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7/22/2026 7:43:04 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ChevChelios][Edited]
Question about A2 sights and the Springfield repro of the M16A2.

I was looking at that specific model the other day at my LGS and noticed the rear sight moved from side to side. Like take your thumb and pointer and grab the sides and it would move pretty significantly. (I have never owned or shot and actual A2 sight) I’ve only ever shot carry handle sights.

My question is - is that normal on a fixed A2 sight for the wind age to move like that? I know on carry handles the whole handle moves front to back on the pic rail. But I’ve never seen the wind age move around like that. Attached File


ETA - pic for reference
7/22/2026 8:58:02 PM EDT
[#1]
Typical. And varies from one sight assembly to another.

Serious competition shooters have them pinned to prevent rotation.
7/22/2026 10:34:30 PM EDT
[#2]
Yes, very common and really not an issue Some are worse than others probably due to tolerance stacking
7/22/2026 10:41:43 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ROMAD-556][Edited] [#3]
Theres a spring loaded detent that helps tension the rear sight into position.  Its not perfect and some rear sights have looser tolerances than others. It was good enough for GI uses but as noted, the national match guys pin a locating rod for the sight to raise and lower in elevation on but not allow it to pivot.

See parts 7 & 8 in this pic for the original design.
https://media.mwstatic.com/product-images/src/primary/641/641344.jpg

Well thats a crappy example, I'll find a better one...maybe not, they all have same issue since the spring and detents are used in a couple places. Just look at the base of the rear sight housing for the horizontal spring and detent pointing in direction of the muzzle. Thats what holds some locating tension on the housing to help hold it in place.
7/23/2026 5:19:19 AM EDT
[Last Edit: HighpowerRifleBrony][Edited] [#4]
Twisting about the vertical axis - which just makes the aperture more oval, or lateral movement relative to receiver - which moves the zero?

The former is a minor nuisance, but easily shimmable. The latter is affective.
7/23/2026 12:46:51 PM EDT
[Last Edit: mcantu][Edited] [#5]
Like was mentioned, there is a spring loaded ball bearing at the front of the sight housing just below the word "up" in your picture. It pushes against the carry handle to keep the correct alignment

7/23/2026 8:15:45 PM EDT
[#6]
Thank you to all who answered. I never knew there was a spring and detent there. Learn more everyday.

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