AR15 Front Sight

[Dockery]

After doing a bit of research about the options I have with the front iron sight of an AR15, I am at a standstill.

Basically, if I get this correctly (I'm a gun n00b), there are three things I can do.

1) Get an AR-15/Barrel with the "fixed" front sight.
2) Mount a gas-block with rail on it.
3) Mount a gas-block with flip front sights on it.

What is the advantage/disadvantages of all three? Particularly, I am in a battle versus the standard front sight and flip-up sights.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[DMK]

Just get the regular fixed front sight. Even if you put a low scope on it, you won't see the front sight through the scope because it will be too close to the scope to be in focus. If you put a red dot on it, you will be focusing on the target so you won't notice the front sight in that case either.

Most folks put flip up front sights on their ARs to make their rifle look cool or to do something different because they are bored with their four other ARs.

You can spend your extra money more effectively elsewhere, like in better optics, better trigger or better furniture.

Oh and welcome to THR!

 

[DougW]

2 of my 3 AR's were built with 4 Picatinny gas blocks, One has folding BUIS since it is scopped, the other has a modified (to now be fixed) flip front sight with removable carry handle set up for using iron sights. CAR has normal fixed sights. I like the blocks, but it does take some range time to get them "timed" correctly. I can add a tac light or sling adapter to the side or bottom of the block.

 

[bonecollector338]

I have a fixed front sight on my AR with a Burris Short Mag 3-9 all I had to do was put some Yankee Hill Machine Scope risers on it and have no problem, never see the front sight

 

[Dockery]

Now I know this is a VERY old post by me, but I still can't decide what I want to do. I was wondering if anyone else had any opinions on it. I did search at ARFCOM for some answers, but the 30 day limit on the search sucks.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

Keep it simple. Stick with the original sight. It works great and doesn't show up in the scope.

It's way too easy to get sucked into the tacticool money pit.

ZM

 

[Dockery]

To be honest, I like the way the original sight looks over the folding sight with a custom gas block.

Considering I have not made a purchase yet, I have decided to keep the standard sight and see how I like it. If it becomes a nuisance, I can always replace it later.

Plus, now I can get the rifle sooner because I don't have to spend so much money. :O

 

[taliv]

doesn't matter. the important thing is that you FOCUS on it

 

[Dockery]

What are the (dis)advantages of having a folding sight on the forearm vs. the gasblock?

Also, besides adding real estate, wouldn't having full length handguards on a 16 inch barrel be detrimental to the barrel's performance because of the heat that is trapped around the barrel?