New to "black guns"

[shortmag]

I was recently gifted with a DPMS Panther Arms AR-15 type rifle. I have been told it is a "flat top". What are the options for scope mounts? How does one know it will work on the rifle? It has a peep sight (DPMS flip down type) so will scope mounts allow the use of the peep? Thanks in advance.

[AK-49]

if it doesnt have a carry handle permanently attached then it is a flat top A-3 model. If the handle is permanently attached then it is a A-2 model. If an A-3 model you should see a picatinny rail built on the top of the receiver. The peep won't be function with a scope in place unless it somehow rises above the line of the scope. If you have an A-3 model and mount a scope to the picatinny rail then you will need high or extra high rings to get comfortable alignment with the scope and your eye. What is the exact model number of your rifle?

http://www.dpmsinc.com/firearms/category.aspx?id=3

[shortmag]

It does not have a handle. Has a picatanny rail. Barrel is 16". Seems most similar to the sportical model but has a front sight.

[GMWW]

If you have fold down sights, a scope will probably not be any good for you. Unfortunately with the magnification of scopes the iron sights are useless. If it were my gun I'd go with an eotech 512 that will work with the flip up sights. They call the flip up sights a co-witness sight.

The rail does offer some possibilities. I supposed you can purchase an offset mount that you could put the scope off to the side say at at 45 degree angle.

Edit: I may have spoken too soon. I ran across this but I'm not sure if it's going to be high enough for your flipup sight to see through. Might be worth sending them an email and asking.

http://www.mountsplus.com/miva/merchant.mvc?page=MSP/PROD/EOTECH_MOUNTS/54

[shortmag]

Thanks so much. I'm thinking Burris tactical bases and a Pentax low power variable scope. Great tip on the high or extra high bases. This is gonna be fun. The coyotes don't even know what trouble they're in.