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Posted: 1/31/2016 3:31:18 PM EDT
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I had a bit of a BRD relapse and got a new upper after seeing a friend get one and realizing I don't have a 16" or a carbine gas rifle.
Normally I'd build it myself, but considering everything was spot on to what I wanted except for the barrel twist (I'd have preferred 1:8 or 1:9), it didn't make sense not to from the cost wise if I tried to do the same with similar quality components. Anyways! I'm looking for some rear sight suggestions/thoughts. This build will probably be used for the "practical rifle" courses that my range has, which is how I can totally justify the purchase since my SPR build is pretty hefty and my 604 is irons only and not something I'd want to rough house with. Other than potentially changing out the handguard to an rail so I can mount a vert grip (or adding a rail), I plan to keep this rifle pretty simple. I've got the other components picked out for when I get it its own lower, buit until then I still want to start shooting it, which will require a rear sight. I'm looking for a rear sight option that can be used as an irons only rifle while at the same time I plan to add a red dot sight down the road and would like to be able to keep the same rear. I have found a few options for fixed rears but don't know too much about the world of folding rear sights. My only experience is on another type of rifle where the BUIS is clearly just an emergency back up and it isn't the nicest to use. Here is what I am considering for fixed sights. If anyone has comments about using these with a red dot please let me know. Daniel Defense A1.5: Simple, I'm used to it on my 604, compact, and know giant screws sticking out the side LMT L8A: Again something I'm familiar with, a bit bulkier, a bit more expensive. Also not sure if the elevation is really needed. Can be found on EE for decent prices and looks really nice on the rifle. Midwest Industries Fixed Rear: Similar to the DD A1.5. Sharper edges, not as nice looking, but slightly cheaper as it looks like they are discontinuing them. DPMS Detachable Rear: A2 rear assembly with two big thumbscrews. An option, but has the same downsides as the LMT while also not having as nice of a shape. HK416/MMR223 Rear: Fancy. No experience with them and don't know if it will even work with the FSB. But it sure looks nice. 
For folding sights, the only one I'm really looking at right now is the MaTech, and that is only because it seems like it is nice and simple while still being able to be adjusted if/when needed. They are also readily available both new or on EE. Any input is greatly appreciated Thanks guys! |
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That RRA is really nice the way it attaches without the big thumb knob. Not many places seem to carry them and I wonder if it (or the LMT for that matter) are worth the added cost over the DD A1.5 Any experience with cowitness on some of the fixed sights? As I mentioned I do eventually plan to get a red dot of some sort. |
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I guess at this point I'm also considering cutting down a take off carry handle. It would need some work but would essentially be identical to an LMT. Basically saving up front cost at the expense of some work.
There is a thread in the archive that had what were apparently great pictures about the process but all the images are broken links now. Anyone have any tips if I plan to go this route? I have access to basic tools, files, and a bench sander and bench grinder, but mill or anything to that extent. |
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Just keep an eye out on EE for an LMT L8A... they pop up frequently enough that it won't be too long a wait. You can get stuff for 50% of list easily (which is what I did).
I was also gonna go the chop a carry handle route but then you get caught up in the "this or that mfr is not proper std dimensions (height)" or "yeah the sight LOOKs like a std fully adjustable rear but the quality is crap" dilemmas. To be frank you might also consider if you REALLY need fully adjustable. I went that route because I was used to it from time in service, but does your style of shooting really need it? Once I get mine fully assembled I will have to spend some time reading up on how to zero the 6/3 sight instead of the 8/3 sight I am used to (I was in long enough ago where only M16A2s were handed out, none of the new-fangled M4s). |
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Quoted:
Just keep an eye out on EE for an LMT L8A... they pop up frequently enough that it won't be too long a wait. You can get stuff for 50% of list easily (which is what I did). I was also gonna go the chop a carry handle route but then you get caught up in the "this or that mfr is not proper std dimensions (height)" or "yeah the sight LOOKs like a std fully adjustable rear but the quality is crap" dilemmas. To be frank you might also consider if you REALLY need fully adjustable. I went that route because I was used to it from time in service, but does your style of shooting really need it? Once I get mine fully assembled I will have to spend some time reading up on how to zero the 6/3 sight instead of the 8/3 sight I am used to (I was in long enough ago where only M16A2s were handed out, none of the new-fangled M4s). Yeah. I was looking at some of the surplus take-offs that are on EE for the cut-down. As for the need for a fully adjustable rear, the answer is 50/50. I do plan to shoot this irons only for a while but part of the desire for the L8A, RRA, or cut down carry handle is the look. I really like the clean way the back of the sight blends with the rifle like the carry handle and really like the way some of the CQBR/Mk18's look with the fixed post and L8A rear. I'll have to read up on the zero procedure as well. My other iron sight AR is a Vietnam-era clone. What is this 8/3 you speak of?
