AR Front Sight/Gas Block question

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Yegmonchuck (sometimes)
Hi folks.

Well, I've had my first non-CF issue AR for about a month now, and am enjoying it immensely.

One of the things that's occurred to me is that the presence of the standard "high" AR front sight/gas block combo results in a partially obscured view from a low mounted optic (a low-end red dot that I got with the rifle, and will only be on there until I get around to upgrading)

While my fundamental approach has always been that if it ain't broken...I'm not sure that a "high" mount aimpoint is the correct choice. Perhaps a lower profile gas block with a folding front sight, then paired with an optic sitting closer to the barrel? Suggestions?

My other question is about the amount and difficulty of the work involved with installing a new gas block and/or sight. Is this easily do-able for a mechanically inclined but inexperienced guy with some basic tools at home? (a dremel and a couple ball-end wrenches is about as exotic as my tools get)
 
This is more a personal choice but, I'd leave the fixed front sight base. CCO's or red dot optics are designed to be used with both eyes open. When I focus on the target the front sight disappears. I agree, it can be annoying if you're not used to it. A folding front sight GB or a railed GB are both options you might want to consider. I prefer not to f**k with the front site base and the taper pins.

TDC
 
Get the Vltor flip-up front sight + gas block like this one.

original.jpg
 
When I was an AR noob, I took my fixed FSB off and replaced it with a flat top railed gas block. Then I sold the FSB parts, idiot. :rolleyes:

I haven't had any issues with the gas block, but it was totally unnecessary and I intend to re-replace it with a pinned FSB in the future. Unless you're running a high magnification scope, the FSB should not be a significant obstruction.
 
One of the things that's occurred to me is that the presence of the standard "high" AR front sight/gas block combo results in a partially obscured view from a low mounted optic (a low-end red dot that I got with the rifle, and will only be on there until I get around to upgrading)

While my fundamental approach has always been that if it ain't broken...I'm not sure that a "high" mount aimpoint is the correct choice. Perhaps a lower profile gas block with a folding front sight, then paired with an optic sitting closer to the barrel? Suggestions?
Click to expand...

When I had my Aimpoint mounted on my carbine I initially used the ARMS mount with the spacer for the extra height. I only changed that when I had a KAC RAS 2 mounted, and then I used the higher profile piece of rail that was over the connector to get the same effect. I found when set up like this the front sight was no more a distraction than the front sight through the Elcan on a C7.
It's a personal opinion but I prefer having a solid fixed front sight that isn't going anywhere. Of the 3 ARs I currently have, the 2 carbines are both set up with their original FSBs. My full length AR has a folding PRI front sight to keep out of the way of the Leupold 3-9X scope. With my primary focus on that gun being accuracy I wanted to keep the scope close to the bore line. That scope also has a Docter Optik on it, so the likelihood of ever needing the BUIS are pretty slim.

Again, it's all personal preference.
 
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