AR Front sight

cobra · Apr 30, 2011

I Have a Bushmaster AR.
Has the carry handle iron sights that I since removed then mounted a red dot sight in it's place.
Now I want to mount a Nikon M223 scope.
Problem is I don't want the fixed front sight in the scopes veiw.
Prefer not to raise the scope so front sight is not in the picture.

Whats involved in replaceing the front sight post.
Can it be replaced with a flip up type front sight?
Are there other options other then grinding off the front sight?
I understand this sight is also needed to connect the gas tube. Just not sure what my options are.

wilcam47 · Apr 30, 2011

im sure you could redneck it and grind it off...the right way to do it is punch out the pins and install a flat top front gas block. you have to get the right one for that particular set up though...

303_enfield · Apr 30, 2011

If you have a fixed carry handle stop wasting your time. Your cheek weld will suck! Get a flat top and change over your barrel or get another complete upper.

Front sight will be a ghost, ie: a none issue. Try it.

My 2¢

rj1974 · Apr 30, 2011

I have a Nikon M223 on my Colt HBAR the front sight will not be a issue . Mount it and go make holes in things :thumbsup:

Russ D · Apr 30, 2011

I doubt you will see the front sight post. If you get the 1-4x M223 you may see it slightly but it most likely won't be an issue.

IndispensableDestiny · Apr 30, 2011

cobra said:
I Have a Bushmaster AR.
Has the carry handle iron sights that I since removed then mounted a red dot sight in it's place.
Now I want to mount a Nikon M223 scope.
Problem is I don't want the fixed front sight in the scopes veiw.
Prefer not to raise the scope so front sight is not in the picture.

You need to use high rings so that you will have the proper check weld. An AR has zero drop at the comb. Once you raise it up, the part of the sight that's in line with the scope will not be visible, or just a blur at most.

LEAD2SPREAD · Apr 30, 2011

You can get a fold down gas block sight or a low profile gas block if its not a pre ban rifle, My buddy has a fold down gas block sight by ARMS it a nice sight, but it is on a flat top ar

cobra · May 1, 2011

Rifle has the removable carry handle so scope mounting is not a problem.
From the feedback seems I should just mount the scope then decide whether
the front sight will be bothersom. Appears it won't be the problem I feared.
I did locate on line, gas blocks. Now that I know what their called

Thinking I'll buy a rear and front flip up sights as a pair once funds build back up
Thanks

Kais · May 2, 2011

Most likely won't be a major issue, but as you've discovered there are ways to replace it with new gas blocks with and without a front site. I'd like to mention with a 4x ACOG there is a slight dark blur where the front site would be but it's hardly noticeable.

clandestine · May 2, 2011

Do not get a replacement gas block. Aftermarket ones are usually clamp on, or set ecrew models. Both are not durable on guns that may see serious use. When barrels heat up and loosens screws, or something contacts the Gas Block it will turn the gun into a single shot. The factory Gas Block/FSB is cross pinned and is as rugged and reliable as they get.

The proper way is to cut the Front Tower off leaving the lower gas block. You can also install a longer FF Rail to cover the gas block. I recomend YHM rails for this.

cobra · May 4, 2011

Chad thanks.
So cut off stock front sight. Then add aftermarket front sight to take it's place?
Adding a flip up rear sight is no problem since it already has the flat top rail.

The end goal is to if needed or wanted. Be able to go back to open sights, but I understand the stock carry handle sight won't work with mod'ed front sight.
Thanks all for the input

jimbobborg · May 5, 2011

Don't worry about the front sight. With a proper scope mount, AR specific, you won't see the front sight at all after you crank it past 2x.

Jim

Silverlode · May 6, 2011

The proper way is to cut the Front Tower off leaving the lower gas block. You can also install a longer FF Rail to cover the gas block. I recomend YHM rails for this.

There is a very good youtube video walking through this process. Sorry I don't have the link, but should turn up in a search. I was considering this a while back on one of my ARs as I didn't like the post in my EOTech sight picture.

4g64loser · May 6, 2011

I agree with Chad. I just did one for the kid that works at the shop. He got his hands on a never used Bushmaster HBAR bbl with nothing but the front sight, gas tube, and barrel extension on it. He wants to build it into a DMR, and I figured it would be a good chance for him to learn. So we knocked the front sight off, and I showed him how to cut it off, then flatten and round it. He used my Varminter as a model. It isn't hard. cut it off, then grind to contour. In his case, I'm gonna plug it all up, then parkerize it again.

Don't be afraid to try.

cobra · Jun 5, 2011

Not to dig up an old post but.
I finally mounted up my new Nikon M223 scope. Also used the free mount it came with as part of the promotional deal they had. Quality mount and scope.

Now when looking thru the scope on low power. If you look for it. You'll faintlly see the front sight post. Otherwise a non issue.

On the higher power you can't see any of the post.
So do those wondering about useing this scope but at the same time seeing the front sight post in the picture.
Forget about it. It's a non issue and a good option if you want to switch from open sights to scope.

Mounting the scope was straight forward. Lay a level on the rail. Next level on the scope. Aligned it to have the recommended 4" of eye relief that puts mount at the very front of the flat top rail.

So far I'm very happy with my choice. Everything I've read and seen sugest this a very good option for the AR platform useing the 55 grain bullet.
Thanks to all that help with their input.

Now I just need to find range time to sight this baby in.

Russ D · Jun 5, 2011

cobra said:
Not to dig up an old post but.
I finally mounted up my new Nikon M223 scope. Also used the free mount it came with as part of the promotional deal they had. Quality mount and scope.

Now when looking thru the scope on low power. If you look for it. You'll faintlly see the front sight post. Otherwise a non issue.

On the higher power you can't see any of the post.
So do those wondering about useing this scope but at the same time seeing the front sight post in the picture.
Forget about it. It's a non issue and a good option if you want to switch from open sights to scope.

Mounting the scope was straight forward. Lay a level on the rail. Next level on the scope. Aligned it to have the recommended 4" of eye relief that puts mount at the very front of the flat top rail.

So far I'm very happy with my choice. Everything I've read and seen sugest this a very good option for the AR platform useing the 55 grain bullet.
Thanks to all that help with their input.

Now I just need to find range time to sight this baby in.

AR Front sight

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