Your input please

S.Dewey · 10-02-2012, 20:17

So...... I was able to post this on the Ar part, not sure why, so it is going here. What is the hype over flat top Ar15's? What advantages does it give the user? Compared to an A2 upper or a flattop, which is better, and why. Please give me some good information to go on. Part of me wants to change out my A2 upper to a flat top because well "All the cool guys are doing it," yet part of me likes how the A2 is (though that could be because that's all I know).

Thanks.

XDRoX · 10-02-2012, 20:23

If all you want to use is iron sites and you fancy the handy carrying handle, then an A2 is all you need.

If you would like to put an optic on your AR, then a flat top is quite useful.

**NeverMore1701** · 10-02-2012, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by XDRoX

If all you want to use is iron sites and you fancy the handy carrying handle, then an A2 is all you need.

If you would like to put an optic on your AR, then a flat top is quite useful.

I disagree, if you want to run a carry handle still get a flat top, and just put a carry handle on it.

michael_b · 10-02-2012, 20:51

Basically, a flattop gives you more flexibility to customize, IMO.

If you're happy with your setup, then enjoy it, and don't worry about what's popular or currently the 'in' thing.

I built mine with a flattop because I like the look and as was stated, you can add a carry handle to it if the need/desire arises.

If you want to try a flattop, just get a second upper.

Posted from my iPhone

***12131*** · 10-02-2012, 21:24

If you never ever ever want optics ever ever, just get an AR with permanently attached carrying handle. If you think of optics possibility down the road, get a flat top AR with a flipped up rear sight. Sure, you can attach optics onto the carrying handle, but it's cumbersome. Sure, you can get a detachable carrying handle, but, once you plan on optics, you're gonna toss that handle and buy a BUIS.

Gunnut 45/454 · 10-02-2012, 22:02

I have one A2 and two flattops! Like them all! And the A2 does wear an optic.

K. Foster · 10-03-2012, 15:45

A flat top provides a superior platform for mounting optics or any type of rear sight you want.

mjkeat · 10-03-2012, 18:05

For most it has nothing to do w/ cool. It's all about superior function. The carry handle has been replaced w/ a more functional device, a sling.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

***mvician*** · 10-03-2012, 18:59

This is why it was originally there

Why it was kept after the charging handle was changed ???

ratf51 · 10-03-2012, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvician

This is why it was originally there

Why it was kept after the charging handle was changed ???

This officially makes my "learn something new everyday" list for today. Thanks!

TucsonGlocker · 10-04-2012, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratf51

This officially makes my "learn something new everyday" list for today. Thanks!

Same here! Something I definitely did not know and is really cool to see.

I agree with everyone else that said a flattop allows for more flexibility.

TattooedGlock · 10-04-2012, 17:24

A carry handle is a pain in the arse and you'll never actually carry your gun with it. Flat tops give you the option for optics, irons, both, etc. or even adding a handle if that's your thing. Flatop is the way to go.

Toby196 · 10-05-2012, 21:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvician

This is why it was originally there

Why it was kept after the charging handle was changed ???

Huh, I too learned something new today.

My introduction to the AR came 10 years ago when I first got issued a M16 in Basic. One of the first things the Drill Sergeants "stressed" to us was, "You're not allowed to carry your rifle by using the carry handle"!!!

My thought was, "then why the hell is it there"???

Initially I just assumed it was one more way DS's screw with you (like how we were made to carry our weapon at high-ready instead of low-ready during long ruck marches). As time went on I came to assume it was just how Stoner designed the sight setup, not knowing (until now) that the charging handle was originally designed as your picture illustrates.

Thanks for the enlightenment.

**MrMurphy** · 10-06-2012, 03:25

The 'carry handle' was also a fashion thing.

During WW2, infantry spent a lot of time marching on foot, everywhere. Most of that with rifle in hand or slung, sometimes while carrying other stuff. Usually not in a tactical manner, but a "slog from Point A to Point B for 30 miles along this road".

Stoner was a Marine and he'd spent his fair share of time doing so. Most other rifles designed during this time period either had a carry handle or something similar for the same reason. FAL being a good example. Mostly a designer's 'hey, why not?" going by previous experiences and depending on the army asking for it.

Since the AR was going to need higher sights than usual he combined the sights into that first to protect the charging handle, then, just to be useful. Even if practices changed and the 'bugout handle' was no longer used. Only time I've ever used it was carrying 12 M16's at once (three per hand and the rest slung all over me).

S.Dewey · 10-06-2012, 06:56

lots of useful and interesting information. I'm leaning towards just keeping it with the handle and later on the line building a more modern version. I do want to put a rail system on it though. But there are oh so many choices!

ithaca_deerslayer · 10-06-2012, 07:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMurphy

Since the AR was going to need higher sights than usual .

Why? Because the charging lever was originally on top, or some other reason?

**MrMurphy** · 10-06-2012, 14:51

Straight line stock design.

***Matthew Courtney*** · 10-06-2012, 16:18

A2 rifles are very easy to secure with a chain or cable through the carry handle.

Toby196 · 10-06-2012, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Courtney

A2 rifles are very easy to secure with a chain or cable through the carry handle.

K. Foster · 10-06-2012, 21:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Courtney

A2 rifles are very easy to secure with a chain or cable through the carry handle.

Chains and padlocks are only a minor inconvenience to criminals.

***Matthew Courtney*** · 10-07-2012, 01:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by K. Foster

Chains and padlocks are only a minor inconvenience to criminals.

Everybody.... Give me your attention please..... Foster says that chains and padlocks are just an inconvenience to criminals, so please, for heavens sake, quit using them. That glass window to your truck is more security than you could ever need. Locking your rifle up won't help. Heck, most car thieves can defeat ignition locks, so lets just all leave our keys in the ignition.

Come to think of it, readily accessible firearms would be a great idea for unsupervised kids to have ready acCess to as well, so let's just all leave our AR's lying around unsecured. Don't forget to leave them loaded, so the kiddies can begin teaching one another about ballistics right away!

K. Foster · 10-07-2012, 08:27

Any petty thief with a hack saw and 15 minutes of access can cut through chains and padlocks. That’s assuming he doesn’t want to cut and bend the aluminum carry handle. If he brought bolt cutters, it will be much quicker.
For the record, I’m not saying don’t use security devices. What I am saying is be aware of their limitations. (Sorry that was lost on you Matt) Gun safes can be defeated as well but it takes more time, knowledge and specialized tools than the average criminal brings to a burglary.
When I buy a rifle, being able to chain it to a tree is not a feature I look for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Courtney

Come to think of it, readily accessible firearms would be a great idea for unsupervised kids to have ready acCess to as well, so let's just all leave our AR's lying around unsecured. Don't forget to leave them loaded, so the kiddies can begin teaching one another about ballistics right away!

Just another childish rant.