Posted by Aaron Rice on Jul 3rd 2024

AR-15 Carry Handle Iron Sights: Back to Basics

Hey there, fellow gun enthusiasts! It's your buddy Mike from the range. Today, we're gonna chat about something near and dear to my heart - AR 15 carry handle iron sights. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Mike, it's 2024! Why are we talkin' about iron sights when there's all this fancy tech out there?" Well, grab a seat and let me tell ya why these old-school beauties still deserve a spot on your rifle.

My Love Affair with Iron Sights

So, picture this: It's a scorching hot day at the range, and I'm squinting through my brand new, high-tech optic. Suddenly, the darn thing dies on me. Battery's kaput. There I am, holding an expensive paperweight instead of a rifle. That's when my buddy Dave tosses me his AR with iron sights. "Back to basics," he says with a grin. And boy, was he right.

Why Iron Sights Are Like That Old Truck in Your Driveway

  1. They Just Work: No batteries, no problem. Like that old truck that starts up every time, iron sights are always ready to go.
  2. Tough as Nails: I've dropped my rifle, banged it against trees (don't ask), and these sights still hold zero. Try that with your fancy red dot!
  3. Keep It Simple, Stupid: Point, aim, shoot. No menus, no buttons. Just you and the target.

Picking Your Iron Sights

Now, you've got some choices to make:

Fixed vs. Adjustable

  • Fixed sights: Set 'em and forget 'em. Perfect for folks who like to keep things simple.
  • Adjustable sights: For when you're feeling a bit fancy and wanna dial things in just right.

Standard vs. Glow-in-the-Dark

  • Standard: Great for daytime shooting. Cheap and cheerful.
  • Tritium-infused: These bad boys glow in the dark. Handy for those twilight varmint hunts.

Slapping Those Sights On Your AR

Alright, time to get your hands dirty:

  1. Grab your tools. You'll need a screwdriver, maybe an Allen wrench, and a cold one (optional, but recommended).
  2. Mount that rear sight on the carry handle. Snug it up good.
  3. Front sight goes on the gas block. Make it tight, but don't hulk out on it.
  4. Give everything a good shake. If it wobbles, fix it. A wobbly sight is about as useful as screen doors on a submarine.
  5. Now, the fun part - sighting in. Grab some ammo and have at it!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

What's to Love

  • Tough enough to hammer nails (but please don't)
  • No batteries to die at the worst possible moment
  • Lightweight, 'cause who needs noodle arms at the range?
  • Clear view of your target without all that electronic mumbo-jumbo

The Not-So-Great Stuff

  • Long-range shooting? Eh, it's doable but tricky.
  • Not great in low light (unless you splurged on the glow-in-the-dark ones)
  • Takes some practice to get quick. But hey, practice makes perfect, right?

The Bottom Line

Look, I'm not saying you should toss out all your fancy optics. But there's something satisfying about mastering the basics. Iron sights are like that trusty old hammer in your toolbox - not always the fanciest tool, but damn reliable when you need 'em.

Next time you're at the range, give those iron sights a whirl. You might just surprise yourself. And hey, if nothing else, you'll have a great backup for when technology decides to take a coffee break.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some cans that need shooting. Happy plinking, folks!

Carry handle iron sights for AR 15 rifles offer different configurations for varied shooting needs. By understanding the available types, shooters can make an well-informed choice on the best tools for their setup.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY AARON RICE GENERAL MANAGER OZARK ARMAMENT