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Posted: 12/1/2015 10:43:31 AM EDT
| Hi all, I have a bushmaster carbon 15 with a red dot sight. It's my first ar-15. This past time at an outdoor range was the longest I had it out in one day. The battery cover and battery popped out of my red dot sight. I know it was tight as I replaced it that morning, because it was left on and the battery was depleted anyway. It got me thinking that if I were ever in a situation where I needed to depend on this rifle to protect my life or others, I would feel uncomfortable depending on a simple battery cover or a battery. Though my handgun is definitely preferred for defense, I'd still like to feel confident in my ar. Can anyone recommend a folding iron sight system that will work with my red dot? I have a magpul moe handguard on the rifle as well. Thanks in advance and I hope I posted this in the right area. |
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Hi all, I have a bushmaster carbon 15 with a red dot sight. It's my first ar-15. This past time at an outdoor range was the longest I had it out in one day. The battery cover and battery popped out of my red dot sight. I know it was tight as I replaced it that morning, because it was left on and the battery was depleted anyway. It got me thinking that if I were ever in a situation where I needed to depend on this rifle to protect my life or others, I would feel uncomfortable depending on a simple battery cover or a battery. Though my handgun is definitely preferred for defense, I'd still like to feel confident in my ar. Can anyone recommend a folding iron sight system that will work with my red dot? I have a magpul moe handguard on the rifle as well. Thanks in advance and I hope I posted this in the right area. It would help to know what red dot you are running. I can highly recommend MBUS pros. |
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What ever you do don't skimp on the Back up sights even if they are "back ups"....
I bought some cheap knock offs one time, they looked just like the Diamondhead ISS sights which I like a lot but were under $50... boy were they junk. They were metal (I don't like polymer sights) but, would not lock in the up position or even the down position and if I was running and gunning you can see them flop a lil bit. |
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Hi all, I have a bushmaster carbon 15 with a red dot sight. It's my first ar-15. This past time at an outdoor range was the longest I had it out in one day. The battery cover and battery popped out of my red dot sight. I know it was tight as I replaced it that morning, because it was left on and the battery was depleted anyway. It got me thinking that if I were ever in a situation where I needed to depend on this rifle to protect my life or others, I would feel uncomfortable depending on a simple battery cover or a battery. Though my handgun is definitely preferred for defense, I'd still like to feel confident in my ar. Can anyone recommend a folding iron sight system that will work with my red dot? I have a magpul moe handguard on the rifle as well. Thanks in advance and I hope I posted this in the right area. You need to think about what the rifle is going to be used for. The reason I say that is if it's intended for close range and "defense" only then I wouldn't put a NM or 'peep' sight on it. My friend and I went shooting the other day and he has a 7.5" upper, but has a KAC 200-600m sight on it. I asked him what he intended on using it for and he said close ranges, room clearing, etc. I asked him they why does he have a small peep sight BUIS that has ranges from 200-600m? He had a puzzled look on his face. I told him with that rifle give him more of an advantage with a "ghost ring" type of rear sight or one with a larger aperture hole. I would tend to choose a quality metal sight vs the polymers. I'm sure there's an argument about polymer magazines but you're more than likely going to have a quick and handy replacement for a messed up mag. However, one is not going to carry around extra BUIS's and then change them out in the heat of the moment. Just something to think about! |
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Quoted: You need to think about what the rifle is going to be used for. The reason I say that is if it's intended for close range and "defense" only then I wouldn't put a NM or 'peep' sight on it. My friend and I went shooting the other day and he has a 7.5" upper, but has a KAC 200-600m sight on it. I asked him what he intended on using it for and he said close ranges, room clearing, etc. I asked him they why does he have a small peep sight BUIS that has ranges from 200-600m? He had a puzzled look on his face. I told him with that rifle give him more of an advantage with a "ghost ring" type of rear sight or one with a larger aperture hole. I would tend to choose a quality metal sight vs the polymers. I'm sure there's an argument about polymer magazines but you're more than likely going to have a quick and handy replacement for a messed up mag. However, one is not going to carry around extra BUIS's and then change them out in the heat of the moment. Just something to think about! Nice avatar, BTW.  |
| I use the rifle solely for target shooting. That being said, it is a weapon that I'd like to be able to depend on to defend me if I ever needed it to. From a backup sight, I'm hoping there's something that folds down and doesn't impede vision through my red rot, but can also flip up when I need it and have a reliable back up option. On the front side I'm hoping there's something that works, given that I have a magpul moe handguard which has limited mouting options. |
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I use the rifle solely for target shooting. That being said, it is a weapon that I'd like to be able to depend on to defend me if I ever needed it to. From a backup sight, I'm hoping there's something that folds down and doesn't impede vision through my red rot, but can also flip up when I need it and have a reliable back up option. On the front side I'm hoping there's something that works, given that I have a magpul moe handguard which has limited mouting options. I might have missed it but what is going on in the front of the rifle? Is it a standard A2, railed gas block, no sight? |
