XD Talk

curlyjive · 08-03-2010, 03:50 PM

Following up from this thread where I received really helpful advice and pointed towards Spike's Tactical:
Opinions on this AR

I am about to order ST-15 Mid-Length LE Carbine. This will be my first AR and this is all new to me.

ST-15 Mid-Length LE Carbine [STR5LE2] - $809.95 : Spikes Tactical

Big decision and looking for any last thoughts or advice. Seems this is the best deal going and a steal for $809.

It seemed the mid-length might be the better choice than the regular carbine? but would like to hear any other opinions.

From what I understand, I could add optics to this via the removable carry handle. I believe it is also possible to eventually replace the handgaurds with rails if I ever wanted to add lights and lasers and all that. For now, I plan to use it as it is and get comfortable with the AR platform. Probably add a scope for Christmas.

So am I on the right path with that in mind? Is adding a scope where the carry handle used to be the best way to go?

Any last pieces of advice would be greatly appreciated! I already owe you all for pointing me in this direction.

Spike's Tactical ST-15 Mid-Length LE Carbine: Yeah or Nay...or other suggestions before I pull the proverbial trigger?! Are there any options that Spike's offers that I should consider adding?

**Deadcenter** · 08-03-2010, 03:56 PM

Absolutely nothing wrong with Spikes, they are good to go.

Buy lots of ammo, you will need it!

joshua79109 · 08-03-2010, 04:25 PM

Looks like a good deal to me. Nothing wrong there. I bet you'll be happy with it. I have one and it has yet to fail me.

When you get ready to buy a rail look around on the popular sites, I usually pick up what I want used at a good price in good condition. Or wait for the Moe to drop in medium length and try it (if it looks good to you).

Is there any chance you'd rather have that Samson buis as opposed to the handle? I don't use their buis, but I ask since you plan to use optics in the future. I like the carrying handle, but ask since I always add Troy Folding Battle sights that cost me around $120.00.

Looks like a great choice to me.

southern thunder · 08-03-2010, 04:41 PM

congrats.

curlyjive · 08-03-2010, 06:32 PM

See this is where I am unsure. I thought about the Samson rear. But don't you remove either it or the carry handle when you add a scope? I like the carry handle as well, and if I'm not mistaken it serves as the rear sight as well. However, with a scope it would be removed anyway....or do I have that wrong??

Not sure here, so could use input.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshua79109

Looks like a good deal to me. Nothing wrong there. I bet you'll be happy with it. I have one and it has yet to fail me.

When you get ready to buy a rail look around on the popular sites, I usually pick up what I want used at a good price in good condition. Or wait for the Moe to drop in medium length and try it (if it looks good to you).

Is there any chance you'd rather have that Samson buis as opposed to the handle? I don't use their buis, but I ask since you plan to use optics in the future. I like the carrying handle, but ask since I always add Troy Folding Battle sights that cost me around $120.00.

Looks like a great choice to me.

Uriel999 · 08-03-2010, 06:38 PM

My only question regarding a rail is this: do you want a free float rail or do you not care about that. If you really really want a free floating rail, reconsider or call and ask about upgrading to an upper with a free float rail. If you don't care (a free float rail isn't that important unless your a very very very good shooter and truly need that extra little bit of accuracy) then just get a 2 piece rail later and you'll be happy as can be.

Also, like somebody else said consider a Troy back up iron site (BUIS) instead of the carry handle if you plan on putting an optic on it.

Other than that, you will be very pleased with Spikes I believe. Go ahead and take the plunge!

curlyjive · 08-03-2010, 07:01 PM

I don't need a free float rail now. But could one be added later down the road. It's not something I see doing, but wanted to know.

Again I am unsure how the rear sight versus handle affects the addition of a scope. It's my ignorance being new to this. I just thought you remove either and attach the scope to the rail. Wouldn't either one get in the way of a scope?

Also, how does the font sight affect adding a scope?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uriel999

My only question regarding a rail is this: do you want a free float rail or do you not care about that. If you really really want a free floating rail, reconsider or call and ask about upgrading to an upper with a free float rail. If you don't care (a free float rail isn't that important unless your a very very very good shooter and truly need that extra little bit of accuracy) then just get a 2 piece rail later and you'll be happy as can be.

Also, like somebody else said consider a Troy back up iron site (BUIS) instead of the carry handle if you plan on putting an optic on it.

Other than that, you will be very pleased with Spikes I believe. Go ahead and take the plunge!

joshua79109 · 08-03-2010, 07:20 PM

There are many ways to go at the sights if you are going to use optics.

The optic you choose will determine part of it.

If you were to choose an Aimpoint then you could use the flip up sight along with the Aimpoint to make a co-witness. This allows you to use your buis (back up iron sights) (through the Aimpoint) in the unlikely event of the Aimpoint failing. In this scenario you could leave the rear sight up all the time or flip it down when not in use.

If you were to choose a 1-4 optic like the Millett DMS-1 then you won't set it up to co-witness like you would with the red dot optic. In this scenario many folks still want the flip down buis available in case the optic fails. If the optic is installed using a quick detach mount then you just detach the scope, flip up the rear buis and you're back in business.

If you were to choose the carry handle then you could saw off the handle and keep the iron sight as a buis that would work with a red dot, but not with a 1-4 optic (it would be in the way).

Some folks don't care about buis and they just run an optic without buis.

Some hunters get rid of the front sight base and install a hunting type of scope with no buis at all.

I don't know anything about the Sampson optic because I use the Troy Folding Battle Sights, but if it flips down like the Troys it might be worth the extra $10. The Troy's will cost about $120 later - there are less expensive buis like Magpul.

I keep a handle in my shtf pack in case my Aimpoints didn't work for any reason. I'd use my Troy buis until I had an opportunity to switch to the handle and check my zero.

So the real answer is that we're all different and your intended use will determine some of the answer.

Hope that helps