Does a fixed front sight interfere with magnified optics?

[jgalt]

I'm 99% sure I'm going to be buying a Noveske N4 Light Recce (16" middy) this coming week, and I'm 95% sure that at some point in the future I'm going to be putting some type of magnified optic on it like an S&B Short Dot, an ACOG, or something similar. I need to know if having a fixed front sight will interfere with my sight picture through an optic like this. I can afford to get the low profile version if I have to, but I'd really rather get the Basic version and save the $550!

Thanks for any & all replies!

[molsen]

I've used ACOGs, Short Dots, and Leupolds with fixed front sites many times over the years, and while I can see the FSP thru the scope, it doesn't bother me. I don't even notice it unless I'm actually looking for it. If you're focusing on the target and reticle, you won't notice it at all.

I think you'll be fine. It really is a non-issue.

[jgalt]

I thought (hoped!) that would be the answer, but there's no way to know until I ask... :p Thanks!

Anyone have any differing opinions...?

[sgtmajor]

totally agree with molsen i never really noticed it until i looked for it either. ;)

[Parabellum9x19mm]

the only issue i've had is with magnified red dots. you can still see the front sight post....at least with my set up (ML3 + LT po`boy). i have that optic combo on a rifle with a folding front sight for that very reason

but with more traditional telescopic sights, such as ACOGs, its a non issue. cant even tell the FSB is there.

[rljatl]

What about on 1x such as when using a Short Dot or Swarovsky Z6i 1x-6x? Does the front sight cause problems at 1x?

[The_Katar]

What about on 1x such as when using a Short Dot or Swarovsky Z6i 1x-6x? Does the front sight cause problems at 1x?

Personally I find the front sight very distracting with a Short Dot on 1.1x.

I like it just fine with a true 1x like an Aimpoint.

[rljatl]

Personally I find the front sight very distracting with a Short Dot on 1.1x.

I like it just fine with a true 1x like an Aimpoint.

That's interesting. Can you elaborate a little as to why the 1.1x of the Short Dot is enough different than 1x to make the front sight distracting?

So the Swarovsky should be ok with the front sight because it is a true 1x?

[LOKNLOD]

Personally I find the front sight very distracting with a Short Dot on 1.1x.

I like it just fine with a true 1x like an Aimpoint.


I had the same issue with my Accupoint at 1.25x. The view through an Aimpoint with front sight visible doesn't bother me at all. But the FSB was distracting through the Accupoint at low power. I think part of the problem is that it is mounted lower, so the FSB is more prominent in your sight picture. At 4x the focus is different enough to make it less noticeable.

[tkosiba]

I just mounted a Nightforce 2.5-10 x24 scope on my RRA M4 carbine with a fixed front sight. Placing it on the rail with medium height Warnes mounts left me with a front sight shadow on the 2.5 setting (but would disappear at the higher settings). So I added a detachable a G.G. & G extended riser to it that serves many purposes: Slight increased height to eliminate the front sight shadow, extended forward rail for better eye relief adjustment and the convenience of detaching the fixed scope for use on other AR platforms (i.e. 6.8 SPC upper).