Choosing AR-15 Optics

The AR-15 is a versatile rifle available in a variety of configurations. With the hundreds of options, magnifications, features and configurations available from different manufacturers choosing optics can be challenging. The most important thing to consider when choosing optics is the type of shooting you’ll be undertaking. Whether your purpose is hunting, target practice or self-defense, there are optics designed for every level of shooting.

Things to consider when looking for AR-15 optics:

• Magnification
• Size of Objective Lens
• Eye Relief
• Field of Vision
• Reticule
• Magnification
• Weight

A sight or scope can significantly improve the accuracy of your shooting. A scope is much simpler to use than iron sights since all that is required is lining the target up in the crosshairs. Most scopes also have magnification that allows greater precision. When comparing scopes, there are a number of attributes that are useful in determining the performance.

The magnification designates the multiplier by which an image is enlarged. For example, a 2X magnification makes the target appear twice as large. Low powered scopes don’t provide high magnification but are less susceptible to shaking. High powered scopes have a smaller field of vision, are more susceptible to shaking and may have a dimmer image but offer greater magnification.

The objective diameter controls the amount of light collected to form an image. As magnification increases, the field of vision grows smaller and the image becomes dimmer. Higher magnification scopes often employ a larger diameter objective lens to collect more light. Lens diameters usually range between 30 and 40 mm but are available as larger as 50 mm. A larger diameter lens adds more weight and height and is usually more expensive.

Eye relief is another important characteristic. This is the distance the eye must be positioned from the ocular lens to view the full field of vision. The eye relief usually ranges between 1 and 4 inches. A larger distance lowers the odds of the eye being struck when the rifle recoils after firing.

The field of vision is defined as the number of feet visible through the scope along the horizontal of the image from a distance of 100 yards. The field of vision decreases with increasing magnification and increases with decreasing magnification. A 3X scope will typically have a field of vision of approximately 30 feet while a 9X scope may be about 14 feet.

The reticule is the crosshairs visible within the scope that are used to align the rifle with the target. There are many types of reticules, the simplest of which is an intersecting horizontal and vertical line.

Scopes are designed with various characteristics that allow them to be more effective for one type of shooting or another. For instance, some scopes allow better visibility of moving targets while others are designed for stationary objects. One of the primary factors that determine the type of scope needed is the distance you will be shooting. Once you determine the range, you will easily be able to determine the type of scope you need.

The most commonly used close range optics are red dot sights. These are non-magnified sights used for shooting at 100 yards or less but can be extended with a magnifier. Red dot optics allow faster and easier sighting. The size of the red dot may vary. A larger dot is preferable for close range shooting while smaller dots provide better accuracy.

AR-15 mid-range optics are usually fixed magnification between 1X and 4X and are optimized for distances of around 400 yards. They substantially improve the speed of lining up targets. Mid-Range scopes are less expensive than either close range or long range scopes. Long range scopes are extremely accurate with magnification of 9X to 16X. This allows them to be used for small targets at long distances. One of the advantages of using the long range scope is that the magnification can be decreased so that it can be used for mid-range targets.

Another aspect to consider when choosing AR-15 optics is weight. Most scopes weigh between 12 and 20 ounces. Scopes with larger lenses will weigh more. If you’re planning to carry your AR-15 for an extended distance, the extra weight of the scope makes a substantial difference. You may want to limit the weight if you expect to carry the scope on a hunting trip.

Ultimately, selecting the right optic for your AR-15 is going to come down to personal preference, practical application, and the range of the target you will be firing at. Make sure that you are comfortable with your optics and make sure you get enough range time to understand the benefits and limitations of the optics that you have selected.

Tools for Working on AR-15

Building an AR-15 is quite simple when you have the right tools. While it’s possible to assemble an entire AR-15 with minimal tools, you’ll save yourself time and money by using the right ones. Building your own AR-15 is not only fun, it is economical and allows you to customize it the way that you want. You can choose any combination of parts you wish to assemble a weapon that meets your specific needs.

Things that will help with your build

• A good, solid work surface - it provides a stable area for assembly and stay organized
• An AR-15 lower receiver vise block - fits inside lower receiver magwell to hold the lower receiver securely in the bench vise.
• A set of pin punches with 3/32 inch, 1/8 inch and 5/32 inch punches
• Roll pin holders - to hold the roll pin when you begin tapping it in place
• A castle nut wrench - to tighten the castle nut on the lower receiver extension
• Torque wrench - to tighten the castle nut down to its 40 in. lbs. specification

The lower parts kit contains many small parts and a designated work area will help prevent losing any parts. It also provides a place to mount a bench vise, which you will need to hold the lower receiver in place so that your hands are free for assembly.

While standard drive pin punches can be used, roll pin punches are highly recommended because they are designed specifically for rolls pins. Roll pin punches have a small raised bump on the end that fits directly into the roll pin to center it and prevent it from collapsing. A bolt catch pin punch is necessary to help drive the bolt catch pin straight and avoid damaging the surrounding metal.

When installing the trigger guard roll pin, you will either need a roll pin pusher or a block of wood. The lower receiver has two tabs where the trigger guard is installed. If they are not supported properly while tapping the roll pin in place, they can easily break.

A roll pin pusher pushes the pin in rather than exposing the tabs to danger from striking the pins. Alternatively, you can use a block of wood to support the tabs while tapping the trigger guard roll pin place.

You’ll find that a pair of needle nosed pliers or a multi-tool is helpful for holding detents while installing them. A pivot pin detent installation tool, designed specifically for this purpose, is another option and can be purchased at most gunsmith shops.

You’ll need a set of hex wrenches to assemble the pivot pin if you don’t have the pivot pin detent installation tool. To install the pistol grip screw, a 3 inch long flat head screw driver will be needed. When installing the magazine catch, a small diameter punch can be used to depress the magazine release button.

When selecting a hammer or mallet, it’s best to choose one that is small and light weight. This will improve accuracy when tapping the roll pins in place. Brass hammers are recommended to prevent marring the lower receiver in the event the hammer slips and you strike the surface.

Painter’s tape or electrical tape can be used to guard the lower receiver against scratches while installing the catch assembly. Additional tools will be needed for the upper receiver, but many of these will also be used for that assembly process.