What is it about those systems that you guys prefer?
Strong points, weak spots?
There are two main categories of rear sights; fixed and folding. There are reasons behind each and which you choose invariably falls to what TTP's (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) you adhere to and what optic setup you're using.
To expound upon this, when using a magnified or variable optic, your BUIS (Back Up Iron Sight) obviously needs to be out of the way (either for proper eye-relief, optic length, or both). So, if you're running something like an ACOG or Accupoint and run a BUIS, you're going to need something both folding and low-profile. If you're using a RDS (Red Dot Sight), you can run either: Here's where TTP's fall into play.
There are three basic TTP's in regards to what to do if/when your RDS fails (assuming a fixed front sight, which I always advocate). If you have a
folding BUIS and the RDS fails, you can (time barring) flip it up. If the threat is more immediate (
right fucking now!!) and you run a
folding BUIS you can disregard the BUIS and utilize the body of your RDS as a bigass ghost right and center your front sight in it. If you run a
fixed BUIS, they're right there, just use them.
With either setup, one needs to consider what kind of optic mount to use. Namely, how it attaches and what sight plane it uses (either 100% cowitness or a lower 1/3rd cowitness). To explain the differences between the who, here are some pictures from a thread on another forum
link I suggest ya'll give it a read for further education on the subject.
Basically, what it breaks down to is: How much of the FSB (Front Sight Block) and rear BUIS do you want in the way? For a RDS, I like fixed BUIS on the front and rear with a lower 1/3rd height optic mount. The FSB doesn't get in the way as much and you can simply tuck your head down if BUIS are needed. For magnified optics, I prefer a fixed FSB with a folding rear. In the event of optic breakage or other failure it will need to be removed to use the sights, obviously. In this case, a quality (such as LaRue) QD mount should be used. There is a recent trend to go against QD optic mounts for RDS's and I think the main advocates of them have never spider-webbed the glass on a RDS so bad that it can't be seen through clearly. So, in regards to optics, go with QD.
Alright. So down to brass tacks. There are features I really like on BUIS, whether fixed or folding. These include:
-Non-QD (your rear sight, aside from extremely special-application purposes, never has to be removed).
-Dual aperture (this means both a peep and the larger O-2 sight)
-Windage adjustable*
-Solid mounting system (IE:
Not a thumb screw)
For fixed sights, here's what I like:
Daniel Defense A1.5Why I like it: Low profile, hard to accidentally knock out of whack (due to the A1 style sight adjustment)
This is my #1 fixed sight. There are many nearly exactly like it, such as
LaRue LT103Same idea but easier to adjust windage. Yes, it's QD but it's LaRue so it's solid.
Troy FixedOnce again, easier to adjust but non-QD.
Calvary Armsand more...
For folding sights, here's what I like:
Troy FoldingEasy to adjust, low-profile. Good stuff
Arms #40LGood sight that fits under even the largest optics. Windage is easy to adjust but also easier to dick up.
Midwest IndustriesProbably the closest you'll get to a regular A2 sight in a folding package
KACExtremely low-profile. Adjusts for elevation and windage (even though elevation isn't on my, 'need' list). My
absolute favorite rear sight is the FN copy of this, the folding SCAR BUIS.
There are several other options around but these are my preferences.
You guys would really trust some of those little sights for an extended WROL scenario?
Absolutely. I would choose any of the above over a full carry handle or anything with a thumb screw knob like the LMT.
*the reason why I don't include elevation adjustment as a required option is the following:
-AR's are pointy-clicky out to 300m depending on setup. This means that elevation adjustment isn't need for the vast vast majority of combat shooting
-The inclusion of elevation adjustment means both a more complex and bulky mechanism (with the exclusion of the KAC/FN rears)
