Couple questions about using Iron Sights on my AR

[Henry Hill]

Just finally got my front and rear sights on my AR.. Just wanted to confirm a few things..

1) When using irons, am I supposed to zero my Irons so that the target sits directly on my front sight bead? This picture illustrates what I'm trying to say, but when I do zero it in, ( using a laser bore sighter at first ) the red laser dot will be more 'on top' of the bead instead of a few cm up. Is this the correct way to use irons/ aim ? Which way do YOU prefer?

2) I just got my Yankee Hill Machine fixed front A2 sight from impactguns. It did not come with any paperwork/instructions and I was unsure how much each click changed the POI in the up or down direction. Just wondering if anyone knows this ( if someone has this sight, or if all front sights are standardized and the POI changes the same ? ). I was kindof disappointed to realize my MBUS rear changes the POI by 3/4 (at 100yards) in with every click, I was hopping it would be more accurate

[STAGE 2]

Honestly, its a matter of preference. Some people like the POA to sit on top of the sight, others like the sight to cover the POA.

[Jonathan Doe]

Know what sight picture gives what point of impact. End of problem. Know your gun, know your sights.

[ocabj]

What the others are trying to say is that there isn't really a 'right' way.

There are a few types of hold.

The easiest is called center hold aka "point of impact = point of aim". This means that the top of the front sight post is where the bullet will impact.

Then there's 6 o'clock hold which is usually used for target shooting with a silhouette or black circle. On a black circle, you will hold the top of the front sight post will be at the bottom edge of the black circle, yet the bullet will impact at the center of the target.

A variation of 6 o'clock is called line of white. This means you hold like in 6 o'clock, but keep a small line of white between the top of the front sight post and the bottom of the black circle.

Another variation of 6 o'clock hold is called "flat tire" where you hold such that the top of the front sight post is coming a little bit into the black circle such that the circle isn't fully round, but has a little flat on the bottom created by your post. Hence "flat tire" hold.

Which one you use is up to you. For a long time I used 6 o'clock hold on all stages of fire: 200 yard slow fire standing, 200 yard rapid sitting, 300 yard rapid prone, and 600 yard slow prone.

Then I started using center hold for 200 yard slow standing because I was able to get more accurate shot calls with center hold. During this time I shot 6 o'clock for the other stages.

Sometime in 2007, I started having elevation issues in rapid fire prone. I would shoot 10-ring size groups, but high or low. I switched to center hold in 300 yard rapid in 2008 and the problem went away. After that happened, I decided to use center hold in sitting.

So right now, I use center hold in 200 yard standing, 200 yard sitting, and 300 yard prone, but still use 6 o'clock hold for 600 yard prone.

But even when I use 6 o'clock hold on the 600 yard line, sometimes, depending on lighting conditions, I'll change my hold. If there's a lot of mirage and it's affecting my perception of the target black, I may shoot line of white, especially if my shots are favoring high in the 10-ring.

[Henry Hill]

Wow^^^ Thank you for the long and informative post. I will probably start out with center mass and experiment with different ones, the 6'oclock sounds like a strange way to zero but i'll see how it works out.

I just read that the elevation settings on the iron sights will change the POI by 1/2" @ 25 yards... So at 50, every click will be 1" and at 100 every click will be 2" ... That seems a little high /inaccurate ...

[Seesm]

I still struggle with iron sights on my my rifles... but I like the simple nature of iron.

[shoupdawg]

Yes oca...thanks!

[God Bless The Mauser]

I use a center hold with my AR and any other rifle that will shoot low enough. I like center hold the best but usually have to use a 6 o'clock hold for my surplus bolt actions or I'll wind up shooting over the target.

[killshot44]

I still struggle with iron sights on my my rifles... but I like the simple nature of iron.

So true...but as I'm nearing half a century I need some glass if we're going over 100.....

And "Ocabj", that was a very good reply to the thread starter.

[Henry Hill]

Anyone got any input on how much the POI will raise if I change the elevation by one 'click' ?

- HH

[ocabj]

Anyone got any input on how much the POI will raise if I change the elevation by one 'click' ?

- HH

I think you already know. In your original post, you stated your rear sight is 3/4 MOA per click. That's an odd adjustment design...

Also, I took the time to compose a short write-up with images of the various 'holds' or sight picture methods:

http://www.ocabj.net/?p=760

[Intimid8tor]

I think you already know. In your original post, you stated your rear sight is 3/4 MOA per click. That's an odd adjustment design...

Also, I took the time to compose a short write-up with images of the various 'holds' or sight picture methods:

http://www.ocabj.net/?p=760

Nice write up. Thank you for taking the time.

[Noraku81]

I still struggle with iron sights on my my rifles... but I like the simple nature of iron.

Remember, batteries die but Iron lasts forever!!!!!

[vinny_land]

Use the Search and find Techniques "technique" for sighting in your AR. I followed his method but at 50 yards and im dead on at 200 with +/- 2" within that distance. Thats good for a man sized target imo.

[Nessal]

I use a 6 O'clock hold and works well for me.