Looking to set up my AR for 100-200 yards.  I have an M4 carbine with carry handle.  (Wasn't my choice).  It currently has a cheaper looking leapers scope on it with handle mount.  I think its 4x20 but is a pretty cheap scope.  The crosshairs arent even level.  lol.   I am looking to put a decent scope on it but im leary about the mounts available as I dont want it to be too high.  

 

Or do I just pony up and change the upper?  Would like to keep it stock as I have never had a single malfunction with the firearm.  

Trijicon makes some beautiful ACOGS that will mount on a carry handle but as you said, it'll be way up there, both in price and physically.

 

I Would personally replace it, but that's me. I can't stand the carry handle uppers.. Having a removable pic-mounted one isn't bad because you have the option to remove it.

I'd leave it as is and keep an eye out on a stripped upper.. I think there was already one for sale on here or the mewe NJ Sales group.

If it was me, I'd replace the upper receiver if you want optics if for now other reason that the optic's height over bore is just too high when mounted on the carry handle.

I agree with Lambo. I have one with a Trijicon ACOG with the Trijcon mount and the handle is basically useless now as a handle since you have to squeeze the tips of your fingers into the now

small space under the mount. The height seems to work well with that optic though.

I have a new Aimpoint m4s that has the carry handle mount which doesnt obstruct the use of the handle.  If interested PM me. 

 

Looks like this mounted:

 

You can find one of the original Colt 4x carry handle scopes. I believe they are Japanese optics, pretty good quality from what I have seen. Usually a few hundred $ used.

 

Who's upper is this? Colt, Bushmaster...???

It's a bushmaster through and through aside from a few add ons. Just confirmed the scope is 4x20 leapers from China. I guess for what it is it is fine, but the quality def isn't there. I think the colt looks extremely similar to this one.

 

Blake I appreciate the offer and have seen them before. Not sure I'd be happy with the scope that fat forward. Along with the additional forward weight and clutter.

 

I guess it would be nice to find a bushmaster upper to pair it with. I'm new to the game though and not sure how easy they are to come by

1) a red dot that far forward is fine, and that picture has a red dot in it. A scope would not work

2) you don't need a bushmaster upper, any decent upper will do and they are less the $100. You will need to find someone with the right tools to help you or buy another $70 of tools and do a bit of research

Have you learned to properly use the iron sights that are on the rife (A1 or A2)?  For 100-200 yds the irons should be plenty adequate.

I have to admit - Not really.  I've only shot the rifle with the irons during one range session.  I "believe" that comparing it to some online that I have A2 sights.  Have to confirm when I get home.  

 

The rifle was passed down to me, and I have only shot it 3 times so far.   I really enjoy long distance shooting and tight groups, but I think down the road I will get a bolt 308 for that.   With that said I guess I could get a decent red dot and call it a day for this rifle.  

 

I will focus on using the irons next time I get to the range.  I also plan on taking some carbine classes in the fall/winter.

 

Maybe I'll leave the carry handle, remove the leapers, and get a mid range red dot.  Thoughts?  

That is completely up to you and is a decision you need to make.
Everyone has their own ideas as to what they want and what their real use is.

Me? Not much experience with Irons. I can hit water bottles at 25 yards no problem with my AR and irons, but haven't really played around with it further out. I'd imagine with practice i could get the hang of it, but i find it much more fun to shoot with a high end optic on my firearms.
The Aimpoint unit is pretty cool, and aimpoint themselves are pretty good. It looks a bit odd, but does leave the firearm still practical, and as previously stated since it's a red dot it isn't much of an issue having it that far forward, though i still dont think it would be optimal to me. I would probably personally just spend a bit of money to make it a flat top, or leave it as is (if you inherited it and it holds sentimental value) and save up for an entry level flat top, which isn't all that much money.

Thanks nick!  Actually my leapers is like a carbon copy of that colt!