brand new to the ar platform. is there a minimum length handguard you have to use in order to attach a flip up front sight? let’s say 9" is comfortable but i want the clearest sight picture possible using a red dot, am i able to put a folding front sight on? sorry to sound dumb, i’m just not a know-it-all and wanna learn right!
Any length will work, but a 9" rail will put the front sight at about the same place as the FSB on a carbine.
Thank you for your reply! That’s how I understood it, but the gas block must be changed, correct?
If you mean that you have a standard FSB, yes it will need to be modified or changed to fit under a rail.
In my opinion, the best option is to have the FSB ground down to fit under the rail. This will retain the superior mounting of the taper pins and if done right it is very low profile. There are a few people that do this mod, or you can do it yourself if you have the basic tools and are even slightly handy.
Edit Post
So, it sounds like a bench grinder and some flat black rust-oleum should do the trick? Thank you, gentlemen. If, by chance, you have pictures (and care to show them) feel free to post. If not, no biggie. Thanks again!
Harv (good guy) posted pics in this thread: