Front sight on hand guard

[revor]

So I'm new to the AR world and like any good Type A/ADHD individual I'm looking, learning and reading, finding sources like this one and others to immensely helpful.
Since I have put a scope on my AR (A3 upper) I figure I don't have the need for the front A2 type sight. It doesn't impede the vision through the Scope even at 4 power but at some point I would like to remove it and put a different type gas block on the weapon.
With that in mind I would also like a set of quality back up sights.
I see many that are mounted to the rail on the hand guard.
This doesn't seem like a stable place to mount the sight as it can move relative to the barrel.
If I'm shooting offhand the hand guard will have a different "load" on it than if I'm shooting from a guard mounted bipod or sand bags.
It seems that a gas block mounted front sight is going to be more "true" than the hand guard mounted versions.
Of course that brings up a clamped vs. pinned gas block, but that's another thread.
Am I over thinking this?

[Backinblackrifles]

No you are on the right track just think it through a little, and decide what is best for You and Your apllications, I personally use both clamps and pins. Clamps on target/match rifles and pins on "work" rifles even tho I have never had a clamp work its way of. And for sights I prefer to have them on the gas block so My sight radius is as long as posable It makes the front post easier for me to focus on, flip up, Clamp on, or standard "triangle" depends on my personal aplications. I tend to go with the standard as there is no chance of the front sight moving when I flip it up and down or get it hung on a tree branch or rock and having it fold down on me.

Have fun and welcome.

[revor]

Thanks for the feedback! It's one of those things that just bugs a guy.
I'm thinking the A2 front sight will be the last thing I "fool" with, it's robust and solid. The weapon shoots very nicely with the scope. We'll be doing some "return to zero" tests when it drys out. I'll remove the scope and put the carry handle (rear sight) back on. I'll do this a few times just to make sure it's working the way I want.
Then I'll see how well I've gotten used to the sights. Being from the land of HK's I am very used to those sights and so far find them to be superior at least for me.
Installing a Troy or PRI front sight to mimic that sight picture for personal taste would be the only reason for me to remove the A2 front sight, rear folding sights all seem to be similar so that would permanently go in place of the handle.
Hey save cash right? I could buy another upper with HK 416 sights on it!
I worry about these weapons there's so much you can do with them! It's gonna get expensive!

[Backinblackrifles]

LOL YOU HAVE THE FEVER! It is annoying sifting through all your options and different gizmos and gadgets. But if you are looking for a good accurate rifle just remember the basics like You would with any bolt gun. Free float the barrel, Get a good barrel, good trigger, and good sights and it will out shoot all but the most expensive bolt guns, If You want to take it farther start working up Your own loads for that rifle and barrel. If you want a really good source for building a good rifle check out The book " The mouse that roared" It has allot of good info from The top Ar shooters in the world such as David Tubb and Lue tippie.

[revor]

No kidding! I don't want to Bling the weapon just the right amount of accessorizing. [Tooth]
Accuracy is pretty damn good considering I've not fired a lot of AR platform weapons but having shot what seems like "billions" of rounds through HK91's and their cousins. My best HK shoots 1.5-20 MOA with rounds I've tailored for it (168 gr FMJ boat tail, 39 gr IMR 3031 and a federal standard rifle primer) not really too bad for a "factory" battle rifle". The AR suprisingly did not like this load, everything cycled well but I fear the bullet weight might be too much or the powder too slow, maybe I'll switch to 4895 for it. The AR did do 1.5 MOA with this, I expect better from it. It did just as well with mid ninties RG surplus.
Or it could very well be a new shooter issue though.

[YammyMonkey]

I would think about what your intended use of the sights is. If you're using them as primary & need absolute accuracy at distance then go with a barrel mount. If they're backups & you're using a quality optic that's not likely to go down then I don't see a problem with mounting them on a free float forend. If you're talking about a snap-in rail system then I'd definitely stick with the barrel mount. You can press on the tube hard enough to create some deviation but it's not going to be nearly as bad as a tight sling on a standard barrel mount.

[revor]

I can understand the minimal deflection on the tube. I did a little test on my 308 and using just my thumb and forefinger I was able to move the guard relative to the barrel.
To add to this I've been looking at the "monolithic" type uppers like Mega, Vltor/VIS, Colt and others are offering.
It seems that these would be a much more ridged platform.
Thoughts? Experience?

