my first AR, needs sights

V

VARCHAR2

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I just picked up my first AR at the West Lebanon, NH gun show this weekend. Dealer was Skip's Gun and Sport Shop (out of Bristol, NH).

IMG_1077-1.jpg


It's a CMMG M4LEP carbine with piston gas system and CMMG WASP barrel. I'm really quite pleased with my purchase; I think it'll be a great rifle for years to come, but as you can see, there's no sights of any kind, front or rear.

So first thing, I'd like to get some quality front and rear sights so I can start using it and learning to properly shoot without optics, but longer term I think I'd like to put a forearm rail system on it and some optics.

I can't quite figure out what sights I need now. Fixed or flip-up, co-witnessing, 1/3 co-witnessing(?), same plane? Must I decide on the optics before I decide on the front and rear sights in order to avoid having to get all new front/rear sights after I put optics on it? I'm not really looking to buy iron sights that are merely "back ups," if you will; these sights are going to be my primary sights, at least short-term.

What do you think? Am I going about this wrong? Any advise or suggestions would be appreciated!
 
I'd go for a set of BUIS since you want optics anyhow. FWIW, you don't need a new forearm for the optics. They mount right to the top of the A3 upper.

I'll be interested in the co-witness vs 1/3 co-witness discussion. I'm guessing this gets set by the hight of the optic, or are there different BUIS hights?

Matt
 
FWIW, I've got an Eotech 512 and a set of Troy BUIS on my rifle. They co-witness perfectly and I love the set up. The Troy's are the only BUIS I'd personally go with, they're expensive but very worth it.

I used the Troy flip ups for a few months before I put the Eotech on it and they worked great. It was like they weren't even "BUIS".
 
MI makes a nice sight, but I'm far from alone in the opinion that they are indeed not every bit as good as a Troy BUIS. I would define your budget and use, then buy based on the best sight you can afford. Spending the extra money on the Troy will yield you the best. If you go MI, I like the SPLP and if you decide for a fixed cowitness, look into the LaRue, but my money is on the Troy...If you do a bit of research, you'll see why.
 
I personally prefer GG&G's BUIS. As it's the only folding BUIS that is capable of being folded with the small aperture up. I have one co-witnessed through an EOtech 512.

-James G.
 
CrabPirate said:
I personally prefer GG&G's BUIS. As it's the only folding BUIS that is capable of being folded with the small aperture up. I have one co-witnessed through an EOtech 512.

-James G.
Click to expand...

Nice call - I forgot to mention GG&G. I tried one of their early sights on my old Colt and it was really nice...I'm not sure how their quality is now, as it's been several years, but mine was a tank.
 
MassMark said:
If you do a bit of research, you'll see why.
Click to expand...

Because you're running the group buys from them? [wink]

I've had zero problems with my MI. I think they're just as good as any other BUIS out there.

Remember that gas block rails and handguard rails are different heights, so you need to make sure you order the correct height for your gas block.
 
vellnueve said:
Remember that gas block rails and handguard rails are different heights, so you need to make sure you order the correct height for your gas block.
Click to expand...

Thanks for pointing that out. I believe mine is the same height as the rail. It's more than an inch of the center of the barrel. Does that seem odd?
 
Thanks all for the suggestions. I am starting to get a better understanding, although I am still not clear about same-plane apertures and the consequences of having or not having.

Is there an internet superstore for all things AR? Seems like each online retailer I check out has limited availability on many sights, and only a partial selection at that.

Thanks again,

John
 
matt said:
I'll be interested in the co-witness vs 1/3 co-witness discussion. I'm guessing this gets set by the hight of the optic, or are there different BUIS hights?
Click to expand...

I came across a very helpful discussion on this very topic and thought I'd share for anyone interested (and future inquirers): Explanation of Co-Witness - M4Carbine.net Forums

In short, it's personal preference and there's a lot of confusion surrounding the topic; but, it seems to be a smart thing to do, especially for LE or MIL shooters.

This diagram there was particularly helpful:
T1_cowitnesscopy.jpg
 
vellnueve said:
Because you're running the group buys from them? [wink]

I've had zero problems with my MI. I think they're just as good as any other BUIS out there.

Remember that gas block rails and handguard rails are different heights, so you need to make sure you order the correct height for your gas block.
Click to expand...

No, I'm running the group buys to give others the opportunity to see and experience what you have not - the superb engineering, solid lock-up and superior durability and function of a Troy BUIS, (among other products)...[wink] And just how many BUIS have you had experience with to offer this expertise? [wink]
 
vellnueve said:
I own one. I've used several, though.

BTW, it hasn't loosened up and fallen off yet like you said...
Click to expand...

Please point out where I said it would "loosen up and fall off"....I have given a firsthand report of one I used being wobbly and backed that up with discussions from other users about the very same subject, along with questions about the thickness of their mounting hardware but never did I say they would "loosen up and fall off". The only accessory I have ever had "loosen up and fall off" was an ARMS scope mount - that's it. Please try a bit harder not to put words into my keyboard....
 
I did a search and realized that the sights flying off that you were talking about were actually repudiating the accusations made by another poster about Troy BUISs.
 
VARCHAR2 said:
I came across a very helpful discussion on this very topic and thought I'd share for anyone interested (and future inquirers): Explanation of Co-Witness - M4Carbine.net Forums

In short, it's personal preference and there's a lot of confusion surrounding the topic; but, it seems to be a smart thing to do, especially for LE or MIL shooters.

This diagram there was particularly helpful:
T1_cowitnesscopy.jpg
Click to expand...

Thanks! +1 for you!
 
VARCHAR2 said:
Is there an internet superstore for all things AR? Seems like each online retailer I check out has limited availability on many sights, and only a partial selection at that.
Click to expand...

Everyone has limitted availability on all things AR right now... everyone is sold out of just about everything...
 

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