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.
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.