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Quoted: I use the rifle solely for target shooting. That being said, it is a weapon that I'd like to be able to depend on to defend me if I ever needed it to. From a backup sight, I'm hoping there's something that folds down and doesn't impede vision through my red rot, but can also flip up when I need it and have a reliable back up option. On the front side I'm hoping there's something that works, given that I have a magpul moe handguard which has limited mouting options. |
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You're not gonna want to mount a front sight to that. Quoted:
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I use the rifle solely for target shooting. That being said, it is a weapon that I'd like to be able to depend on to defend me if I ever needed it to. From a backup sight, I'm hoping there's something that folds down and doesn't impede vision through my red rot, but can also flip up when I need it and have a reliable back up option. On the front side I'm hoping there's something that works, given that I have a magpul moe handguard which has limited mouting options. Completely agree. The moe's can shift a little bit in the HG retainers/delta assembly so it'll lead to major shifts of POI and loss of zero. |
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Completely agree. The moe's can shift a little bit in the HG retainers/delta assembly so it'll lead to major shifts of POI and loss of zero. Quoted:
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I use the rifle solely for target shooting. That being said, it is a weapon that I'd like to be able to depend on to defend me if I ever needed it to. From a backup sight, I'm hoping there's something that folds down and doesn't impede vision through my red rot, but can also flip up when I need it and have a reliable back up option. On the front side I'm hoping there's something that works, given that I have a magpul moe handguard which has limited mouting options. Completely agree. The moe's can shift a little bit in the HG retainers/delta assembly so it'll lead to major shifts of POI and loss of zero. I agree, it does move a little so I wouldn't want to mount to that. |
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No front sight. I've changed to a lot of magpul parts; magpul moe hand guard, magpul light mount, foregrip, pistol grip and stock. https://www.impactguns.com/Data/Default/Images/uploads/bushmaster/Bush-90689-604206120816-2.jpg What's your budget to make this happen OP? There's going to be a change or two that is going to cost a few bucks to get this to work. |
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I use the rifle solely for target shooting. That being said, it is a weapon that I'd like to be able to depend on to defend me if I ever needed it to. From a backup sight, I'm hoping there's something that folds down and doesn't impede vision through my red rot, but can also flip up when I need it and have a reliable back up option. On the front side I'm hoping there's something that works, given that I have a magpul moe handguard which has limited mouting options. Ok I really don't know what red dot that is but I would suggest a couple of things. First: Go to primary arms and pick up one of their red dots or the micro dots with an absolute co-witness riser IF a red dot is really what you want. They are cheap enough and sturdy enough for the money and won't fail on you like your current red dot did. I'd also agree with what the others said about metal BUIS vs poly ones. Like I said I am partial to MBUS pros. That's about $150-$250 worth of spending between the dot and BUIS there, hopefully that isn't more than you want to spend but like so much else you get what you pay for. You should also be prepared that there is a lot of hate for the carbon 15 here, but range use/plinking I would think it would hold up fine. EDIT: didn't notice until you posted the second pic that you have no front sight and no way to mount one |
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There's a few different ways to go then. 1. You could buy a clamp-on front sight gas block to replace your chopped FSB. 2. Same as #1 but with a railed gas block and use a metal folding front sight. 3. Replace the carbine handguards with any number of FF rails on the market and use a folding front sight. |
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Ok I really don't know what red dot that is but I would suggest a couple of things. First: Go to primary arms and pick up one of their red dots or the micro dots with an absolute co-witness riser IF a red dot is really what you want. They are cheap enough and sturdy enough for the money and won't fail on you like your current red dot did. I'd also agree with what the others said about metal BUIS vs poly ones. Like I said I am partial to MBUS pros. That's about $150-$250 worth of spending between the dot and BUIS there, hopefully that isn't more than you want to spend but like so much else you get what you pay for. You should also be prepared that there is a lot of hate for the carbon 15 here, but range use/plinking I would think it would hold up fine. EDIT: didn't notice until you posted the second pic that you have no front sight and no way to mount one....hmmm I don't know what to tell you now Quoted:
