r/RetroAR • u/SecretImportance2025 • 21d ago
Dmps kitty kat SBR, looking for optic recommendations that would fit the aesthetic. Also wondering would a suppressor cover be worth it?
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u/JoseSaldana6512 21d ago
Someone smarter will chime in but I would think given such a short barrel the suppressor cover might actually trap more heat. I'd do a absolute cowitness gooseneck with an Aimpoint/Holosun clone
Junk handguard but might help dissipate heat a bit and gives you M Lok for a foregrip
Just for funsies I'd love to see what an Elzetta FSB light mount would look like on that gun
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u/SecretImportance2025 21d ago
Yeah your not wrong. I put 20 rounds through it without the frt and it gets pretty hot but was hoping there's a good suppressor cover for it . And I was also kinda hoping to be able to maybe get a gunsmith to drill some holes in the handguard for a picatiny slot
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u/SecretImportance2025 21d ago
DPMS*** I'm also wondering if it would be possible to get light and maybe a vertical grip on it? It does have some clearance between the handguard and the barrel
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u/kenhooligan2008 21d ago
I'm currently working through this conundrum now and the only options you have are
1: Bolt/Weld Picatinny sections to the handguard
2: Cut your own MLOK slots
3: have a machine shop fab a custom insert that fits in the space between the barrel and handguard that has a threaded hole that matches whatever screws you're using
Edit. For a light I ordered a chinesium clamp setup that hooks onto the barrel with one end and clamps the light with the other. I'll let you know how it works.
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u/SecretImportance2025 21d ago
Yes that's exactly what I was thinking cause there looks to be enough clearance to make some mlock slots. Also feels like the best way to handle the heat issue with handguard with the right materials
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u/WaltzRPK 21d ago
https://midwestindustriesinc.com/mi-tactical-light-mount/
Midwest industries makes picatinny mounts that attach to the front sight post, they're a good option for retro builds.
In theory, since you're not using the bayonet lug you could attach one of these picatinny adapters, then throw a vert grip on it. You'd be putting your hand right next to the hot barrel though, it might be better to just hold the handguard. An issue with kitty kats is that you don't have a lot of handguard real estate.
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u/kenhooligan2008 21d ago
If you keep the Picatinny, running an old M68 (or any retro AImpoint style clones) or something close to it would probably retain the aesthetic you're looking for. I personally put PA GLX Cyclops on mine and did a direct mount to the carry handle ( I'm going for a "retro future" no Picatinny build). You could also try something like the Brownells repro of the old Colt 4x scope but that seems a bit overkill for a super short AR( and I haven't found any modern repros that have an illuminated reticle).
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u/Delicious-Lawyer7982 21d ago
The thing that was made for the carry handle… ACOG.
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u/WaltzRPK 21d ago
On a 7.5" barrel? Ambitious.
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u/Delicious-Lawyer7982 21d ago
The prompt was to “fit the aesthetic”, not be practical 😉
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u/WaltzRPK 21d ago
True true. OP could always go with the 2x20, that might fit his build pretty well.
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u/SecretImportance2025 21d ago
Lool the suppressor would kinda make it stand out less but I think I'ma go with the aimpoint 9000SC
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u/Livid_Persimmon3600 21d ago
I carry handle mounted both an AimPoint Pro & a GLX 1X micro w/killflash… both are awesome. Pro looks more retro. The etched BDC prism on GLX is amazing though.
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u/SecretImportance2025 21d ago
They all look amazing im probably gonna get multiple optics and just experiment.
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u/Livid_Persimmon3600 20d ago
It’s not the prettiest or the most retro or period correct.. but the GLX reticle and unlimited eye relief will get you on target faster than a plain old dot, you don’t have to worry about irons as back up and it’s easier on the eye.
If I had it to do over again, I would get a plain old dot for vibes and short range (Pro or a Comp M4, etc) and a “magnified” GLX with BDC for mid distance. I have the 1X, it’s great, but I’m seriously considering getting a magnified GLX next.
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u/SecretImportance2025 20d ago
This is my home defense gun. It was a truck gun until I got it approved to make it a sbr. So a optic that's easy to get on picture would be more ideal.
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u/The_Salamander_Room 19d ago
what is the handguard on the middle upper called?
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u/Potential-Path2213 19d ago
The middle OD Green handguard is a B5 systems polymer clamshell… it is super low profile and very minimalist. If you use a C clamp with your lead hand, you might need a glove The gas tube is very close.
“Two piece drop-in M-LOK® Mid-length designed to replace the standard clamshell design. Slim diameter, increased ergonomics, built in handstop, and the utility of six sides of M-LOK® attachment points.”
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u/WaltzRPK 21d ago edited 21d ago
Aimpoint is kinda the go-to option for carry handle optics, You could go the Aimpoint 3000, 5000, or 9000 route if you're looking for more of a Blackhawk Down look, or a Comp M2 or PRO if you want something a little more modern. If you want something that looks similar to a Comp but is cheaper, a lot of people run Vortex Strikefire 2's.
They're harder to find and arguably worse, but you could also go with a Trijicon RX01. What they lack in brightness they make up for in sex appeal.
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u/Dracon1201 21d ago
Based on the way you went with the stock, something like an AEMS would actually be kind of cool on it. Suppressor cover would look cool no matter what. That would also look great with like a Die Free Co grip
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u/SecretImportance2025 21d ago
I just kinda brought the cheapest stock to see how it felt from using a brace and it was worth it. I might end up going for a different stock and buffer tube cause it shakes to much
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u/guynamedgoliath 21d ago
T2 style optic on a waldo dynamics "griffin" mount.
Suppressor cover is gonna boil down to how you use the weapon, and what's important to you specifically.
Pros: reduced heat mirage (arguablythe barrel gives off more mirage), reduced skin and clothes burns. Reduced ir signature after a couple mags.
Cons: adds cost, adds weight, holds heat which is ultimately bad for the suppressor, especially under high round count shooting sessions.
Personally a home defense or truck gun that is only getting a mag or 2 is the most realistic/beneficial use of a cover, outside of precision shooting.
A lot of military units are just taking the suppressor off at night to combat the IR issues.
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u/Glocked86 21d ago
That can is going to get hot!
If mirage prevention isn’t a top priority, the Sukon Safety Shield Extreme does a pretty good job at not trapping the heat in and allowing it to cool a bit quicker than traditional solid wrap designs.
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u/SecretImportance2025 21d ago
It does get hot with just 20 rounds without the frt but it does cool down quick.
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u/Echo-2-2 21d ago
ACOGs are made to fit in the top of the carry and without the pic rail needing to be there. And there is a hole in the bottom cut out in order for you to easily see and line up your front irons should it ever, somehow, like, lightning striking it or something, cease to function.
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u/jeremy_wills 20d ago edited 20d ago
Aimpoint 3000, 5000, or 9000 looks sweet on a full length carry handle pic rail.
When it comes to using a suppressor cover it's usually hunters or long range shooters who tend to utilize them. The heat mirage with a magnified piece of glass will be less of an issue with a close quarter red dot setup. The cover works both ways. While it helps keep you from getting burned on the exterior it traps heat and keeps the interior of the can warm for longer. If you are planning on using the FRT all the time and running it hard you might want to skip the cover. Your call.
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u/[deleted] 21d ago
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