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Posted: 5/17/2024 2:17:12 PM EST
A2 with adjustable sights or A2 with field sights?




I think I prefer the field sights on a carbine. These are two recent carbines of mine: A 723-ish and XM4-ish. Both with Colt SOCOM barrels. I actually like the way the little bit of extra barrel weight under the handguards balances them.
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 3:18:44 PM EST
[#1]
Nice builds!

Field sights for me.
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 3:29:31 PM EST
[#2]
Out of those two I prefer the a2 sights. That being said give me a m4a1 over those.
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 3:32:20 PM EST
[#3]
Field sights
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 3:36:08 PM EST
[#4]
Field sights and light profile barrel (723) for me.
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 3:44:26 PM EST
[#5]
A2 sights for me.
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 4:32:42 PM EST
[#6]

The bottom one.

I have one, a2 sights.


Link Posted: 5/17/2024 5:57:12 PM EST
[#7]
727 all the way.
777 even better.
A2
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 7:07:01 PM EST
[#8]
I've got a A2 carry handle/ socom build I love but it was built durring the dry times of $899 c7 uppers. Someday I'll convert to field sight orthodoxy.
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 7:11:03 PM EST
[#9]
I'll admit I think A2s have the best aesthetics. I'm an older millenial, so A2s were what the cool guys carried when I was kid, and an A2 was my first issued rifle. But for a light handy K.I.S.S. carbine, field sights are growing on me. For a 20" rifle I still prefer A2 sights. But at the end of the day this is ARF, so I had to get both.
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 7:23:38 PM EST
[#10]
Field sights, but I don’t have a strong preference one way or the other.
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 8:43:16 PM EST
[#11]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Field sights and light profile barrel (723) for me.
View Quote

This /\/\/\    Although, I do have examples of both.
Link Posted: 5/19/2024 7:57:27 AM EST
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

This /\/\/\    Although, I do have examples of both.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Field sights and light profile barrel (723) for me.

This /\/\/\    Although, I do have examples of both.

Stupid light and handy.
Link Posted: 5/19/2024 1:57:30 PM EST
[#13]


Field sights and pencil barrels
Link Posted: 5/19/2024 8:34:50 PM EST
[#14]
Definitely field sights and pencil barrels  
Even better in 733 configuration with the 11.5 barrel.
Link Posted: 5/20/2024 8:16:15 AM EST
[#15]
Link Posted: 5/20/2024 10:23:49 AM EST
[#16]
Field sights, BUT with an actual A2 aperture.
Link Posted: 5/20/2024 11:08:48 AM EST
[#17]
I like the aesthetics of it with the A2 sights. It looks even better with a mid-length
Link Posted: 5/20/2024 10:56:46 PM EST
[#18]
I thought you built both so you didn't have to choose.
Link Posted: 5/21/2024 12:06:46 AM EST
[#19]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Field sights, BUT with an actual A2 aperture.
View Quote

I'd rather just have a same-plane choice of large or small apertures.

A1 front post is slightly thinner to get a better sight picture.
Link Posted: 5/21/2024 11:23:49 AM EST
[#20]
I was thinking about it for a long time and I just cannot decide. In 90 percent the field sights are more than sufficient on a carbine, still I like the A2 sights a lot. When they came out I loved them and thought how much more modern they were, but I seldom really needed them.

With the M4 style barrel I like the A2 sights more I'd say, but I also love a thin barreled M723 with field sights.

Link Posted: 5/23/2024 6:22:42 AM EST
[#21]
All the Above!
Link Posted: 5/24/2024 5:10:42 AM EST
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I thought you built both so you didn't have to choose.
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Absolutely. Just always interested in hearing other folks' perspectives.
Link Posted: 5/24/2024 5:20:36 AM EST
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I always felt that the A2 sight was silly on a carbine
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Same. And I am not an A2 sight hater. I objectively think they are superior than A1 sights on a full-size service rifle. I just think field sights make more sense on a carbine. One could argue that as carbines replaced full-length rifles as the primary service weapon in the Army there was a benefit to adopting A2 sights for carbines, but the almost simultaneous adoption of flat-tops and optics kind of makes that argument irrelevant.

