Mounting Redfield Accelerator on Colt M4

[BarboursvilleBill]

I am thinking of putting the Accelerator on my M4, but am not sure how beneficial this will be. Right now, with iron sights (it has the removable carry handle that has a rail underneath) I'm getting 5" groups from the bench at 100 yards. It has a TFO fiber optic front post, otherwise, the standard rear aperture that's in the handle.

I suppose the only real benefit will be faster target acquisition, since the red dot is 6MOA. My objective with this rifle is pie-plate accuracy from 30 to 90 yards, freestanding. I don't intend to put a powered scope on this, nor do I care about tight groups.

My questions: 1) will I lose my zero (50yds) when I remove the handle?
2) I suppose I'll need a riser, but is there one that is both elevated (to see over/around the A-2 front sight) and quick detach?

3) what sort of back-up (BUIS) would be recommended?

Thanks,

Bill

 

[FL-NC]

1) yes, you will lose your zero. There are 2 mounting bolts on the carrying handle. You will not tighten them to the same torque on each one exactly like it was. It will be close though.

2) You will need a riser. I would advise you to call redfield and ask what they recommend for riser height for a lower 1/3 co-witness.

3) for a backup iron sight- there's about a gazillion options, in 2 categories. Folding and rigid. Magpul makes a very economic and solid folding one called a MBUS. Rigid- you already have one. Its your carry handle. You can cut it back to just the back section, then mount your riser/ RDS on the exposed rail. This is what we did in the military before better sights were available- you need a cut off wheel or dremel, a file, and some touch up paint. The sight will function the same as it does now, with less weight. Flip it to the large aperture and you will be surprised how easy it is to use with a red dot. Lewis Machine and Tool actually makes this, its called the L8A rear sight, and it costs $137- or free if you cut your carry handle. Go to their website and look at it to get an idea of what yours should look like when you are done. I still have mine from when I was in the Army.

 

[BarboursvilleBill]

Thanks for your reply, FL - NC. I know tens of thousands of shooters over the years have done this, but I didn't want to try to make sense of what could be conflicting info out there.

Really appreciate it. I like your idea about modifying the carry handle and co-witnessing.

Thank you for your service to our country.

Bill