[usmarine0352_2005]

.

I don't like FSBs. I think that with most AR type rifle's having optics added later on FSB's are not a necessity and that fold-down sights are the way to go. For those who like a a co-witness, the fold-down sights fit the bill and are also BUIS.



When scopes started becoming popular and mainstream on bolt action rifles it still took quite a long time for riflemakers to stop making iron sights standard, now you can barely find a rifle with iron sights standard. (Usually rifles in big game calibers or used for big game still come with iron sights, although the rear rights are usually fold-down.)



Who thinks that over time FSB's will no longer be standard and that fold-down sights will become the new standard?




I'm not saying that FSB's will go away, simply that they will become an option while fold-down sights become the standard.



On that note I don't think the US military will ever get away from iron sights and that could effect the big picture for manufactures who cater to the military.

.

[Ancient Woodsman]

Wow. I guess I'm old-fashioned. Or just plain old.

I like the standard FSB. I have two SP-1s, a Colt A2 early, and a 6920. All have the standard FSB, which I like. Then again, the only optics involved on mine are original Colt 3x scopes on the SP-1s. The A2 and 6920 don't have optics, and that's the way I intend to keep them. I'm not an operator or wannabe, either; just an old guy who uses his ARs as working guns in the woods from time to time for typical farm stuff, not battlefield stuff. Heck, the days any of my ARs have more than a 5-round magazine in them - other than at the range - are slim to most often none.

I'll give credit where credit is due to the younger crowd, though...they've earned it with optics for the past decade in nastier places than I'd ever want to be, facing worse things by far than coyotes & other vermin. As for the OP, I can certainly see a time when the only 'irons' on an AR are folding. God forbid, though, that they ever go without irons at all...that's something I hope I never see, and that's just the dormant rifleman in me.

So, can I see a time when the only irons are folding? Yes. Would I do it myself? No.

[basicblur]

Personally, I like the fixed front sight for the following reasons:
1. Just one less thing to get knocked outta whack (at least less so than a folder).
2. Should I need BUIS, flipping up the rear ain't bad-also having to reach up front much slower/more hassle.
3. It doesn't bother me when looking through an EOTech-Don't even see it when looking through an ACOG or my old 3x Colt scope.

I thought most 'Net experts :D were recommending fixed fronts these days?

[usmarine0352_2005]

.

Looks like the Marine Corps is headed toward optics with fold-down sights. Interesting articles.


They are starting a testing phase at Boot Camp.



http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/06/marine-corps-boot-camp-optics-062611/



http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/06/marine-corps-eyes-next-rifles-m16a4-m4-062711/



Like I said, it was a big move from iron sights on all rifles to most rifles not having iron sights but it happened eventually.

.

[MrCleanOK]

I doubt it will ever stop being the standard.

1. It's mechanically simpler than folding sights
2. It's cheaper to produce
3. It's cheaper to assemble
4. I'm certain the population of folks who don't like it and won't buy a rifle because of it is smaller than the combined populations of people who do like it, don't care, don't like it but won't do anything about it, or don't like it and will change it themselves.

[MachIVshooter]

1. It's mechanically simpler than folding sights
2. It's cheaper to produce
3. It's cheaper to assemble
4. I'm certain the population of folks who don't like it and won't buy a rifle because of it is smaller than the combined populations of people who do like it, don't care, don't like it but won't do anything about it, or don't like it and will change it themselves.

This. fold down sights have no real purpose. The front sight of an AR does not interfere with optical sights anyway, so what's the problem with it?

Personally, I think AR's without a standard front sight look off, wouldn't buy one unless it was a screamin' deal.

[madcratebuilder]

There are several manufacturers that offer models with no FSB, just a low pro gas block.

[rbernie]

I think that with most AR type rifle's having optics added later on FSB's are not a necessity and that fold-down sights are the way to go. For those who like a a co-witness, the fold-down sights fit the bill and are also BUIS.

The durability of a pinned steel FSB cannot be easily matched by any sort of BUIS and low-profile gas block.

[gotigers]

I would be fine with the FSB if manufacturers could put them on straight.