I have a A2 rifle which was issued with standard GI A2 type sights. What I’d like to do is upgrade to NM type sights with their finer grade
of adjustment. I believe that the GI unit is 1 MOA, if I’m not mistaken. What will I have to modify on the upper forging to fit a
new NM A2 sight set-up?? I’d like to get the best possible accuracy
out of this piece. The upper is a Bushie built unit from 1990 and has
exhibited some outstanding accuracy thus far. It would seem logical
to start upgrading with the rear sight first, then move on to a two
stage trigger and eventually, some top tier optics. Thanks!
Nothing if you buy the entire sight assembly. Pick your adjustment values, 1/4 x 1/4, 1/2 x 1/2, etc and your aperture size.
High Power match shooters, who use iron sights, are really the leaders in precise, repeatable rear sights. I know just a little, and some names to check out are: John Holliger of white oak precision and compass lake engineering. I had John modify and “pin” the rear sight. It tracks very precisely, and in smaller increments than GI. It also has capability of different sized inserts, or peep holes, depending on the shooter’s vision, and degree of sun light.
Just buying and slapping on a “national match” rear sight from rock river, or armalite, etc. is not the same as there is much slop and backlash compared to the ones made/modified by the ones mentioned, as well as others, I’m sure.
It all depends on your goals; man sized targets, the stock, or “national match” are probably fine. Competition, or the most accuracy given the capability of shooter, barrel, ammo and trigger, then properly rebuilt rear sights are the way to go. The difference in cost should be around $75-$100 for the sight.
Slapping on a “national match” sight does not require modifying the upper, the true match ones usually include necessary mods, such as a closely fitted pin sunk into the upper, to keep the sight tracking true, made by the installer.
Mark
you can take the complete rear sight assembly out and replace it with a NM rear sight assembly. I also recommend that you replace the front sight post. The ‘issue’ front sight posts are too fat to engage a target at 1000 yards, even with the NM front sight you still have to use frame hold to hit the target.
Keep in mind…there is a butt load of clicks to go between the 200 and 600 yard lines. While a 1/4 MOA sounds great on paper…it takes some getting used to. Your A2 sights make it very easy…just put it on 6 and you’re good to go.