Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Page AR-15 » AR Discussions
AR Sponsor: bravocompany
Posted: 7/5/2012 7:22:56 AM EST
Ill be purchasing an upper barrel assembly for the lower I just built, my first, and have decided I will probably go with BCM.  

I am teetering back and forth between whether I want the classic A2 front site post or a low profile gas block with flip up sights.

Other than cost, is it all just cosmetic?  What do people prefer and why?   I have never used flip up sites, having only used issued M16/4s.  On the smae front, I have only used the old aim point with the 16/4 and not an eotech which is what I would prefer, so i don;t know how much the front sight post would interfere.

I guess price is a factor as well, and I'm not sure the added price of not going with the A2 front is worth it.

Thanks
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 7:40:59 AM EST
[#1]
With a flat top I like the F mark A2 sight, it is sturdy. If I was setting up a more specialized weapon with scope folding could be a good option. But for general use, the A2.
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 7:46:51 AM EST
[#2]
Generally people consider the standard A2 to be more sturdy/durable than the folding. I suppose that may be true but I'm not dragging my rifle through the mountains and dessert either. I like the folding (Troy BUIS) ones because they stay folded down and out of the way most of the time. Since I use an optic for my primary sight the only time I pull them up is to practice with them at the range. In a real-world senario I'd only use them if my Aimpoint craps out. Considering how durable the Aimpoint is and my battery life, I'm happy with having the folding style on my rifle. I prefer the low-profile look.

Guess it just depends on what you're planning on using it for, and if you plan on using an optic or not.
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 7:55:24 AM EST
[#3]
Quoted:
Generally people consider the standard A2 to be more sturdy/durable than the folding. I suppose that may be true but I'm not dragging my rifle through the mountains and dessert either. I like the folding (Troy BUIS) ones because they stay folded down and out of the way most of the time. Since I use an optic for my primary sight the only time I pull them up is to practice with them at the range. In a real-world senario I'd only use them if my Aimpoint craps out. Considering how durable the Aimpoint is and my battery life, I'm happy with having the folding style on my rifle. I prefer the low-profile look.

Guess it just depends on what you're planning on using it for, and if you plan on using an optic or not.


+1... I mainly rely on my Aimpoint
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 8:08:14 AM EST
[#4]
I have a BCM upper with the F marked front sight. I use an Aimpoint T1 on it and it provides a lower 3rd cowitness. I like the looks of the front sight and it is always there ready to go. However, if I were mounting a scope on the rifle, I would want fold down sights because the permanent front sight would get in the way.
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 8:19:33 AM EST
[#5]
The A2 is more durable, and the only moving parts are the post and detent so there is no real worry about shifting zero due to wear or excesive play. However many find a fixed sight post objectionable with low or zero power optics. Personally with red dots including the Eotech it doesn't bother me, with low power magnified its a slight irritant.
Folders generally have a smidge of play, but they're not meant for Hi Power competition. They will not obscure sight picture at all. They slightly streamline the front end of the rifle making it slightly less likely to snag on you, vegetation, and likely more applicable for most gun cases and/or crap in the vehicle.
It comes down to preference, most people running folding sights have an optic, if the folders are ever called on for more than practice sub MOA accuracy won't be a concern, failure of course would be and happens at the most inopportune times. In reality however outside of prolonged events combined with logistics failure what are the real odds of a regular citizen having both optic (spare batteries are a must) and folder fail? I have a fixed front on my knock around AR, my other and likely any future builds intended for optics will have folders.
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 8:21:40 AM EST
[#6]
Same as most mentioned....on my rifle that I run a red dot on I have the A2. On my wife's new build that I plan on putting a high power scope on I used the fold downs. Depends on your needs and your preferences

Good luck,
Paul
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 8:52:25 AM EST
[#7]
I'd get the A2 if you are going to run a carbine length hand guard. I wish I had. I have a rail height gas block and just added a MOE hand guard. It's longer on top and higher than the tapered carbine hand guard and I'm finding that folding sights won't fold flat. I'm livin' and learnin' with my first and taking notes for my build.
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 8:59:36 AM EST
[#8]
My AR's first and foremost purpose is as my main HD weapon.  In my opinion, as such, a fixed FSB is a must.  It's always there and is the strongest set-up you can have, and not only in a sight but also as a gas block.

If I were to build a fun-gun, I'd probably throw some flip-ups on it.  Or is I were to build an SPR.
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 9:17:25 AM EST
[#9]
As this is my first build, I think I might stick with the A2 for both expensives and for learning as well.  Of course a large factor is what will be available over at BCM when funds become available.
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 9:38:52 AM EST
[#10]
also you could always shave down the FSB later on down the road to have longer FF rails and retain the durability of the pinned FSB
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 11:13:06 AM EST
[#11]
I use folding.  I have a Vortex Strikefire as my primary, and magpul flip ups.  I configure all my stuff the same way, rails, etc.

