My First AR

[78Fleetwood]

I've read a lot articles and seen plenty of videos on Red Dot placement, IMO it's pretty much personal preference (Because everyone has a different opinion).

Some of the take aways I found were:
1: Don't mount it on the handrail
Handrails are not that secure, they flex, move in someway or you might take it off to clean. All those can cause you to lose your zero. (Of course it also add more weight to the front also)

2: Mounting it farther away gives you more peripheral vision, but it's slower to acquire the dot.

3: Mounting it closer gives you less peripheral vision, but it's faster to acquire the dot.

4: Put a drop of loctite on the screw so it don't work loose.

5: As for mounting above the ejection port.

Plenty of articles and videos I've seen show it being done and don't show any problems with doing it. I personally haven't seen any problem with doing it.


(One caveat might be if your using a 45 degree offset (Canted) mount. )

Does anyone know if the Crimson Trace that comes on the Sport II (CT105)? lose its “zero” when you change the battery?

 

[Eric300]

Does anyone know if the Crimson Trace that comes on the Sport II (CT105)? lose its “zero” when you change the battery?

Replacing the battery will not effect the zero.

 

[78Fleetwood]

Replacing the battery will not effect the zero.

Awesome, thank you. Went to the range today and it took a while to work correctly so I figure it was time to replace. Bought it used so I don’t know when it was changed. Thanks again

 

[Tiribulus]

@78Fleetwood

I've been following this thread from the beginning. I totally understand your excitement

Glad you're enjoying it. I bought the same Sport II you did except new from a sporting goods store and without the optic. It's CHANGED quite a bit since then though.

The Sport II is pretty much milspec as far as the geometry goes so the possibilities are endless. I see people asking all over the web: "will_________work with my Sport II?"

99% of the time, assuming the part is for a 556/223 AR, the answer is yes. What fun

 

[78Fleetwood]

@78Fleetwood

I've been following this thread from the beginning. I totally understand your excitement

Glad you're enjoying it. I bought the same Sport II you did except new from a sporting goods store and without the optic. It's CHANGED quite a bit since then though.

The Sport II is pretty much milspec as far as the geometry goes so the possibilities are endless. I see people asking all over the web: "will_________work with my Sport II?"

99% of the time, assuming the part is for a 556/223 AR, the answer is yes. What fun

Thanks, very good to know, and thanks for joining the chat! I changed out the handguard and grip and added a better hand hold under the fore grip for a more comfortable position. May change the stock at the recommendation of the instructor. Are those hard to remove and change?

 

[Eric300]

Thanks, very good to know, and thanks for joining the chat! I changed out the handguard and grip and added a better hand hold under the fore grip for a more comfortable position. May change the stock at the recommendation of the instructor. Are those hard to remove and change?

The 6 position stock is a piece of cake to change. Just pull DOWN on the release lever under the stock and pull it straight off the back of the receiver extension (aka: buffer tube). If you do replace the stock (I'm partial to the B5 SOPMOD Bravo stock), just make sure that it is for MilSpec and not Commercial receiver extension.

B5 SYSTEMS AR-15 SOPMOD BRAVO STOCK COLLAPSIBLE MIL-SPEC | Brownells

 

[78Fleetwood]

The 6 position stock is a piece of cake to change. Just pull DOWN on the release lever under the stock and pull it straight off the back of the receiver extension (aka: buffer tube). If you do replace the stock (I'm partial to the B5 SOPMOD Bravo stock), just make sure that it is for MilSpec and not Commercial receiver extension.

B5 SYSTEMS AR-15 SOPMOD BRAVO STOCK COLLAPSIBLE MIL-SPEC | Brownells

Awesome, thank you for the suggestion!

 

[AlHunt]

If you do replace the stock (I'm partial to the B5 SOPMOD Bravo stock), just make sure that it is for MilSpec and not Commercial receiver extension.

I'm curious why you're partial to that stock over any other piece of plastic that will keep your shoulder off the buffer tube.

I have a few different ARs with different buttstocks and just don't see any difference. There are some differences in sling attachments, looks, etc. But once it's on my shoulder, I can't tell which one is on there.

