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Posted: 6/6/2010 11:28:33 AM EDT
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I recently set out to find *my* perfect folding rear BUIS. I don't particularly care for many of the folding BUIS on the market because:
* Many are IMO overly complex for a BUIS * Most have windage (and sometimes elevation) knobs that are too easy to inadvertently move * Most are bulky * Almost all have a clamp attachment that can cause canting In my search I came across one that doesn't get much mention - the Hahn Precision rear BUIS: http://www.hahn-precision.com/armory/products/buis_rear.htm 
The Hahn met all my preferences and needs. It's machined from a solid block of aluminum, has a simple steel aperture stalk, uses a standard A1 windage wheel and attaches to the rail differently than most BUIS. The aperture does not lock up nor down. Instead, Hahn has used what looks like a standard A1 or A2 flat aperture spring to cam the stalk into position; it snaps into either position with authority. In addition, Hahn incorporated a steel crosspin as a stop for the stalk when it's elevated - no peening from this design. The attachment method is different. The base is milled to slide onto an in-spec rail; after it is in position, two nylon-tipped setscrews clamp the sight into position. I had to oil the rail and gently tap the sight into position - mine was snug enough that even if the setscrews were both removed the sight wouldn't move much. The sight is smooth without sharp protuberances to catch on gear. IMO it's as close to bombproof as you can get in a folding sight. Sometimes it's good to look beyond the flavor of the week - you might just find a superior product! More pics (sorry about the oil splotches and dog hairs - the finish is uniform): 
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Aha, I should have realized that's what you meant. It's hard to measure with the calipers I have, but somewhere between 17mm and 18mm above the top of the rail to the top of the windage bump (see the pic from the rear).
Cost - $120 retail, a little less with .gov discount at Brownells. |
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In our experience, the Matech's sight body is designed in a way that can't accommodate out of specs rails very well, resulting in the clamp being crooked when tightened, but the sight itself stays straight. I have not seen this in other sights though.
The Hahn Precision sight looks nice 
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I may have been unlucky, then - I've had two different BUIS from two different major makers end up canted on two different uppers. Call me gunshy.  I've seen canted BUIS here a few times, too.
I just prefer the way Hahn attaches, personal preference. It's all good. |
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