First post here. Been reading for a while, lots of great info. After reading the “Chart” I am looking at the S&W 15’s. I realize that they have no 4150 barrel but the rest of the features seem to pass “Chart” muster and they are readily available in my area. I like the idea of the Optics Ready version because you would not be looking at the front site through your optic of choice. Can this be a problem? Or…is it no big deal because you get so used to it that you do not even notice the front sight anyway?
My other question is about the “Colt political correct era” Sporter Rifles that have the larger trigger and hammer pins, half moon bolt carrier, and the infamous pinned sear block . I have always wondered if these “Political Correct Colts” are considered quality rifles.
Some will tell you they have no problems with the FSB when using optics. I had a high magnification variable scope on a 20" rifle with an FSB. When trying to make precise shots on small targets, the FSB “shadow” drove me crazy. It depends on your setup and you
Using the search feature should yield a great deal of past information/opinions on this subject.
My attitude, which appears to be the popular one, is that on low or no magnification optics a fixed front sight is actually preferable. Many even go so far as to co-witness with a fixed rear sight or folding rear sight kept permanently up (though I personally find this sight picture to be too busy).
On higher magnification optics, it bothers quite a few people.
So… in short, if you’re planning to scope it, no front sight is probably best, if you’re planning to use a red-dot or something like an acog, the sight is fine and may even be desireable, depending on your inclinations.
My other question is about the “Colt political correct era” Sporter Rifles that have the larger trigger and hammer pins, half moon bolt carrier, and the infamous pinned sear block . I have always wondered if these “Political Correct Colts” are considered quality rifles.
Sure they’re still quality rifles. The bolt carrier thing is minor and the pin size and pinned sear block aren’t issues unless you’re trying to install certain aftermarket trigger groups.
It can be VERY distracting depending on the lighting conditions and time spend searching through the optics.
Here is one of the setups I’m using for hunting. During the last bit of daylight… like when all the deer and other critters that need to be shot tend to come out… the front sight is clearly visible and certainly a distraction.
No problem with a red dot… but you will detract a bit from high end traditional glass optics if you have to look around the sight post.
Many people have no problem at all with a FSB in the way, but it does bother me a bit.
As stated, magnified optics could be a problem. Holographic red dot system don’t really bother most people, especially if used with a riser to co-witness in the lower third, and with a folding rear sight.
I run an TA31 ACOG on mine, the FSB 99% of the time is no problem, but if it is lit up in bright light I can see it. If I had the option I would get it with out the FSB and just run a flip up back-up IS.
No, not for me, even when using a 1x4 scope. I’ve ran across a lot of folks who are distracted by the protective wings that bracket the front sight post, when shooting irons. It will probably depend on your ability to concentrate on what the important things are to rifle marksmanship rather than what some may classify as a distraction.
“Usually” the front sight disappears when dialing up the magnification, leaving only a bit of a shadow during certain lighting conditions. I don’t have your setup but on my RRA, I have what is called the “tactical carry handle” which is like a regular handle with the handle part lowered and flattened with a rail on it. Using an ELCAN Specter scope, it is just over the sight so there is no interference but there still is a little tunnel in the mount so I can use the irons when the scope is mounted. Higher over the bore, to be sure, but this isn’t a “precision rifle” either. So, look for a mount for the scope which gets it over the sight and is easily removable for irons.
As far as the other question re: the “big pin” Colts, yes, they are quality rifles, just with a bigger pin to mollify ATF. Adapters are sold to adapt small pin to large and it becomes a non issue most times. As an prior poster stated, there can be issues with trigger groups and possibly other odds and ends but unless you are doing serious modifications, non-issue.
I had a ghosting problem with the scope I had, so I bought a used FSP and cut it. I drilled and installed threaded pins on the sides of the base as the original pin holes did not line up. No more ghosts.
I had a Burris 10X scope on one of my AR’s for a while and did not have any problem with the FSB. The FSB is so out of focus I couldn’t even tell it was there looking through the scope.
I have magnified scopes on my M4(gerys) and as long as I’m not using 4x or lower I don’t see the front sight. At 4x it shows up as a vague looking shadow but it’s not in the way. If I was using low magnification a lot it would get on my nerves but most of the time I use greater magnification than 4x and I never see the front sight. I use Burris (Timberline) 4.5x-14x power scopes and Burris 3x-9x scopes with their PEPR mounts. They work well for me and don’t look huge on a M4 platform.
Tens of thousands of M16’s and M4’s have red dots and ACOGs in the military, virtually all with front sight post. Get it with the front sight base. It’s cheap, it’s strong, it’s effective, and it doesn’t get in the way of most optics. Above 3.5-4x, it’s a non factor. I have no problem with an ACOG and a fixed front sight, or with the red dots and a front sight.
