Options for a fixed front sight- catch is a railed gas block

.223Rem

.223Rem

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Ontario, K-W area.
So, I'm looking into front sight options for my AR.

First off, I'm not a big fan of electronics on my guns. I like to keep my setups about as simple and reliable as a hammer.
I'm using Midwest Industries flip ups right now. The're good sights but because the're the only sighting system on my gun and I would like something a little more solid.

I looked around but I couldn't find anything fixed that was also the proper height for a gas block mount.

I am more then willing to get a new gas block if need be, but I'm not a AR guru and I was under the impression that standard front sight gas blocks were held in place with taper pins, and I really don't want to deal with reaming holes in my barrel and setting pins.

Is there any such thing as a railed gas block that is receiver height? I'm not sure what my options are and any advice would be great.

Also, the gun is a DPMS Oracle, barrel is (im pretty sure) 3/4 inch at the gas block, and the current block is held on with set screws from the bottom.
 
Troy industries makes a gas block folding front sights. The come in M4 or HK style, have QD cups, normal or tritium inserts and come in black or FDE. As for rear sight maybe go for Daniel defines rear sight for dead simple or KAC 200-600m for a small peep hole with nice adjustments.
 
Thanks, for the rear sight i'm probably going to get one of those HK style diopter sights. I really like what you posted Stevebot, but I really want to avoid anything that folds.
I'll look into what windham has as well.
 
I'm not sure if you can find one that will be the right height but perhaps a riser would bring the gas block to the proper height for a standard sight? This would solve the problem of having to replace the gas block.

By the way, irons FTW.
 
WRH said:
I'm not sure if you can find one that will be the right height but perhaps a riser would bring the gas block to the proper height for a standard sight? This would solve the problem of having to replace the gas block.

By the way, irons FTW.
Click to expand...


The difference in height between a railed GB and a quadrail/handguard rail is minimal and cannot be bridged with a riser. The answer is to dump the railed gas block and change the quad/hand guard for a longer one to protect the GB.

TDC
 
TDC said:
The difference in height between a railed GB and a quadrail/handguard rail is minimal and cannot be bridged with a riser. The answer is to dump the railed gas block and change the quad/hand guard for a longer one to protect the GB.

TDC
Click to expand...

this!
 
TDC said:
The difference in height between a railed GB and a quadrail/handguard rail is minimal and cannot be bridged with a riser. The answer is to dump the railed gas block and change the quad/hand guard for a longer one to protect the GB.

TDC
Click to expand...

I wasn't sure what the actual height difference was. I like your idea though.
 
Couldn't agree more about railed gas blocks being dumb. But I picked it up pretty much on a whim at the gun store one day and the price was right. Quad rails aren't my thing, but I might see what the cost difference is between a barrel with a fixed front sight and a quad rail/ low pro gas block.
 
There are more than a few options other than quad rails.

I myself have a Noveske Skinny Rail that I got from Armtac, love it.
 
Right now I'm going between these 2 options:
1. Putting this http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/9614/Armalite-A2-Front-Sight-Clamp-On-with-Screws.aspx on and calling it a day. Assuming it's a solid product.
Cost: 60+ cost of a rear sight

or

2. This http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/de...ndguard-9-Midlength-One-Piece-Free-Float.aspx and a low pro gas block.
Cost will be about 190+ a front sight+ a rear sight.

I know Most people like the free float, but im not sure I'll like the look or feel of a tube. I'm using a magpul MOE hand guard right now and I find it really comfy and light.
A free float tube without a quad rail shouldn't be to heavy, but it doesn't look as nice to hold on to. I know I can get rails and then different grips to put onto those rails but that seems like a lot of money and weight to do what my current plastic fantastic hand guards already do.
 
I put a Midwest gas block flip up on the front, and a Magpul MBUS on the rear. Mine's a DPMS Oracle.
Can't say how it's working out, as I haven't had a chance to get to the frigging range yet. Grrrrr
 
I have the exact same set up as you, but I have midwest front and rear. I like them- there good sights but I want something more solid. I'm not a big fan of my rifle relying on a bunch of little springs and pins to be able to aim it.
 
.223Rem said:
Right now I'm going between these 2 options:
1. Putting this http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/9614/Armalite-A2-Front-Sight-Clamp-On-with-Screws.aspx on and calling it a day. Assuming it's a solid product.
Cost: 60+ cost of a rear sight

or

2. This http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/de...ndguard-9-Midlength-One-Piece-Free-Float.aspx and a low pro gas block.
Cost will be about 190+ a front sight+ a rear sight.

I know Most people like the free float, but im not sure I'll like the look or feel of a tube. I'm using a magpul MOE hand guard right now and I find it really comfy and light.
A free float tube without a quad rail shouldn't be to heavy, but it doesn't look as nice to hold on to. I know I can get rails and then different grips to put onto those rails but that seems like a lot of money and weight to do what my current plastic fantastic hand guards already do.
Click to expand...

Both are good options. The FSB will work for you and the fore end you list is very light. Your only possible issue is the work involved with mounting the rail. If you don't have the tools or the experience the install could turn into a replacement party. If you're liking the MOE handguard I say go with the cheaper and easier option and try the fixed FSB.

TDC
 
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