60 bucks for a piece of plastic is a lot of money.

 

[giants1]

Release Lever Pin

The 6 position stock is a piece of cake to change. Just pull DOWN on the release lever under the stock and pull it straight off the back of the receiver extension (aka: buffer tube). If you do replace the stock (I'm partial to the B5 SOPMOD Bravo stock), just make sure that it is for MilSpec and not Commercial receiver extension.

B5 SYSTEMS AR-15 SOPMOD BRAVO STOCK COLLAPSIBLE MIL-SPEC | Brownells

I have another AR-15 lower that had a collapsible stock. To make it California-compliant before attaching it to a lower, I had to fix the stock. Unfortunately, I removed the pin that holds the release lever screw head in place (that turned out to be unnecessary). Now, I can't get the pin back in. Any tips?

 

[Eric300]

I'm curious why you're partial to that stock over any other piece of plastic that will keep your shoulder off the buffer tube.

I have a few different ARs with different buttstocks and just don't see any difference. There are some differences in sling attachments, looks, etc. But once it's on my shoulder, I can't tell which one is on there.

60 bucks for a piece of plastic is a lot of money.

Well, it's a bit more than just '"a...piece of plastic". But that's your take on it. Other than QD sling attachments, appearance, etc., the B5, is a well made, solid, tough as nails stock. But the main difference is it's designed with cheek welds on either side of the stock, which I prefer for faster, consistent cheek welds. They especially help when running optics. Plus, it has storage compartments for extra batteries, firing pin, etc. as a bonus. There's a few other companies that make similar stocks as the B5, like MagPul. I just happen to perfer the B5.

MagPul MOE on Left - B5 SOPMOD on Right

B5 SOPMOD

I have another AR-15 lower that had a collapsible stock. To make it California-compliant before attaching it to a lower, I had to fix the stock. Unfortunately, I removed the pin that holds the release lever screw head in place (that turned out to be unnecessary). Now, I can't get the pin back in. Any tips?

It's just a roll pin, right? You might have to use something like a wooden dowel to push & hold that spring loaded shaft down from the inside of the stock so you can pound the roll pin back in.

 

[78Fleetwood]

The 6 position stock is a piece of cake to change. Just pull DOWN on the release lever under the stock and pull it straight off the back of the receiver extension (aka: buffer tube). If you do replace the stock (I'm partial to the B5 SOPMOD Bravo stock), just make sure that it is for MilSpec and not Commercial receiver extension.

B5 SYSTEMS AR-15 SOPMOD BRAVO STOCK COLLAPSIBLE MIL-SPEC | Brownells

My stock stock has no rubber pad so maybe that will be more comfortable. I’ll have to give one with a rubber end a try. Another question: I was asked by my instructor if my AR was going to be for defense. I think the answer is “yes”, but what does that mean? What setup do I need? I have a red dot and that’s it…do I need a light or a laser? I have the stock crimson trace red dot (Sport II OR, 2019 model) and will say I noticed I was straining after a while when looking through it during my lesson. Are there easier dots to see through? Do I need a magnifier? Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[giants1]

Sound

First time fired my Sport II was surprised by the sound of bolt and spring...

Can you explain that more (newbie here)? Thanks

 

[giants1]

Roll Pin

...It's just a roll pin, right? You might have to use something like a wooden dowel to push & hold that spring loaded shaft down from the inside of the stock so you can pound the roll pin back in.

I left the spring loaded shaft alone and it's fine. The only problem now is that the threaded knob that attaches to the threaded shaft can get loose, the roll pin not being there to secure it. I'm afraid of damaging something by using too much (dead blow) hammer force. I put Loctite blue on the threads and let it sit for 24 hours as a temporary or semi-permanent fix, but ideally I'd like to get that pin back in.

 

[giants1]

Butt Stock

Well, it's a bit more than just '"a...piece of plastic"...

I read that an advantage of rifles and shotguns with wood stocks is that the butt stocks are effective as bludgeon weapons if one runs out of ammo (James Reeves demo'd in a YouTube video that I now can't find). In such a pinch, are there AR15 butt stocks that could serve that purpose?

