AR-15 RECEIVERS
The big question with
AR15 upper receivers is flattop or carry handle? The flattop
uppers provide a more stable platform for mounting
sights on your AR15 as well as a closer to bore line of sight. This
allows for a natural cheek-stock hold when sighting.
There are a large number of optical as well as fixed and
flip-up sights available for these receivers.
However, there are
several advantages to the carry-handle uppers that make
them a better choice for the "ideal" AR15 rifle. The most
important of these is the ruggedness of the built-in
sights. When selecting a survival rifle, it is important
to always have backup iron sights regardless of how good
of a scope you mount on your rifle. I prefer the carry
handle sights to any "clamp on" option for flat tops.
Another advantage
is the ability to use this handle for carry. Anyone
that’s carried an AR-15 for any period of time ends up
either slinging it or carrying it with four fingers in
front of the magazine well underneath the barrel and the
thumb through the front of the carry handle; a carry not
available without the advantage of the carry handle.
Although flattop receivers have a removable carry handle
available, I would not want to need to keep track of
add-ons not attached to my rifle. If you intend to keep
the handle mounted at all times, then you might as well
skip the flattop.