That being said, I 100% think the A2 upper is cooler looking. And, at the end of the day, that is what is most important for larping in gramma's basement.
Link Posted: 5/24/2024 5:21:10 AM EST
[#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
All the Above!
View Quote

/thread
Link Posted: 5/24/2024 5:34:20 AM EST
[#25]
Link Posted: 5/24/2024 6:56:23 AM EST
[#26]
I like both.  When making a 14.5 clone, I'd pick the A2, but nothing wrong with the A1 either.

Nice builds in your pic OP!
Link Posted: 5/24/2024 7:30:41 AM EST
[#27]
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We could be friends
Link Posted: 5/24/2024 8:07:43 AM EST
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
With the increased use of 75-77 grain bullets it makes more sense.

I could see myself being much more comfortable taking shots at 400+
View Quote


20 yrs ago was shooting a M4A1 with CH in All Army Matches out to 500yds (Mk262 ammo).  You can see the white paint on the windage knob for 300yd zero
Attachment Attached File

Link Posted: 5/24/2024 8:12:20 AM EST
[#29]
Between those 2, the top on with the field sights but I prefer shorter with an M4 stock...

Link Posted: 5/24/2024 9:13:36 AM EST
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

We could be friends
https://i.vgy.me/QKrZkv.jpg
View Quote



@JustDaniel Which red dot / mount is that in the carry handle?
Link Posted: 5/24/2024 11:59:04 AM EST
[#31]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



@JustDaniel Which red dot / mount is that in the carry handle?
View Quote

@Accountant30339 PA SLx 1x prism on their carry handle adapter. I use an acog screw/nut instead of the one that comes with the PA ????
Link Posted: 5/24/2024 4:15:42 PM EST
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Nice builds!

Field sights for me.
View Quote

I'll take the top one with the bottom one's handguards.
Link Posted: 5/25/2024 9:19:08 AM EST
[#33]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Between those 2, the top on with the field sights but I prefer shorter with an M4 stock...

https://i.imgur.com/hsLapqx.jpg
View Quote

733 is peak pre-flat top.
Link Posted: 5/26/2024 2:59:22 PM EST
[#34]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Field sights, BUT with an actual A2 aperture.
View Quote


This is the winning setup
Link Posted: 5/26/2024 3:02:51 PM EST
[#35]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Field sights, BUT with an actual A2 aperture.
View Quote


This is the way

14.5” skinny

A1 upper

ghost ring A2 aperture



Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 5/26/2024 3:17:21 PM EST
[#36]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


This is the way

14.5” skinny

A1 upper

ghost ring A2 aperture



https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2275/IMG_7170_jpeg-3224137.JPG
View Quote

That looks great.
Link Posted: 5/26/2024 3:40:58 PM EST
[#37]
when did A1 sights start being called "field sights"?
Link Posted: 5/26/2024 4:23:58 PM EST
[#38]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
when did A1 sights start being called "field sights"?
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
when did A1 sights start being called "field sights"?

In the context of "A2" configurations. It's kind of the blurred line in the change of generations.

Quoted:
Quoted:
This is the way

14.5” skinny

A1 upper

ghost ring A2 aperture
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2275/IMG_7170_jpeg-3224137.JPG

That looks great.

In midlength it would be perfect. If you could get those skinny handguards in midlength. And I'd prefer a C7 upper with the bump.
Link Posted: 5/26/2024 9:05:18 PM EST
[#39]
Link Posted: 5/26/2024 11:50:02 PM EST
[#40]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
In midlength it would be perfect. If you could get those skinny handguards in midlength. And I'd prefer a C7 upper with the bump.
View Quote


Well....then it wouldn't be a Colt 653 clone



Link Posted: 5/27/2024 4:25:13 AM EST
[#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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Quoted:
Quoted:
In midlength it would be perfect. If you could get those skinny handguards in midlength. And I'd prefer a C7 upper with the bump.


