Best Optic Height For Your AR15/Rifle. 1.42, 1.57, 1.70/.75, 1.93, 2.26, 2.93” Pros And Cons Explain

Published on July 2, 2024
Duration: 13:14

This video provides a comprehensive breakdown of various AR-15 optic mount heights, ranging from 1.42" to 2.93", and their pros and cons. The instructor emphasizes how optic height impacts cheek weld, recoil management, height over bore, and compatibility with accessories like night vision and plate carriers. Key takeaways include the trade-offs between lower mounts for better cheek weld and higher mounts for improved heads-up shooting and gear integration.

Quick Summary

Choosing the right AR-15 optic height (1.42" to 2.93") is critical for shooting comfort, recoil management, and compatibility with accessories. Lower mounts offer better cheek weld and iron sight co-witness, while higher mounts provide a heads-up position for gear integration and situational awareness, but can complicate prone shooting and increase height over bore issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Optic Heights
  2. 00:03Optic Height Range (1.42" to 2.93")
  3. 00:31Understanding Optic Height Measurement
  4. 00:41Height Over Bore Explained
  5. 01:331.42" Optic Height: Full Co-Witness
  6. 02:01Cons of 1.42" Height: Neck Strain, Comfort
  7. 02:48Importance of Cheek Weld
  8. 04:041.57" Optic Height: Lower 1/3 Co-Witness
  9. 04:54Cons of 1.57" Height: Gear Compatibility Issues
  10. 05:131.75" Optic Height: Badger Ordnance
  11. 06:101.93" Optic Height: Scalarworks
  12. 06:22Pros of 1.93" Height: Versatility
  13. 07:09Cons of 1.93" Height: Less Cheek Weld
  14. 07:15Optic Choice & Barrel Length
  15. 07:522.26" Optic Height: Unity Tactical
  16. 08:11Height Over Bore Issues with 2.26"
  17. 08:55Muzzle Device Impact with Higher Mounts
  18. 09:35Pros of 2.26" Height: NVG & Kit Compatibility
  19. 09:44Cons of 2.26" Height: Prone & Kneeling Difficulty
  20. 09:562.26" Integrated Iron Sights
  21. 10:422.93" Optic Height: GBRS
  22. 11:172.93" for Close Quarters Combat
  23. 12:24Pros of 2.93" Height: NVG & Gear Efficiency
  24. 12:39Cons of 2.93" Height: Recoil, Prone Difficulty
  25. 12:58Specializing Rifle Use Case
  26. 13:04Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is height over bore and why is it important for AR-15 optics?

Height over bore is the distance from the center of your barrel to the center line of your optic. It's crucial because it affects your point of impact at different distances, especially at closer ranges, and influences how much you need to adjust your aim to compensate for bullet drop or rise.

What are the benefits of lower optic mounts like 1.42" or 1.57"?

Lower optic mounts offer a better cheek weld, which is essential for recoil management and a stable shooting platform. They also allow for a full or lower 1/3 co-witness with iron sights, though they can lead to a more hunched-over shooting position and neck strain.

When are higher optic mounts like 2.26" or 2.93" recommended for an AR-15?

Higher optic mounts are recommended for a more heads-up shooting position, reducing neck strain and improving situational awareness. They are particularly useful when running night vision, plate carriers, or other gear, and are often favored for CQB applications, though they can complicate prone shooting and recoil management.

How does optic height affect cheek weld and recoil control?

Optic height directly impacts cheek weld. Lower mounts promote a solid cheek weld, aiding recoil control. Higher mounts can result in a chin weld or no contact, making recoil management more challenging and requiring greater shooter skill or muzzle devices like brakes.

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