 

[Oldsalt66]

I read that an advantage of rifles and shotguns with wood stocks is that the butt stocks are effective as bludgeon weapons if one runs out of ammo (James Reeves demo'd in a YouTube video that I now can't find). In such a pinch, are there AR15 butt stocks that could serve that purpose?

Yes there are, the old school A2 stocks.

But rifles and shotguns with wooden stocks generally don’t hold 30 rounds of ammunition.

 

[Eric300]

My stock stock has no rubber pad so maybe that will be more comfortable. I’ll have to give one with a rubber end a try. Another question: I was asked by my instructor if my AR was going to be for defense. I think the answer is “yes”, but what does that mean? What setup do I need? I have a red dot and that’s it…do I need a light or a laser? I have the stock crimson trace red dot (Sport II OR, 2019 model) and will say I noticed I was straining after a while when looking through it during my lesson. Are there easier dots to see through? Do I need a magnifier? Thanks for your thoughts!

I would at least consider a light with a combination momentary/sustained pressure switch of some type. Maybe you might want to try something by EoTech for an optic?

Can you explain that more (newbie here)? Thanks

The buffer & spring make a 'twang' noise when firing. It's just the nature of the beast. Lightly lubing the buffer spring and the inside of the receiver extension can quiet it somewhat if it really bothers you.

I left the spring loaded shaft alone and it's fine. The only problem now is that the threaded knob that attaches to the threaded shaft can get loose, the roll pin not being there to secure it. I'm afraid of damaging something by using too much (dead blow) hammer force. I put Loctite blue on the threads and let it sit for 24 hours as a temporary or semi-permanent fix, but ideally I'd like to get that pin back in.

Well however you decide to try to remedy it, just make sure you remove the stock so you don't inadvertently damage the receiver extension.

I read that an advantage of rifles and shotguns with wood stocks is that the butt stocks are effective as bludgeon weapons if one runs out of ammo (James Reeves demo'd in a YouTube video that I now can't find). In such a pinch, are there AR15 butt stocks that could serve that purpose?

Ah yes, the ol' butt-stroke. Well you'd still run the risk damaging the receiver extension more than you would the stock. Don't over-think it. Transition to your sidearm.

 

[Tiribulus]

My stock stock has no rubber pad so maybe that will be more comfortable. I’ll have to give one with a rubber end a try.

The one that comes on it is pretty standard for entry level ARs. It works, but you can grab a much better one for like 30 bucks. Mine is a Magpul CTR because I like that it has the lock that eliminates most of the wobble. Much more comfortable too. The model down from that is pretty much the same thing without the lock.

Whatever stock you get, just make sure it's mil-spec size and not commercial.

Another question: I was asked by my instructor if my AR was going to be for defense. I think the answer is “yes”, but what does that mean?

It means be prepared to have your ears blown out if you fire it inside a house without ear-pro.

Depending on where you live, an AR might not be the very best choice for home defense. I live in the Detroit area with houses on top of one another. A miss under stress with a 556/223 around here has the realistic chance of killing somebody I did not intend to shoot. Of course in an urban area, any round can do that, but a 45acp from a 4.6 in. barrel will have less chance than a 556/223 from a 16 in. barrel.

Also, being in court in a self defense case in Wayne County with a hotshot anti 2A prosecutor holding up my terrifying black "assault rifle" to a liberal jury does not inspire a lot of confidence in me.

It may be completely different where you live.

What setup do I need? I have a red dot and that’s it…do I need a light or a laser?

My opinion only. A light is probably a good idea like the other fella said. Streamlight makes some good ones that, while not dirt cheap, are also not preposterously expensive either.

A laser from across a room MIGHT be helpful with quick target acquisition. It's also another expense and would have to be trained for. Personally I wouldn't favor a laser, but YMMV.

I have the stock crimson trace red dot (Sport II OR, 2019 model) and will say I noticed I was straining after a while when looking through it during my lesson. Are there easier dots to see through?

I would want to know if this is a problem with lower end red dots or if maybe your eyes just don't like red dots past a certain amount of time. Maybe a bit of both? Not sure how to find out without being able to try different sights.

