Do you prefer an AR-15 with or without a fixed front sight?

Dexter Morgan

Dexter Morgan

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In looking at most AR-15 models that are available; Most have a huge fixed front sight post.

However, most shooters are using optics to shoot with. And most have to work around the sight that is in the way.

Wouldn't it make more sense to not have the big front sight post in the way?

Why do 90% of the AR-15s on the market still come with the front sight? Maybe there is a good reason?
 
It is like a roll bar. it protects the optics...

Actually, I notice that my scope is below the front sight, but I can't see it in the scope. I am assuming it causes some light loss in the scope. My next build will have a low gas block with a little rail on top for a BUIS.
 
I have a fixed front sight on my AR coupled with a DD fixed rear. I dislike the FSB only because it limits how far out I can place my support hand. I do believe that fixed irons that give a lower 1/3 co-witness with the optic are better suited to any fighting rifle (such as they are in Canada).

One day I'll shave the FSB, put on a Free float tube and a DD fixed front sight, but will it make me shoot better? Not sure...
 
Dexter Morgan said:
In looking at most AR-15 models that are available; Most have a huge fixed front sight post.

However, most shooters are using optics to shoot with. And most have to work around the sight that is in the way.

Wouldn't it make more sense to not have the big front sight post in the way?

Why do 90% of the AR-15s on the market still come with the front sight? Maybe there is a good reason?
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If you run a CCO(reddot) the FSB is a non issue as you should be shooting with both eyes open. The same can be said for most low power optics. The advantage to the fixed FSB is strength, simplicity, and it comes with it. I run a folding front sight for one reason and one reason only. With the tritium front post and my optic(Trijicon Accupoint) the entire sight picture glows green and I can't see much of anything. The folding sight keeps the tritium post out of the line of sight until needed.

TDC
 
Depends on the rifle.

I prefer a flat top but for a patrol carbine or something going to see more abuse then I like the fixed front sight. Also with some rifles I like the look while with others the flat top looks cooler.

I own both for 223/5.56.
 
I'm actively trying to stick a big triangular sight on mine, I'm just debating if I should get a new rail, plus the sight, plus the assorted tools I'd probably need, or just an entirely new upper.

I initially went flat top, but now I'm getting the feeling that it doesn't look proper without that iconic profile. I even bought a carry handle/rear sight to put on there as well. I should just pony up and buy an old school upper.

Call me old fashioned, but I want to use irons for as long as I can.
 
Stevebot-7 said:
I'm actively trying to stick a big triangular sight on mine, I'm just debating if I should get a new rail, plus the sight, plus the assorted tools I'd probably need, or just an entirely new upper.

I initially went flat top, but now I'm getting the feeling that it doesn't look proper without that iconic profile. I even bought a carry handle/rear sight to put on there as well. I should just pony up and buy an old school upper.

Call me old fashioned, but I want to use irons for as long as I can.
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Same here, it just doesnt look like an AR without the A2 sight, Im old fashioned too, LOL, myabe for 10.5 or less it looks okay, but for a mid,or rifle lenght, I dont know. nothing to do with functions I guess, just being old.
 
Stevebot-7 said:
I'm actively trying to stick a big triangular sight on mine, I'm just debating if I should get a new rail, plus the sight, plus the assorted tools I'd probably need, or just an entirely new upper.

I initially went flat top, but now I'm getting the feeling that it doesn't look proper without that iconic profile. I even bought a carry handle/rear sight to put on there as well. I should just pony up and buy an old school upper.

Call me old fashioned, but I want to use irons for as long as I can.
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Just buy a LMT front iron sight for that mini triangle look. You can take it off whenever you want.
 
On my hunting AR's (down in Texas) in prefer no fixed or flip-up sights. On a defense rifle I think it makes sense to have them if you end up having field issues with your optics. (knocked out of alignment, battery dies, etc..)
 
Personally on a patrol carbine or battle rifle I like the fixed front and rear with a lower 1/3 co-witness. Simple and easy. Unless you are running an optic that won't let you run a rear, then a good flip rear with the fixed front.

PDWs I like as slick as possible, if it can get caught it will. A lightweight fore-end with configurable rails and good flip-ups (preferably tritium) plus a fast optic (aimpoint micro preferably)

-Grant
 
The front sight isn't bothersome to me with red dots. With a scope you don't even notice it's there. It will be there when you need it though. TDCs post sums it nicely.

I personally won't buy a barrel that doesn't have a fixed FSB.
 
I have both actually, I have the FSB on my 16" and run with a low profile on my 18"... Still deciding one which BUID to go with it, wouldn't run a gun without some form of irons. For a PDW less than 10.5" then I'd go wih BUIS.
 
I like AR's in any configuration.
I have a 10.5" with A2 front and fixed carry handle that I don't plan on ever putting an optic on. I also have a 14.5" flat top that has the fixed front sight and flip up BUIS sitting under my 1-4 scope that is in a PEPR QD mount. At anything over 1x power you don't notice it there at all. I also have a 20" flat top with no front sight and it has a 4-16x44 scope. They are all great and good for different things. The 10.5 is what I would consider to be my PDW and I want it light, simple and robust. Nothing to fail and nothing to knock out of alignment. The 14.5 is probably my favorite because it does a little of everything, I can remove the 1-4 and use the irons if I want or leave the scope on for reaching out a little further or being a little more precise. The 20" is for reaching out with precision and would definitely get left behind in a SHTF scenario due to it's size and weight and also that the sighting system is much more delicate and would not be good for close range.

I would buy whichever setup you like the looks of best and always remember that with an AR you can always just change it for a few dollars if you buy one and then decide later that you want to try something different.

PS. Check out my ad for the 20" in the EE.
 
These days with the reliability of modern combat optics I don't think the Front Sight has a role anymore.

It gets in the way of NV systems and blocks the performance of day optics.
 
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