There is a pro of the A2 fixed––the sight is a narrower profile when viewing.  Magpuls tend to have some extra plastic along the sides and your field of view is slightly obscured.

To each their own.
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 12:04:24 PM EST
[#12]
Quoted:
Generally people consider the standard A2 to be more sturdy/durable than the folding. I suppose that may be true but I'm not dragging my rifle through the mountains and dessert either. I like the folding (Troy BUIS) ones because they stay folded down and out of the way most of the time. Since I use an optic for my primary sight the only time I pull them up is to practice with them at the range. In a real-world senario I'd only use them if my Aimpoint craps out. Considering how durable the Aimpoint is and my battery life, I'm happy with having the folding style on my rifle. I prefer the low-profile look.

Guess it just depends on what you're planning on using it for, and if you plan on using an optic or not.


+2 i dont think my eotech will crap out as long as i take care of it. so my troy flip ups work awesome with red dots
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 12:54:43 PM EST
[#13]
I demand a fixed front sight base on any AR15/AR10

I havent found a real reason to use a flip up front sights.

Ive used a few optics
Aimpoint
Eotech
1-4x
3.5-10x

Never did the front sight get in my way.

But hey I still dont get the 1/3 cowitt and why its suppose to be better than center cowitt.  Never had a single problem with the center cowitt! And yes I have a Larue mount on one of my carbines
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 12:58:46 PM EST
[#14]
Quoted:
I have a BCM upper with the F marked front sight. I use an Aimpoint T1 on it and it provides a lower 3rd cowitness. I like the looks of the front sight and it is always there ready to go. However, if I were mounting a scope on the rifle, I would want fold down sights because the permanent front sight would get in the way.

Might give it a try
Ive ran a scope on my LMT 14.5 M4 with Fixed Front Sight Base
The front sight didnt get in the way 1-4x
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 2:27:16 PM EST
[#15]
Quoted:
However, if I were mounting a scope on the rifle, I would want fold down sights because the permanent front sight would get in the way.


An A2 front sight disappears when looking through a scope at 3x or greater magnification, at least on a 16" mid length barrel. I built one this way.
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 3:01:49 PM EST
[#16]
Quoted:
However, if I were mounting a scope on the rifle, I would want fold down sights because the permanent front sight would get in the way.

Try it and see what you think.
It's a non-issue for most.

Link Posted: 7/5/2012 3:03:56 PM EST
[#17]
A2 all the way.  Don't have to baby my rifle.  I can drop it right on the post on concrete and it will still be there and be zeroed.  I have yet to use an optic where the A2 hinders my shooting performance.  With magnification it disappears, and with red-dot/holo sights I shoot with both eyes open so it also disappears.

Only place I see use for a flip-up BUIS is in the rear using an optic with a QD.  Folds out of the way for good eye relief with the optic, then if the optic should go down, QD it and flip the rear up.
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 3:15:10 PM EST
[#18]
A backup sight is just that... for backup.
I would not compromise the sight picture through my EOTech or Aimpoint with a fixed sight... if the RDS/holosight is working, I don't need the irons.
In the unlikely event that a quality RDS or holosight malfunctions, the accuracy of folding BUIS is adequate, at least the folding BUIS I have on my 2 so-equipped rifles.

At least that's the way I see it.

Hard to argue that an A2 sight will stand up to more abuse than a folding BUIS, but if the BUIS is folder down, it is less likely to even sustain an impact.

Again, just my opinion.

Joe
Link Posted: 7/5/2012 3:39:57 PM EST
[#19]
Quoted:
A backup sight is just that... for backup.
I would not compromise the sight picture through my EOTech or Aimpoint with a fixed sight... if the RDS/holosight is working, I don't need the irons.
In the unlikely event that a quality RDS or holosight malfunctions, the accuracy of folding BUIS is adequate, at least the folding BUIS I have on my 2 so-equipped rifles.

At least that's the way I see it.

Hard to argue that an A2 sight will stand up to more abuse than a folding BUIS, but if the BUIS is folder down, it is less likely to even sustain an impact.

Again, just my opinion.

Joe


Fixed sights don't compromise sight picture with aimpoint or EoTechs, you shoot them with both eyes open if you are using them properly...

Easy to argue than an A2 will stand up to more abuse than folding BUIS...Solid chunk of metal vs and intrcate matrix of multiple small parts held together by pins and springs.  In my military experience I've seen Privates drop M4's and M16s on the ground too many times to even count and the A2's don't break and they still qualify at 300 meters.  Anyone who's gone through any kind of basic knows what I'm talking about.  I feel sorry for the abuse those rifles see cycle after cycle but they keep going.

