Front sight impact on image quality...Specifically on an AR Flattop

[TnTom]

With the scope mounted at a height that looks "through" the front sight, how affected is the sight picture? I can't tell the front sight is in the view and can't see any affect but not sure why.

Would the picture quality be any better if the sight were not there? I haven't shot the rifle yet still waiting for a decent day to go.

The scope is a 36x Leupold on a RRA NM. Just looking at a target at 100ys I can't tell the view is interrupted by the front sight.

Can someone explain what is happening. Will I notice any difference in clearity at targets at greater distances?

 

[kentuckytroutbum]

TnTom-

You didn't state for "what" purpose you will be using the AR. Shooting matches, varmit hunting, or both?
Usually the NM versions of the AR's have fixed rear sight assm. for shooting NRA Service Rifle matches. I am surprised that you have an A3 version on a NM platform.

You have several options to consider: If the sight is not bothering you, you could leave it on as is. But, if you intend to use it as a 'varmiter", and not using the iron sights, then you could change out the front sight/gas block assm. Which is fairly easy to do, requiring only pin punches. Larue Tactical makes a "gas block" for AR's which are low profile, and don't have a front sight, and are pinned to the barrel, with a mounting recess for the gas tube. You might check with White Oak Precision, or Brownell's for gas blocks also. You will need to know the diameter of the barrel at the existing front sight assm. to ensure that you get the correct diameter, as Larue & others have them available in various diameters. It sounds more complicated than it really is, but I have built 4 AR's from scratch, and its not difficult provided you have the right tools.

Also, if you change out the gas block, I would seriously look at also installing a free floating handguard, which takes any pressure off of the barrel, and greatly improves accuracy. Also, stock triggers on AR's are horrible, and Jewell, Gieselle, Jard, etc. make great two stage adjustable triggers.

Bill

 

[TnTom]

Thanks Bill,
I appreciate the feedback. Mostly I'll shoot 100,200 BR and some 600 yd F-Class.

Its actually an A4 with an RRA detachable carry handle with 1/4x1/4x.040 NM sights. It has an LRB Lower with the RRA NM 2 stage trigger which is really nice about 2.5lbs 2nd stage let off. Its really smooth. It does have a free floated hand guard. 1:8

I have an A2 Colt lower with a WOA upper 1:7 with double pinned 1/4 x 1/4 rear sight which i use for the MR600 yd match events. I added a JB Interprises single stage trigger that I like very well for the 600 yd prone match events

I happen to run across the Leupold at a pretty good price so I decided to try it on the A4 and when I was mounting it it dawned on me the front sight would be in the line of sight. I proceeded just to see what I would see and found that the front sight was not visible nor does it seem to influence the quality of the picture at the target. I did some further checking and it seems the front sight would interfere with a lower power scope.

I probbly wont change the gas block/front sight set up immediately and shoot it see how it does then decide.

Tom

 

[fdshuster]

Tom: In the AR pics I sent you, of the Colt flatop, the mounted scope is a Leupold 4-12x that I've used as low as 4x and all the way up to 12x. Never did see the front post at any power setting. In fact, I've never had anything higher than 12x on that flatop, and was pleased to learn that you cannot see it at 36x, so it seems like a non-issue, to me.

 

[TnTom]

I'm real pleased that it worked out that way and with the Burris ring height the cheek weld is perfect. The weather looks good for tomorrow so I'll have a chance to spend the day at the range.
I agree its a non issue. Surprised me though and nice to know that even with powers well below 36x it would not be a problem.