Well....then it wouldn't be a Colt 653 clone



https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/US_Army_Rangers_field_excercise.jpg/1024px-US_Army_Rangers_field_excercise.jpg

Username checks out.
Link Posted: 5/27/2024 4:30:18 AM EST
[#42]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


20 yrs ago was shooting a M4A1 with CH in All Army Matches out to 500yds (Mk262 ammo).  You can see the white paint on the windage knob for 300yd zero
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32677/george_300yd_prone2_JPG-3222123.JPG
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
With the increased use of 75-77 grain bullets it makes more sense.

I could see myself being much more comfortable taking shots at 400+


20 yrs ago was shooting a M4A1 with CH in All Army Matches out to 500yds (Mk262 ammo).  You can see the white paint on the windage knob for 300yd zero
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32677/george_300yd_prone2_JPG-3222123.JPG

90's Special Forces Rifle [CAR15 - Colt 723 - 727 - XM4] to 500yds Practical Accuracy

They put an XM4 clone through the paces at 500 yards in this video. This video inspired me to build an XM4 with a SOCOM barrel.
Link Posted: 5/27/2024 6:42:28 AM EST
[#43]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Back in the 1980's. Read the 711 ad copy

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/91277/Colt_Catalog_1-2066724.jpg
View Quote
they also call the 711 an M16A2
Link Posted: 5/27/2024 6:52:40 AM EST
[#44]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
they also call the 711 an M16A2
View Quote
It was considered an "A2" model by Colt, commercially.

You're thinking US military designations. Colt was thinking marketing.

The A2 upgrades they advertised were:
1/7 twist
A2 pistol grip
A2 butt stock and handguard material (improved polymer composition)
A2 square front sight post
case deflector
round forward assist
Delta ring

Not advertised - A2 lower receiver reinforcement, which you didn't get by default, but some COTS purchases spec'd it in the contract. Colt preferred to exhaust their stockpile of A1 lowers first (even with A2 markings on them).
Link Posted: 5/27/2024 8:20:39 AM EST
[#45]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


This is the way

14.5” skinny

A1 upper

ghost ring A2 aperture



https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2275/IMG_7170_jpeg-3224137.JPG
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Field sights, BUT with an actual A2 aperture.


This is the way

14.5” skinny

A1 upper

ghost ring A2 aperture



https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2275/IMG_7170_jpeg-3224137.JPG


So what zero ranges are people finding work well with an A2 sight aperture in an A1 carry handle upper?

It seems to me one could zero the fine peep (within the resolution of the front sight) at 50 / 200ish and take whatever the flatter trajectory yields on the ghost ring.

Or, zero the ghost ring at 100, and get a longer range, higher trajectory sub-50 / 200++ on the fine peep.

The 5-position A1 front sight post might also come in handy for a little finer resolution on elevation.
Link Posted: 5/27/2024 8:58:52 AM EST
[#46]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

That looks great.
View Quote

Link Posted: 5/27/2024 9:13:07 AM EST
[#47]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

In the context of "A2" configurations. It's kind of the blurred line in the change of generations.


In midlength it would be perfect. If you could get those skinny handguards in midlength. And I'd prefer a C7 upper with the bump.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
when did A1 sights start being called "field sights"?

In the context of "A2" configurations. It's kind of the blurred line in the change of generations.

Quoted:
Quoted:
This is the way

14.5” skinny

A1 upper

ghost ring A2 aperture
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2275/IMG_7170_jpeg-3224137.JPG

That looks great.

In midlength it would be perfect. If you could get those skinny handguards in midlength. And I'd prefer a C7 upper with the bump.

Attachment Attached File


Definitely has a certain iron sight, KISS, Zen kinda vibe to it.  
Link Posted: 5/27/2024 9:53:11 AM EST
[#48]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


It seems to me one could zero the fine peep (within the resolution of the front sight) at 50 / 200ish and take whatever the flatter trajectory yields on the ghost ring.
View Quote


Went this route.
Link Posted: 5/27/2024 9:41:42 PM EST
[#49]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
If that Carbine has a Delta ring, wouldn't that make it an early 723?
Link Posted: 5/27/2024 10:05:09 PM EST
[#50]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
If that Carbine has a Delta ring, wouldn't that make it an early 723?
View Quote



I've seen 653's with either style

THE BLACK RIFLE has a pic of a COLT poster from 1970, is shows a delta ring and 14.5" barrel

page 287


Attachment Attached File
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