The other fella mentioned Eotech and Aimpoint I think it was. Those are definitely first rate pieces, but they will also cost most of and maybe more than what you paid for the rifle itself.

Do I need a magnifier?

Not for home defense. A magnifier increases the practical range of a red dot. Any home defense scenario defensible in court will not be at a distance greater than any decent red dot is easily capable of.

There's nothing wrong with having different sights for different applications too. A magnifier or scope will buy you a couple hundred more yards than a red dot alone. With good mounts you can switch them back and forth without losing zero.

 

[78Fleetwood]

The one that comes on it is pretty standard for entry level ARs. It works, but you can grab a much better one for like 30 bucks. Mine is a Magpul CTR because I like that it has the lock that eliminates most of the wobble. Much more comfortable too. The model down from that is pretty much the same thing without the lock.

Whatever stock you get, just make sure it's mil-spec size and not commercial.


It means be prepared to have your ears blown out if you fire it inside a house without ear-pro.

Depending on where you live, an AR might not be the very best choice for home defense. I live in the Detroit area with houses on top of one another. A miss under stress with a 556/223 around here has the realistic chance of killing somebody I did not intend to shoot. Of course in an urban area, any round can do that, but a 45acp from a 4.6 in. barrel will have less chance than a 556/223 from a 16 in. barrel.

Also, being in court in a self defense case in Wayne County with a hotshot anti 2A prosecutor holding up my terrifying black "assault rifle" to a liberal jury does not inspire a lot of confidence in me.

It may be completely different where you live.

My opinion only. A light is probably a good idea like the other fella said. Streamlight makes some good ones that, while not dirt cheap, are also not preposterously expensive either.

A laser from across a room MIGHT be helpful with quick target acquisition. It's also another expense and would have to be trained for. Personally I wouldn't favor a laser, but YMMV.


I would want to know if this is a problem with lower end red dots or if maybe your eyes just don't like red dots past a certain amount of time. Maybe a bit of both? Not sure how to find out without being able to try different sights.

The other fella mentioned Eotech and Aimpoint I think it was. Those are definitely first rate pieces, but they will also cost most of and maybe more than what you paid for the rifle itself.

Not for home defense. A magnifier increases the practical range of a red dot. Any home defense scenario defensible in court will not be at a distance greater than any decent red dot is easily capable of.

There's nothing wrong with having different sights for different applications too. A magnifier or scope will buy you a couple hundred more yards than a red dot alone. With good mounts you can switch them back and forth without losing zero.

Thank you for recapping all my questions, this was really insightful to read. I may rethink the defensive AR given my suburban lifestyle but an AR pistol (9mm) might fit the bill! Thanks again, a lot to ponder and digest.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Thank you for recapping all my questions, this was really insightful to read. I may rethink the defensive AR given my suburban lifestyle but an AR pistol (9mm) might fit the bill! Thanks again, a lot to ponder and digest.

You've got some great advice to help make your defensive gun decision. Regardless, you need a light on your gun to identify whether or not that bump in the night is a REAL threat or not. The sad stories of someone mistakenly shooting a family member that stumbled in late or just up and around is truly tragic . The cost of the light is well worth that dreaded mistake you'd have to live with the rest of your life.

You should also add a sling. A sling is to a rifle what a holster is to a pistol. Plus, a slinged rifle can't be ripped away and used against you.

Both of these points were driven home by my instructor of the defensive carbine class I took last October. That brings up another point...get some good relevant training on defensive use....it will truly open your eyes!

 

[78Fleetwood]

You've got some great advice to help make your defensive gun decision. Regardless, you need a light on your gun to identify whether or not that bump in the night is a REAL threat or not. The sad stories of someone mistakenly shooting a family member that stumbled in late or just up and around is truly tragic . The cost of the light is well worth that dreaded mistake you'd have to live with the rest of your life.

You should also add a sling. A sling is to a rifle what a holster is to a pistol. Plus, a slinged rifle can't be ripped away and used against you.

Both of these points were driven home by my instructor of the defensive carbine class I took last October. That brings up another point...get some good relevant training on defensive use....it will truly open your eyes!

Thank you very much for your comments. I do have a sling on it already, but a great perspective and one I had not contemplated.