Rear AR Sight

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Jakemedic

Jakemedic

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Good Morning!

I recently stumbled upon a new Armalite M15 A4 which should be arriving any day now. It shipped with a flat top, no carry handle and no rear sight, although it does have the A2 front sight. It was at a price I could not afford to miss out on, so I ordered it without a rear sight and thought research would lend me the answer.

Anyone have suggestions on what kind of rear sight I should consider? I would not mind a tactical carry handle with sight built in, but am unclear if there are any issues surrounding my choices. I really, at this time, not interested in any optics.

If it matters, I am left eye dominant, so I shoot my rifles left handed. My AR experience thus far is with a Bushmaster post ban XM-15 "entry level" AR with 20" bbl without a flash suppressor and fixed carry handle.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions you may give, they are sincerely appreciated!
 
The usgi Ma-Tech is a good rear sight. LMT has a "A2" style for flattops. Troy has several to choose from. The rear sight is not something to skimp on, buy the best you can afford.
 
I appreciate the comment. I know that a bad rear sight will greatly affect the accuracy of the rifle. Good advise on not skimping and I totally agree. Thanks!
 
Fixed rear sight, bombproof construction: Daniel Defense A1.5

Fixed rear sight, adjustable for range: USGI carry handle (chopped if you're into that)

Flip up rear sight: Troy or KAC if you need elevation adjustment.

My preference is for fixed rear sights for a rifle outfitted with irons only or a red dot sight. I use both DD A1.5 and a chopped carry handle.
 
MrCleanOK is spot on. Those are all good choices. For a budget nothing wrong with a rear Magpul MBUS.
 
If you should want a national match quality A2 rear sight, I would urge you to contact John Holliger at White Oak Armament. That is different from a tactical sight, however.
 
Thanks

Thank you to everyone who responded to me regarding this. I sincerely appreciate your opinions. One last question, is there a benefit to folding versus stationary?
 
The primary benefit to folding is to be used in conjunction with optics. The sight folds down when not needed and comes up if the optic fails. The secondary application is simply folding it away for storage.
 
Some people prefer a folding rear sight (and sometimes front sight too) for use with reflex optics. They use the rifle with the sights folded down with the intention that if the optic fails, they can flip the sight up and keep going. Some of the "micro" folding rear sights will even fit under magnified optics, though you have to remove the optic to use the folding sight.

If you don't have an optic on your rifle, and don't plan on getting one, I think a fixed sight is a better choice. They are less expensive, mechanically simpler, and more durable than a folding sight. Some people use fixed sights in conjunction with red dot sights (I am one of them). With training, you can learn to ignore the iron sights when using the optic, and if the optic fails you just start using the iron sights since they are always up.
 
One thing to be aware of is ArmaLite (like Bushmaster, DPMS, RRA and others) does not use the F-marked FSB so their front sight is .04" lower than it should be for an A4/flat top receiver. To compensate, ArmaLite (and the others) sell rear sights that also are .04" lower.

Still, it's wise to buy milspec height rear sights like those mentioned above in the thread and see if you can get a proper zero anyway. I couldn't with my M15A4C (the original post had to be unscrewed too much) so bought Bushmaster's $6 taller front post which solved the problem.

Take a look at the Magpul MBUS 2 flip up rear sight, it's cheap, lightweight but durable and well made. I just bought my fourth so definitely am a fan. It will allow you to add an optic later if you change your mind on getting one, which I bet you do.
 
Last edited:
Magpul

I have two magpul mbus rear sights and love them they are cheap and durable . I have used them on my LAR308 AR 15 and my JR Carbine in 9mm and have never had an ounce of trouble with them.
 
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