For most guys who only shoot at the range where you don't have to worry about your rifle getting beat up flip-ups are fine.  But for any kind of duty use, you want to be able to not worry about knocking moving parts out of alignment or them loosening up after prolonged abuse.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 2:37:54 AM EST
[#20]
I think I am leaning to towards the A2.  Even mores o since I think I am leaning towards carbine length.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 3:02:37 AM EST
[#21]
The A2 usually isn't a problem with a magnified scope or an Aimpoint. I did find the A2 distracting using an Eotech.

If it were me, I would get the A2, chop it down and install a 13" rail. I would not use a low pro gas block that is not pinned, but that's just me. Either way you have more options with an A2 than with a low pro gas block.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 3:45:06 AM EST
[#22]
Hard to argue that an A2 sight will stand up to more abuse than a folding BUIS, but if the BUIS is folder down, it is less likely to even sustain an impact.


If it's folded down, it's either not in use or it's not immediately usable.  Again, depends on the level of alertness you have to be in at the moment.  Fixed sights are always at the "ready" position.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 4:19:19 AM EST
[#23]
I use A2 front sights unless rifle will be scoped.  I don't mind seeing the front sight post on my red dot rifles.  I hate seeing the front sight post in a scope however even if it is ghosting.  It drives me nuts.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 4:37:17 AM EST
[#24]
Are there any test of folding sights that can prove they are durable?
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 5:03:33 AM EST
[#25]
Quoted:
Are there any test of folding sights that can prove they are durable?


Good question. This was all I could find:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xLeNfMlORk

But I'd like to see a proper "torture test" done on them just to get a better idea of how much beating they can or can't take.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 5:11:03 AM EST
[#26]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Are there any test of folding sights that can prove they are durable?


Good question. This was all I could find:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xLeNfMlORk

But I'd like to see a proper "torture test" done on them just to get a better idea of how much beating they can or can't take.


Cool video but yea i could not find any torture test on them either, but i did slam my troy front sight on a wall when they were up a while back, and it did not effect zero or break.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 5:17:37 AM EST
[#27]
Quoted:
I'd get the A2 if you are going to run a carbine length hand guard. I wish I had. I have a rail height gas block and just added a MOE hand guard. It's longer on top and higher than the tapered carbine hand guard and I'm finding that folding sights won't fold flat. I'm livin' and learnin' with my first and taking notes for my build.


What upper and BUIS do you have? I've got a M&P with a rail height gas black and a MOE carbine handguard and my folding Troy BUIS does fold down flat...albeit BARELY...it does fold flat.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 7:35:40 AM EST
[#28]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Are there any test of folding sights that can prove they are durable?


Good question. This was all I could find:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xLeNfMlORk

But I'd like to see a proper "torture test" done on them just to get a better idea of how much beating they can or can't take.


Recoil magazine did a torture test on butt stocks.  I bet if they had enough requests they's do one for site posts.  That is if they are still publising.  Pretty sure it's been more than two months since their last mag was released.  They said they were publishing every two months, but I digress.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 8:47:25 AM EST
[#29]
Is the A2 fixed front sight easily removable for future modifications to the rifle or will it require the services of a gunsmith? I'm about to purchase a BCM mid-length 16" and have been debating whether I want the Recce-16 to use with Troy folding sights or the Mid16 Mod2 with fixed front sight.

Suggestions appreciated & welcomed, thanks.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 8:57:45 AM EST
[#30]
Quoted:
I demand a fixed front sight base on any AR15/AR10

I havent found a real reason to use a flip up front sights.

Ive used a few optics
Aimpoint
Eotech
1-4x
3.5-10x

Never did the front sight get in my way.

But hey I still dont get the 1/3 cowitt and why its suppose to be better than center cowitt.  Never had a single problem with the center cowitt! And yes I have a Larue mount on one of my carbines


Every time I read your posts, it's in the Early Cuyler voice in my head.
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 12:24:32 PM EST
[#31]
Quoted:
Is the A2 fixed front sight easily removable for future modifications to the rifle or will it require the services of a gunsmith? I'm about to purchase a BCM mid-length 16" and have been debating whether I want the Recce-16 to use with Troy folding sights or the Mid16 Mod2 with fixed front sight.

Suggestions appreciated & welcomed, thanks.


It can be a little bit of a pain but it is well within the realm of the average person. Those taper pins can be a real bitch sometimes though
Link Posted: 7/6/2012 2:06:21 PM EST
[#32]
Quoted:
Fixed sights don't compromise sight picture with aimpoint or EoTechs, you shoot them with both eyes open if you are using them properly...


I'm familiar with (and use) the BAC.
Regardless, a fixed front sight in the field of view of any optic reduces the amount of light and clarity, even when you focus on the target.
How do I know?
I've tried it.

Also, I meant to say hard to argue that a fixed post won't stand up to more abuse than a folding sight, my error.

Joe
Page AR-15 » AR Discussions
AR Sponsor: bravocompany
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top