Many of the items you guys are talking about are high end items, that only a limited number of users actually benefit from having.  Most people would do just as well with a more economical accessory, or just a box stock gun.

A lot more lower receivers get sold than flip up front sights.  Thus the manufacturer can take a lower profit margin on the receiver than on the flip front sight.  The more you make of something, the cheaper it is to make, as your over head and all expenses are spread over the number of parts you produce.

The only thing I can say guys is if you think you can make it cheaper, better, and faster is to have a go at it. I think you will find, as many have, that you will never get rich off someone else's hobby...

Its sort of a catch 22...they could sell more but would they sell enough?

One thing to keep in mind with flip up front sights, rear sights, optics rings etc, is that the companies that manufacture them those are the only things they manufacture.  So they have to cover all their operating expenses and production costs with the profits made off those parts alone.

A company with a more diverse product line (as far as types of products) can afford to make less money on certain items if they are making more on others.

Another problem for these many companies that offer different styles of optics rings, sights etc, is that they offer so many different variations to please everyone.  These machined parts do cost a lot to make, especially if you are making them in small batches that won't neccessarily turn over quickly.

This is the same problem AR manufacturers run into offering so many barrel configurations....what is going to sell well this month 20" gov't profile barrels, bull barrels, or one of the other 3 dozen variations that company offers?   You no doubt end up sitting on a lot of several of those variations indefinitely, where others you can't ever keep enough in stock.

The most economically priced flip up front sights I have seen are the Yankee Hill Machine ones that are sold through Bushmaster...you can order them on your barrel already installed.  I have one and I like it, it serves its purpose.

I can't see the price on flip up front sights decreasing much over time, like we have seen with items like the ARMS#40.  Flip up front sights generally require some gunsmithing to install, and thus will never have as broad a market as flip up rear sights...lower production numbers and a limited market will keep the price high.

I agree that the $ 400 tactical ninja flashlight pricing is obnoxious, but the problem is, your way you'll then have two rifles and not be able to use either in low light.

I guess it depends on whether you are interested in collecting guns, or having a gun that you can use to defend yourself.

Let me repeat, though, the price on those AR mounted lights is ridiculous.

My point is, while I agree that some of this stuff is outrageously priced- I actually fall into the "that could be another gun" syndrome, instead of spending the money to make one firearm I have more effective or useful with a necessary accessory (and I think a weapon dedicated light, unlike some doo-dads, is a necessity) I think "that could be that new 5.45x39 AK I want" which would be cool, but really shouldn't be a higher priority than having a carbine with a light, or having nightsights or a necessary trigger job on a pistol or spending money on a training class etc.