M1A tritium front sight post

[General Geoff]

Since it's my go-to home defense rifle, I figured it'd be a good idea to equip it with a tritium front sight post since the flat black of the original is somewhat difficult to discern from a dark target/foreground. I know that a mounted light solves this (at least in typical home defense engagement distances), but I prefer to also have an illuminated front sight in case said light fails.

To that end, I found this tritium-bead front sight post for the M1A. Does anyone have experience with this manufacturer? I know, it's basically just a bit of metal with a tritium-filled glass bead embedded in it, not much to go wrong with it, but I figured I'd ask for opinions/suggestions anyway.

Also, while my M1A is a standard, plain-jane (22" barrel) model which I purchased brand-new, I just took a much closer look at my existing front sight post and it says "NM 062" on it. Is this a National Match front sight post? If so, I guess I got a free upgrade, courtesy of Springfield Armory, Inc. That said, the tritium sight post to which I linked is likely a standard width, to facilitate the glass bead. Am I correct in this theory?

Thanks for any help/info.

 

[NCGunDude]

I got a 24/7 tritium front sight for my Mini 14, and one thing I wish I had is tritium rear sights, at least when the lights go out. It's difficult to line up the rear sights, although a front night sight is better than none.

 

[desidog]

it says "NM 062" on it.

...that's a good indicator it is a National Match sight - is the gun a "Loaded" model? NM sights are standard on them.

As to using a rear aperture peep that is good for 1000yds in your hallway (at what 20 or 30 feet?) I'd advise against that. If it comes to that inside your house, just point and shoot; and keep shooting. Trying to get lined up will take time, and time matters in that type of situation. a Versapod rail (or railed stock) and a light/laser are be better yet.

I'd consider another gun for HD. A full-size M1A is too long to effectively wield in tight quarters; you'll have to re-side your house, and you'll be deaf when 'splainin' to the cops. But use what you have...your house might be longer than mine!

 

[EmbarkChief]

I have the same markings on my M1A Scout. I too am intersted in that sight but I figure without an illuminated rear sight the effectiveness of the front may be greatly reduced. I can't imagine what it would be like to cook off a .308 in a closed space, with no hearing protection, at night. Penetration issues? Nah

 

[General Geoff]

...that's a good indicator it is a National Match sight - is the gun a "Loaded" model? NM sights are standard on them.

No sir, just a standard plain-jane model.

I'd consider another gun for HD. A full-size M1A is too long to effectively wield in tight quarters; you'll have to re-side your house, and you'll be deaf when 'splainin' to the cops. But use what you have...your house might be longer than mine!

It's a long OAL rifle to be sure, but it's what I shoot best with. As for deafness, a 22" barreled .308 is considerably quieter than a .357 magnum handgun. And I have electronic ear muffs sitting right next to the rifle, in the event that I have time to throw them on. As for the perennial "overpenetration" issue, the rifle is stoked with Hornady 155gr TAP ammo, so as long as I'm on target, there is little concern of overpenetration.