AR configurations - iron sights and optics interference

[shoen1200]

I was able to spend an afternoon shooting a well worn Colt HBAR at lots of different distances and targets.

Even though the Colt stock was way too long for me and the scope seemed to be mounted ridiculously high on the carry handle, I am hooked and want to purchase my first AR.

There are so many acronyms/configurations that my head starts to spin trying to grasp it all.

I am inexperienced with a rifle of this type and most likely do not know what I am talking about or really want. I have plenty of bolt/lever rifles with scopes but I believe I would most enjoy something this small and light with iron sights - but I do not want to rule out mounting optics.

In part due to New York state laws regarding these types of rifles I have narrowed it down to two choices.

They are an S&W M&P15 that is flat top with a 16” heavy barrel at $850 and a Stag Arms model #2 that is equipped with 16” normal width barrel, muzzle brake, A2 front sight and flip up rear sight mounted to the flattop at $760.

With this in mind the Stag Arms model #2 which would already be equipped with iron sights seems like a good choice.

But if you have a flat top rifle with the tall fixed position front sight that is integral to the gas block, does this create clearance problems when mounting optics?

Or am I better off with the “sightless” S&W M&P15 and adding my own iron sights afterwards?

Both seem like good choices but I liked the balance and feel of the Stag better than the S&W.

Just not sure if I will regret the fixed front sight of the Stag Arms.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Z-Michigan]

Both those brands are good quality.

Are you sure you want a 16"? That's the "in" length right now, but 20" works great and gives a longer sight radius with irons.

With any flattop, if you have a front sight post and:
-you use a telescopic sight ("scope") generally the front sight will not interfere and, when looking through the scope, it will be as if you didn't have the front sight
-you use a red dot sight - you will see the front sight there plain as day, and it may interfere depending on the relative heights

I have two flattops with fixed front sights and do not have any complaints about the setup. The alternative with a front gas block rail works fine, but is much more costly to put iron sights on.

 

[Frankl03]

I would go with the Stag arms choice. I think with the S&W you pay some for the name. I have a flat top M4 and love it. if you want to mount some optics all you need is either high rise scope rings or a little riser (platform) that will mount to your to rail. I've heard lots of good stuff about Stag Arms!

 

[Mot45acp]

I think Stag was making S+Ws until recently. Stag is the way to go. If you dont like the front sight swap it out for a flip up gasblock.

 

[ugaarguy]

I would go with the Stag arms choice. I think with the S&W you pay some for the name.

You get a better rifle with the S&W. Stag uses M4 barrel extensions, but they don't cut the M4 feed ramps into the upper receiver to match. They also don't stake the carrier key, nor do they stake the castle nut on tele-stock buffer tubes. Those are amongst several ways Stag cuts corners.

I think Stag was making S+Ws until recently. Stag is the way to go.

Stag was only supplying uppers and lowers to S&W early on. They were dropped quickly because of quality control issues. Early S&Ws are easily identified by the barrels, which are marked "5.56 Nato." After S&W dropped Stag they also switched to barrels made by Thompson/Center Arms (who S&W owns). The non-Stag M&P-15s are identified by the T/C made barrels, which are correctly marked "5.56 NATO."

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

In most of my AR15's, you can see the front sight in the optic. I don't really notice it though when I am shooting, so I don't do a thing about it.

 

[shoen1200]

Thanks for all the input guys.

It’s nice to know that if I went with the Stag Arms that the front A2 sight would not be an issue.

But senior member ugaarguy has me rethinking things.

I am now leaning more towards the M&P even though it is more expensive and I would need to immediately spend more to equip it with front/rear sights.

The S&W AR’s also have Chromed Barrel Bore, Gas Key Bolt Carrier and Chamber.

I believe that the Stag Arms has only the barrel – nothing else.

With the volume I am likely to shoot I was figuring that would not really have an impact on me.

But it seems like another indication/point of “cut corners” that ugaarguy mentioned.

ugaarguy - my intent is not to disrespect or make you angry – but are your statements “first hand knowledge”?

Please let me know since I need to make a decision soon to purchase either rifle at those prices – dealers always say that I suppose…….

Thanks.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Most AR manufacturers chrome the inside of the bolt carrier at a minimum. All of them that offer chrome-lining, usually chrome the chamber as well as the bore (Colt being one exception in that some models have barrels with chrome chambers but no chromed bore).

Somebody have a link to rob_s's "The Chart"? That might answer some of your questions - though you have to keep in mind that the necessity of many of the items on the chart is an oft-debated point.

 

[dogloose]

Here ya go... the ongoing thread at m4carbine.net

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6642

I recently bought my first AR-15/M4 style rifle. After much research I narrowed my choice down to Colt, Noveske and LMT. I found an LMT priced about $100 more than RRA/Stag/etc. In my opinion money well spent.

 

[Bobarino]

you don't have to have sights that interfere with your optics. its very easy to remove the front sight base and replace it with a different gas block. you just knock out the two taper pins, push out the tiny roll pin that holds the gas tube into the FSB, remove whatever is on the end of the barrel, slide it off and replace with your new gizmo in reverse order.