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Yeah all I remember is "8/3 minus 2 -something something something snap in something something get in my house of pain now move."
For my front I bought a Troy fixed rail mount front sight from Optics Planet. Like $40 or something.... got impatient with EE for that. But getting a L8A for 50% markdown from list was well worth the effort with lurking EE hard. |
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Quoted:
JSE Surplus has ATI carry handle sights for $25. Quoted:
JSE Surplus has ATI carry handle sights for $25. Is the ATI stuff of any noteable quality? If it is on part with other import stuff then there isn't a reason to cut one down. Quoted:
Yeah all I remember is "8/3 minus 2 -something something something snap in something something get in my house of pain now move." For my front I bought a Troy fixed rail mount front sight from Optics Planet. Like $40 or something.... got impatient with EE for that. But getting a L8A for 50% markdown from list was well worth the effort with lurking EE hard. I was bidding on one for about $75 but got outbid. I don't see much of a reason to go too much higher considering the RRA is $90 new. ETA: Well life's a bitch. One went up on EE last night when I wasn't home for $80. It was gone in about 90 min. 
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Quoted: Yeah. I was looking at some of the surplus take-offs that are on EE for the cut-down. As for the need for a fully adjustable rear, the answer is 50/50. I do plan to shoot this irons only for a while but part of the desire for the L8A, RRA, or cut down carry handle is the look. I really like the clean way the back of the sight blends with the rifle like the carry handle and really like the way some of the CQBR/Mk18's look with the fixed post and L8A rear. I'll have to read up on the zero procedure as well. My other iron sight AR is a Vietnam-era clone. What is this 8/3 you speak of? Quoted: Quoted: Just keep an eye out on EE for an LMT L8A... they pop up frequently enough that it won't be too long a wait. You can get stuff for 50% of list easily (which is what I did). I was also gonna go the chop a carry handle route but then you get caught up in the "this or that mfr is not proper std dimensions (height)" or "yeah the sight LOOKs like a std fully adjustable rear but the quality is crap" dilemmas. To be frank you might also consider if you REALLY need fully adjustable. I went that route because I was used to it from time in service, but does your style of shooting really need it? Once I get mine fully assembled I will have to spend some time reading up on how to zero the 6/3 sight instead of the 8/3 sight I am used to (I was in long enough ago where only M16A2s were handed out, none of the new-fangled M4s). Yeah. I was looking at some of the surplus take-offs that are on EE for the cut-down. As for the need for a fully adjustable rear, the answer is 50/50. I do plan to shoot this irons only for a while but part of the desire for the L8A, RRA, or cut down carry handle is the look. I really like the clean way the back of the sight blends with the rifle like the carry handle and really like the way some of the CQBR/Mk18's look with the fixed post and L8A rear. I'll have to read up on the zero procedure as well. My other iron sight AR is a Vietnam-era clone. What is this 8/3 you speak of? Works great on the LMT sights. LMT sight is the same as a removable handle for the purposes of the linked post. |
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I saw an LMT sight in the EE just yesterday for $75. Let me good look again to see if I can find it.
ETA: Here it is.LMT Fixed Rear Sight in EE FYI, I do not know this guy and he only has 1 post, so proceed at your own risk. |
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