AR-15 purchase decision - front sights

[dirt_j00]

Hi all,

I am about to enter the land of the evil black rifle, and I am in need of some help. After much internet research & gun-shop-worker questioning, I'm leaning toward a flattop-style S&W M&P15 model. This gun will be for range duty but would need to be functional in case: 1) zombies attack, or 2) your avg. SHTF situation.

But I'm hung up on which model to get - based on the front sight. It's my understanding that the front A2 post is not easily removed/taken on & off due to the gas system. (please confirm)

Since I'll be putting either red-dot or holographic sights on it, I don't *think* that I want the front post to be in the field of vision of the scope. (non-magnified scope - FYI) However, I've noticed that a lot of folks have scopes on their's w/ the front post.

(Side note - I would have the fold-down type iron sights on it for "back-up" - the zombies might rip of the scope in hand-to-hand combat )

Can I get some comments based on experience, as to which you prefer - A2 front post vs. non-front post? And why?

Here are the 2 models I've got it narrowed down to for reference:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=68442&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=33803&isFirearm=Y
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=68444&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=33803&isFirearm=Y

Thanks for your help, and I apologize for my ignorance.

 

[4thPointOfContact]

Gas system doesn't affect how difficult it is to remove the front sight unit. The gas pin taps out easily, it's the tapered pins that can be a biotch.
Many professionals like the idea of having their BUIS ready to go by co-witnessing through the iron sight; either with the red dot on the front sight post or with the sights visible through the lower 1/3rd of the window. Many others prefer to go with a low-profile gas block and folding sights front and rear, believing they can always unfold the sights should their primary electronics go dead.

I could easily go either way, but with the reliability of today's electronics and a 50,000 hour battery life on an Aimpoint.......I might be tempted to go the low profile route front and rear. (Of course, that'll be a tad more expensive to be stylish)

 

[Coronach]

If you're intending to use it as a defensive gun, I would stick with the fixed front sight post. It's cheaper and is one less thing to fail, and one less thing to flip up in order to get back in the game if your optic goes down. The only downside is that it does stick up into your FOV, which is not much of a downside, since you don't really notice it after the first few times you shoot it.

Mike

 

[Guns and more]

I'd get one with the removable carry handle. Then you have the choice of iron sights or remove the handle and mount a scope.

With all the AR mods out there, I'm sure someone has a riser to get the scope above the front sight if it bothers you.