Clamp-on A2 FSB...you guys ever use one?

strider007

strider007

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
337   0   1
Location
Far Enough North of 43.6532° N, 79.3832° W
What's up guys...trying to finalize my next build, and I know for sure that I want to go with a fixed A2 front sight base. The only thing that I am questioning is whether or not to use a clamp-on FSB like the Armalite one, or to take my barrel and standard A2 FSB to a gunsmith to have it professionally pinned. I know that pinning it will be the best alternative, but I'd like to hear from any of you with experience using a clamp-on FSB. It seems as though it would be much easier to install/uninstall, and also centering it shouldn't be too much of an effort once the quad rail is properly mounted. But how "tough" is it under fire? Will it stand up to the abuse? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated...
 
It will stand up fine to range use. If you drop it on concrete right on top of the FSB it may turn a few degrees. Pretty much every low profile block is clamp or set screws and they don't shoot lose if installed properly.
There are only a few gunsmiths I would trust to pin a FSB properly....Dlask would be my pick.
 
I had an OEM Armalite one that would not stay put, even glued and screwed. I replaced it with a low profile with set screws that I countersunk into the barrel slightly, and that finally worked. I don't think my experience with this particular barrel and FSB is the norm, however.
 
I don't think it's too difficult to get it taper pinned (you can even get kits to do it, but pricey for one-off usage)

Even a drill press and strait through roll pins would do the job for regular usage I would think.


I just got one of the Armalite ones (but for a totally different project) and I used the sight post hole to drill through to make a set screw hole so I can keep it indexed against turning. Some companies claim their clamp-on sights won't move, but it depends on how 'in-spec' your barrel is, and for the most part a fall hard enough to rotate it out of alignment would probably bend the heck out of it as well!
 
F22_RaptoR said:
I don't think it's too difficult to get it taper pinned (you can even get kits to do it, but pricey for one-off usage)

Even a drill press and strait through roll pins would do the job for regular usage I would think.


I just got one of the Armalite ones (but for a totally different project) and I used the sight post hole to drill through to make a set screw hole so I can keep it indexed against turning. Some companies claim their clamp-on sights won't move, but it depends on how 'in-spec' your barrel is, and for the most part a fall hard enough to rotate it out of alignment would probably bend the heck out of it as well!
Click to expand...

Hey Andy...long time, brother. Hope all's been well with you.

Was thinking the same thing. The pros are favouring getting it professionally pinned. I was contemplating the clamp on just because of the ease of install, but any "rough-housing" may compromise the sight alignment. I'm always careful when handling the rifle, especially when runnin' & gunnin', but it's then when I fear that something may happen. A primary to secondary weapon transition, quickly getting the rifle off to my side smacking into other gear, or just setting the rifle into the designated barrels on the course...the sight could take a little bump and next you know, I may be up ####'s creek with some major windage issues! It would probably take a bit more abuse than that to actually get it to move out of place, but the peace of mind of having it pinned speaks for itself. I think I'm pretty much set on having the FSB installed the way it should be...via taper pins.

Again, thanks for the input guys...
 
Try googling Vltor and clamp-on A2 sights. I seem to remember reading about a study they did and found that the clamp-on was just as good as any pinned on sight. Seem to remember reading about the barrel bending before the sight broke.
 
It depends on the type of clamp on. Two piece is junk.

A good quality, one piece, squeeze type will hold a surprising amount of torque if installed properly.

I think it was VLTOR that did a test where they twisted the barrel in the receiver before the clamp on gas block moved.
 
I have had an Armalite clamp on FSB on one of my carbines for 10 years now. No problems with it and it hasn't moved. mind you I have not dropped or thrown the gun around.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom