Anyone still make AR's with A1 style sights?

[hifi]

I think I've pretty much decided on a Rock River Arms CAR A2 as my first AR, but I was wondering if anyone out there still makes AR's with A1 sights as I prefer those.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

One recommendation I often make is to go with a flattop. Even if you never use optics once during the entire life of the rifle, you have a lot more flexibility in choice of irons, including A1 style irons.

You can even mount M14 style rear sights on a flattop AR.

 

[tg_26101]

Take a look at Bushmaster and DPMS; I think both still offer carbines (16") with A1 sights.

 

[Beren]

Colt A1 uppers are available online for $400 or so. 1/12 twist, so you're only shooting 55gr out of it.

 

[jefnvk]

IIRC, CDNN had some NIW Colt Slabside M16 uppers with the A1 sights not too long ago.

As mentioned, I know for sure DPMS does. Probably Fulton Armory, too.

 

[another48hrs]

Here is a place that offers an a1 assembly.

http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/index.php?shop=1&cart=183877&cat=30&

 

[hifi]

I don't like windage adjustments, but the real reason is durability as well. If I go with a flat top with A1 sights on it, it's not as durable as a real A1 setup though.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I don't like windage adjustments, but the real reason is durability as well. If I go with a flat top with A1 sights on it, it's not as durable as a real A1 setup though

What do you mean by durable? They do have to be attached to the rail correctly and loctite is definitely your friend in this endeavor. However, once attached like this they are very secure. If you search the archives here at THR you can find a picture of an ACOG mount that used this same method of attachment. The rifle was tied to the outside of a Marine LAV that was hit by a 155mm shell turned into an IED. Nothing is left of the rifle except the top rail - which the ACOG mount is still gripping.

In my experience, having a slightly more durable fixed sight isn't really an advantage because the detachable sights are already more durable than most of the remainder of the rifle. If something is stout enough that it damages the rear sight, then generally the rifle is inoperable due to other parts being damaged as well.

Also, both the A1 and A2 sights have windage adjustments - though the with the A1 it is harder to make the adjustments. The A1 lacks the rear elevation adjustment though... is that what you were referring to?

 

[Zak Smith]

You can find a C7A1 upper receiver and build your own.

 

[Commissar Gribb]

I can't understand why anyone would want an A1 setup except if they had a thing for making adjustments with bullet tips.

 

[Zak Smith]

On an A1, there is no way for the elevation to be bumped out of position (ie, elevation dial). It is simpler with less moving parts, and for most carbine work, you won't be dialing elevation with iron sights in the field anyway.

 

[Commissar Gribb]

I just zero it with the elevation dropped to the lowest then it wont move unless I move it.

 

[Light Storm]

I have a DPMS lite 16 with a c7 upper on it. The C7 is an a2 upper with a1 sights. I cant say enough good things about it. Definately a rifle to check out.

 

[jame]

I have a Bushy "AK Shorty" with A1 sights and love it. I usually zero a rifle in and leave it there. I like the fact that they can't be bumped out of adjustment, as the rifle rides around in tractors and pickups quite a bit.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Olympic makes a 16" carbine version they call the "Plinker" that has A1 sights. It's a low-end AR that sells for around $500 -- complete.

 

[hifi]

Hmmmmm ok.

I really appreciate all the comments and suggestions so far. I guess I will have to think this through quite a bit more yet.

 

[middy]

The Olympic Plinker Plus has A1 sights, plus it's cheap, gets generally good reviews from owners, and it has a forged lower receiver, unlike the old Plinker model which was cast.

 

[Bix]

I have an RRA CAR A4 (mid) with a Troy rear sight - which is A1 configuration. The package has survived gunschool and my general clumsiness. I find it simple and robust.

 

[Dr. J Frame]

I've always preferred the simple A1 settup also. A2 just seems like a group of extra, unused parts on a mechanical device that don't need to be there. Never turned the dial in the Cav or during civilian ownership.

 

[Zach S]

You could go with an A3 and use a cavarms stand-alone rear sight from brownells, and that leaves most of the rail exposed fot an optic.

You could also see if Justin has any A1 handles left (link) if you already have an A3. I have two of these handles, one for the A3 I currently own and another for the 9mm I plan on owning. I'd like to get another in case I get another A3, but with my current financial situation, I cant afford the handle, much less another AR.