Carry Handle / A2 Style Rear Sight Questions
Of all the years I've been shooting and learning about ARs I haven't shot an A2 rear sight or carry handle much. I got a carry handle about 4 years ago, and sold it for preference to an optic before I even mounted it.
I just got a 6920 (put it on layaway two months ago and got it for a steal compared to current prices...sorry, had to brag) and I'm putting a carry handle on another AR. I decided to go Colt and ordered from a reputable dealer on this board (who I've ordered much from in the past). Although advertised as new, it's disappointing in appearance. Old dried grease, covered in scuff marks and dings all over, worn anodizing on the knobs. Looks like it was sitting on a garage shelf for years. It has the correct markings and such, and I don't doubt it's a Colt. Other than that, it looks nothing like the NEW carry handle on my 6920. I just got it last night and I'm thinking HARD on asking for a replacement. Never sent anything back for cosmetics before. I could have bought one on the boards in this condition for half of what I paid. :mad:
My greater concern is this, but I wonder if it is standard. When I was looking at the carry handle from above, I noticed that the rear sight base seemed a little of kilter, leaning left. When I grabbed it I could easily push it right to become flush. When I would let go, it would spring back to the left again. So, I went to my new 6920. The rear sight base was also leaning left, but not as much. It could be moved right but the spring tension was MUCH tighter, and it would instantly spring back left much faster.
Is this all normal? I'm assuming so, but like I said, I'm ignorant on these parts. Function is the main thing for me here. If this obviously older carry handle is gonna have sighting issues. It's definitely going back.