Question about Smith Enterprise's gas lock front sight

[Klondiker]

According to their site this one is to be used for a 22 inch barrel -

and this one is supposed to be for an 18 inch barrel (notice the slightly higher platform) -

I'm wondering if an 18 (or an 18.5 inch barrel in our case) can lose that much with a 3.5 inch shorter barrel to require that additional height? I'm looking at getting one for an 18.5 USGI barrel, just not sure which one you really need. I would likely use the front site off my current Poly/Norc rifle if that makes any difference. Anyone use one or the other?

Sorry about the small pics, but this is what came off their site.

I would appreciate any input.

Thanks

 

[dogzilla]

If you have to get one anyway, you may as well get the one they recommend. I get the feeling Smith Enterprises has a rough idea what they're talking about. Otherwise you may have to tinker with the front sight. Of course you may have to play with the round thing at the back of the rifle that makes the other round thingy with the hole in it go up and down. (i think it's called the elevation knob) cheers

 

[Klondiker]

Right...the round thingy at the back. Forgot all 'bout that. Thanks

 

[Winz]

The M14 is a mysterious rifle in that, the shorty 18-18.5" barrels require a higher front sight than the standard length barrel.

Now, this does not necessarily mean that getting one or the other is detrimental. On a standard 22" barrel, most rear sights are set at ~11clicks up from bottom anyway for 100m. So in going with a shorter front sight base on a 18" barrel, you just won't be 11clicks from bottom for your zero.


If you go with the US Army variant of GLFS vice the Navy posted, you have a height adjustable sight.