I picked up a 16" flat top AR this weekend that is missing it's rear sight. It has the standard front sight assembly like on the A2. I would like to put on a reliable rear sight that is not going to break the bank as this will mainly be used for plinking with the kids. It will probably get a red dot or low power scope as well, depending on usage. So I'm looking for recommendations on decent rear sights. I'm not opposed to a carry handle, rail unit like the RRA, or just a small fixed or flip up sight. Main thing is it should give repeatable adjustments.
For a fixed rear, you can't beat LaRue, Troy is the best folding sight in my opinion but for cheap, it's hard to beat MagPuls MBUS sight. In fact that's what I chose for my latest truck gun.
I like the same plane apertures all three offer.
The DD looks great but is not available with same plane aperture.
I am slow today, are you saying if you flip from big peep to little peep in the DD its not in the same plane? Don't know how that can be.
this don't look bad, and again don't understand same plane etc.
https://danieldefense.com/fixed-front-rear-sight-combo.html
Standard A2 aperture is not same plane. Neither was the A1.
0-200 big hole, 300 out for small hole best I recall.
Makes a bigger difference with carbines.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_18/497571_.html
Yeah but how big of a difference? Set your zero with the small aperture and don't worry about it.
It's not a big deal to most, until it is.
Ok I never noticed as I simply don't shot that well with irons.
It's not a big deal to most, until it is.
For the OP's stated uses, I don't think it would make any difference. For a target/match shooter, that's a different story.
Depending on which offset he winds up with, 1.5" at 50 yards could be a big deal to even a plinker.
Thanks for the responses so far. Interesting info regarding the offset, I was not aware of that condition. I'm quite used to iron sites having shot XTC Highpower and Palma for years. I loose very little accuracy with irons compared to a scope. I've never noticed a huge change in group size going from say a ghost ring to a .070" peep either, but I think that is mainly because of technique. Consistent head position is paramount. I don't think this type of offset would be a game changer, especially when the amount to compensate is known.
The Larue,Troy, and DD all look to be very nicely made and sounds like they are repeatable. I've considered the MBUS, but it just didn't seem to me that a plastic sight could be repeatable and durable enough. Call me old fashioned, I guess. Price is right though. Is the MBUS a sturdy sight, long term? They certainly seem popular. I'm not going to be twiddling the knobs constantly like I would one of my competition rifles, but I'm sure it would see plenty of up/down action. I may be handcuffing myself a bit, but that DD in the Amazon link would be the most I want to pay, so I may have to look to the used market.
My impression of the UTG/NC star import stuff is not too keen. Am I missing anything there? Any hidden gems?
The only other thing is if you want to mount a scope as in your original post, you'll need a folding sight or remove the fixed sight.
I used an MBUS before on a 22 and it held up fine, set it and forget it. That's the only downside is not being able to dial up like a good carry handle.
Unless you plan on driving nails with it, the MBUS will work fine. Magpul also has metal sites.
I went with the Troy as a bombproof rear and it has not let me down.
RRA has an awesome fixed rear sight, with windage and elevation knobs, and dual apertures. Very robust and well made sight. IMO, it's awesome. I run two on a couple of my carbines. They are on sale now on the RRA web site for $90 I think.