AR-15 A2 versus A3

B

bad_dad_brad

New member
After much research on which AR-15 to buy I have decided on a Bushmaster Dissipator XM15 E2S carbine.

I don't plan to use it for target shooting, just for quick target aquisition blasting and plinking.

What I have not decided is to go with the A2 with the builtin handle and sight, or the A3 with the removable handle allowing quick red dot and optical scoping.

Personaly I am leaning towards the A2. I know you can mount scopes on top of the carrying handle of the A2. I guess for what I want it for, sub 100 yards, I feel the peep sight on the A2 is just the ticket.

From all you AR-15 gurus, lend me your opinions please!

Thanks.
 
I'm going to pretend I'm Bogie here...

Disclaimer: I shoot RA Highpower Service Rifle

Unless you were going to shoot Service Rifle competition (which you won't because it's a Dissapator) then I see no need for the A2 design. I only own one AR, and of course it's an A2 because of Service Rifle rules, but I'm thinking of buying another, and it'll be an A3 for sure.

You said, "I don't plan to use it for target shooting, just for quick target aquisition blasting and plinking." Sorry, bub, but peeps are really darn accurate! If you want something REALLY fast, get one of those "reflex" type dot sights on a flat top!

You said, "I know you can mount scopes on top of the carrying handle of the A2. " Well, I've gotta tell you, that setup sucks. HP guys only do this for testing loads, and it sucks the whole way.

I think that the A3 is the best all-around setup. You can always slap the handle on and use the peeps.
 
Ditto, unless you like to use the carry handle for its intended purpose and have large hands. The A3 by design has a smaller carry handle opening to slip your fingers through, compared to the A2. My A3 isn't very comfortable when I occassionally use the handle for carrying.
 
Caveat: I am not an AR expert

but I have researched this as well:

A3 Pro: its more flexible. you can add stuff to the flat top, to the top of a tactical carry handle or to the top of a 'traditional' type handle, or just go with iron sights out of the tactical or A3. Multiple configurations and heights. The options are limited only by your wallet.

A3 Con: unless you have an existing scope you just want to bolt on, you will have to buy *something* to go on the flat top. Ergo, it will cost more.

A2 Pro: its kinda the industry standard, and it already comes with iron sights.

A2 con: you can still customize it by bolting stuff to the top of the carry handle or in front, but your configurations are really limited, especially in the area of line of sight above the bore.

Mike

PS like I said, I'm not an expert. If I'm wrong, say so :)
 
If the additional cost for the A3 is not an issue - go with it instead of the A2. Most likely, like many of us, you will want to customize your AR and having the A3 is a big plus. You can always get a NM or A2 upper for it if that is what you want down the road. As previously mentioned, the peeps are good for plinking and target shooting but not for fast acquisition. Some form of dot or BAC scope is the ticket. I have the Reflex II for up close and fast and an ATN 5x33L scope for longer range. However, I started out with only the handle attachment on my Bushy (it should come with the Bushmaster when you buy it). But when some cash became available I got the sight/scope. Also mounting scopes other than the Reflex II or similar dot on the carry handle is ackward, unbalanced and causes you to raise your head a lot more than a low mount on the A3 or on another scoped rifle (IMHO). BTW- don't worry about the front sight with a scoped A3. You will not see it.

Bottom line - on an A3 you can always leave the handle on but on an A2 you can never take it off.

Regards,
MilesTeg
 
Thanks guys.

I think that I will go with the A3. Seems to be the most versatile of all.

I assume that the handle is smaller because the front blade on the A3 is lower than the A2, so that a scope will see over it.

I guess also, that's the beauty of ARs. If someday I want a different upper, all I have to do fork out the cash.
 
Good choice. I like mine.

The A3 handle opening is smaller to allow for the mounting hardware that mounts it to the upper.
 
Man I tell ya....those AR designer guys really messed with all of us in a bad way.......we have way to many flipping ways toe go. Buy a Mini 14 ( not that I own one) and you get what SS or Blue, wood on synthetic.
If I was thinking of just owning one AR this is what I would do.....Dissapator with the A2 carry handle and the ARMS #39A2 Bi Level Mount. This way you can mount a Reflex, Holosight or even an ACOG between the irons and a compact to 3-9x40 on the upper rail.......now you have the best of 3 worlds in one carbine, iron sites, rapid targeting dot system and cause the Dissapator is the Hbar and will hold some great group you can mount optics with throw lever ARMS #22 Rings.....scope on, scope off.

Now take note, I stated if I were thinking of owning JUST ONE, well it doesn't work that way. I stated out with just one BM 16 inch VMatch and fussed for months about optics and settle on the ATN 5x33L
57197_VMatch1.jpg

And one heck of a tack driver she is.
Oh, then sorta looking at For Sale Forums I see a great deal on a Dissapator hence
57191_Dissmags.jpeg

The I just happen to run across something that not every kid on every block has....my Stoner M4
73110_M4gery.jpg

Now keep in mind I still have a Pre Ban BM with all the bad stuff on the lay me away program. Then also take note of the number of mags...I have more now.
In Short AR's are not for the masses......they were made for a sick few who have a void in their lives and need fulfillment, those who CAN'T EAT JUST ONE CHIP. Save your money and buy and M1A and be happy.


Guys, you think he bought that line of crap....doubt it, we have a new member to the how many do you have club soon


Karsten
 
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Good One Karsten,

Yes, I have looked and owned other .223's I have a Ranch Rifle in stainless and synthetic. It just does not satisfy. I always wanted an AR15. Specially after shooting one.

And I looked at the AR-180B cause they said, it is what the AR15 should have been. But then, how could the US Army and Marines be so wrong? Well they did go with the Beretta 92! Great pistol, but it is no Glock when it comes to a no brainer mud in the action sidearm.

The AR15 is SO COOL. And the add ons are limitless. And that upper and lower thing! I can have any upper I want, from target to carbine, just have to pay. And that direct gas thing on the bolt, it is so pure, even though it does put some fouling in the action. But it makes the little beast so rock solid and simple.

Yes, I want an AR15. Bad. Just waiting for my tax rebate!

Hooked,

Bad Dad Brad.
 
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