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Thread: Gas block mounted front sight?

  1. #1
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    Gas block mounted front sight?

    Ok guys, I understand the gas block is less than ideal as a front sight mounting location, but is there a solution that is at least remotely feasible?

    I have normal 2 piece standard hand guards on my rifle (armalite... I know... it's already got a BCM bcg and charging handle, been working on other reliability improvements, it's been good to me so far), and no real desire to hang a quad rail etc on the gun, just not anything I need.

    I would like to have a reliable backup sight solution though, and the only rail on my gun other than the receiver is the front gas block. I have an EOtech 512 as primary, I like the FOV etc, and I am comfortable with it. Just need a SHTF backup solution.

    Any thoughts?

    Thanks
    Will
    Last edited by wburns; 03-10-13 at 17:38.

  2. #2
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    Anything metal will work. Troy, DD, KAC, etc.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by SpankMonkey View Post
    Anything metal will work. Troy, DD, KAC, etc.
    That's not accurate.

    Most railed gas blocks have their picatinny rail at a lower plane than your upper receiver. Not every manufacturer makes a front sight that will accommodate this. Troy does, but it IS a different model than their normal front sight and is noticeably taller.

    S&W railed gas blocks are receiver height, but most other companies use the lower-plane railed gas blocks, which I ASSume Armalite also uses. You'll want to find out for sure though.

    And I know this next part isn't what you're lookin for, but in my experience its simpler to sell that upper and get one setup the way you're looking for. Railed gas blocks with flip sights (that almos always have to be mounted backwards to fold flat) are a pain in the ass.
    Last edited by Sanpete; 03-10-13 at 18:08.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by SpankMonkey View Post
    Anything metal will work. Troy, DD, KAC, etc.
    All great choices... NO Magpul or other "plastic" sights.
    my buddy bought a S&W o.p. and learned that the tough way.
    I'm a fan of the Troy but it's going to be your sight and then sometimes come downs to what's the best deal you can find at the time your looking.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sanpete View Post
    That's not accurate.

    Most railed gas blocks have their picatinny rail at a lower plane than your upper receiver. Not every manufacturer makes a front sight that will accommodate this. Troy does, but it IS a different model than their normal front sight and is noticeably taller.

    S&W railed gas blocks are receiver height, but most other companies use the lower-plane railed gas blocks, which I ASSume Armalite also uses. You'll want to find out for sure though.

    And I know this next part isn't what you're lookin for, but in my experience its simpler to sell that upper and get one setup the way you're looking for. Railed gas blocks with flip sights (that almos always have to be mounted backwards to fold flat) are a pain in the ass.
    It is pretty easy to find out if you have a same plane gas block. Also, why would he sell the upper just because of the gas block lol. This isnt tos, most here are capable of swapping a gas block, or, shipping it out to have it done. And lol on the flip gas block comment. I've yet to see someone mount one backwards.

    Imo just use a standard fsb and use it as a co witness. Best way to go bar none. Many on here with scopes, dots, etc use em with no issue what so ever. Best way to go bar none.
    From TOS ... "buy the shit out of that thing, all the mil spec is just nonsense."

  6. #6
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    IMO, replace your forearm with a free float that covers the gas block...then mount to the rails on the forearm.
    A man with a gun is a citizen. A man without a gun is a subject.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by sinister View Post
    Actually, putting the front sight on the gas block is preferred -- your pointer is actually on the "Bullet hose" itself as opposed to a plane that ain't moving (while the barrel whips and vibrates like a tuning fork).
    I just got home and haven't checked to see if the gas block was on a different plane (physically lower) than the receiver. If the GB is lower, what would be an ideal rear sight setup to compensate?

    It seems like in a perfect world the GB would be ideal, I definitely searched around, I've seen opinions both ways. I am just trying to find an ideal solution.

    Thank you for the input so far guys, I definitely do appreciate it.


    Will

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    I used Troy for the short time I had my S&W as my primary evil rifle.

    The railed gas block on mine is taller than the receiver.
    Last edited by Zane1844; 03-10-13 at 21:45.

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    Midwest Industries makes a sight too.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by wburns View Post
    I just got home and haven't checked to see if the gas block was on a different plane (physically lower) than the receiver. If the GB is lower, what would be an ideal rear sight setup to compensate?

    It seems like in a perfect world the GB would be ideal, I definitely searched around, I've seen opinions both ways. I am just trying to find an ideal solution.

    Thank you for the input so far guys, I definitely do appreciate it.


    Will
    I dont know of a valid way to compensate for the lower gas block height by means of the rear sight. I have an upper with a railed gas block that sits lower than the receiver rail. I have the Troy gas block folding sight and I havent had a problem with it. I dont have it mounted backwards and it folds down perfectly with standard handguards and Magpul handguards. A bonus is that it has a qd sling swivel slot on each side, although I cannot attest to their true functionality because I have never attached my sling to the sight other than test fitting.
    Last edited by FriggetyFrak; 03-11-13 at 08:50.

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