Budget sights for Across the Course?

[mao0720]

My local range holds Across the course matches about once a month. Id like to give it a try, shooting my 6mmAR varmint rifle in Match Rifle Class. The only problem is the rifle is set up with optics. So here is my question, Would It workout alright to use standard AR15 sights, like an A2 carry handle and an A2 front sight mounted on the end of the barrel until I can get some cash together for a legitimate match front and rear sight? Im not looking to win Camp Perry Here, just want to go out and have a good time and shoot well. Thanks for the help, gents!

 

[swehrman]

The tricky part is probably going to be finding a front sight that will fit your specific barrel diameter. Most of the available front sights are designed for 0.750" barrel diameters. Even some of the A2 clamp on front sights like the following are designed for a 0.750" barrel.

http://www.riflegear.com/p-927-armalite-a2-front-sight-clamp-on-w-screws.aspx

The NRA rules allow for optics to used in XTC matches. If you already have an optic, that might be the better way to accomplish what you're trying to do. You wouldn't have to buy new sights, or have your barrel modified to work with the available front sights.

-- Scott

 

[mao0720]

My barrel is already turned to .750 at the muzzle so no issues there. Would definitely be interesting to shoot magnified optics from a standing position!

 

[swehrman]

If your barrel is already .750, you could use the clamp on A2 front sight and the detachable carry handle. At $45 for the front sight, and another $175 or so for the NM detachable it's probably the cheapest route to go. The front sight would probably hang off the end of the barrel and look slightly silly but it should function just fine.

-- Scott

 

[mao0720]

That was kind of my thought. Ive got and extra railed gas block that I will mount to the end of the barrel and put a detachable front sight on, then Ill just get a NM carry handle to use with it.

 

[rminut]

I am going to back up Scott on this one and recommend you just shoot with the scope, hopefully its a variable and you can dial it down. Your positions will be the biggest factor anyway, or lack thereof. Why spend any money until you decide you want to pursue it regularly. Maybe one of the shooters can let you look through their match sights after the match and help you decide to spend the money on a true match rifle setup.

 

[akajun]

Short answer is yes. The ar15 NM sight can be made as reliable and repeatable as a quality match rifle sight, especially the pinned versions offered by WOA and others. Even non pinned NM sights like the RRA can be very good if fitted properly. The disadvantage of the ar15 sight system is the sight radius, not the sights themselves. Dont try what your going to do with a standard carry handle though, military sights are very course.
That said If I was you I'd haunt the shooting forums for a used RPA or Centra rear sight which can usually be had for 2-250$ or so. Honestly even an old Redfield that you could check out its backlash with a dial indicator would work. For a front sight, again find a used Lipiski base or ladder sight of various makes for about $100. If you dont like it, you could always sell them for what you have in them.