Proper approach for iron sights (cheapo build)?

[Blimey]

For a cheap ar15 build--too cheap for optics worth owning--the approach is iron sights. Which of these three is the best option?

1) Get a free float hand guard that goes above a low profile gas block, then mount the front sight directly to the hand guard. Obviously any flexing in the hand guard will affect the front sight
2) Free float hand guard that is just short of the gas block, and use a gas block either with a built in front sight, or a gas block that has a picatiny rail so that a sight could then be mounted to it. I guess alignment could be a real pita though
3) Free float goes over low profile gas block, then clamp a sight directly to the barrel just in front of it. This also increases sight radius.

3 seems nice to me because then if the iron sights are dumped at some point you're not stuck with them. But I don't want to amateur hour this either (notwithstanding fact too cheap for good optics).

 

[GUNSICK]

All 3 would work. #2 you would need a gas block height front sight. #3 will be the hardest to find but they are out there. I have a set by YHM made for the Bushmaster ORC rifles but aren't made any more. They fit over a cut down A2 sight but can be clamped further out on the barrel if you wanted.

 

[Podmonkey]

Um..... Why not stick with a basic FSP and carry handle then? Nothing wrong with the old school layout if cheap, simple and effective is what your after. In anycase, for dedicated irons use a sight base pinned to the barrel is preferable.

 

[Acer-m14]

who need sights .. come on ... natural point of aim .. hehehe ...

 

[Blimey]

Thanks for posts so far.

That girl in the vid, wow.

 

[Snappo]

For a cheap ar15 build--too cheap for optics worth owning--the approach is iron sights. Which of these three is the best option?

1) Get a free float hand guard that goes above a low profile gas block, then mount the front sight directly to the hand guard. Obviously any flexing in the hand guard will affect the front sight
2) Free float hand guard that is just short of the gas block, and use a gas block either with a built in front sight, or a gas block that has a picatiny rail so that a sight could then be mounted to it. I guess alignment could be a real pita though
3) Free float goes over low profile gas block, then clamp a sight directly to the barrel just in front of it. This also increases sight radius.

3 seems nice to me because then if the iron sights are dumped at some point you're not stuck with them. But I don't want to amateur hour this either (notwithstanding fact too cheap for good optics).

Why not get a flat top free floated that's great for target / varmint; and then throw an EOTech 556 on it when you feel like going without glass? Get the EOTech with the longer snoot and do the AA batteries. I have the N size; but I buy those in lots of 20 on Amazon. AA means you can get replacement batteries at any gas station when you are out and about. And it's one quick turn screw you do by hand and you can throw it on any of your flat tops.

 

[Marine Cpl]

You can get a cheap, rugged red dot sight for 89.99 that's cheaper than buying quality iron sights.

Primary Arms Micro Dot With Removable Base MD-RBGII

This red dot has been dragged by a truck and had it's glass cracked, frozen in a freezer, heated in an oven, and it still held zero when put through torture tests on YouTube.

 

[Deplorable Me]

If you're looking for cheap alternates try some of the airsoft look alike stuff. Probably made in China.

I use to do airsoft mechanic work for son and friends, some interesting stuff.

Cheap but serviceable.

 

[Blimey]

You can get a cheap, rugged red dot sight for 89.99 that's cheaper than buying quality iron sights.

Primary Arms Micro Dot With Removable Base MD-RBGII

This red dot has been dragged by a truck and had it's glass cracked, frozen in a freezer, heated in an oven, and it still held zero when put through torture tests on YouTube.

Been reading about this. It does indeed look like a decent one for a pretty low price. I generally trust amazon reviews but all these great reviews for $25 reflex sights I think are total bunk. The PA one looks pretty legit.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Check out the torture tests.

Primary Arms Micro Dot Torture Tests - Google Search

 

[Prudii]

I'll second the PA red dot, their stuff might not be made in the USA but it's still reasonablely good quality for the price.

If you do want iron sights any of the 3 you mentioned are good.
I actually kinda like the traditional a frame front sight. Good luck finding a removable carry handle though.

 

[GTN]

You can get a cheap, rugged red dot sight for 89.99 that's cheaper than buying quality iron sights.

Primary Arms Micro Dot With Removable Base MD-RBGII

This red dot has been dragged by a truck and had it's glass cracked, frozen in a freezer, heated in an oven, and it still held zero when put through torture tests on YouTube.

Have this one on my Mini 14. Really nice RD and great customer service. Mine suddenly wouldn't hold zero. They sent another that day.
I've been looking at this one lately for my bedside 9mm Carbine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KOOEZ6W/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I28Q02MX0SMIDD&colid=69JVRN42DA9R
Something I really like is the auto off/auto on feature

 

[Phauxtoe]

Iron sights are not a bad thing!
I LOVE peepsights, watch those Olympic shooters use them!

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I third Primary arms. I had purchased an older version of their Advanced 30mm red dot and have been very happy with it. I ended up breaking the power/illumination setting knob and they sent me a complete replacement red dot no questions asked. So great CS also!

 

[FrankenCub]

I'm another one for the PA RD, they are made by Holosun. I went with the Holosun only because it had different reticle options. The PA sights have held up to the worst people could throw at them, they just work. Can't beat that.
I have to admit though, I'm going to try some cheap Amazon irons just because. My eyes are worse than they were a year ago so they may not be so friendly for me.
So when those irons fail me, I have my Holosun lol.

 

[Blimey]

You can get a cheap, rugged red dot sight for 89.99 that's cheaper than buying quality iron sights.

Primary Arms Micro Dot With Removable Base MD-RBGII

This red dot has been dragged by a truck and had it's glass cracked, frozen in a freezer, heated in an oven, and it still held zero when put through torture tests on YouTube.

I decided this was the best route. The online reviews are for their $170 micro unit (and reviews are overwhelmingly gushing), but a few responses on amazon questions for this vs the micro unit, from primary arms, seem to indicate the main differences are that the micro unit has digital buttons instead of a dial and a 50k battery life instead of 1k. Arrives today, thanks for the heads up. I think it will be much more satisfying than iron sights.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I decided this was the best route. The online reviews are for their $170 micro unit (and reviews are overwhelmingly gushing), but a few responses on amazon questions for this vs the micro unit, from primary arms, seem to indicate the main differences are that the micro unit has digital buttons instead of a dial and a 50k battery life instead of 1k. Arrives today, thanks for the heads up. I think it will be much more satisfying than iron sights.

My dad has the one I linked for 89 bucks. I have the Advanced Micro Dot that's more expensive but the 5 year battery is worth it.

I used to have an Aimpoint Micro but I sold it to fund another gun. Besides a slight tint in the glass, I think they are compatible to one another in terms of ruggedness.