[Big Arm Hannigan]

I ordered a flattop as most of the input I got here and a couple other sights recommended it. Now my dilema: It has a front sight, but no rear sight. Do I just not use a rear sight or is there one I need or do I just go to a red dot sight? Speaking of red dot sights - can I get by with a cheap one? Bear in mind, most of the time this carbine will be used in tactical matches with the deepest pit being maybe 40 yards. What sights do you recommend?

[GW45]

I have a Bushnell Holo-sight that I use and I have a Bushnell Red Dot that I used at first - got a good deal on the Holo-sight.

The Bushnell Red Dot I got from Cabella's and it worked great for in the woods and target shooting and cost about $60 - $80 (don't remember exactly).

[Jack19]

If you want a non-optical rear sight, that you can use in conjuction with a red dot sight if you choose, check out GG&G, they ALL the toys you will ever need.

GG&G (http://www.gggaz.com/)

http://www.gggaz.com/images/mad_buis/MadBuis.jpg

[Onslaught]

Yep, there's the GG&G, along with the ARMS #40, http://www3.supremeco.com.hk/Trijicon/image/arms%20flip%20up.jpg

and the DPMS Detachable, http://www.cmmginc.com/cmmg_images/tbl_images/accessories_images/DPMSDetsight.jpg

just to name a few of the more common.

If you go with a red-dot (I would, and do) then you certainly need to have a backup iron sight, since batteries do run out. Even if your Carbine is solely for plinking fun, just think how much fun it would be to get to the range and discover you left your aimpoint on from the last trip, and the batteries are dead! (I did that just last week) You just flip up your backups and bang away!

The big "bonus" with a red-dot sight on an AR flat top is the ability to "co-witness" your sights. You position the red-dot where the irons look through it. That way, your head position is exactly the same whether you're using irons or red-dot. In fact, with the rear sight up, and the red-dot on, while looking through the irons, you'll see the red dot floating just a tad above the front sight... It's magic http://images.bravenet.com/brpics/smilie/merlin.gif

Personally, I like the ARMS #40 best. I currently have the DPMS detachable, which is NOT a flip-up sight, but I'm going to sell it and buy the ARMS.

[Swamp Yankee]

FWIW. My ASA 9mm Flattop wears a C-More Tactical.

This unit mounts on the rail and includes a fully adjustable rear sight as part of the red dot. This give the option of red dot, open sights, red dot with open, or using the C-More as a ghost ring with the front sight for really fast close range shooting. As previously explained you will have the option of indexing the red dot with your front sight for precision shooting.
If you want to use your irons the sight is always there, just look through it. No need to worry about releasing the spring catch. Really handy if it's cold and your gloves are on.
I liked the C-more Tactical because it was light, completetly self contained, and did not require the purchase of additional brackets and hardware to mount it.
Prior to purchase I checked with the gunsmith that I have used for years and in whose opinion I hold great respect. He told me he had installed many C-Mores on handguns and a few Tacticals on AR's and had not heard of one problem or issue from his customers.
Mine is over a year old and the battery is still fine though I keep a spare in the range bag. The zero point has not moved either.
Take Care

[Onslaught]

Speaking of C-More...

They now offer a "flip-up" Tactical sight in addition to their original "fixed" A2 sight...

http://dillonprecision.com/content/image/200/i_1139.jpg

As someone who's had both the fixed and flip-down sights (NOT C-More, just in general) I like the flip-down better as it doesn't obscure the red-dot, and I don't HAVE to look through or over the irons to see the dot.

YMMV.