I wanted to get M4C’s thoughts on whether I’m rushing the purchase of a few bits for my new AR. Specifically, a Troy Delta rail and Aimpoint PRO.
Two weeks ago, I received my first AR, a Colt 6920 with Magpul furniture. Heeding the advice I’d read so often on M4C, I didn’t make any modifications or purchases initially, but did spend time on the range putting ~500 rounds through it in the first two weeks. The rifle is to be deployed as a backup HD firearm and range plinker.
Since receiving the rifle, I’ve purchased a VCAS padded sling and a QD adapter that puts the rear attachment point just aft of the receiver. The front attachment point is still the pinned sling mount on the FSB.
I’m looking at getting the Troy Delta rail to help me get a longer grip on the rifle. With the Magpul carbine-length handguard, my weak hand feels too compressed and it’s rather uncomfortable. I find myself holding the grip at the very end, and even there I’m not totally comfortable. Not to mention it gets pretty hot gripping right at the FSB.
The Aimpoint PRO I’ve identified as a good entry-level optic that will do what I need in a HD setting without breaking the bank. Plus it comes with a functional mount.
Many have said not to jump in to the AR game and start sticking stuff on the gun. Am I getting overly excited and toeing that line too closely? Should I take a step back, stick with the MOE furniture and iron sights, and just chill for a bit?
If you are familiar with the platform already I wouldnt see any problems 1, either way putting a new rail on sould not be a problem 2, Many newer shooters will jump on the optic train and have little to no idea how th use their irons, if this is you I would reccomend learning the basics, then getting your aimpoint. optics fail w/o knowledege of your irons you will be in a shit sandwhich.
Many will recomend you get some ammo and training. In the end of the day its your rifle have it how you would like
p.s: I am a regular guy not a sme so take this as you will.
That’s an excellent point. It’s playing backup to a suppressed 9mm, and realistically I’d deploy it only in the most dire circumstances as I’m very concerned about hearing loss for my family and dogs.
Sourcing a WML for the AR is now also on my list.
You make an excellent point. I’m comfortable enough with the irons to consistently hit a 3x5" index card at 150’ (the furthest distance at my range), but that’s under ideal conditions. I view the Aimpoint as an tool to enhance my capability, but nothing to be absolutely relied upon.
Are you/your family facing any imminent hd/personal safety threats?
What are your goals with the AR platform?
If you can answer these, it will be easier for me to make a suggestion. Sending 500 rounds down range can mean anything from nothing to a full day of organized and planned shooting drills in which every bullet has a purpose. And hitting an index card at 50 yards can mean as little as you have decent trigger control and are capable of obtaining decent sight alignment and picture. So more info about you would be very useful in suggesting a course of action.
ETA - I was just coming back to edit this in but ASH556 already hit it. Try extending the stock out.
The Aimpoint is definitely a useful tool. I see no reason not to have one if you can afford it.
RE the rail, you could extend your stock to achieve a longer reach for your support hand if you’re feeling cramped. There’s nothing wrong with a longer handguard either, but I’m simply pointing out that it’s not the only solution.
Thanks for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate it. My responses below:
I am new to shooting the AR platform. The Colt is my first AR. The whole of my previous shooting experience is with handguns.
There is one specific, but low-probability, threat. There’s also the general (but also low-probability) threat of the MS-13 presence just across the highway from us. Neither of these threats give me nightmares and we’ve taken steps to ensure we have early warning of anyone who gets too close to the house.
My goal with the platform is to develop a rifle that can reliably stop a threat that my handgun can’t.
I purchased the rifle for two reasons: 1) Uncertainty about my ability to do so in the future as a result of regulatory restrictions; 2) Worst-case scenario planning.
Thanks again for the input, I really appreciate it!
You are thinking it out and have reasons for your purchases. I think most of us just don’t want to see the brand new shooter to buy a bunch of expensive cool guy stuff because that is what they think they need. Just don’t be that guy, it will save you time, frustration and money.
I don’t have any photos, but I would describe it as 85-90% squared off. I guess in pistol shooting you’d refer to it as “modified isosceles” where the toe of my strong-side foot is just about even with the heel of my weak-side foot.
Since you are a new ar shooter and I infer that you want to become proficient , I would normally suggest taking the $600-700 you would save by not buying the rail and optic and attending a 2 day carbine class. This will give you a firm base of fundamentals and prevent you from developing, and then having to break, bad habits. I often see new students, who have not been corrupted by bad habits, quickly outperform guys who have been “shooting all my life.” Going to a class like this with irons is just fine and in my opinion, preferable if there is no urgency.
If you felt there are significant threats to your home/family, I would have suggested to strengthen your home defenses (locks, lights, cameras, etc…) first. That said, under those circumstances, I would say go with the optic as it is quicker to learn and the priority is not to develop solid fundamentals when there is a threat to you and your loved ones. So you know, a light is absolutely essential on a carbine used for any defensive application. You have to be able to id the threat. Light before anything else.
However, since you have perceived low level threats, the decision is really up to you. I would lean toward a 2 day carbine class over the optic and rail as the threat level is low and you already have a pistol (I assume) for hd with which it sounds you are proficient. Do research or wait until your class to fit a light in a way that you can activate it without fumbling and minimally, if at all, shifting your grip.
As for the rail and optic you are looking at, I think you have done your research and have come up with good picks. The only thing you have to do now is determine your priority based on the entirety of your circumstances.
Just make sure you’re actually getting what you need/want. A free floating rail is never a bad idea.
In all honesty, if you continue to read these forums, do your research, and do a lot of shooting for the next 30 days or so – I’m betting you’ll have a different ‘list’ of wants & needs for your new baby, perhaps will even scratch some things off the ‘list’.
That being said… Free floating rail and an Aimpoint you really can’t go wrong with though :D:D
There’s nothing wrong purchasing the pro now for its intended usage. You still need to learn and practice with irons. If you haven’t purchased it yet I’d recommend a H1 though and he off on the rail for now.