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I use the rifle solely for target shooting. That being said, it is a weapon that I'd like to be able to depend on to defend me if I ever needed it to. From a backup sight, I'm hoping there's something that folds down and doesn't impede vision through my red rot, but can also flip up when I need it and have a reliable back up option. On the front side I'm hoping there's something that works, given that I have a magpul moe handguard which has limited mouting options. Ok I really don't know what red dot that is but I would suggest a couple of things. First: Go to primary arms and pick up one of their red dots or the micro dots with an absolute co-witness riser IF a red dot is really what you want. They are cheap enough and sturdy enough for the money and won't fail on you like your current red dot did. I'd also agree with what the others said about metal BUIS vs poly ones. Like I said I am partial to MBUS pros. That's about $150-$250 worth of spending between the dot and BUIS there, hopefully that isn't more than you want to spend but like so much else you get what you pay for. You should also be prepared that there is a lot of hate for the carbon 15 here, but range use/plinking I would think it would hold up fine. EDIT: didn't notice until you posted the second pic that you have no front sight and no way to mount one....hmmm I don't know what to tell you now Is there no way to add a front sight? I may sound naive, but that's why I'm here. And I hope I don't start a conversation about the carbon 15. I've been very pleased with it, especially as something to learn with. Others are welcome to hate on it and not hurt my feelings but I'd prefer to keep those arguments out of this thread. |
See the post above... those are your options 
it should be noted that all of those will require a little bit of work to do so I'd probably head to the build it yourself section and read up if that's the route you go. The other option would to buy a rock solid reliable red dot or other optic that won't fail you like an aimpoint or acog etc. |
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There's a few different ways to go then. 1. You could buy a clamp-on front sight gas block to replace your chopped FSB. 2. Same as #1 but with a railed gas block and use a metal folding front sight. 3. Replace the carbine handguards with any number of FF rails on the market and use a folding front sight. Quoted:
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No front sight. https://www.impactguns.com/Data/Default/Images/uploads/bushmaster/Bush-90689-604206120816-2.jpg 1. You could buy a clamp-on front sight gas block to replace your chopped FSB. 2. Same as #1 but with a railed gas block and use a metal folding front sight. 3. Replace the carbine handguards with any number of FF rails on the market and use a folding front sight. Are FSB's replaceable? |
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There's a few different ways to go then. 1. You could buy a clamp-on front sight gas block to replace your chopped FSB. 2. Same as #1 but with a railed gas block and use a metal folding front sight. 3. Replace the carbine handguards with any number of FF rails on the market and use a folding front sight. Quoted:
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No front sight. https://www.impactguns.com/Data/Default/Images/uploads/bushmaster/Bush-90689-604206120816-2.jpg 1. You could buy a clamp-on front sight gas block to replace your chopped FSB. 2. Same as #1 but with a railed gas block and use a metal folding front sight. 3. Replace the carbine handguards with any number of FF rails on the market and use a folding front sight. I was going to suggest #2 myself, which will be your cheaper option. BUT, if you want to replace your hand guards with a rail anyways, then go with number so you're not 'wasting' money on a gas block because a railed one will not fit under any rail that I know of. |
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Are FSB's replaceable? Quoted:
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No front sight. https://www.impactguns.com/Data/Default/Images/uploads/bushmaster/Bush-90689-604206120816-2.jpg 1. You could buy a clamp-on front sight gas block to replace your chopped FSB. 2. Same as #1 but with a railed gas block and use a metal folding front sight. 3. Replace the carbine handguards with any number of FF rails on the market and use a folding front sight. Are FSB's replaceable? They are but you have to hope the pin holes are aligned perfectly and that the gas port will be fully exposed and not covered partially to ensure function of the rifle. It's one of those things where you'd have to take your rifle to a shop that has a bunch and test fit them. However, that can be very time consuming. |
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They are but you have to hope the pin holes are aligned perfectly and that the gas port will be fully exposed and not covered partially to ensure function of the rifle. It's one of those things where you'd have to take your rifle to a shop that has a bunch and test fit them. However, that can be very time consuming. Quoted:
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No front sight. https://www.impactguns.com/Data/Default/Images/uploads/bushmaster/Bush-90689-604206120816-2.jpg 1. You could buy a clamp-on front sight gas block to replace your chopped FSB. 2. Same as #1 but with a railed gas block and use a metal folding front sight. 3. Replace the carbine handguards with any number of FF rails on the market and use a folding front sight. Are FSB's replaceable? They are but you have to hope the pin holes are aligned perfectly and that the gas port will be fully exposed and not covered partially to ensure function of the rifle. It's one of those things where you'd have to take your rifle to a shop that has a bunch and test fit them. However, that can be very time consuming. Could the stock FSB be removed and replaced with a clamp on? I'm not near the rifle now so I can't see how the stock one attaches. |
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My first advice would be to get rid of that gun and start over with something better. Second advice would be to get an Aimpoint and don't mess with the gun at all. That way you'll have a good optic when you decide to get rid of the gun. pretty much this |
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Could the stock FSB be removed and replaced with a clamp on? I'm not near the rifle now so I can't see how the stock one attaches. Quoted:
