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Posted: 8/21/2012 6:33:20 AM EDT
I'm getting ready to start my first build and am thinking about using one of the yhm folding front sight bases but i dont really know much about them, so are they gtg? or should i just stick with a standard A2 front sight post?

It is going to be a 16" mid-length build.

Thanks in advance for the help.
Link Posted: 8/21/2012 6:40:54 AM EDT
[#1]
They are GTG, but use what you want, both are just fine. If you want something that folds get one that folds.
The A2 is stout but always there and take up valuable optic real estate if you plan on going with reflex
optics later on.
Link Posted: 8/21/2012 7:05:59 AM EDT
[#2]
I like to use optics on my ARs so I prefer folding front & rear sights.

Some prefer a fixed front sight base regardless whether optics will be used or not.

Compare the price to Troy sights. Also check out Magpul MBUS.
Link Posted: 8/21/2012 9:17:42 AM EDT
[#3]
Not to hijack, but where can I find a fixed front sight/gas block for a flattop receiver. I've been looking but can't find anything. I'm still not familiar with all the vendors out there being new to all this.
Link Posted: 8/21/2012 10:11:06 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Not to hijack, but where can I find a fixed front sight/gas block for a flattop receiver. I've been looking but can't find anything. I'm still not familiar with all the vendors out there being new to all this.


Google the term 'ar-15 clamp on front sight base'. If you research installing a brand new fixed front sight base onto a brand new barrel ... you'll find that it is not a simple instillation. You would need to drill tapered holes to use tapered pins for a virgin instillation.

If you use a folding front sight base you can use one of MANY different manufacturer's clamp on products. Yankee Hill Machine or Rock River Arms for example. You can find other options on Brownells, Midway USA and other vendors.
Link Posted: 8/21/2012 10:53:00 AM EDT
[#5]
Thanks. I searched using the terms you posted and it looks like ArmaLite has a clamp-on A2 style that seems to fit the bill. I did also find a Yankee hill gas block with upper picatiny rail for a good price locally on CL.
Link Posted: 8/21/2012 6:09:35 PM EDT
[#6]
I guess if your looking for a gas block and front sight, just get the combo.  I have the YHM Flip-Up Sight/Gas Block on my .308.  Works great for me.  I use low power optics on it and the standard FSB was getting annoying.  So I installed this.

To me,getting a railed gas block and then adding a flip-up front sight seems pointless and a waste of money.  Adding a sight to your forearm is different.  That's just my 2 cents.
Link Posted: 8/22/2012 6:16:12 AM EDT
[#7]
I prefer a low profile gas block and a front folding sight attached to the hand guard.
Link Posted: 8/22/2012 7:20:49 AM EDT
[#8]
thanks for the responses guys.

I think i'm gonna go with the yhm folding sight post/gas block assembly
Link Posted: 8/22/2012 8:05:35 AM EDT
[#9]
GTG Installed several already for some buds. Stopping in this week to pick up another one to install on my next 14 1/2" upper
Link Posted: 8/22/2012 8:52:13 AM EDT
[#10]
Not sure what your budget is like, but the Young MFG folding sight/gas block is also very nice, and only about $15 more.

Link Posted: 8/22/2012 11:38:42 AM EDT
[#11]
There's a vendor in one of the for sale sections (Bright Flashlights or something like that) who has the YHM flip up sights for $75 delivered.  I have two of them and I have no complaints.
Link Posted: 8/22/2012 1:02:39 PM EDT
[#12]
I just put the YHM on my Armalite M15. Looks great but I haven't tried it out yet. Some mention has been made that the clamp on type can be forced out of alignment by bumping them. Just something to think about. I'm not worried about mine because I generally baby my rifles. Even my AR's!
Link Posted: 8/23/2012 8:08:41 PM EDT
[#13]
I call BS on that.  If you tighten the allen screws enough, you really gotta whack the thing with the sight deployed to get it to move.  It's a backup sight, folks!  That's why it flips up and down!
Link Posted: 8/24/2012 4:13:05 AM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
I call BS on that.  If you tighten the allen screws enough, you really gotta whack the thing with the sight deployed to get it to move.  It's a backup sight, folks!  That's why it flips up and down!

Call what you like. The potential is definitely there. My rifles will never be used in combat so I'm sure it's a non-issue. For most everyone here too. I'm simply imparting some wisdom that was passed on to me by someone far more experienced than I... And what I recall from my past.
Not sure what all is known here about weapons actually used in combat but I can tell you first hand that anything that can come loose, will come loose. I've seen combat-worn weapons that had the finish completely worn off, handguards gone, front sights sheared off, magazine wells partially broken away, barrels noticeably warped and generally beat to shit before being deemed unserviceable. Clamping a gas block/front sight to the barrel without anything to keep it from twisting around except the 4 little screws and some loc-tite?... Not gonna cut it. IMHO.
Link Posted: 8/24/2012 4:32:41 AM EDT
[#15]
An independent test was done on that.
They arrived at a figure of 6000 lbs. of force to move a clamp on FSB.
As long as you don't run over your rifle with your hummer, you should be okay.

Joe
Link Posted: 8/24/2012 6:11:02 AM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
An independent test was done on that.
They arrived at a figure of 6000 lbs. of force to move a clamp on FSB.
As long as you don't run over your rifle with your hummer, you should be okay.

Joe

I hadn't heard that but I'm VERY glad you posted it. Like I said initially, I just installed one on my own carbine so I figured it was a non-issue for a civilian, but having positive test results is Fantastic! One less thing to be concerned about!

I do like the concept and I'm very happy with mine!.. So far. Trying it out tomorrow.
Link Posted: 8/24/2012 8:38:19 PM EDT
[#17]
i have two YHM flip up sights with gas block.. they are gtg.

they are strong, positive in engagement,  


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