New AR Owner - Red Dot/ Other Recommendations?

[tperk100]

Marc,

Thanks much for the details. This makes a lot of sense to me. If I mount to the bottom, what do I do about left hand grip? (I am right handed)

[MarcSpaz]

The grips on the rifle in the photo are ambidextrous. Based on that... the link I provided was for a very short piece of rail. I would put the rail where the grip is now, mount the laser/light combo as far forward on the rail as possible, and then mount the grip right behind the laser/light. This will give you immediate access to the controls of the laser/light. You would just shoulder the weapon on your right shoulder, right hand on the main pistol grip and your left hand on the vertical foregrip.

[tperk100]

Wouldn't that bring the grip further back towards the rear? I am trying to avoid that, since I have long arms.

[MarcSpaz]

It does. The only workaround for that would be to buy a stand-alone LaserMax laser that has a pic rail on it. Then just bolt the grip to the laser.

However, my recommendation is to have your arms as close in to your body as possible. The further your arms are stretched out, the less leverage and control you have. Also, you can't hold the rifle up anywhere near as long, when compared to elbows down and hands further back. You really do put yourself at a disadvantage stretching your arms out.

[tperk100]

OK....since I know nothing, as Sgt Schultz would say, if I take your advice, then this problem is solved for only the price of a short rail..............and maybe a remote switch....not sure?

http://www.surefire.com/remote-switch-a ... -x300.html

What are your thoughts on needing /using this switch?

Thanks again!

[MarcSpaz]

That's not too bad. You need to add a rail segment to the side of the barrel cover to use it, which should not be a problem. I would hold off until you get everything else setup correctly. Depending on the placement of the light vs the grip, you may not need it.

As far as grip goes... along with sustained ability to hold the weapon, other reasons for this is, it gives you the ability to move and shoot fluidly. If you are standing squarely and are able to walk in a straight line without your body being twisted, not only does this improve your balance, it also allows you to sweep 180+ degrees left to right without having to change your footing. Movement is life. If you stop moving in a gun fight, now you are a stationary target. Your odds of being hit go up dramatically.

Here are a couple quick examples of hand position and moving skills. This is me doing a mag dump. You can see how tight in my arms are and even at 600+ RPM, the rifle hardly moves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pKeKXM9iAQ


This video is US military fighting forces practicing. Though several people have forward vertical grips, only 2 guys actually use them, and with limited success. Most all of them have their arms in tight and their lead hand is in the mag well, the same way I was shooting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL8Lwa0zLBQ

[tperk100]

Marc,

Thanks much. If I understand all this correctly, I think I am going to get the MAG408 4.1" rail, mount the grip behind the rail close to the mag, and go to the range.

I think the 4.1" will give me enough room to attach the switch to the light and mount the pressure activation on a short side rail if I decide to.

Your thoughts?

[MarcSpaz]

Sounds like a plan!

As you move the vertical grip back, remember to allow enough room between the mag and grip to be able to hold the grip without your hand/wrist touching the mag. This will give you the most comfort and ensure proper mag function as well as insert and removal clearances.

[Oakes]

I have a car 9. Old Colt scope on top and laser under. Works great and have not had to use it.