AR Carry handle advantages?

[plumbum]

Are there any?

I don't see myself dragging a rifle around in this manner, and it doesn't seem to allow much flexibility for scope mounting. The idea of iron sights is really great, but that can also be added onto a standard rail. In looking at what people are putting together, it doesn't seem to have much of a following, but it seems to be included in a lot of uppers.

P.S. on a side note, has anyone tried those little 4x28 scopes that mount to a carry handle? They always seem like a cheap way to milk a little extra range for those of us who are open-sight deficient.

[Cokebottle]

Are there any?

Nope.

P.S. on a side note, has anyone tried those little 4x28 scopes that mount to a carry handle? They always seem like a cheap way to milk a little extra range for those of us who are open-sight deficient.

The optic is too far above the bore axis.

There's a reason that the A4 has a flat top receiver.

The carry handle was never intended to be a carry handle, and recruits find that out the hard way from their DI when they use it as such.
The initial prototypes of the M16 had a "trigger" style charging handle on the top of the receiver. The "carry handle" was simply an open shroud to protect it from damage (and to keep it from damaging things).
Cost being king, when the wedge style charging handle was adapted to the actual production version, the "carry handle" was left, as it was also the RSB, there was no need to make a change that major to the tooling.

[a1fabweld]

There's something sexy about a carry handle though!

[plumbum]

Now that you mention I do remember seeing pictures of upside-down triggers sticking out into the carry handle!

[Cokebottle]

Now that you mention I do remember seeing pictures of upside-down triggers sticking out into the carry handle!

Ya, those were pre-production receivers. I don't know if any were actually issued to GIs or not, but there never were very many of them.

[jdouglas]

Yeah, the carry handle doesn't seem to serve much purpose. It gives an AR that classic look though, which is why I'm planning on getting one. ;-)

[dieselpower]

Ya, those were pre-production receivers. I don't know if any were actually issued to GIs or not, but there never were very many of them.

there was a request to a manufacture to do it as a mod to the upper. I think it was CMMG. Never heard another thing about it. The limited market probably made the mod too expensive.

[Pred@tor]

Theres a whole dedicated form to these on ar15.com The A2 forum

[Norsemen308]

if you get a carry handle and plan on putting a scope on, just beware you need the lazer bore sighter, classic bore sighters will not work. I am having a hell of a time helping a buddy with his. he has a a4 rail gun with the bolt on rail, then with a bolt on scope adapter, and then the scope, so you have 2 friggin points of contact that can wiggle by just the slightest about... its zero'd in and doing well but it seems like every time he takes it out of the case its off by a few windage and elevation...

[leoffensive]

lol i carry my ar by the carry handle lol never had any issues

[Droppin Deuces]

Bam. Secks.

[wash]

Bolt on carry handles are pretty lame, you have to have little girl fingers to use it as a handle.

I guess that's ok when you are carrying it like a purse.

But really it's just there for the rear sight and there are plenty of nice rear sights that don't have a handle on it.

[TheDeej]

LMT Tactical Rear Sight, same sight picture, more rail space to go around.

[Droppin Deuces]

Bolt on carry handles are pretty lame, you have to have little girl fingers to use it as a handle.

I guess that's ok when you are carrying it like a purse.

But really it's just there for the rear sight and there are plenty of nice rear sights that don't have a handle on it.

My brief case has a carry handle. Purses have slings. Doesn't yours?

[MrPlink]

What is the point of the removable carry handle? Why do it at all as opposed to other types of irons (such as the LMT, which I love)?
I have one, but honestly its just because I love the way they look. Outside of that, Im not sure why anybody would actually prefer one, even if you arent using other optics.