Clearing the front post

[thazard]

I want to get a Leupold soon for my AR (stag 1H upper). I don't want to replace the front sight post from the barrel so I was going to get 1 inch tall rings and mount then get a 1/2 inch scope riser mount to help clear the front post. Will this setup be to high for comfort or do I only need the 1 inch tall rings to clear the front sight or am I SOL without removing the front post.

[aplinker]

You won't see the front post through the scope if you have anything 4X or higher in magnification.

[thazard]

I guess I'll just crank it up to 9x then

[Jicko]

1" rings are not high enough for ARs due to the high buffer tube.

High power optics are generally mounted with ~1.5" rings to the flat-top.

[maxicon]

Yep, the centerline of the iron sights is 1.4" above the rail, so to completely clear, you'd need a really high ring/mount. I'm not sure anyone makes rings higher than 1.5" centerline, though there are mounts higher than that.

Even at 3x, it'll mostly be a blur, and you shouldn't notice. If you've got a 16" barrel and a large scope, the scope will often be right up against the front sight base, which can make the problem worse, but a carbine doesn't really need a scope that big (not that "need" is always the goal!).

Many people want the optics and iron sights at the same centerline, as this will let you use the same cheek weld and shoulder mount when you change sighting systems. A more consistent shooting style leads to more consistent accuracy.