AR15 Rear Sight

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Konstantin835

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I just built an AR15 and the only thing I'm missing is a rear sight. It would be a primary sight, not a back up so I would like it to have windage and elevation adjustments, and hopefully not be too expensive. Anyone have any experience with a good rear sight with windage and elevation? I was looking at an inexpensive UTG sight. Any recommendations?

UTG: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/23...th-integral-picatinny-style-mount-ar-15-matte
 
How much do you want to spend? I'm currently using a Palmetto State Armory carry handle with standard A2 rear sight. Especially since they're your primary sights, I would stick with a company that makes parts for real rifles. Yankee Hill Machine, Rock River and DPMS all make stand-alone A2 sights that will last.

If you want the Cadillac of rear sight setups http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17720&cat=276&page=&featured=Y is it. Add the pinning option so it tracks perfectly. Yes, it's pricey.
 
I bought an issue M4 carry handle sight, and cut off the handle. It's milspec, has windage and elevation, clamps on, doesn't take much space, is the correct height, has the fewest parts, all parts are replaceable GI, and upgrade to NM spec parts available. The knob is captive and can't get lost. Mine has a Cardinal Forge mark. UTG is soft, milled, and basically an inexpensive airsoft grade look alike.

Used, they trade in the $40 range. Best bang for the buck, arfcom has a thread with how-tos and pics. http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=148693
 
Rock River Arms has many options for sights that base around the carry handle design, take a look.
 
Look in your local area, such as a forum dedicated to your state. Find someone with a removable carry handle for sale; don't buy a crap one, but it will still be inexpensive. Then, go from there. If you don't want the entire carry handle, you can easily chop it down, just like this:

Paint2011058.gif
 
I would check out Rock River's A2 standalone sight without carry handle.

My experience has been that RRA sights are outstanding. RRA's excellent "fit and finish" that some of the tactical guys like to make fun of really is nice in sight components.

Something I like in a rear sight is for the rear aperature to sit perpindicular to the sight line. When the rear sight housing is cut small or the rear sight housing cut out in the mount is made too large, the housing cants, putting it and the aperature at an oblique angle to the sight line. The worst I have seen: CMMG, middle of the road to pretty good: BCM and Colt, the best I have seen: RRA.

Some other things to look for is a sight hole that is centered in the aperature, that is cleanly cut, that is evenly finished without burrs or clumps insdie the hole. A symmetric leaf is sure nice too.
 
My S&W 15-22 came with the UTG sights from the factory. The rear is poorly made and the 3" @ 25yds POI shift widage wise when you flip the aperature from close to long range is maddening. AIM Surplus has the Daniel Defense and Troy Industries non-folding sights at a reasonable price.
 
The LMT will be the best option for your needs. Look on the AR15.com equipment exchange. Often, there are lots of brand-new take-off LMT rear sights available there. Apparently, lots of people buy a complete LMT rifle and then immediately sell the fixed sights in favor of optics and/or a folding BUIS. Bought this way, a rear LMT can be bought for $70-$80, maybe better. New ones bought at retail go for considerably more.
 
nipprdog said:
You don't need elevation for the rear sight, if you use the popular 50/200 yd zero. Zero your elevation with the front sight. ;)
Click to expand...
You don't need it unless you want to dial elevation for shots beyond 200 yds. It's difficult to hold over with irons when you have a front sight base blocking your view of the target.
 
I'll also give the nod to a Daniel Defense A1.5 fixed rear sight. Simple and robust.
 
I have folding Magpul sights on my AR and the front where you make the adjustment. The rear fine for most uses and a lot cheaper (relative) than most.
 
The front is adjusted for zero. The rear is adjusted for range once the front is zeroed.
 
You can get a new LMT rear sight at Botach Tactical for around $50. I know some people have had issues with Botach but I got mine in about 4 days.

Dave
 
UTG makes airsoft parts. I wouldn't use their sight as a backup, let alone a primary.
There are many good options here at BCM: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR15-Rear-Iron-Sights-s/56.htm
Troy sights are very highly regarded. If you don't want to spend that much I'd get a magpul MBUS, they are rugged and quality for their price. Cheaper than that and chances are you're buying junk and will end up replacing it down the line with something more expensive and kick yourself for buying a rear sight twice.
 
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