Basic AR (add-on) iron sight questions.

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Ignition Override

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Being so far only an SKS and AK derivative guy regarding centerfires, it would be nice variety (and patriotic) to add a first AR carbine to the tribe...
Before next October's 'warm-up' mini panic, or actual panic if our Queen is elected.

With no interest in bench rest shooting, only plinking, approx. how much are durable add-on iron sights for the ARs in the $600-650 range? Some of the lower cost AR clones appear to have No sights on the rails, and I highly prefer a typical adjustable aperture ( both lat. & vert.) and thin front post.
 
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In addition to Jackal's recommendation, the carry handle/LMT rear is never a bad idea, either.
 
Daniel Defense makes a great simple rear sight, Troy makes a good folding rear. LMT makes an adjustable rear with A2 adjustments but without the carry handle. The standard front sight post is your elevation adjustment just like on the AK and SKS.
 
I like the Daniel Defense A1.5 fixed rear sight. It's a simple, basic sight. LMT and Larue make similar sights, and I'm sure they're top notch as well.

Magpul mbus or pro for flip sights. Just a preference.
 
In addition to the other posts, If the rifle has a"Picatinney" mount platform on the gas block you must ensure you choose a clamp on front sight that will regulate to the rear sight from that position and not from the top of the handguard
Same applies in reverse if you have a mount platform on the handguard and the gas block is bare.
A handguard front sight will be of shorter overall height than a gas block mounted clamp front sight.
Additionally, if you have a carbine length gas system the fixed front sight tower/gas block assembly needs to be a bit higher than a standard rifle length gas block/front sight tower.
Carbine height gas blocks have an F marked on the tower, normally on left side rear, sometimes it is forged or stamped on the right side.
If the carbine has an unmarked rifle height gas block/front sight tower installed a taller front sight post needs to be installed to correctly regulate the sight to the rear.
Most, if not all clamp on front sights now come regulated for use on a carbine length gas system so if you choose a rifle length gas system you will need to install a shorter front sight post. HTH
 
If the gun is just for range fun and no real social purpose either, I'd recommend something like a classic M4 style rifle. S&W M&P15 line or a Colt LE 6920 (bit pricey'er) or anything else like that. The front sight is fixed, but the actual sight blade can be changed out in a few minutes. For the rear sight I'd just get an carry handle with a standard A2 rear sight. That way it's windage and elevation adjustable. They are cheap too, as most everybody who owns and AR probably has a few spare laying around.

That combo on a 16" gun will take you out to 500-600 yards on a torso sized target if you can read the wind well enough.

-Jenrick
 
If you can find a mil-spec carry handle and cut it back, that's what I like- or the Daniel Defense A1.5
 
Thanks very much for your time and suggestions.

The search, when back in town, will be for a S&W MP for max. $700. Maybe the dust cover model is the better option, though I clean very often.

Dick's no longer seems to carry ARs, but despite my contempt for Academy's new partial appeasement of the anti-gunners, Academy might be the better retail dealer in the Memphis area. Possibly Classic Arms or Guns And Ammo.

My coworker (lives in Newnan GA) for these three days is boycotting Academy, but with brisk sales, it's doubtful that it makes any difference.
 
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The Academy here has them in the back and will gladly bring one out for you.

They are just trying to avoid negative publicity for the moment and not displaying them.
 
When buying iron sights, ask yourself whether you might want to attach a removable scope later on. If so, be sure the iron sights are designed low enough for the scope to clear when mounted.
 
If you don't want a carry handle there are companies that make just the rear sight. Yankee hill did, (not sure now), and Sun are two. Gives you windage and elevation at the rear sight.

Mark
 
I had the Rock River stand alone.
Liked it.
Current AR runs the Daniel Defense A 1.5

Not target rigs my AR's..............just hunters and or SHTF.
Not a clickety click type of guy.
 
Acera: True, Academy hides their ARs behend the locked door.

That's exactly why I bought mine yesterday at a privately-owned shop in Cordova TN.
The two local shops in Cordova hide nothing.
 
Another vote for the DD A1.5. I have them on two of my KISS AR's and they work great. I use them as ATV guns and one has ridden many 100's of miles of desert with no ill effect; there is little to go wrong with this sight. I used front sight elevation, Windage in the rear, and was set. Whatever you decide, I would suggest going with the more reputable firms and staying away from the ebay/amazon cheapies. I had a friend put on some cheap A2 type sight (similar to LMT) and it did not survive the first outing.

Good luck and have fun,

Matt
 
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