CompML3 mount on handle or flat top?

[glockpro]

Aimpoint told me the red dot scope should be mounted on an A3 style flat top AR. Most of the pictures of military rifles that I have seen have a scope mounted on the handle.
Is the extra height too much. Does it really matter?
Thanks,

[Omega13device]

Yes it matters a lot. You must be looking at some really old pictures. You can't get a proper cheek weld with an optic on top of the carry handle. Worst case if you're stuck with an A2 upper, use a gooseneck mount to get the Aimpoint out front of the carry handle. But the better way is to have it on a flat top upper with a fixed or folding rear BUIS.

[glockpro]

Thanks for the tip, I swear that I've seen a ton of scopes, and red dots, mounted on the handle.
I thought it would maybe be better for a stiff neck but as you say if you can't get a comfortable weld then it's no good.
Aimpoint said to use their mount or if I wanted it a bit higher to use the Larue.

[Omega13device]

Yeah you have definitely seen some pictures of that:



It was the old-school way to do it back when optics were uncommon on ARs and people hadn't really figured out all the issues. But it still comes up all the time because those receivers are out there. At my last class there was an LEO who was trying out a mini-red dot (either a Docter or a Fastfire, I'm not sure which) on top of an A2 carry handle because his department was stuck with all-A2 rifles. He hated it.

Your Aimpoint mount will work fine on a flat-top but if you prefer quick-detach I would go LaRue all the way.