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No front sight. https://www.impactguns.com/Data/Default/Images/uploads/bushmaster/Bush-90689-604206120816-2.jpg 1. You could buy a clamp-on front sight gas block to replace your chopped FSB. 2. Same as #1 but with a railed gas block and use a metal folding front sight. 3. Replace the carbine handguards with any number of FF rails on the market and use a folding front sight. Are FSB's replaceable? They are but you have to hope the pin holes are aligned perfectly and that the gas port will be fully exposed and not covered partially to ensure function of the rifle. It's one of those things where you'd have to take your rifle to a shop that has a bunch and test fit them. However, that can be very time consuming. Could the stock FSB be removed and replaced with a clamp on? I'm not near the rifle now so I can't see how the stock one attaches. Yes, it can be. If you start having problems with the rifle after you change it make sure the gas block isn't canted (off center to the right or left) because the gas port may be partially covered. |
| To add on to what Erik said if this is something you are considering doing yourself you want to make sure you use the right tools and read up on the procedure before hand. Removing an FSB can be an easy process for those that know how but is something that should be attempted carefully. Also as your rifle is poly it is probably best to make sure it is well supported and padded throughout the whole process. IF you go the route of putting a quad rail or freefloat HG on it and have to change out barrel nuts be very very careful when torqueing the new nut down on your upper. |
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To add on to what Erik said if this is something you are considering doing yourself you want to make sure you use the right tools and read up on the procedure before hand. Removing an FSB can be an easy process for those that know how but is something that should be attempted carefully. Also as your rifle is poly it is probably best to make sure it is well supported and padded throughout the whole process. IF you go the route of putting a quad rail or freefloat HG on it and have to change out barrel nuts be very very careful when torqueing the new nut down on your upper. Definitely. If you try to Jerry-rig tools to get the job done you could damage/break your rifle especially with it being polymer. |
| Carbon carbine rifles have a .625 gas journal. Finding a clamp on .625 my be difficult. My father & a friend both have the same rifle. I used a .625 front site and set screw it to the barrel. Drilled & tapped used 5 screws works great. My friends upper rail came loss. We got two stripped upper, changed out both uppers on the rifles. Really it only added 3oz. to the total weight. |
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pretty much this Quoted:
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My first advice would be to get rid of that gun and start over with something better. Second advice would be to get an Aimpoint and don't mess with the gun at all. That way you'll have a good optic when you decide to get rid of the gun. pretty much this I see those are close to $400. Would you recommend anything at a lower price point that is still better than what I have. |
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I see those are close to $400. Would you recommend anything at a lower price point that is still better than what I have. Quoted:
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My first advice would be to get rid of that gun and start over with something better. Second advice would be to get an Aimpoint and don't mess with the gun at all. That way you'll have a good optic when you decide to get rid of the gun. pretty much this I see those are close to $400. Would you recommend anything at a lower price point that is still better than what I have. Look at Primary Arms brand red dot sights. Not quite Aimpoint durable but very nice for the price. Here and here |
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My first advice would be to get rid of that gun and start over with something better. Second advice would be to get an Aimpoint and don't mess with the gun at all. That way you'll have a good optic when you decide to get rid of the gun. pretty much this I see those are close to $400. Would you recommend anything at a lower price point that is still better than what I have. Look at Primary Arms brand red dot sights. Not quite Aimpoint durable but very nice for the price. Here and here Thanks I'll check them out. I could get on board with a 50k hour battery life for sure. |
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I see those are close to $400. Would you recommend anything at a lower price point that is still better than what I have. Quoted:
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My first advice would be to get rid of that gun and start over with something better. Second advice would be to get an Aimpoint and don't mess with the gun at all. That way you'll have a good optic when you decide to get rid of the gun. pretty much this I see those are close to $400. Would you recommend anything at a lower price point that is still better than what I have. You're easily going to spend that coming up with a halfway workable solution to use irons with the rifle you have, keeping the junk red dot you have. Optics, as you're finding out, are an area you don't want to skimp on. You'll never be really happy with cheap stuff. Aimpoints have proven their reliability, I have a couple rifles with just Aimpoints these days. I think you would be better served spending what you would spend on irons, a rail that will allow you to solidly mount them, etc. on just the higher end optic. That being said, a lower cost, Primary Arms is commonly recommended for their line of red dots. May be more in line with what you're looking for. |
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