[Backinblackrifles]

As far as You're loads the Ar can be loaded with over a 100gr and I have seen a few 120's bullet weights bullet weight is not so much an issue as the powder, Stay away from ball powders and use flake or perforated powders, as far as how fast you want it to burn depends on how long You're barrel is and were the gas port is located( rifle length, carbine length, Mid?) A good factory bullet that I have very good luck with is federal match, with the 79gr Sierra match king Hollow point boat tail Most of the guns I run it through will cut four or five holes that touch at 200 with good optic and rest. You can get MUCH better than 1.5 with an AR without allot of money going into it by starting with a free floated barrel just floating it 90% of the time in my experience will cut that 1.5 down to a .75 at 100 using factory ammo. Next good sights Metal or glass You're choice, then the trigger. I find the sights to be the hardest part, I like to get the front post out as far as I can Just to make it easier to see, I would stick with the original barrel mounted post sight and attach the sling to the free float tube, then You can Yank on the sling without any noticeable shift in P.O.I. because the FF. is attached the the barrel extension on the receiver and does not touch the barrel. I again really suggest the book I mentioned in my last post for building LR rifles for service rifle, varmint, target, or just getting a good shooter You can really on to shoot extremely well. I You are building a "tactical" rifle You can still expect it to help but in a different application, also goes into reloading theory and covers things that You really need to know for instance the Very low drag bullets (vld's) Molly coated bullets and such which Load COMPLETELY differant than "normal" bullets, Helps You keep You're fingers. IDK if You are going to take it that far though but I still suggest it.

[revor]

I've ordered "the Mouse that roared" I should get it in a day or so.
Current status "screwed" the dog might need surgery.. I saved out some cash though and picked up an A2 20" HBAR in 223, I'll be looking forward to shooting it this weekend with some reloads a friend has offered up.
Once the dog has (hopefully) passed what shouldn't be in his belly I'll be looking to build a "tactical" type rifle with a 16" barrel that I can still mess with at distance.
This brings up a question about the length of the gas system. Wanting a short barrel but also wanting the sight radius to be as long as possible AND also wanting a front sight fixed to the barrel would put the gas port way out on the barrel (rifle length gas port). To me this would subject the bolt to less pressure and likely lessen the "violence" felt as the bolt unlocks and move's. And maybe improve accuracy.
I'm sure a barrel guy could tell me if I was barking up the wrong tree but the thought came to mind and now here it is.

[Backinblackrifles]

The farther out You putt the gas port the more pressure You will have to operate the system since it will give the powder a longer burn time creating more gas before it bleeds of witch also means Higher pressure. Witch means in a longer barrel You can get away with slower powders in a short barrel You will need a faster burning powder to created the High pressure needed in a much shorter distance. Just some food for though Until You're book gets in which will clear up allot of You're questions but the side affect of that is it will only leave You will more and You may find You're self doing allot of experimenting! Sounds like You are gonna have allot of fun though, I DID! I just ran outta money![BooHoo] [Coffee] Have fun!

You have any interest in Service rifle shooting?

[Backinblackrifles]

Our healer did the same thing, She ate one of those "indestructible" Kong balls cost us 3k to have 18-in. of her intestine removed, I have vowed against expensive med. attention for dogs ever again.

[revor]

This one thought a disposable razor would be a tasty chew toy ?!?!?!

Service rifle shooting? It's funny you mention this. Years ago I was heavily involved with match shooting, the last "game" I played was Black powder cartidge rifles, I was a Master, shooting 35's-37's regularly (of course I got my butt kicked at the Nationals and other "other" Ranges.
Anyway back on point, yes I want to get back into match shooting again, now that the kids need me less I'll have time.
Time to practice! Are you currently competeing?

[Backinblackrifles]

NO[BooHoo] To many other responsabilies that require My money, But I would like to get together with someone who have a love for accuracy and precision without all the fancy gadgets focusing more on form fit and function.

[Backinblackrifles]

And my match rifle got snatched outta my car. [Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang] She was purty!

[revor]

And my match rifle got snatched outta my car. [Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang] She was purty!


THAT"S JUST WRONG!!!!!!!
Maybe I can make it up to the north shoot on 5/8/10 We can compare notes and shoot up some paper.

[Backinblackrifles]

All I have is an m4 and some 55gr. fmjs but I would love to take it out and punch a few holes! I am thinking about trying to get up to the rampart range and finding a spot in the nat. forest. My usual spot up in harris park is closed till June 16th 2010 for a logging Op.

[revor]

Anymore going to Rampart makes me feel like I may as well go the extra mile or two and go to Whittington!
Guess I don't get out enough these days!
Gonna change that!

I guess I'm spoiled, I have a good friend with a private range I can use pretty much anytime some 4 miles away..

[Backinblackrifles]

I am trying to find info on what may be available in NF in the area of douglas county it is a bit like tying to pull teeth though. I want to find an area there to chase coyotes and do a little rec shooting. everything I find is conflicting.