AR15 A2 rear sight question...

[shibbershabber]

Does anyone know if the A2 sights in the detatchable carry handles is the same as what would be installed in an A2 upper???


Ive had a hard time finding an A2 rear sight assembly that wasnt close to $100... not even for a NM sight!

Anyhow, Ive seen the carry handles with A2 sights for less than half the cost and was wondering if I could just remove the sight and install it into my upper???


Any thoughts?

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[rick benjamin]

Yes, they are the same. Exact? No, but milspec.
NM has slightly more threads and more ball detents.

 

[rick benjamin]

http://www.del-ton.com/ar_15_upper_s/93.htm
http://www.olyarms.com/shop/parts/a2-rear-sight.html
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/sights/rear-sights/index.htm?avs|Make_3=AR-15/M4&psize=96
https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/category/categoryId/4064
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/263084/dpms-rear-sight-assembly-ar-15-a2-matte

 

[ankratz]

They are different sights. The sight assy on the fixed A2 is an 8/3 marked sight, (300 meters, to 800 meters), with elevation in 1 MOA increments. The sight assy in the removeable "handle" is 6/3 marked, with elevation in 1/2 MOA increments. Keep this in mind....

That said, I initially suspected they would not work. Upon closer inspection (without removing the sights) on my own equipment, I think they just might work. Maybe not "perfectly" but I think they would work, or it's worth a shot.

If you look at the photo, you can see slightly more space between the elevation wheel spring retaining roll pin on the A4 vs the A2. It's possibly a shorter spring in the A2, and that if you interchange, the elevation wheel using a 6/3 A4 sight assy in an 8/3 A2 upper will yield a slightly stiffer wheel. But I don't think it would be terribly noticeable. If anything, it's a plus.

For the cost of a surplus A4 sight ($35 shipped in many forums), it's worth a shot.

Otherwise:

$38 Del-Ton has an assy, but it's out of stock. Also need to confirm if it's 8/3 or 6/3 (you want 8/3)
http://www.del-ton.com/Rear_Sight_Assembly_p/up1045.htm

$38 DPMS, again need to call to confirm A2 or A4
http://www.dpmsinc.com/A2-Rear-Sight-Assembly_p_524.html

 

[shibbershabber]

I ended up getting a sight from Olympic Arms, iirc

Got the whole rifle finished & am taking it out for the first time this week