question on sights on current production A1 type ARs

[Detritus]

Ok those of you who might be keeping track know that i am finally building the "A1 clone" AR15 i promised my wife a few years back.

well it hit me just now, the A1 front sight is NOT the same design as the A2. and the currently available "A1" completed uppers, with the exception of the surplus M-16 uppers from CDNN, all have A2 front sights.

Can't remember the details exactly but the original front post adjustments fuctioned a little different (added a windage element maybe??) from the current redition (A2).

wondered if this would possibly cause me greif down the road.

as always thank you for your time and any and all advice or enlightment you can provide.

 

[DMK]

The A1 front sight post is round and has 5 notches. The A2 sight post is square and has 4 notches. They are interchangable.

There is no difference in the sight/gas block, except that the A1 has a smaller barrel diameter than the A2, so they are not interchangable.

Just swap sight posts and you are golden.

Where are you getting an A1 upper from, if not a surplus M16 upper from CDNN? If it's a Colt commercial SP1 upper, beware of a larger hinge pin hole.

 

[Dienekes]

It's been a while but I had a Colt CAR-15 with the A1 sight setup. As I recall the original A1 front sight post had 5 (?) elevation positions around the base and the newer, squared A2 post had 4. I swapped in the A2 sight because I preferred the sight picture; otherwise no real differences. The graduations would of course be slightly different, but just put on your battle zero and forget it.

I am thinking of building up another, and if I do I may go with the same old A1 rear and A2 front setup. Simple and not much to break.

 

[Detritus]

Where are you getting an A1 upper from, if not a surplus M16 upper from CDNN?

well actually there are a few places that have brought out prototype "true A1"(forward assist no shell deflector) uppers, but they cost too much and that's not what i'm using anyway. I plan to buy my complete upper from Del-ton and get either the "A1" or "A1 w/ forward assist and shell deflector" probably the latter since i suspect the former is a slickside, the A1 with FA and deflector would be equivilent to the upper from a Diemaco C7 rifle. i want the Forward assist, and if my step-duaghter ever tries the rifle out she'll appreciate the deflector, her being Left handed and all.


thanks for teh info guys that puts my mind at rest on this. thanks.