Using AR15 carry handle sights

[sonogy47]

I just shot my new AR15 (Colt 6920) for the first time. I started shooting a target from about 30 feet. I was using the carry handle sights. I noticed that when I try to use "point of aim" like it says in the owner's manual, I hit the target way low. Does the front sight need to be lowered?
This was my first time ever shooting an AR. This seems really confusing. Anyone have any tips for using these iron sights from a short distance?

 

[FlyinBryan]

how many inches is "way"?

 

[dak0ta]

Well since the irons are like 1.5-2 inches above the barrel you're going to have to aim above your target so the bullet lands higher on target.

 

[FlyinBryan]

i zero mine at 100 yds.

if i shoot a target at 30ft, its going to hit low, but only by 1-2 inches.

 

[punkndisorderly]

Download a pdf of the army or marine manual on the M-16A2. It will walk you through things just fine and dandy. One thing I highly recommend: get a front sight tool. You can use a nail or even the pointed end of a round but the front sight tools are relatively cheap and easy to use (and won't scuff the crap out of stuff).

We zeroed at 25M in the army. Set the rear sight to where the flat spot on the elevation knob marked 8/3 is selected. Then make one click up (clockwise). Now, zero the rifle at 25M using only the front sight post to raise or lower elevation (1 click is about 1/2 inch). Then return the rear sight to the 8/3 setting and you'lre zeroed for man size targets out to 300M. If you need more elevation for further ranges, you can increase the elevation using the rear knob.

If you're just punching paper at 50 or 100, and that's all you'll be doing, set the rear sight at 8/3 and adjust the front sight until you're on target.

 

[sonogy47]

I guess I was hitting the target around 4-5 inches below where I aim at 30 feet. I don't know how to adjust the front site. The owner's manual does not discuss that. I'm ready to buy an eotech and dump the iron sights at this point.

 

[Maelstrom]

First thing's first. Set your rear sight for a "BZO" or "Battle Sight Zero", there should be a small "z" on the rear elevation ring, set that as your zero, then set your front sight by pushing down on the detent pin and turning the front sight counter clockwise.

Remember, whatever you do to your front sight with oppositely effect your point of aim. Raising your front sight will drop your point of aim.

 

[RyanM]

We zeroed at 25M in the army. Set the rear sight to where the flat spot on the elevation knob marked 8/3 is selected. Then make one click up (clockwise). Now, zero the rifle at 25M using only the front sight post to raise or lower elevation (1 click is about 1/2 inch). Then return the rear sight to the 8/3 setting and you'lre zeroed for man size targets out to 300M. If you need more elevation for further ranges, you can increase the elevation using the rear knob.

That's the standard for the M16A2. Other AR variants are zeroed just a bit differently.

An M16A2 or integral carry handle 20" AR gets 1 click out from 8/3, like you said. An M16A4 or flat top 20" AR gets 2 clicks from 6/3, to the "Z" position. An M4 or flat top 14.5" AR gets zero clicks, it stays at 6/3. I would assume from that, that a flat top 16" AR would get one click like the M16A2.

For all of them, you still zero at 25 or 300 meters.

They make a tool for adjusting the front sight, that'd be your best bet. Everyone and their grandma sells them, just do some internet searches for "AR-15 A2 front sight tool."

1/4 rotation (1 click) of the front sight will move the point of impact about 3/8" at 25 yards for a 20" barrel, 1/2" for a 14.5".

 

[cameron.personal]

I guess I was hitting the target around 4-5 inches below where I aim at 30 feet. I don't know how to adjust the front site. The owner's manual does not discuss that. I'm ready to buy an eotech and dump the iron sights at this point.

So you buy a new rifle (6920 is a nice one) and you don't know how to zero your new rifle, this causes you to become frustrated (when you could have simply Googled "zeroing an AR15" before you went to the range) and your reasonable solution is to simply give up and buy a red dot...

I am not sure anything I can write here will help you, so have at it man here is a site for EOTechs http://www.opticsplanet.net/eotech-holographic-weapon-sights.html

Cameron

 

[punkndisorderly]

I guess I was hitting the target around 4-5 inches below where I aim at 30 feet. I don't know how to adjust the front site. The owner's manual does not discuss that. I'm ready to buy an eotech and dump the iron sights at this point

The sights look a lot more complicated than they really are. I highly recommend giving them a chance. Seriously if guys and gals can pass marksmanship training with them, many of whom never touched a rifle before joining the service, you should be able to figure it out.

The front sights have a detent on the front sight post, nearest the muzzle. Push down with something like a nail or even the nose of a .223 round and turn. Here's a short version of how to zero: http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/m16a2/zero-and-m16a2-rifle.shtml

Spend 30 minutes learning how the sights work (if you're a slow learner) or spend lots more money and likely at least as much time installing an Eotech. Your call.

 

[sonogy47]

I'll eventually figure this out. I'm not ready to give up on the iron sights yet. I will also eventually get an eotech. I spent so much on the gun that I won't be getting that eotech anytime soon. I also don't know anybody to shoot with to help me figure this thing out.

 

[cameron.personal]

There are a thousand places on the net that will explain step by step how to zero an AR. You just need to do some reading.

Cameron

 

[sarduy]

I'll eventually figure this out. I'm not ready to give up on the iron sights yet. I will also eventually get an eotech. I spent so much on the gun that I won't be getting that eotech anytime soon. I also don't know anybody to shoot with to help me figure this thing out.

i can help you out, and i'm sure others members want to help too.

use the small hole in your rear sight.

at 25 yards, put the rear sight at Z or 6/3 or 8/3 and shhot the target..adjusting the front sight until you hit what you are aiming at, then correct the left or sight with the rear sight.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Zeroing your sights is in your owners manual.

BUT on my 6920 from the factory the rear sight was raised up a full rotation... ie when set to Z it wasn't--easily remedied just dialed it all the way back down, then re-set for Z, adjusted front sight.

Apparently on my 'factory sealed' rifle the QA person fiddled with the rear sight before boxing it up.