BUIS for AR/M16: flip-up or fixed?

[dadman]

Flip or fixed?

What would be the better choice for an AR15/M16 that wouldn't see HighPower/CMP type rifle shooting, and be used more for defense/fighting/3-gun?

I was considering a flip up type, but now see there are a few fixed types such as the LaRue BUIS and an A2 type with an elevation wheel.

 

[Blackhawk 6]

Having used several of the BUIS's available and having experimented with mounting my optic using several systems, I am sold on mounting the optic on top of the carrying handle using a see thru mount.

The down sides are a slightly greater offset when engaging targets close-in and the requirement to use a chin weld with the optic vs. a cheek weld.

The advantages are the optic moves into your field of vision when you shoulder the rifle and near-instantaneous transition to your iron sights. You also retain the elevation wheel on the rear sight assembly if you are inclined to use it.

 

[dev_null]

Except for longrange work, my ideal would be a flattop, EOTech holosight and flip-up iron sights in case the batteries die.

- 0 -

 

[JNewell]

You're going to get as many opinions as replies on this.

Having had an unexpected battery failure with an optical sight during a competitive training event, on a rifle equipped with a pop-up rear sight, I will tell you that even under those relatively forgiving circumstances there ain't time to deploy the pop-up.

My vote is to mount the optical sight forward and use a solid A2-style rear sight (fixed, full-time). It really does not cause the problems with FOV that you'd think it would, largely because the front sight base is taking up a good chunk of the FOV anyway.

 

[shoobe01]

What JNewell said (on the other thread, also!)

A pal of mine has a fixed rear (a brown mount cut into an A2, but the sight picture is the same as an A3 with a fixed bolt-on). NO problems at all with it. The aimpoint is perfectly fast, and the whole gun occludes when in action with both eyes open.

Also, it teaches good habits, and I do not believe you can be ready enough for optic failures. This particular setup looses battery all the time (Comp ML). He leaves it on or whatever, and there is no dot. When I get it like this, I fire away without delay over irons (and now my FAL storage grip has a spare Lithium battery since he never has one).