optics FTW

No, that's how the old 3000 and 5000 series Aim points look (see pic).  

The handguards are sideways.  I forgot the reasoning behind that. IIRC, something about heat dissipation.

I don't know, it looked like a backwards SinglePoint OEG to me.

But, you're probably right.

My bad