Does an AR front sight tower height matter on a midlength?

CamoDeafie · Oct 15, 2023

Curious what this forum's AR guys think.

I've got an assembled A2 fixed carry handle minus bolt carrier group and charging handle, coming from M&A Parts Inc; and have decided on a chrome lined 1:9 16" Mid length Lightweight barrel with a fixed front sight.. now I see that there's an option for either A2 front sight tower, or F-marked/Carbine front sight tower...

Being that as far as I know..

A rifle length gas length needs A2 front sight tower for a fixed carry handle of either slickside, A1, C7, A2... and possibly the same for flat top rifle lengths, or a shorter front sight post if it came with F marked front sight tower

And a carbine gas length needs either a 0.040" taller front sight post or a F-marked/F-height carbine front sight tower due to the shorter sight radius, for all the receiver types, be it slickside/A1/C7/A2 fixed carry or standard flat top..

Since the Midlength is right between these two extremes.. my thinking is to go for an A2 height and possibly a 0.020" taller sight post or filed down 0.040 height post? Or screw in further on a F marked?
Help?

P7M13 · Oct 15, 2023

@eldbillbo ?

eldbillbo · Oct 15, 2023

Most manufacturers when selling Mid length barre with front sight bases will sell them with a "F" marked FSB to be used with flat top upper receivers. Even though you have a fixed carry handle you should be fine with a F marked FSB. You may just need to turn the sight a few more clicks down than you would with a non F marked base

CamoDeafie · Oct 15, 2023

eldbillbo said:
Most manufacturers when selling Mid length barre with front sight bases will sell them with a "F" marked FSB to be used with flat top upper receivers. Even though you have a fixed carry handle you should be fine with a F marked FSB. You may just need to turn the sight a few more clicks down than you would with a non F marked base

Yeah, Del-Ton.. as much as some people like to bag on them.. they do offer both front sights on their barrels. Only these lengths though;
11.5"
14.5"
16"-has the most options regarding profile and gas lengths
20"

No 18" lengths or longer than 20" available.