M-4 Rails/Sights

[NomadicFed]

Any thoughts on the best forends (picatinny rail compatible) for an M-4? GG&G, Safeco, and a few others make them, but I wanted to see if anyone had any personal experience with a particular brand or style.

Anyone have some operator feedback on EOTech holographs vs. Aimpoint?

[snpusmc]

I just got my m-4 back from the armor and this is what i have on it. Trijicon SF 4x32 mounted on a flat top, GG&G rear sling so i can use one of two types of slings, Sure Fire M-500 that you are able to mount in many ways.

I was going to go with the EOTECh but got the Trijicon for $700.oo and the list price was $1,122.55 so I had to take it along with the fact that it has built a name for it's self in the field.

I know a few that "USE" the aimpoints and thay all have good feed back and I would take one and trust it. If I had to pick from the EOTECH and Aimpoint I would have to go with the Aimpoint hands down.

Rail mounts- can't really say all I have is a Leupold mount on my Remington 700 for my Mark-4 but I have delt with GG&G and they seem to produce good products. Safeco would be a safe bet for what you can do with it (you can set it up any way you want)along with the fact that it has been tested in the field and had great feed back. A few other makes you might want to take a look at are.

Advanced Armament
DPMS
D.S Arms

[NomadicFed]

Thanks, Devildog, and Semper Fi.

One piece of info I got on the Safeco forends are that the heat shields fail under high cyclic rates...not an issue for most LE, but something to consider.

[Wick]

The Aimpoint is a good solid optic.

I have only used the EoTech once and really liked it. I have heard they have made some good upgrades recently (battery life). The one positive about the EoTech was the HUGE field of view, very easy to acquire a target and still have a lot of peripheral vision.

[dmclark]

New DEA Rock River Tactical Entry M4's have Eotech 511's mounted. Great field of vision for room clearing and the red dot acquisition is great.

[LeeRoy]

Alameda County SO in the SF Bay Area has a very proactive firearms program. They research the heck out of everything they do. They went with Eotech for their SWAT carbines.

They had one at the patrol rifle school I was sent to (taugh by ACSO) with a cracked glass and you could still get a clear retical sight picture over the broken glass. The instructors said even with the damage the sight was right on.

[snpusmc]

No problem.
Just to follow up on DMclark, I worked with three agents (DEA)today and during some down time I asked them if they have recieved the new Rock River system. They said they have but have only had a few hours at the range. The Eotech seems to be a big hit with this group along with the switch from the 9mm to the 223. I remember a thread a while back from GONZO asking about Eotech and a few others, I remember it being a good thread that might help you out.

Safeco has replaced the shield from what I have been told but it would be safe to check on that scoop.

Semper Fi.

[Chainring]

I was just issued a Rock River last week and the Eotech is a damn good sight. You can shoot with both eyes open which is great for room clearing. The version we have is also night vision compatible. I pulled mine out today for a buy/bust and noticed the reticle was a bit out of focus from last week and couldn't really figure out why. I'm not sure but I think the Rock River has Surefire Picatinny rails on it.

[NomadicFed]

I've been an Aimpoint guy for 8 years now, but always looking for something better...Eotech might be it. My M4 has an under forend after market picatinny rail only, and it is not super stable, so I am looking at seeing if we can get our team picatinny forends and replace the whole thing vs. using the bolt on deal.

Thanks all for the insight.

[Wick]

Juat an opinion. I have always found that mounting an optic on the front end of the receiver is the best place for it, assuming your not using night vision, then it may need to be moved forward slightly. I have had mine mounted on the flat top when the M4 carry handle is removed.

If you plan on mounting your optic to a picatinny foreend make sure to buy a good one. It has to be rock solid otherwise you stand a good chance of some slight movement and the you will lose zero.

Wick

[CajunCop]

I have a colt c-more atop my Colt A-3 tactical. I love it, especially since it has integrated A-2 rear sights in case of failure.
Call me biased, but I have no idea why the c-more is not more popular.

I have never shot with the aimpoints or eotechs, but I have played with them both. I don't think you will go wrong with either choice. I would suggest that you at least consider the c-mores.

[Rooster5150]

For my 2 cents worth I own an Eotech but not a 511. It a damn good optic but on the job we use the trijicon ACOG and it's outstanding. It doesn't need batteries like the Eotechs.

Also for what it's worth the only company that makes an M4 is Colt. something about copyright laws or trademarks or something. Rock River makes an R4 tactical and the Bushmasters are XM15's, I believe.

Concerning Rails I've always been told by really good M4 armorers of which I am not (just mediocre) is that if you have a Colt use Colt rails if you have a Bushmaster use Bushmasters rails etc. It cuts down the problems you may encounter.

[wicked50]

I have EOTECH optics on an AR15 and can't think of anything to say bad about it. Good optics but you also need to consider what range you are going to be shooting at. I use the EOTECH for entries and around 75 line. I am happy with the tool. Its good CQB optics.
Battery life has improved.

[UN_Cop]

I use the Colt M-4 flat top, EO-Tech optic, CQD sling, and a rail system with a Surefire M-3 and broom handle. I like the sight on top of the upper without the carry handle because it will sit more comfortable with me. I will swear by this kit because it has never failed. Now the most important part.....it is what the uses are and what works for you. It may be hard to do but try things out, get recommendations and for your own opinion.

Good luck and take care!

UN